Vista Fall/Winter

VISTA Fall/Winter 2012

A Magazine for Alumni, Parents & Friends of Villanova Preparatory School

Breadth of Opportunities • Students Shine as Ambassadors • Faculty Provide Ample Opportunities • Curtain Rises at New Theater

VISTA VISTA is published twice a year for alumni, parents, students, and friends of Villanova Preparatory School.

Administration President Rev. Gregory Heidenblut, O.S.A. Headmaster Carol Hoffer Director of Financial Affairs Nancy Ventura Asst. Headmaster for Student Life Michael Stumpf Asst. Headmaster for Academics Dennis Rice Director of Resident Life Ricardo Olivares Director of Development Jeanne Hill Director of Admission Tyler Hart Board of Directors Dr. Robert Arce Dr. Karin Best ’76 Heidi Bradbury David Brubaker Rev. Gregory Heidenblut, O.S.A. Rev. John Keller, O.S.A. Colleen McCall Very Rev. Gary Sanders, O.S.A. Ricardo Santos Laurence Shields

Mission

In the Augustinian tradition, the Mission of Villanova Preparatory School is to graduate mature young adults of diverse backgrounds who reflect the qualities of truth, unity, and love. The school does this by providing a challenging college preparatory curriculum and Catholic environment that promote the development of mind, heart, and body.

These young adults will think, judge, and act in ways that are sound and in keeping with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Villanova Preparatory School 12096 North Ventura Avenue Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 646-1464 advancement@villanovaprep.org www.villanovaprep.org Villanova Preparatory School is certified by the Western Catholic Education Association, fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and is a member of numerous educational organizations.

Writers Brian Galetto Anne Hansen Fr. Gregory Heidenblut, O.S.A. Jeanne Hill Carol Hoffer Clare Palermo Dennis Rice Fr. Gary Sanders, O.S.A. Fr. Tom Whelan, O.S.A. Photographers Christa Bandringa Danny Chen Mackenzie Eccles Freeform Photography Michael Hallstrom Photography Josh Kruse Legends Photography Sun West Studios

Contents Breadth of Opportunities 17 Villanova’s college prep experience offers a wide range of academic, artistic, athletic and cultural activities

Alumni 21 Villanova offered them terrific opportunities and they are forever grateful

From the President ........................................................................................................... 2 From the Headmaster...................................................................................................... 3 Students’ Summer Sojourns ........................................................................................... 4 Personnel Changes at Villanova and St. Thomas ......................................................... 5 Students Shine as Villanova Ambassadors .................................................................... 6 Scholars Inducted .............................................................................................................. 6 Institute Highlights Augustinian Values.......................................................................... 7 Grandparents’ Day........................................................................................................ 8-9 Advanced Placement at VPS .......................................................................................... 10 Curtain Rises at New Theater ..................................................................................... 11 Faculty Summer Experiences ....................................................................................... 12 Augustinian Volunteer..................................................................................................... 13 Sports Roundup ........................................................................................................ 14-15 Naming Opportunities ................................................................................................... 16 Breadth of Opportunities........................................................................................ 17-20 Alumni Profiles .......................................................................................................... 21-23 Theater Seat Sponsorship ............................................................................................. 24 Interview with Dennis Rice .......................................................................................... 25 Teachers Give Students Ample Opportunities ...................................................26-27 Family of Giving ......................................................................................................... 28-29 Wildcat Reunion Photos ......................................................................................... 30-32 Calendar of Alumni Events ............................................................................................ 33 In Loving Memory ........................................................................................................... 34 Alumni Notes................................................................................................................... 35 Father Steve Ochoa, O.S.A............................................................................................ 36 Young Alumna Gives Back ............................................................................................. 37 Looking Back, Elizabeth Taylor, 1950 ........................................................................... 38

From the President

The Augustinian School and The New Evangelization

T

he final article I have chosen to write as President of Villanova Prep pertains to Pope Benedict XVI call for a new evangelization in the world. The New Evangelization calls each of us to deepen our faith, believe in the Gospel message and go forth to proclaim the Gospel. The focus of the New Evangelization calls all Catholics to be Rev. Gregory evangelized and then go forth to evanHeidenblut, O.S.A. gelize. In a special way, the New Evangelization is focused on ‘re-proposing’ the Gospel to those who have experienced a crisis of faith. How does Augustinian education answer this call? I believe we need to once again familiarize ourselves with St. Augustine and his proposal for education.

Men and women throughout the centuries have been devotees of the pedagogical science and discipline promoted by Saint Augustine of Hippo (C.E. 354-430) the great philosopher, theologian and doctor of the Western Church. While much of Augustine’s writings have been devoted to the process and teaching of religion, his methodology has proven successful in many fields of academic discipline and learning.

A primary theme of Saint Augustine that surfaces throughout his writing that is the supreme goal of education is to discover truth. The epistemological philosophy in contemporary education confirms Augustine’s premise that learning must be focused on obtaining the truth. Today, the political motive is identified as a second motivation legitimatizing the philosophy of education. John S. Brubacher, (1977) in his book On the Philosophy of Higher Education states “according to the epistemological philosophy, people seek to understand the world they live in just as a matter of curiosity” (p. 12). In addition Brubacher shares “a second philosophy of higher education is political in nature (p. 13).

Members of the Augustinian family (viz. priests, brothers, sisters and laity) and Augustinian educators are committed to a lifelong endeavor to learn about Saint Augustine because he is

part of their heritage. Augustine continues to speak to problems encountered fifteen hundred years following his birth and is a compelling reason to study his writings and thoughts (Bardón & Morahan, 2001) as we encounter and embrace the New Evangelization.

Bardón & Morahan (2001) point out several compelling reasons why Augustine is relevant to our day. The times in which Augustine lived have many similarities to our time. Morality and political upheavals are seen as comparable. Many today, as in Augustine’s time, believe in nothing beyond the immediate and the physical. Society today promotes an incredible belief in the human and “ego,” the self, but little reference to the transcendent. Augustine found this true in the many Sects of his time that had a profound influence in academic circles. Another basic reason his writings continue to speak to us today is that his thinking relates to education and what is means to be human. Augustine envisions completing human experience as one whereby we are on a journey, a people searching and seeking ultimately for God and a deeper understanding of self.

The importance and relevance of Augustine’s approach to learning are the prime reasons for studying Augustine’s reflections on education today. The inspiration and pedagogical format provided by Saint Augustine have been utilized by the Augustinian family in educating the youth of the world for over seven hundred and fifty years.

Saint Augustine envisioned the educator as one who joins the student on the journey of seeking the truth. According to Augustine, the educator is not addressed as teacher or ‘master’, but rather one who serves or ministers to the students. The true teacher is “the Teacher within.”

In our continued search for truth, we as educators can assist or minister to those whom we have a charge to educate. Education is more than the pursuit of academic knowledge but the forming of a complete human person. In Augustinian education and embracing the New Evangelization we endeavor to graduate Christian men and women who will take their place in society as educated and ethical participants.

From the Headmaster

The Clare Boothe Luce Program is a Lifetime Opportunity

T

he Clare Boothe Luce Program, known on campus simply as CBL, is certainly a unique offering, among the breadth of opportunities provided our Villanova students. CBL supports our female students’ interest in math and science, connecting them with women working in those programs at the university level. Established to correct what Mrs. Luce felt was an under-representation of women in these fields, CBL has existed almost entirely at select universities. Villanova is the only secondary school in the country that has been allowed to participate.

Mrs. Luce was a visionary (as was her husband, Henry Luce, founder of Time Magazine), a Renaissance woman, whose professional life included work in journalism, politics, theater and diplomacy. Her breadth of interests was notable for anyone, particularly a woman born in 1903. But her legacy, as it exists today at Villanova, is her insistence that young women receive the encouragement to enter predominately male fields of science, engineering and math.

Clare Boothe Luce Scholars 2012-13

A generous grant from her foundation has done that, and continues, here at Villanova. A spring trip to Santa Clara University to hear a panel of CBL professors describe their background and current research, another trip to the Women in Science and Engineering conference at Harvey Mudd College, and a tour of the UC Santa Carol Hoffer Barbara Center for Science and Engineering are typical of our CBL activities.

Mrs. Luce’s belief in the Mrs. Luce’s belief potential of young women in math and science is shared by in the potential the Villanova teachers. The of young women modeling and encouragein math and ment by the four women faculty members supported by science is shared the Luce Foundation—Dr. Lee, by the Villanova Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Maulhardt and Ms. Urband—may be the teachers.” greatest impact of the program.

The enthusiasm for science and math that is evident each day in the classrooms of these teachers inspires an interest in future study and careers in related fields.

With that interest comes a confidence in our CBL scholars that because of their Villanova experiences, achievement with these fields is well within their reach.

Mrs. Luce’s vision and generosity continue to touch the lives of the young women at Villanova. We are grateful for both. Her belief in the potential of young women is the legacy she has provided.

“

Stay Connected!

For updates from Villanova, send your email address to: development@villanovaprep.org Or follow us on Twitter and Facebook: twitter.com/VillanovaPrep facebook.com/VillanovaPrep To make secure donations online, please see: http://www.villanovaprep.org/donate/ Vista | 3

Students’ Summer Sojourns Max Morales, Class of 2013 Cultural and Career Exploration with a Focus on the Future In June I visited Peru and Bolivia to experience a different culture. I learned a lot about the Andean culture and South American history. The best thing about my travels to South America was seeing all the amazing sights.

In July, I attended the Iowa Young Writer’s Studio at Iowa University, located in Iowa City. I went to the Iowa Young Writer’s Studio to learn more about creative writing, which is one of my passions. While attending the studio, I learned about writing, and in doing so, I feel that my writing has definitely improved.

This definitely will help my future career, as I would like to be an author someday. Also, during my time at Iowa University, I met some incredible people, and learned some unforgettable lessons.

clothes at all. While there is great suffering in America, even the poor have clothes or something on their backs. I loved making little dresses knowing that it would bring a smile to a young girl!

At the end of my summer, I had completed twelve dresses, with many more to be completed soon by participants.

Mark Villafana, Class of 2014 Travelling to Try-out a Potential Profession This summer I attended a Global Young Leaders Conference in China which had activities in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai from July 22nd to August 2nd. I attended the conference to receive credits toward college and to see the sights. I was also able to meet people from all over the world.

This experience is related to my occupational interest, as I would like to pursue a career in international business. Travelling to China gave me a chance to learn more about the Chinese culture and other cultures around the world.

Celia Palermo, Class of 2013 Serving Community Now and Forever

Max Morales (r) and his brother, Edward,class of 2008 standing in front of Machu Picchu.

Maddie Sullivan, Class of 2014 Doing Charitable Work to Bring Others Joy During this past summer, several of my Villanova classmates and I participated in an incredible project, titled “Dresses for Africa.” I have always wanted to be involved in something bigger than myself. I have done service in the past, like making blankets for children in the hospital for Project Network and making baby blankets for Life Network, but I wanted to help some- Ana Sullivan assists her daughter one that maybe does not have Maddie in sewing a dress.

I participated in a three-week DiscoveryWorks program at UCLA doing community service projects with a variety of organizations including: Midnight Mission on Skid Row, Tree People, Enrich LA, UCLA Community Garden, Hugs for Hope, Ronald McDonald House of Hollywood, Meals on Wheels, LA Celia assists with student-lead Food Bank, Boys and Girls play activities with members of Club of Santa Monica and A the Boys and Girls Club.

Window Between Worlds.

The prior summer I had attended a college preparation program also at UCLA and while there I talked to some of the students participating in the community service program who really enjoyed what they were doing. I decided to return for the DiscoveryWorks program to provide me with a variety of opportunities in many different settings to help others while enriching my own experiences. Community service will be a lifelong pursuit for me.

Vista | 4

Personnel Changes for Villanova and St. Thomas Aquinas Church

T

he recent passing of Fr. Steve Ochoa, O.S.A., pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ojai, has set up a reorganization of priests and brothers assigned to ministry in the Ojai Valley. Villanova Preparatory School and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish are ministries under the auspices of the Province of Saint Fr.Thomas Verber Augustine in the West.

Rev. Thomas Verber, O.S.A. has been named Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Fr. Verber has served Our Lady of Grace parish, Castro Valley for several years.

Fr. Greg Heidenblut, O.S.A., who is the President at Villanova Preparatory School, will assume the position of Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Castro Valley, California. Fr. John Keller, O.S.A., who is Province Director of Augustinian Education, has been named Acting President of Villanova Prep.

Fr. Verber is no stranger to the Ojai Valley or to St. Thomas parishioners. He served the parish as Associate Pastor in 1999 under the late Fr. Patrick Keane, O.S.A. Fr. Verber will also be a new member of the Board of Directors for Villanova Prep.

Deacon Fernando Lopez, O.S.A., who is currently in his last year of studies for the priesthood, is schedule to be ordained to the priesthood in June 2013. The future Fr. Lopez will also be assigned to serve at St. Thomas parish.

The Very Rev. Gary E. Sanders O.S.A., Prior Provincial expressed gratitude to Fr. Peter Gelfer, O.H. for serving the sacramental needs of the St. Thomas parish during the interim; and to Deacon Chris Gorman for his work as Acting Parish Administrator.

“I take this opportunity to renew my thanks to all of the deacons, the parish staff and pastoral and finance councils, and most of all you, the parishioners who share my love for, and commitment to, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish,” Fr. Sanders wrote to the Parish community.

Fr. Sanders had these words of praise for Fr. Heidenblut, “I have done this with

Fr. John Keller at Villanova Prep.

Vista | 5

great reluctance because of Fr. Greg’s effective and generous service to Villanova over the past five years.”

Of Fr. Keller, Fr. Sanders said, “I believe Fr. Keller will provide the needed leadership at Villanova for a time of transition and be a valued support for Villanova’s continued excellence.”

Fr. Keller is currently the prior of St. Augustinian Monastery in San Diego, and he will also continue to serve in that capacity, as well as that of Acting President.

“This delicate balance of his calendar is made possible because of the professional leadership of Headmaster Carol Hoffer and the administration, staff and faculty at Villanova,” Fr. Sanders said.

Fr. Sanders has also appointed Brother Mike Bube, O.S.A. as the Director of Augustinian Mission Effectiveness at Villanova.

“In this role, he will prove invaluable in his assistance to Fr. Keller and Mrs. Hoffer,” he said.

Fr. Sanders asked for all constituents for their patience as needed, patience as these changes take place. The effective date for all concerned will be Friday, January 25, 2013.

“With thanks to Fr. Verber, Fr. Heidenblut, and Fr. Keller for accepting these new roles, I take this opportunity to renew our thanks to all – parishioners, students, parents, Board members, alumni, and especially our dedicated faculty and staff who share our love for and commitment to St. Thomas Church and to Villanova Prep,” Fr. Sanders said.

Students Shine as Villanova Ambassadors

V

illanova Prep offers a variety of ways for students to get involved on campus, and the student ambassador program is one of the best ways for them to do so. The program has over eighty students actively involved in it, ranging from inexperienced freshman to knowledgeable seniors. They are responsible for four major events throughout the year: three to four open house sessions, high school nights (local and around Southern California), eighth grade class visits, and shadow days. Each of these events helps prospective students get a glimpse into what the students at Villanova Prep go through every day.

Tyler Hart, who is Director of Admission, describes the program as, “A group of students who spread the good word about Villanova. The training they go through educates them on proper facts, but the majority of what they share is their personal experiences. By telling their stories, their love for the school is evident.”

The role of the student ambassador program is to help bring students to Villanova Prep, but, more importantly, it is to help create an opportunity for the current students to expand their repertoire on the skills they will need to be success-

The ambassadors working at St Timothy’s School in Los Angeles. From left to right; Celeste Arellano, Debby Smith, Timi Obatusin,Vincent Lu, and Sol Choi. ful in life. The student ambassadors have a lot of responsibilities, but because of this, they are able to gain practical experience in both public speaking and business.

Sydney Anderson, a senior, had this to say about the student ambassador program, “When I volunteer for school events I feel like a business woman because, in reality, you are selling the school. You must act like a professional, and have faith in your ability to speak in public.” Vincent Lui, a junior resident student, had similar thoughts, “I enjoy going to high school nights and representing the school. Kids ask me about the dorm life and what it’s like, and by telling them my experiences, I’m able to work on speaking in public.”

All the student ambassadors that were interviewed echoed the same sentiment, they were all happy to be given the opportunity to sharpen their public speaking skills. This skill set is extremely vital to young adults because, no matter what profession a person chooses, you will have to be able to effectively communicate with others. Not only are they developing their speaking skills, but they are also sharpening their technological skills. Debby Smith, Assistant Director of Admission, expands on these opportunities. “We are encouraging students to develop their talents in photography, video editing, and web design as a way for them to actively participate in promoting Villanova. We hope this will also aid in building a portfolio for the students to have when applying for colleges, jobs, and internships. The students of Villanova are stakeholders in the future of our school and we are proud and excited to have them working and being the face of Villanova.”

Through this program, students are gaining invaluable skills that will help them become well-rounded, and in turn, will help them when they apply for college.

Scholars Inducted into NHS

T

he Villanova Chapter of The National Honor Society induction ceremony was held on November 13 and was hosted by NHS Moderator, Mrs. Jane Cotti.

New members are: Zoe Appleby, Elizabeth Boggs, Matthew Burdette, Jingfeng (Joe) Fu, Ha Hong Nguyen, Nicholas Indiran, Lujun Jian, Mariah Lotts, Naomi Lu, Luke Prestridge, Siyu (Era) Qian, Keola Ramirez, Helen Seligman, Eugenie Shuere, Madeline Sullivan, Liliana Torres, Emily Vork, Abigail Wolfe, Christopher Yates, Kyuwon (Ellen) Yoh, and Mingyang (Genesis) Zhong.

Current members are: Kristina Goeglein, President Shane Gillespie, Vice President Celia Palermo, Secretary Cecilia Goyette, Treasurer Ian Borchard, Shu-Hao (Bud) Chang, AnAn Che, Claire Crocker, Nerissa del Rosario, Nadège Dollonne-Rohrbacher, Paulina Gilbert, Shannon Gillespie McComb, Yi-Chen (Tracy) Ma, Eleanor Massar, Max Morales, Kylie Obermeier, Jeanne Santos, Matthew Shimmel, Colin Wikholm, and Jeh Chun (Johnny) Yang.

The NHS induction ceremony took place in the new theater this year.

Vista | 6

Institute Highlights Augustinian Values

M

ore than 100 teachers and administrators from Catholic High Schools associated with the Augustinian Order around the world convened on the Villanova campus from Thursday, October 24 through Sunday, October 28. The purpose of the convocation was to hold the Augustinian Values Institute (AVI) and the Augustinian Secondary Education Association’s (ASEA) annual meeting.

On Thursday and Friday, high school presidents, principals and headmasters took part in their annual ASEA meeting while chief technology officers from these schools engaged in professional development.

On Saturday, dozens more educators arrived to take part in the AVI in order to become more aware of the Augustinian underpinnings of their mission. They explored the implications of Augustinian educational values and learned ways in which these values can be applied more effectively in their schools.

Workshop sessions examined topics such as: St. Augustinehis experience and teaching as inspiration for Christian life and expression of Gospel values; and Expression of the Core Values of Truth, Unity and Love within an institution’s core identity.

Some members of the Villanova AVI planning committee worked the dinner celebration that closed the conference at the Bradbury Ranch on Sunday night. Pictured left to right are English teacher Mr.Tim Bunce, Director of Admission Mr.Tyler Hart, Social Studies teacher Mr. Brian Roney, Director of Educational Resources Mrs. Jane Cotti and Director of Computer Technology Mr. Joel Conary.

Top left photo: Fr. John Sotak, OSA – Director of Augustinian Mission and Chaplain, Cascia Hall,Tulsa, Oklahoma speaks during Mass.

Bottom left photo: L to R: Fr. Gary McCloskey, OSA – Villanova University; Fr. Richard McGrath, OSA – President, Providence Catholic High School, New Lenox, IL; Fr. Patrick McStravog, OSA – Assistant to the President for Mission and Ministry, St. Augustine Prep, Richland, New Jersey; Fr. Gregory Heidenblut, O.S.A.; Fr. John Sotak, OSA - Director of Augustinian Mission and Chaplain, Cascia Hall,Tulsa, Oklahoma; Fr. Jim Flynn, OSA – President, Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern,Texas; Fr. John Keller, OSA (at the right), Director of Augustinian Education for the Province of St. Augustine in California Vista | 7

Grandparents’ Day An Opportunity to Celebrate Family

V

illanova hosts Grandparents’ Day each September as a way to honor and welcome these beloved members of the Villanova family. Grandparents are invited to join their students for a special Mass in the gym, followed by lunch and a tour of campus.

As Rev. John Keller so thoughtfully stated during Mass, “The support our students receive from their grandparents helps form Villanova Prep’s rich tradition of excellence.”

Vista | 8

T

hanks to all who participated in our annual Grandparents’ Day hosted by the Development Office here at Villanova Preparatory School. It was wonderful to see so many smiling, happy faces! See you again in September, 2013.

Vista | 9

Striving for Five: Advanced SchoolScore ScoreSummary Summary( (2012) Five-Year School 2012) Placement at Villanova

report shows shows five fiveyears yearsof ofdata dataatatthe the school, state state and and global global levels. levels. On the the first firstpage, page,aagraph graphillustrates illustratesthe they This report total exams, exams, total total unique uniquestudents studentsand andboth boththe thenumber numberand andpercentage percentageofofAPAP students with one more scores students with one oror more scores of 3 score and and mean mean score. score.

Data Updated Sep 10, 2012 2012,, Report Report Run Run Sep 25, 2012 2012

ne of the hallmarks of a good college prep school is participation in the Advanced Placement program, offered by the College Board. Besides conferring high academic status to college applicants who successfully complete AP classes, many colleges and universities extend course credit for scores of 3 or better (out of a possible 5), enabling some students to enter college with “advanced standing.”

Villanova offers 14 AP classes in English, math, languages, science, and social studies. This year 90 Wildcats took a total of 200 AP exams! Wisely, the Academic Council has recently limited the number of AP courses that a student may concurrently take to no more than three without petitioning for approval. In this way, our top students do not overwhelm themselves in the desire to achieve and are better able to fully participate, often as leaders, in the many opportunities that Villanova offers for sports, clubs, arts, drama, and community service, as well as participate in family, faith lives, and often part-time jobs.

Yet, Villanova prides itself in our engagement with the Advanced Placement program, each recent class outstripping the one before in numbers of APs taken, numbers of students testing, and average scores in all tests. Villanova consistently scores above average at both the CA State and National levels.

Most notably, in 2012, all 32 of our AP math students in Calculus AB and BC achieved the highest possible AP score of 5!

% of Total AP Students with Scores 3+

90

84

83

82

80 % of Total AP Students

O

Villanova Preparatory School (052270)

70

66

63

60

60

66 64

64

61

60

64

60

64

61

AP St

% of % of Total AP St

50 40 30

AP St

20

% of % of Total AP St

10 0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

AP St Villanova Preparatory PreparatorySchool School(052270) (052270)

California California

Global

% of % of Total AP St

Villanova is proud of all of its students, those who choose “Success” on 3 or higher, which represents thethe score point thatthat research finds predic tive of cc “Success” on an anAP APExam Examisisdefined definedasasan anexam examscore scoreofof 3 or higher, which represents score point research finds predictive AP and those who instead prefer to engage our rich list ofthateleccomes Center for Educational Accountability, which found an AP Exam score, andand a a sco example of of such such aastudy study comesfrom fromthe theNational National Center for Educational Accountability, which found that an AP Exam score, earn a bachelor’s bachelor’sdegree. degree. tives, such as Marine Biology, Astronomy, Fiction Writing, or, datacase in differs College reports, such as in this this report report differsfrom fromother other College Board reports, such as The AP Report Report tothe the Nation tracks exams examstaken takenby bysenio seni , which tracks to inThethe of our senior, IanBoard Borchard, Chinese.

Yet, inNation encouraging each student to challenge him or herself, the AP courses © 2012 2012 The TheCollege CollegeBoard.

Board.College CollegeBoard, Board,AP, AP, Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement Program, acorn logo registered t © Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement Program, andand thethe acorn logo are are registered play an important role at Villanova and we remain proud of both the students and the teachers who distinguish Villanova by their participation.

Cocktails | Heavy Hors d’o euvres | Silent Auction | Live Auction | Karaoke | Name That Tune Contest | Dancing

The Villanova Annual Parent Guild Auction and Dinner

Saturday March 16, 16,2013, 2013,66p.m. p.m.

Villanova’s ClarkGymnasium Gymnasium Villanova’s Clark PreSale TICKeTS: $50by byFebruary February15th 15th (after the 15th $60) $60) PRE SALE TICK E TS: $50 VIP E T: $75 VIPTICK TICKeT: $75 VIP E : Table VIP LOUNG lOUNGe: Table for for8-10 8-10$750 $750 (Cocktail (CocktailService, Service, Auction auction R runners, VIP Check In/Out) In/Out) unners, VIP R E GU LAR TABLE: reGUlar Table: 8-10 $500 $500 Villanovaprep.org/donateor or email email auction@villanovaprep.org auction@villanovaprep.orgor orcall call 805-646-1464 805-646-1464 ext. 150 Purchase online at Villanovaprep.org/donate Vista | 10

Curtain Rises for the First Time at New Theater

T

he Villanova Preparatory School drama department had reason to celebrate this Christmas.

The recently refurbished theater, double the size of the previous space, was the stage for the holiday classic, The Man Who Came to Dinner in December. The play was directed by Tracey Williams Sutton, Villanova’s long time drama teacher who prior to this renovation had grown accustomed to directing only small plays that could be staged in very small spaces. The new 1800-square foot theater replaces a 900-square foot makeshift space that occupied one half of a 30 by 60 foot, building that was constructed in the early 1050s as a library and bookstore.

The theater renovation began in October 2011, when workers removed the interior walls that separated the theater classroom and an art classroom. The art program was relocated (also to a larger renovated space) leaving room for theater and music productions as well as costume and prop storage. Seating capacity has also doubled and is now 130. Seventy of the seats are comfortable auditorium style chairs with retractable desks.

Sixty of the seats are removable, so the facility doubles as a large classroom or meeting room. The renovation also includes a new Mission- style roof, energy-efficient windows, and a new HVAC unit. A new entrance with hardscape and landscape and a large covered patio is under construction now with funding pledged by the Parent Guild from the group’s 2013 auction proceeds.

Donors are still being sought and will be recognized on a plaque inside the theater for one of the following sponsorships: • Theater Naming rights: $250,000 • Seating sponsorship: $35,000 • Sound technology sponsorship: $15,000 • Lighting sponsorship: $10,000 Donors wishing to be recognized on one of the 70 auditorium seats can purchase a seat inscription plates for $295 (Inscriptions can be two lines, 18 letters per line) For more information, contact Jeanne Hill, 805-646-1464, ext. 126, or jhill@villanovaprepadmin.org. Please send a check made payable to Villanova Preparatory School, 12096 N. Ventura Rd, Ventura, CA 93023, marked “Theater.”

Vista | 11

“

A new entrance with hardscape and landscape and a large covered patio is under construction now with funding pledged by the Parent Guild from the group’s 2013 auction proceeds.”

Summer Is an Enrichment Opportunity for Faculty Dennis Rice, Assistant Headmaster for Academics

Deborah Smith, Assistant Director of Admissions

During the month of June of this past summer, I attended the California Association of Independent Schools conference in Santa Barbara. At this conference, I attended two interactive sessions. The first session was titled, “Challenging Success: Changing the Conversation about Homework from Quantity to Quality and Engagement”. The second session that I attended at the conference addressed the development of thoughtful and responsible digital citizens: Digital Literacy of the 21st Century.

I will use the knowledge that I gathered from this conference to engage with our faculty and inform educational practices. The best thing about my experience at the conference was that I was able to exchange ideas with a thoughtful group of educators.

I went to the Partners in Mission Conference for Admissions and Development in Boston, Massachussets at the end of June. I attended this conference with Tyler Hart as professional development. The conference was a great introduction into the world of admissions. There were many opportunities for networking and sharing best practices with Admission Directors from many different schools. The best thing about this experience was that after the scheduled days of talks and discussions, Partners in Mission organized evening excursions around Boston. We were able to go on a harbor cruise through the famous Boston harbor along with enjoying a Red Sox game. While at the conference, we exchanged information and ideas with so many people that we came back to Villanova on fire and ready to begin a new year.

Susan Pennington, Jane Cotti, Julie Hedrick, Walter Han English, Director of Educational Resources and Technology, English Department Chair, Mathematics

The four of us attended an iPad conference in San Anselmo, California, at San Domenico School, in June. We are members of the textbook committee and we went to the conference to learn about using iPads in the classroom and as a replacement for textbooks. At this conference, we learned so much about implementing a one-toone iPad program. We explored classroom activities and learned about educational applications for the iPad. We all have iPads and so we are all discovering ways to use them in class. The four of us enjoyed making connections with other teachers around the country. We are ready to improve the technological capabilities of Villanova classrooms.

Christa Bandringa, Fine Arts

Brian Grisin, Religion 9 This summer, I had the great pleasure of visiting Venezuela for five weeks, from June 12th until July 18th, with my wife, Massiel, who is Venezuelan. While I was there, I was also given the opportunity to visit an Augustinian Seminary Fr. Hector (second from left) in Cabudare, Venezuela. and Augustinian seminarians in It was the first time I had Cabudare,Venezuela. been to South America. As well as meeting many members of my family, I was also able to immerse myself into a different and interesting culture. I found that Venezuelans are friendly, hospitable and faithful. During the rest of my summer, I worked for three weeks at an ESL Summer camp for Spanish and Italian students at Santa Barbara City College, from July 23rd until August 10th. I will share with my students my experience of visiting with the Augustinians in Venezuela.

Donna Jones, Science Department Chair

This summer I was featured in a juried show for the Ventura This summer, I attended the ConCounty Fair. A few of my students were also featured in the show. gress of Augustinian Educators and I won 1st and 3rd place for my two monoprints in the Art Pro- Schools in Lima, Peru along with Fr. fessional Juried Show for Ventura County. The yearbook from Greg Heidenblut and Sr. Rachel Yourlast year, 2011-2012, won 2nd place for Ventura County. The two gules. As a teacher, this conference was editors-in-chief of the yearbook, Anthony Chen and Asia Feiss, a wonderful opportunity to share with seniors from 2012, were honored for this award. Marlena Hart- Augustinian educators from many mann, Elizabeth Golden and Emilie Palmer, also graduating countries and see how, despite our seniors from 2012, won 1st place for their collaborative painting. obvious differences, we have so much

Vista | 12

in common through our commitment to the core values of unity, truth and love. We reflected on how our schools are academically rigorous, but of equal importance are the activities that enrich the lives of students. Throughout the conference, the importance of interiority, and reflection were emphasized, not just for students and educators, but for coaches, parents, and board members.

We had presentations by each of the regions highlighting their schools, and daily keynote speakers and panel discussions. I enjoyed making new friends from other countries and meeting people from other North American schools. I was able to see Cusco and Machu Picchu while I was there as well as try new foods. I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity to learn more about what an Augustinian education truly means.

Terry Maulhardt, Chemistry This summer I was able to attend Spacefest, which is the most unique combination of space enthusiasts anywhere. Spacefest is a gathering of NASA investigators, astronauts and space artists, organized by space artist, Kim Poor. Lec- Alan and Terry Maulhardt with tures are given throughout Jim Lovell at Spacefest. the three days on topics such as Mars Science Lab expedition and Dawn’s investigation of astroids. Panel discussions are held with moonwalkers and Mars specialists. Attendees share meals as well as casual coffees with moonwalkers and NASA scientists. Information that I took away from this conference I now use in both my Astronomy and Chemistry classes.

Augustinian Volunteer Gives Students a Glimpse of Joy of Giving

I

n this economy, new college gradustudents really seemed to enjoy this ates are often preoccupied with quiet time.” helping themselves, but Elise Burgett’s Moving to Southern California is post-grad plan was to help others in not the only adjustment Elise has had any way possible. to make so far; she is also learning how “College was about finding and to live in a small community with three forming myself as a person. After colother Augustinian Volunteers. Between lege I wanted to take what I learned the four of them, they must share two and turn it outward to help others.” cars, coordinate their schedules, and Elise is assistant to Campus Minmake sure the cooking and cleaning Elise chats with a student prior to Mass. istry Supervisor Josh Kruse and was is taken care of. “We’re learning that placed at Villanova this fall through the living in community does not simply College was about finding Augustinian Volunteers Program. The entail sharing space and being friends. and forming myself as Program places young Catholic men We have to communicate about absoand women in educational, social, and lutely everything, from what we like to a person. After college health programs across the country. eat to the things that make us angry I wanted to take what I Elise came from Vanderbilt University or anxious, so that we can encourage in Massachusetts. each other to grow.” learned and turn it outward At Villanova, Elise is responsible As new as some of Elise’s experito help others.” for setting up and scouting possible ences have been so far, volunteering is retreats, putting together prayer services, and helping with lit- not one of them. During her time at Vanderbilt, she worked in urgies. She set up her second retreat in late September for the soup kitchens and halfway houses near her campus. In her senjunior class, and, with the help of Joshua Kruse and other staff ior year, she worked in Texas at a no-kill animal shelter. members, took the students to Piedras Blanca’s trail for the day.

Working full-time as an Augustinian Volunteer has been an “Taking 69 juniors into the mountains to hike did pose unexpected growth opportunity for this seasoned volunteer. certain logistical issues; however, I think the benefits certainly “I’ve learned that by putting yourself last you can gain a lot outweighed any challenges we encountered. It provided an ideal of perspective and understanding about life, and in giving love opportunity for reflection, prayer, and introspection, and the — you get it back,” she says.

“

Vista | 13

Sports

Fall Sports Roundup

Football

Top Row L-R: Eric Wong, Jack Killion, Peter Lin, Peter Shen, Benny Tao; Second row L-R: George Millar, Ryan Lerma, Junha Sung, Michael Gunawan,Timi Obatusin, Martin Gunawan; Third row L-R: Zac Breen, Alex Rios, Jay Byun,Vincent Lu, Joseph Campbell, Jackson Anderson; Mini Row L-R: Charlie Liu, Anzel Griffith; Coaches Row: John Howard,Tyler Wiggins, Patrick Wetzel, Matt Mallon, Todd Roe, Celeste Arrelano; Bottom Row L-R: Dylan Schlegel, Johnny Contreras, Alex Bao, Sewon Park, Jeremy Gunara, Ethan Nguyen

Water Polo

Top Row L-R: Austin Bailey, Michael Bukolt, Christian Moreno, Eastin Bartholio, Nico Interiano, Jacob Launius, Lucas Starbuck, Sean Burke, Austen Berryman, Coach Britton Second row L-R: Mark Roberts, Garett Lockwood, Luke Prestridge, Clive Liu, Nick Mauzey, Joseph Griffen, Shane Gillespie, Ian Borchard Bottom Row L-R: West Dempster, Sammy McColgan, Justin Rohweller, Chandler Mang, Jack McAtee, Jake Wright, Nicholas Indiran Not Pictured: Coach Dekker, Danny Chen, Riley Schriener, Konnor Ewing, Landon Hansen.Yeye Mulia, Ryan Pierson, Keola Ramirez, Eric Tian

Vista | 14

Sports Varsity Volleyball

Top row L-R: Loren Wiggins, Katie Norris, Kaity Bailey, Katherine Palmer, Mackenzie Boyd, Elizabeth Boggs; Bottom Row L-R: Sabrina Nuno, Grace Parziale, Helen Seligman, Nicole Abraham, Jena Plasmyer

Junior Varsity Volleyball

Top row L-R: Coach Wiggins, Madeline Brock, Callie Little, Mariah Lotts, Emma Ebers, Amy Ducan, Sarah Sharpe, Camille Morgan; Second row L-R: Julia De Mars, Andrea Maldonado, Mckenna Billy, Kati Navarro, Jordan Ambrose, Maria Kristiansen, Elissa Root; Bottom Row L-R: Janelle Romunaledz, Maddy Sullivan, Haley Yanez, Leslie Espinoza, Athena Giron

Tennis

Top row L-R: Brian Grisin (coach), Seraphina Arce (‘16), Claire Crocker (‘13),Tracy Ma (‘13), Eva Fang (‘14), Emily Wood (‘16), Hemy Yue (‘16), Tom Rohrbacher (coach) Second row L-R: Lily Lai (‘14),Valerie Lopez (‘15), Kathy Chen (‘15), Sophie Krummrich (‘15), Karen Fang (‘14) Bottom Row L-R: Savanna Mountan (‘14), Carol Chan (‘13), Jackie Simpson (‘16), Nerissa Del Rosario (‘13) Not pictured: Krissy Aromin (‘16), Jackie Martinez (‘16), Alexis Rakestraw (‘16)

Vista | 15

Secure Your Villanova Preparatory School Legacy with a Named Gift

Naming rights for the 4-unit classroom building $1,000,000

PUT YOUR NAME ON A VILLANOVA BUILDING OR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE K^aaVcdkV d[[Zgh V cjbWZg d[ [VX^a^in cVb^c\ deedgijc^i^Zh! Vaadl^c\ Ydcdgh id hZXjgZ i]Z^g K^aaVcdkV EgZe AZ\VXn l]^aZ bV`^c\ V ÒcVcX^Va ^ckZhibZci ^c djg b^hh^dc# I]Z cVb^c\ d[ Vc Zm^hi^c\ Wj^aY^c\ gZfj^gZh V \^[i d[ Vi aZVhi & b^aa^dc# Id cVbZ V cZl Wj^aY^c\! V Ydcdg bjhi Xdcig^WjiZ Vi aZVhi *% eZgXZci d[ i]Z XdchigjXi^dc Xdhi# 6 cZl XaVhhgddb Wj^aY^c\ VcY V hijYZci XZciZg VgZ WZ^c\ Xdch^YZgZY# 6aa cVb^c\ bjhi WZ VeegdkZY Wn i]Z Egdk^cXZ d[ HV^ci 6j\jhi^cZ ^c i]Z LZhi VcY i]Z K^aaVcdkV EgZeVgVidgn HX]dda 7dVgY d[ 9^gZXidgh#

CURRENT NAMING OPPORTUNITIES :m^hi^c\ )"jc^i 8aVhhgddb Wj^aY^c\ Vh e^XijgZY VWdkZ &!%%%!%%% " & VkV^aVWaZ Hl^bb^c\ Edda *%%!%%% " & VkV^aVWaZ EgdedhZY 9dgb^idgn 6ccZm )%%!%%% " & VkV^aVWaZ CZl =nWg^Y HX]dda 7jh &'*!%%% " & VkV^aVWaZ ;^icZhh 8ZciZg$LZ^\]i Gddb ,*!%%% " & VkV^aVWaZ :aZXigdc^X 8aVhhgddbh '%!%%% " + VkV^aVWaZ EaZVhZ XdciVXi ?ZVccZ =^aa! 9^gZXidg d[ 9ZkZadebZci id Y^hXjhh ndjg cVb^c\ deedgijc^in Vi ZbV^a/ _]^aa5k^aaVcdkVegZeVYb^c#dg\ dg iZaZe]dcZ -%*"+)+"&)+)# Villanova Preparatory School | 12096 N. Ventura Road, Ojai, CA 93023 | www.villanovaprep.org | 805-646-1464 ext 126

Breadth of Opportunities …Fostering intellectual achievement, personal and physical development, artistic and creative talents and service-leadership of all students.

(Vision statement)

D

riving onto the Villanova campus brings a sense of leaving behind the bustling noises of the city and entering a quiet, pastoral oasis of natural beauty and peace that represents a world apart from the everyday. The trees are tall and stately, the breezes gentle and the sky often bright blue. There is a feeling that one can breathe deeply and move freely. It is by all accounts a beautiful place.

However, while the exterior beauty is appreciated it is what takes place within the buildings and along the walkways that make a difference in the lives of those who live, teach and learn at Villanova. As stated in the current strategic plan: Villanova is a student centered school. The quality of what students experience is our number one priority.

The small and safe school community with a significant international component and a strong local tradition make for relationships that are life-changing and unique.

In conversations with parents, administrators, teachers and students there is ample evidence to uphold this statement.

Colleen McCall sent her daughter, Celia Palermo, to Villanova as a 14 year old beginning her journey to independence.

She has seen her mature into a poised, confident, compassionate young woman who learned the facts presented in classes but just as importantly formed relationships with caring educators and administrators. Her daughter’s experience was broad and adventuresome. She participated in Mock Trial and volleyball, service projects, musicals and drama. Colleen says, “As her mother, I

could not be more pleased. Villanova nurtures the whole person – academically, spiritually, physically, psychologically, culturally, creatively and civically.” Celia has thirteen college prospects which her mother attributes to Villanova’s encouragement that boosted her confidence and opened her mind.

Ricardo Santos echoes similar thoughts about his daughter Jeanne’s experience at Villanova. He is pleased she was able to participate in AP classes and appreciates how the school evolves to meet the needs of the students. When Jeanne was a freshman the curriculum did not include AP Biology. As interest in the class grew it was added. He also praises the collaborative engagement between parents and administrators as well as the diversity of experiences available. Jeanne was able to participate in drama, something she dreamed about since a young child, as well as sports. He admires the school’s goal of creating future leaders who will create strong caring communities. He is grateful for the positive imprint this has made on his daughter.

When considering high school for his children, Dave Borchard looked at the local public high school. He saw the merits of the college prep and honors programs but also the drawbacks of a large public high school. Ultimately, it was the sense of com-

Vista | 17

“

Villanova approaches education from an Augustinian perspective embracing life as a journey travelled with friends and teaches that faith and reason taken together guide humans in their search for understanding”

munity that drew his family to Villanova. Dave is quick to say, “The biggest benefit of Villanova is the peer group.” He likes the idea that families share likeminded ideas on academics, college and preparing their children for the future. The international experience, due to the diversity of cultures represented among the students, prompted his son, Ian, to pursue Mandarin Chinese over the past two summers. Villanova supported this interest by offering Ian an independent study in Chinese this year.

Villanova approaches education from an Augustinian perspective embracing life as a journey travelled with friends and teaches that faith and reason taken together guide humans in their search for understanding recognizing that the ultimate understanding leads to God, the source of all wisdom and truth.

Fr. Greg Heidenblut, President of Villanova states, “St. Augustine, the inspiration of what we term “Augustinian education” is still considered one of the greatest minds and theologians in Western culture and religion. While Augustine wrote over five million words, he cannot be considered a systematic theologian whereby he presented a concise and clear scheme for Christian education. What we extract from the many works of Augustine handed down through the ages is the methodical organization of

values that we find in his life and teachings. These values, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, are the values that make up Augustinian education.”

Villanova is proudly a Catholic institution of learning that appreciates the sentiments behind the statement, “A Catholic education is an advantage for life.” However, the administration, staff and faculty welcome students of all faiths and profoundly respect the beliefs of others. Villanova strives, not to convert, but to bring about conversions of the heart awakening in each student a sense of caring for each other and everything in the world in which they live.

Campus Ministry, directed by Josh Kruse and assisted by Elise Burgett, is available for all students and in true Villanova fashion offers something for everyone. The Campus Ministry Council meets every Thursday during lunch planning school liturgies, prayer services and Christian service projects. Throughout the year they offer experiences that meet the diverse needs of students including morning prayer, Rosary at the Grotto, class retreats and a variety of Christian service projects that are structured to draw students into direct interaction with people in need. Administration takes an expansive view of ministry recognizing that students, faculty, staff and parents take part in ministry every time they care for one another in the simplest of ways by taking the time to listen, open a door for another or pray for or with another person.

While acknowledging that Villanova is a college preparatory school with a rigorous academic curriculum, the Administration encourages students to take part in as many activities as possible in the hope they will try something new and perhaps find a passion that surprises and motivates them in a direction never imagined. Carol Hoffer, Headmaster, is proud that Villanova offers students a solid foundation for college by offering

Senior Stories Maggie Vaughan Senior class member Maggie Vaughan credits Villanova with offering her an education she never thought possible. Maggie is dyslexic. Her ability to read, write and spell requires different methods of teaching than the average classroom can always provide.Yet at Villanova, according to Maggie, she received, “amazing help”, preparing her well for the next step in her educational journey which includes applications to a number of top notch colleges and universities on the East coast.

What’s best about Villanova for Maggie is the “incredible diversity” she experiences due to daily interaction in the classroom, on the sports field and in a social context with students from around the world. She feels this opened her eyes to the fact that students from other cultures “aren’t that different” from her local friends. She is grateful for the global connections she has established and is convinced this has contributed to her open minded attitude.

Maggie sums up her experience at Villanova by saying, “Villanova fostered a sense of enthusiasm with my work ethic and outlook.”

Vista | 18

a wide range of subjects. She is also proud of the service offered to the local community of Ojai as well as that given to the greater Los Angeles area, projects in Africa and Mexico and through Interact and Campus Ministry. She is firm that, “One cannot understand their place in the world unless they understand the needs of others.”

When considering a student for admissions Headmaster Hoffer looks for students who want to learn. They do not need to be brilliant but they do need to exhibit the willingness to work hard to master the material offered. Admission is not granted solely on test scores. Her educational model includes a belief that effective teaching is Dr. Sun Lee achieved by meeting the challenge of taking the needs of all students into consideration. She appreciates that a small school like Villanova has the capacity to allow students the opportunity to be known on many levels.

Dr. Sun Lee teaches AP Calculus and AP Chemistry. Her Ph.D. in chemistry suits her well for the position and offers students the benefit of a high level of expertise with the subject.

She chose high school teaching because she sees high school as a turning point in the lives of young people when teachers have time to listen and help shape lives. She sees the faculty at Villanova as always looking for ways to offer new courses and sees students being encouraged to share their ideas so new courses can be implemented. It is from this sharing that AP classes in Chemistry, Statistics and Biology grew. Dr. Lee believes that there is a symbiotic relationship between the students and teachers – one needs and values the other – and working together they create a dynamic learning environment. Teachers appreciate and incorporate student feedback. She values the interplay

between faculty and students and poses the questions, “Without students—who are we?”

Villanova offers students the option of living on campus. This program popular with international students is now encouraged for local students. Jackie Martinez, former Student Council President from St. Raphael’s School in Santa Barbara is enjoying her experience as a domestic boarding student this year. When approached by her elementary school principal, Michelle Limb, with the idea of living on campus Jackie responded enthusiastically, “…this is a great opportunity!”

Ms. Limb is confident Jackie will make the most of her time at Villanova: ‘She is really just a beautiful young woman…this will allow her to reach her full potential as a well-rounded, faithful young lady.”

At least one third of Villanova students live on campus as boarding students. Valeria DeLuna is a member of the Resident Life staff that oversees the dormitories. She characterizes dorm life as similar to family life. Students share chores and responsibilities and have a voice in how they live through the Dorm Council. The Council gives students opportunities for leadership and the ability to shape productive and effective changes when necessary. There are sit down dinners once a month that are much like a family celebrations, weekend trips to Target, the local shopping mall and the movies as well as cultural and educational field trips. In addition to social activities, dorm life engages students in the process of conflict resolution and the process of living with others in harmony.

The international community represented in the dorms offered Riley Schreiner, a junior, the chance to have opportunities that have been life changing. In the springtime of his

Senior Stories Jeanne Santos Jeanne Santos bubbles over with excitement about her years at Villanova. A senior, in the throes of preparing college applications for a number of colleges and universities in California, she talks about academic pursuits with a conviction that belies her years.

She admits the courses at Villanova are rigorous and sometimes stressful but also fun. She credits her school success in part to the small classes and teachers who focus on the needs of individual students. She also praises the guidance, college and academic counselors for their help.

Jeanne values the sense of community Villanova strives to create and feels it naturally leads to a sense of unity and encourages close relationships among the students. She enjoys the diversity the school offers because of the many nationalities present within the student body.

She also appreciates the religious diversity at Villanova understanding that while it is a Catholic school other religious traditions are represented which allows students to broaden their perspectives. She likes the fact that religious discussions come up in many different classes, as well.

Jeanne also enjoys the activities and clubs available for students. She participates in sports and drama, a personal dream since she was a young child.

Vista | 19

“

The core values Coach Grisin speaks of, Unitas (unity), Veritas (truth) and Caritas (love)… are more than words.

They are the basis by which the Villanova community lives and are evident in all areas of campus life.”

sophomore year he was invited to visit the homes of some of his friends –in China. The trip took him to numerous ancient sites including that of the Terra Cotta Warriors. He was moved by how China is connected to its roots and how proud they are of these roots and the many edifices built over the centuries.

He also had some surprising revelations about life in China.

“I expected a very controlled environment but found a great deal of freedom,” he said.

China maintains a one child per family mandate which, to Riley, seems to offer parents abundant time to focus on the child.

School work is the primary focus of children and young people with only one test available that determines what college you are headed for which in turn seals the future to some extent.

Riley reiterates the thoughts of his fellow students in citing the community spirit of Villanova as one of the benefits of his high school experience. “Everyone is friendly and open. It is a comfortable place to be,” says Riley.

Villanova offered one more opportunity that Riley never expected. Before Villanova, Riley did not consider himself an athlete. Today he is proud of his participation on the varsity water polo team and cites the training he received from Coach Jermaine Britton as the turning point that gave him the confidence for athletic competition.

Sports are an integral part of the Villanova program. Brian Grisin, religion teacher and coach, says, “In sports, the values of sportsmanship, respect for your opponent and determination help the Villanova students develop personal qualities that cannot always be learned in the classroom. In coaching girls’ tennis, golf and girls’ basketball, I have been proud of how well our students represent the Villanova core values on and off the field of play. In fact, many other teams admire the character in which our teams play and frequently comment on how much they enjoy the experience of competing against the Wildcats.”

The core values Coach Grisin speaks of, Unitas (unity), Veritas (truth) and Caritas (love) displayed along the walkways and throughout the grounds of Villanova are more than words. They are the basis by which the Villanova community lives and are evident in all areas of campus life.

Senior Stories Ian Borchard A few years ago Ian Borchard had dreams of being an engineer and living near his home town.

Today, his plans have transformed to include a career in business with an emphasis on Chinese culture. According to Ian, the metamorphosis is an unexpected but welcome result of his high school experience, “Villanova introduced me to a whole other world”. Ian learned how other cultures work together through the “opportunities created where the students walk every day”. It was the day to day interaction with students

from other parts of the world that caused Ian to embrace a new world view. He was drawn to students from other cultures who lived in the dorms. He marveled at stories from European, Asian and South American cultures. He realized that learning came not just from classes but also through others.

This past summer Ian spent a month in Taiwan, travelling by train throughout the countryside. He came home more determined than ever to study Chinese and business as well as considering law school. This change of focus, especially his interest in Chinese culture, is a direct result of his education at Villanova.

He is especially appreciative of how Villanova offered him the experience of seeing how different cultures can work together.

According to Ian the future includes a lot of traveling!

Vista | 20

Alumni Profiles Howard Sheehan, Class of 1940 Howard Sheehan, a member of the class of 1940, started at Villanova as a junior after being “kicked out” of a Catholic school near his home in Beverly Hills, he said. Right after graduation he and a classmate John Dutton got a job picking oranges and bailing hay on a local ranch and spent the summer in the Villanova dormitory. A brief stint as a freshman at USC convinced him that he wasn’t ready for college so he moved to Santa Barbara and went to school part time while reworking as a nighttime janitor in a grade school.

That December the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and Howard learned that anyone who left college immediately to enlist in the military would receive passing credit for the classes underway. “I wasn’t doing that well, so I joined the US Army, thinking it (the college credit) was a pretty good deal.”

He became an Army pilot and flew 60 combat missions in the Pacific during World War II and was discharged a Captain.

His uncle who was in the projectionist’s union in Hollywood got him a job at Technicolor where he worked for a few years before returning to college at the New School in NYC. After college he got into the banking business but soon tired of that and returned to Hollywood. He was hired by Paramount and because he was a good typist, became a reader— someone who reads scripts and writes a synopsis and occasionally a critique.

As his prowess as a writer was noticed, he found writing work on movies starring Sophia Loren, Frank Sinatra. and Jerry Lewis. He also worked on PT 109, the film about newly elected President John F. Kennedy. When he read a script for a film that Alfred Hitchcock wanted to direct, Howard told “Hitch” that the script would never work. Hitchcock left Paramount and took his project to Universal. In 1960, Hitchcock’s Psycho generated outstanding box office returns and led to four Academy Award nominations for the director! (Villanova alumnus John Gavin ‘50 co-starred in that film.)

By 1962 Howard was selling real estate and found a new niche in marketing investment property. He moved his family (a wife and two children) to San Francisco in 1964 where he has lived ever since. He retired earlier this year and spends time with his daughter who also lives in San Francisco. Howard hopes to return to Villanova for the May 5 golf tournament in 2013.

Howard has fond memories of Villanova and of Father Ahearn in particular. “His life revolved around his mission as a priest and around Shakespeare. He’d hold class out under the trees and we’d read Shakespeare plays and sonnets. I will never forget him,” he said.

William M. (Mike) Buttell, Class of 1962 After Villanova, Mike earned a BA in Psychology from CSU, Long Beach.

After college, he entered the Air Force Officers’ Training School, where he received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1968. During his 21-year Air Force career Mike earned an MBA from Golden Gate University, and a Certificate in Golf Course Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. When he retired, Buttell moved to Las Vegas when he was hired by the Del Webb Company to set up and operate the Recreation Activities and Golf Courses in their Las Vegas Sun City Senior Adult Community.

Mike’s fondest memories of Villanova center on Coach Elmo Ferrari who came to Villanova in Buttell’s sophomore year.

In Ferrari’s first year at Villanova, the school won the Tri-Valley League Championship and then went to the CIF playoffs. Buttell wrote football articles for the school newspaper and in his senior year went out for the team and Coach Ferrari made sure

that he and all interestesd seniors were on the Varsity team.

Coach Ferrari believed in playing as many people as possible and Mike was able to play in nearly every game despite his “small size,” he says.

“Being able to participate in the games was a great reward for the hard practices,” he says.

Mike remembered this when he coached softball teams in the Air Force, making sure that everyone got playing time.

Football also showed Mike that nothing comes easy and that most people can perform better than they think they can.

“As I rose to increasing levels of supervision, I remembered these lessons and mentored others to become better than they thought they could be. I was able to do things that I never could have dreamed about when I attended Villanova.”

Vista | 21

Alumni Profiles Don O’Gorman, Class of 1950 Don O’Gorman first came to Villanova in 1948 as a sophomore when his family moved from Long Beach to Oxnard. During his days at Villanova, O’Gorman was the recipient of financial assistance from an unknown benefactor. In 1949, he was elected the Student Body President. That year, he also lettered in football, baseball, basketball, and track.

O’Gorman still stays in touch with many of the football team from his years at Villanova: Doud, Dailey, Clark, Gavin, Barbeau, Carty, Lynch, Hunter, Hartman, Blackstone, and Quinn.

He has fond memories of Fr. Sparrow, Fr. Kennedy, and Coach Fred Rice. During his days at Villanova, he valued the academic education and preparation for a further education and life challenges. He also valued the life changes and the many friendships that Villanova offered him.

He found it challenging to keep up with the scholastic and sports demands, and work

duties in the kitchen, dining room, which he performed as a financial aid student.

After graduating Villanova, O’Gorman entered the construction trades. In 1952, he was drafted into the Army and served in Korea. During his time in Korea, O’Gorman prepared food for various commanding Generals, such as General Maxwell Taylor and Korea President and First Lady, Syngman Rhee.

After returning home, O’Gorman attended Ventura College, where he studied business administration. In 1964, he moved to Reno, Nevada, to take over an existing home building development business. He served in the Administration of the Nevada Republican Governor Paul Laxalt, a close friend of then California Governor Ronald Reagan. While in Reno, he has owned, operated or managed several businesses. The next 21 years, he spent in commercial banking, specializing in financing real estate projects. In 1995, he left banking and resumed business activities in building and development. He is now semi-retired. O’Gorman likes to travel, go fishing and hunting, and has an interest in history. He has a wife and four grown children. O’Gorman reminisces on his time at Villanova: “Villanova provided a solid base for an invaluable education, much of which I still use. Many of my more memorable experiences were in the classes of Fr. John Sparrow who taught us, amongst many other things, ‘Boys, things are not always as they seem to be’ how true in life! All of the priests, brothers and staff taught us many lasting lessons in life for which I am thankful each day.”

Peter Kimball, Class of 1953 Peter Kimball was born in San Diego, but his family moved to Idaho when he was young. However, there weren’t any Catholic high schools in Idaho, so his family decided that he should board at Villanova. After being homesick for about a week, Kimball soon made friends with day students and was often invited home with them, and soon developed family ties. One of his fondest memories at Villanova was that “All the priests and brothers were real humans, although they pushed me to work, and I had an urge to slack off,” he said.

Kimball spent one year in Cantwell Hall and then earned the privilege to board in the Barracks and the Ranch House.

These were two small dorms reserved for upperclassmen.

“One of the challenges that occurred when I was a freshman was that I did not eat as well as the upperclassmen,” he remembered. “Upperclassmen went through the line first and if they wanted two desserts, they took them. So sometimes the

freshmen would go without.”

Kimball is grateful for his, excellent college preparation.

“When I got to college, I did very well,” he said. Kimball attended Santa Clara University for a degree in business and then went into banking. Years after, he returned to get an MBA, which he considers to be one of his great professional achievements. He believes in Catholic education, and sent all of his children to Catholic high schools in the Bay area.

He has not visited the campus in more than 30 years, but is returning for the 2013 graduation with several of his classmates to be honored on their 60th anniversary.

Vista | 22

Alumni Profiles Eliza Nagle, Class of 1993 Eliza Nagle graduated from Villanova in 1993 and reconnected with the school in 2011 when she made a generous gift to the Tim Bunce Scholarship Fund.

After Villanova she attended Syracuse University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1996. Nagle was a Syracuse University Remembrance Scholar, received the Syracuse University Dean’s Scholarship, and was also awarded the Richards Memorial Prize for excellence in English and distinction in writing.

Nagle worked as a paralegal at Jenner & Block from 1996 until 1998. She then went on to attend Case Western Reserve School of Law, JD, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2001.

Nagle worked at DLA Piper from 2001 to 2006 as an asso-

ciate attorney in Government Contracts. From 2006 to the present day, she is a Lead Counselor for Advisory Business at the Office of the General Counsel at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Nagle has traveled widely throughout Europe, with Paris and Italy being two of her favorite destinations. Villanova provided her with the tools that she needed to cope with what was expected of her both at college and at law school. Nagle states, “VPS’s well established cultural traditions created a stimulating environment that helped me to grow as a person and as a Catholic.”

Nagle is grateful to Villanova for giving her, “ a solid grounding in values and ethics,” she says.

Manuel Diez, Class of 1949 Manny Diez came to Villanova in 1947, from Panama, and started as a sophomore. A friend of Diez’s mother, also from Panama, had two sons enrolled and told his mother about what a great school Villanova was. The two sons were named Justo and Carlos Arosemena, from the class of 1947. Diez boarded all three years that he was at Villanova. His fondest memory is of being part of the Villanova football team and of beating their archrivals, Nordhoff, in their annual football game in 1949. “The rivalry between both schools was so heated

that two police cars, two cops in each one, were assigned to be at the game,” he says.

Diez valued being part of a very special group of guys, especially those in his class. Diez is currently making his living as a writer, writing primarily screenplays and self-help books.

The most useful trait that Diez learned at Villanova was the discipline that was so much a part of what Villanova is all about.

It is still very important in his work to this day. Diez has won a Gabriel Award for writing a documentary about the Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach in Florida.

Sean Brawley, Class of 1978 I came to Villanova for my junior year, when I was 16. Some of the fondest memories I have are of Father John Sanders’ gravelly gruff voice, French class with Mrs. Alexander, and winning two awards at graduation. I learned how to write well in Susan Leonardi’s class. She was a very kind teacher. What I learned in her class served me very well and still does. Emotionally, I can still feel the closeness that we all shared since we had such a small class of only 41 students. My Villanova education became part of my very being and I have pursued a path in my work and life that has connected me very deeply with Truth

which illuminates Love, Unity which is the True Reality and the source of all Joy and Happiness, and Love which is the cure for all the ills of the world.

Throughout the years, I have tried to stay involved at Villanova. I have helped sporadically over the years with the selection of the tennis courts builders, fundraising with tennis events, playing in the Ojai tennis tournament, and on a couple of different think tanks and committees.

I wish that were ways in which I could contact my former teachers, though I try to make a reunion every now and then.

Vista | 23

Villanova is grateful for these donors to the theater renovation.

Christopher Palermo

Olivia and Bill Mauzey

Carol Hoffer

JDM Plumbing Specialist, Inc.

Lisa Lopez

The Malkin Family

Aimee Eccles

Stephen and Melinda Maloon

Jeanne Hill

David, John and Robert Lamb

Virgil Evans Jr.

Cecil Sutton and Tracy Williams

Clara Jung

Province of St. Augustine in the West

Todd and Ana Sullivan

Debby Smith

There is still time to purchase a seat inscription.

Madeleine Maloon Class of 2011

THEATER SEAT SPONSORSHIP FORM Support the performing arts at Villanova Preparatory School. Sponsor a seat in the newly-refurbished theater and your custom nickel-finished nameplate will be mounted on the armrest of a brand new seat. Sponsor your seat early for the best locations.

YOUR NAME ___________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS

___________________________________________________________________

CITY

_____________________________________ STATE _________ZIP _____________

EMAIL

_____________________________________PHONE ________________________

SEAT SELECTION @ $295 each

SEAT INSCRIPTION (name/wording to print on the plate) Your inscription can be 2 lines, up to 22 characters per line.

ROW & SEAT

1st Choice ............____ | ____ 2nd Choice ..........____ | ____ 3rd Choice ...........____ | ____

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

PAYMENT Enclosed is my check. (Make payable & send to Villanova Preparatory, 12096 N. Ventura Rd, Ojai, CA 93023)

Please charge my:

Visa

MasterCard

American Express

Name on Card ________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ________ Card No. ____________________________________________________ CV Code: ________ Your seat sponsorship is 100% tax deductible.

Please Note: Sponsorship of a theater seat does not include admission to individual events or performances and does not guarantee reserved seating.

For more information, contact Jeanne Hill, 805-646-1464, ext. 126, or jhill@villanovaprepadmin.org.

Vista | 24

STAGE

An Interview with Dennis Rice, Assistant Headmaster of Academics Villanova offers opportunities for teachers, as well as students, to serve

Why did you choose education as your life’s work?

I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others and wanted my life’s work to have meaning. Having been a paramedic, I considered medical school, however, involvement with a project in San Jose, California that encouraged voices of young people in government led me down a different path. After speaking at a number of high schools, inviting students to consider the positive role they could play in local government, I learned I was reasonably good with teenagers. I saw the value of listening to young people and encouraging them to get involved in civic activity. This eventually led me to obtaining graduate degrees from UC Berkeley and Antioch University and into the field of education where I have been for the nearly 40 years.

Based on your many years of experience in the field of education do you think teaching can to be transformational for high school students?

Teaching has the potential to be transformational, although the transformation is not always immediate; growth is evolutionary and it is always at the pace of the individual. Adolescence can be an incredibly transformational time, particularly if patient guidance is available from family and those in the school environment. Many students have messaged me years later to say, “I just got it,” which never fails to give me satisfaction and hope.

Did you have any type of transformational experience when you were growing up? If so has this influenced your style of teaching and interacting with students?

I was a late bloomer, which may help me to be patient with young people today. I have learned that in order to grow in wisdom and grace one has to leave old habits, attitudes and prejudices behind. For me, transformation has been a process of letting go. I was well into my twenties before realizing that I might make a difference in the world. My personal transformation took time and it was a journey that included following diverse paths.

I had a wonderful upbringing, and a supportive family who valued education, but I graduated from high school thinking “This could be done better.” Later, I was fortunate to have spent time at Harvard Graduate School of Education studying ethics under Larry Kohlberg. My studies helped me realize that human development is physical, emotional, moral and spiritual and the process is continual. From this learning came my belief that a school can promote the moral growth of a student through its culture.

Dennis Rice and two students cutting rebar for a Habitat for Humanity house in Oxnard, CA. What keeps you engaged and excited about being part of Villanova?

Villanova is a moral community, held together by core principles that guide decisions and actions. It is an academic community, which I enjoy. It is also a beautiful campus with good hearted people.

As Assistant Headmaster for Academics what strengths do you look for in both students and teachers?

Besides competency in their subject area, the qualities that I appreciate in a teacher are patience, understanding and a sense of humor. With a student, I appreciate a spark that promises a willingness to engage and a positive attitude. I believe it is up to us – the teachers – to ignite the flame of passion and curiosity in the students.

What does Villanova look for in potential students?

We look for students who do not shy away from engagement in the classroom, on the sports field, in community service and in their faith. We also recognize that every student is not the ideal student and agree it is our job to draw them out, to help them find their strengths and build on those strengths. All of our classes are college prep. We expect a willingness to work hard.

Villanova values the Augustinian values of truth, unity and love. How do these values affect learning the learning process?

As you walk through campus you will see the words Truth, Unity and Love displayed along the paths and on building walls.

They are more than pretty slogans that decorate the campus.

They are the core values referenced in all that we do here. While we are not always perfect in our attempt, we are constant in our intent.

Vista | 25

Teaching in Community

Villanova Faculty Give Students Ample Opportunities to Excel in School and Life

R

emember your favorite teachers — what made them special? Good teachers are passionate people who share valuable ideas, but great teachers inspire students to better themselves in both school and life. Villanova headmaster Carol Hoffer describes the difference as “weaving together of the intellectual, emotional and spiritual strands of each student that create the fabric of their lives.”

Teachers weave this fabric by teaching in community — but what do we mean by community? A core value of Augustinian education, community or ‘unitas’ recognizes that all people are connected, and offers service to the common good. The dictionary defines community as “a shared character; a unified body of individuals; or joint participation.” Drawing on 88 years of tradition, Villanova teachers build community in every sense, starting with a commitment to personal excellence.

Eighty-five percent of faculty at Villanova either have or are pursuing advanced degrees at the Master’s or Ph.D. level. “I want to help students become better people,” said Mr. Daniel Rios, who teaches American literature and AP English Language to juniors. “I accomplish this by becoming the most highly educated version of myself.” Engaging with highly qualified teachers shows students what they can achieve, build their confidence and develops a spirit of lifelong learning.

Shared character and community are the root of Villanova’s

success, but their cultivation relies on the other two Augustinian values — truth and love. ‘Caritas’ or love can manifest as accessibility or active friendship, and teachers build both. “I am a new teacher, and the atmosphere is so welcoming. I am constantly asked how I am doing, or if I need help,” Mr. Rios said. “That support makes it easier to excel.” Faculty are available to students after school on a daily basis, for homework help or mentorship.

Steve Forbes, editor of the Forbes business magazine, said, “diversity is the art of thinking independently together.” Villanova faculty and students represent twelve different ethnic backgrounds, three faith communities, and current or former residents of 36 countries. Some faculty have experience living abroad, volunteering, or teaching in several fields. For example, Mr. Eric Johnson, who currently teaches physics and geometry, has also taught chemistry and astronomy; and Mr. Ricardo Olivares, currently Director of Resident Life at Villanova, once taught special education and world history.

Teachers from diverse backgrounds can make connections between their cur-

Top: Mr. Daniel Rios Left: Mrs. Jackie Urband

Vista | 26

rent subject and other disciplines or life skills. “I enjoy teaching rhetoric, audience, persona, and point of view because it turns reading into the art of analysis,” Mr. Rios said. Some teachers use their backgrounds to connect students with global communities. Dr. Nan Freitas, who has taught Spanish at Villanova for 21 years, also moderates Hogar Infantil, a club that supports a Mexican orphanage by helping local people in need, raising money and organizing service trips.

Villanova teachers build community through joint participation and hands-on activities. Mrs. Jackie Urband, who teaches sophomore and AP biology, focuses on lab experiments. “Students go in depth with their analysis,” she said. “The goal is to produce scientists who can apply what they have learned.” Mrs. Anna Walsh, who teaches US History and government, engages students in debates. “I like to have them argue both sides of an issue,” she said. “It builds understanding of different perspectives.” Keeping classes small, at 10-15 students on average, also ensures that everyone’s voice is heard.

Teachers are involved with each thread of a student’s journey, and participation does not end in the classroom. Most faculty moderate at least one club or mentor individual students – some do both. Mr. Johnson assists three clubs (Robotics, Auto Mechanic and Skateboard) and mentors a group of six senior dorm students.

Clubs also build hands-on community, such as the Astronomy club led by Mrs. Maulhardt, which holds monthly observation nights with telescopes.

Ultimately, it’s hard to argue with results. Villanova sends 100% of its graduating seniors to college – and it’s the faculty who make the difference. As headmaster Carol Hoffer explains: “Without exception, each group of students has recognized that Villanova teachers are committed to much more than their intellectual growth.” As alumni, parents and friends, you are valued members of the Villanova community and most critically, you are our teachers’ best source of support. Consider reaching out to that favorite Villanova teacher who impacted your life, and honoring their gift to you by investing in their future success.

Top to bottom: Mr. Ricardo Olivares, Mrs. Anna Walsh, and Mr. Eric Johnson

The VPS Family of Giving Donors July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012

Ross Abaya Elena Abrena ADA Entertainment, Inc. The Akuna Family Al and Lisa Anderson Anderson, Kill & Olick Anthem Church Robert Arce Lorelei Armstrong Anne Marie Arnott Rafael & Sylvia Arriaga Brian Arth Shamus and Nicole Auth Augustinian Community at St. Thomas Aquinas Augustinian Guild Marcel & Laura Ayers Michael Baker Matt and Michele Bailey Eric and Amanda Baldwin Bank of America/US Trust Wealth Management Barking Dogs Designs Karina Bart Paul & Kathy Bergmann Carol Begor Kathy Bennett Robin and Allison Bernhoft Tod & Patty Berryman Dr. Karin Best Rene & Barbara Biane William Blackstone Boeing Company Michael and Andrea Boggs Kimberly N. Booth J. David and Michele Borchard Boyd Move Management, Inc. Sean Brawley Victoria Breen

Mr. & Mrs. Mike Briley Jermaine Britton Matthew Brock Dave Brubaker Kathryn Bryan Tim Bunce Bryan and Jodi Burdette Brian P. Burke Erin Burke and John Benson Michael and Carolyn Burke William F. Burke California Door & Hardware Michael J. Callaghan Camlam Farms, Inc. Franco and Alicia Campana Brent & Delia Campbell Castlegate Capital Advisors, LLC Cars for Causes John and Raquel Cerveny Wei-Han Chan and Hui-Na Chen Jeffrey Chandler Chevron Tom and Rebecca Collins Joel and Nicole Conary Clark Engineering Construction Cheri Colborn Loree Cole Thomas Collins Ryan & Rachel Connell William and Carol Copley James Cota Ted & Jane Cotti Felipe Cross Robert Crotty James Czuleger Milton and Heather Daily Ambassador Peter and Jackie Dailey Dailey Family Foundation Milton Daily Giovanni Richard Damato Brian and Stella Day Tim Dayton Dell Direct Giving Campaign Narciso and Nelia DelRosario Scott and Marlene Dempster Kristin DiBernardo and Eric Faas Michelle and Anthony DiBernardo (Guinn) Rod and Karin Dingman DK Electrical Contractors, Inc. Beth Dorenkamp Peter Dougherty Matthew and Cathy Ducharme James B. Duffy III Sean and Lisa Duncan Gordon Durenberger Mary Ellen Dyer

David and Carolyn Ebers Aimee Eccles Robert Elzer John Engesser Environmental Health Center - Ojai Richard Esguerra Virgil Evans Jr. Fred and Shirle Fauvre Sarah Federico Robert and Jinny Feiss Richard and Karen Fernand Maureen Flanagan Nan Freitas Cynthia Frings Gallardo & Associates Gabriel Garcia Glenn Garcia Talisa Garcia Patty Garrett Ambassador John and Mrs. Constance Gavin Bocce Tournament winners Bob and Stuart and Gigi Gehres Susana Arce Mark & Dawn Golden James J. Gorski Michael and Laurie Kazmer Patrick L. Gorski Rev. John Keller, O.S.A. Norman & Marian Goyette Bridget O’Bryan-Kelley and Anne and Henry Graumlich Bryan Kelly Stuart and Angelica Griffith Andy Killion; Anchors Way Groove House Records Marine Centers Nurdan Gulcelik Peter and Anne Kimball Rocky & Patricia D. Hall Sr. Timothea Kingston, C.S.C. Tyler Hart Kevin & Michelle Kolbeck John and Monica Hartman James Krueger Julie Hedrick Josh Kruse Rev. Gregory Heidenblut, O.S.A. Michael and Mary Ann Kupper Brian and Tracie Held Azriel Kurlaender James Henry Ed and Conny Kurtenbach Tara Hernandez Leslea LaGro (Kaminski) Jeanne & Cregg Hill David and Amy Lamb Richard and Carol Hoffer Robert Lamb III Kathryn Hoffman Ronald Laraneta Sue Horgan Margaret Larrabee Christopher and Jennifer Robert and Debra Launius Horsman Michelle Lenz David Hovley Jim and Deena Lenz Jin Qu Huang Szu-Ching Liaw Gary and Cynthia Hulsebus Andrew Lien Derek Hunter You-Chang Lin Huntington Learning Center Jan Lindsay Eric and Janice Indiran Pam Lindsay Kumiko Irion James and Tina Marie Little Ed and Susan Italo Eric and Wendy Lockwood William James Jay and Lisa Lopez Viltis Jatulis Dorothy Loebl Sean Johnson William D. Loughman PhD Donna Jones ABMG Edmund Kastner

Vista | 28

William Lowes Daniel & Nancy Lu Maria Lucas Steve and Mindy Maloon Emma Mayer Rene Mayfield Kevin & Kim McAtee Cecelia McBurnie Robert W. McCall Colleen McCall Brian McColgan and Elizabeth Stix Patrick McDermott Christy McGaha Victoria McGaha McGrath Cypress Plaza Carrie J. McLaughlin Michael Megowan Thomas B. Megowan John and Carolyn Menne Dr. Frances Merkley Dr. Carol Millage Joseph Mirkovich Byrne Miyamoto John-Philip Mogg Burkhard E. Moll Roberto Montalvo Sonja Montiel Celia Montgomery Edward Morales and Kathleen McDougal Marty and Patricia Morehart Frank and Katherine Moreno Scott and Sharon Morgan Chap Morris Larry Mueller MAJ Arturo R. Murguia Patricia Murphy Eliza P. Nagle Vahagn M. Nahabedian Newbury Park Physical Nicole Newcomb Sean and Hilary O’Hollaren Ojai Community Bank Sr. Catherine Osimo, C.S.C Dharam and Vijay Pal Chris Palermo Nora D. Paligutan Radie Paligutan Mr. Thomas Parks

George Pavlow Thomas Parks Mary Parziale Danielle E. Peak PepsiCo Employee Giving Campaign Brett D. Phillips Daniel and Cheryl Placial Jack and Laura Plasmyer Michael and Vickie Poitevin Marilyn Moser Polich Salley Pollet Marie Pratt Emilio Pozzi Andrew and Pier Prestridge Province of St. Augustine in the West Kamala Day Purl Charles H. Quinn Kevin and Irene Ramirez Dennis Rice Daniel and Sheila Rinder Finn O. Roden David and Jacquline Rohweller Anthony Romero Gilbert and Cindy Romualdez Brian Roney Mary Anne Rooney Don and Karen Rose Thomas A. Rose Kathryn Rowland Shelley Rowland Nayak Richard Ruiz Jeff Ruggels Roy Sadowski Sakura Ojai Mike Saliba Maria Sanchez-McCoy Fr. Gary Sanders, O.S.A. Norman Sanguinetti Santa Barbara Foundation Ricardo Santos and Cathy McMillan-Santos Dr. Gary Schelgel Eric Schlobohm and Sheri Katz Mary Schoof Bernard Scoville and Florence Smith Carmen and Andrew Seligman Dorothy Shaffer

William J. Shanbrom Shell Oil Company Mr. Laurence Shields Richard A. Shimmel William and Catherine Short John and Debbie Simpson Sisters of the Holy Cross Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Jo Smith Noah Smith and Sandi Champagne Snapper Jack’s Inc. Cynthia Sperry Ronald and Marcia Stewart SunWest Studio St. Augustine’s Monastery St. Justin Martyr School St. Thomas Aquinas Church St. Thomas of Villanova Community Kirk Stovesand Michael Stumpf SunWest Studio Cecil Sutton and Tracey Williams-Sutton Nahoko Tanabe Xiaoling Tao and Ninhua WU Target Richard Taylor Team Inside Track The Boeing Company George Thompson Thomsen Family Julia Thomsen Herbert Thomson Drs. Marinor & Juan Torres United Way California Capital Region PCFD Account Andy and Nancy Ventura Mel Ventura Prashant Verma Villafana Engineering Philip VonBurg Susan and Mark Vork Robert Wademan and Valerie Gogol Dr. James Walker Mr. John D. Walsh Nicholas and Sara Walz

Vista | 29

Runner-up Wendy Lockwood Gerald O. Watt We Olive Nicholas & Patricia Weber Geoff and Brandy Wells Laura Wells Wells Fargo Foundation Educational Matching Gift Program Dr. Gary Wikholm Tyler Wiggins Leslie Wiggins Dianna Wilke Griffin and Nicole Williamson Tim and Terri Wolfe James Wong Amanda Wright Cassie Wright Lawrence Yee Keonjong Yoh Robert and Carey Yount Yolanda’s of Ventura Your Cause, LLC Sr. Rachel Yourgules, I.H.M. Xiao Qing Zhang

Photos from the 2012 Bocce Tournament.The 2013 tournament is set for October 12.

VILLANOVA

Wildcat Reunion, July 27-28 Join us next year....July 26-27, 2013

CLASS OF 62 Left to right: George Friedrich, Mike Buttell, Jim Cassidy, Ernie Cruz, Jerry Gilbert, Don McIntosh, Bill Riley, Joel Grey, Tom Maulhardt and Pat Rogan.

CLASS OF 72 and Friends Left to right: Scott Allen 73, Carl Silva 73, Ron Tocco 72, Steve Ram 72, Alecia Zigler-Taylor 73, Harold Parker 72 & his wife, Vic LeBreton (Teacher), Dan Wills 72.

Thank you for putting on an incredible reunion for Class of 82! It was much appreciated! Since I have not visited Ojai in over 25 years, it was refreshing to see how far Villanova has come since I attended the school. Our class really enjoyed the tour of the enhanced campus and our tour guides provided a great amount of detail about their current experience at Villanova. We appreciate al that you did to make this reunion a great success!

Sincerely, Anna Van Gelder CLASS OF 82

CLASS OF 82 Back row left to right: David Dance, Jack McGrath, Bryan Curtin, Pete Kiseskey, Debbie Jane Munoz. Front row left to right: Lisa Dailey, Wendy Rischar Bond, Cynthia Gonzales Sender, Karen Hennigan, Kathleen Weber, Anna Van Gelder.

VILLANOVA

Wildcat Reunion, July 27-28 Join us next year....July 26-27, 2013 The Villanova Class of 1992 gathered in July for their 20 year reunion weekend.

We had a great turnout for the weekend celebration, which was planned alongside VPS’ Wildcat Weekend to enable classmates to visit the campus for Alumni events.

CLASS OF 92 Front: Tom Lammot.

Left to right front row: Dorayda Santoyo Barajas, Jennifer Sandner Blades, Sharon Ghormely Underwood, Tom Williams, Juan Dow, Stacy Jones Semenza. Left to right back row: Tagg Baker, Hiro Imai, Tyler Simpson, Tim Bunce, Anslem Opitoke, Dan Barker, Michael Chrysler. Not shown: Uchi Iturrino Claytor, Melissa Tibbetts Fritzen, Paige Maulhardt, Ryan Metzger

The Class of ‘92 Reunion started with a private off-site dinner party at Osteria Monte Grappa in Ojai and ended with a farewell Champagne Brunch at Spasso in Ventura. Over the course of the weekend we saw many old friends who traveled near and far, including Japan, Mexico, and Nigeria.

CLASS OF 02 Left to right: Winfield Husted, Amelia Dishon, Cindy Sperry VonBargen, Tim Bunce, Carrie McLaughlin, Michael San Jose.

Many thanks to all who joined in and made such an effort to attend. A genuinely great time was had by all and proved that Villanova is a very special place that bonded us deeply. We are grateful and better for it.

Wildcat Reunion, July 27–28

Teachers Bill and Irene Snively with the Taggs and Mackenzie Eccles.

Jim Walker ’54 welcomed the “youngsters” from the class of 1962.

Ernie and Olivia Cruz sample the Friday luau.

The class of 1962 had a great time reminiscing.

Jim Cassidy ’62 put together the 50-year reunion.

Vista | 32

Saturday’s barbeque was well attended.

From the Director of Development At Villanova the successes are many: we provide the finest college preparatory education possible; we nurture our students to be caring citizens grounded in Augustinian values; and we lead our students on their own unique intellectual and spiritual journey.

Today’s typical Villanova student Jeanne Hill scores far above the state average on the SAT and ACT tests, secures multiple college acceptances and receives generous college scholarships.

As a Catholic high school, Villanova tuition is well below the true cost to achieve all of these successes.

We need your support of the annual fund so we can bridge the gap and continue the Villanova legacy of success. Every single gift, regardless of size, is very important. Please return your gift today in the envelope attached to this issue of Vista.

Calendar of Events March 16: Motown Dinner and Auction April 26-28: Spring Musical May 5: Golf Tournament May 24: Baccalaureate Mass May 25: Graduation (also honoring classes of 1953 and 1963) July 26-27: Wildcat Reunion celebrating classes of 1973, 1983, 1988 (25th), 1993, and 2003

Jeanne Hill Director of Development

Join us at the Villanova Golf Tournament Sunday, May 5, 2013 aT Soule Park in oJai

The entry fee per player is $150 and includes contests, lunch, a Mexican BBQ dinner, and all the typical tournament amenities, (carts, souvenirs, etc.). Tee signs are $250. Sponsorships that include a foursome, range from $1000 to $7500. For $2500 donors may designate a specific team sport as beneficiary of their sponsorship.

Register or sponsor to Jon 805-646-1464 x137, jwyers@villanovaprep.org or Jeanne 805-646-1464 x126, jhill@villanovaprepadmin.org Vista | 33

In Loving Memory Arland “Buzz” A. Johnson

Charles “Chuck” Rickard King

October 5, 1935 – May 2, 2012 Alumnus 1954

July 18, 1938 – October 24, 2012 Alumnus 1956

Arland “Buzz” Johnson was laid to rest in the San Fernando Mission cemetery Thanksgiving week, 2012. He was buried next to his brother Jimmy Johnson ’55 who preceded him in death by several years.

Richard “Dick” H. Tourtelot

September 7, 1938 – February 26, 2012 Alumnus 1957 Richard “Dick” Harding Tourtelot, passed way after a long courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Dick is survivied by his beloved wife Lisa, his children Danielle Swanson, Jennifer Jennings, Ben Tourtelot, Lisa Marie Tourtelot, Jessica Tourtelot, and Max Tourtelot and seven grandchildren, his brother Robert H. Tourtelot of Los Angeles, CA and many loving nieces and nephews.

Charles “Chuck” King was born in Los Angeles on July 18, 1938 and passed away at his home in Santa Ynez. Chuck’s mother, Consuelo Rickard, was a descendant of California’s earliest Spanish settlers, the de la Guerra and Orena families – a heritage of which Chuck was very proud. A 1956 Graduate of Villanova Preparatory School. After two years of active duty in the Marine Corps, Chuck attended the University of California Santa Barbara, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and graduated with a degree in economics. In 1962, Chuck and his brother Bill, formed King Bros.

Cattle Co. Chuck was a devoted friend, a respected colleague, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a kind and generous man who leaves behind a void that cannot be filled.

Hilary Lindsay Boles

Passed away on April 29, 2012 Alumna 1976

LeRoy Hedge

September 17, 1928 – April 28, 2012 Alumnus 1946

Hilary Lindsay Boles, 53, passed away on April 29, 2012.

Hilary was born in Milwaukee, WI. She was a resident of Scottsdale, AZ. She graduated from Villanova Preparatory School and received a BS from Colorado State University in Landscape Horticulture. She earned a CPA and spent most of her professional life in the accounting field. Hilary’s charisma and humor were cherished by friends and family. She loved to travel, especially to tropical destinations where she would scuba dive and snorkel. She also enjoyed playing and watching sports and was the family’s sports aficionado. She loved all animals, and her beloved shelties brought her much laughter and joy. Hilary is survived by her father, John Boles, brother Tom Boles, sisters Maria Richardson, Patti Remmenga, and Christa Prater.

Vista | 34

Alumni Notes

O

n October 29, John-Clark Levin ’07 appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy!, the iconic quiz show now in its 29th season hosted by Alex Trebek. Getting on the show was a culmination of a 20-month process of tests, mock gameplay and and an interview. Of over 100,000 people who try out each year, only 400 make it. John-Clark and another challenger faced returning champion Keith Whitener, a research chemist from North Carolina.

John-Clark got off to a hot start on the buzzer, successfully answering the first three questions, and holding the lead at the first commercial break. Keith hit all three Daily Doubles, got two of them wrong, and then mounted a furious comeback. John-Clark led $13,800 to $10,800 going into Final Jeopardy!, but was unable to close out the win, winning $2,000 for second place. Keith went on to win a total of 7 games, and became the #14 player in Jeopardy!’s long history. On November 1, John-Clark published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal about his experience on the show.

The Sone sisters who attended Villanova in the early 1990s visited campus with their mother in October. Wendy ’92 (left) is in marketing for a cosmetic manufacturer. Minnie ’91 (right) is in human resources for Apple. Both live and work in Tokyo.

Several young alums showed up to greet Mr. Tim Bunce at the Camarillo Ranch House mixer held in June. They are (left to right) John-Clark Levin ’07, Alice Butcher ’07 and Mackenzie Baker Eccles ’12.

A group of classmates from the early years have been gathering at the home of Charles and Anne Doud each spring for decades. Pictured at their 2012 barbecue are (standing left to right) Kevin Lynch ’51, David Lamb ’71, Harold Parker ’72, and Don O’Gorman ’50. (sitting left to right) are Fr. Gregory Heidenblut, Charlie Doud ’49 and Bill Blackstone ’51.

Vista | 35

Samantha Farr, ’08, is a member of the water polo team at the Virginia Military Institute.

She serves as a cocaptain and is also a member of the swim team, competing in the freestyle events. Farr lettered two seasons at Villanova Preparatory for Coach Jermaine Britton.

Devon Billy, ’11, represented Villanova University at the Division I level for the national championships in Men’s Rowing (Crew) in the week of May 28, 2012, in Camden, New Jersey.

Send your alumni updates to alumni@villanovaprep.org

Province, Family and Friends Mourn Fr. Steve Ochoa, O.S.A.

T

here was standing room only both in St. Thomas church and choir loft for the funeral Mass for Father Steven Mark Ochoa on Wednesday, August 29th. He had been admitted to the hospital with breathing problems the previous Friday morning, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and died late that afternoon, at age 59.

A native of Los Angeles, Steve attended the diocesan minor seminary and met the Augustinians when he was a first year college seminarian at St. John’s, Camarillo. He joined the pre-novitiate program at our Casa Adolfo and after novitiate did his junior year at U.S.F., but finished college at Villanova University when Cole Street was turned into the prenovitiate.

As a brother candidate he earned an M.A. in theology from W.T.U. in 1981.

Assigned to the missions in Peru, Steve was persuaded by those to whom he ministered to seek ordination to the priesthood, which happened in May, 1983.

From 1981 to 1997, Steve served in the Peruvian missions, except for one year

at St. Thomas, Ojai (1988) and two years at Our Mother of Good Counsel, Hollywood (1992-94.) In 1997 he was assigned to minister a tour low income housing in San Ysidro, also helping at our Tijuana orphanage.

In 1999 Steve began two terms as the 5th Provincial of our Province. That year he oversaw possibly the greatest movement of province members, 30% of whom moved to new assignments that summer.

A community was re-established in San Francisco and a full-time vocation director appointed. During his second term he worked hard toward the sale of the Villa Nueva Apartments, which had emerged as the most viable way to finance the needed renovation of the complex. He also oversaw the adoption of the province policy for child protection and led us to be one of the first religious communities to be accredited by Praesidium. Steve’s style of leadership was quiet and low key.

He was often focused on listening.

Since being termed out in 2007, Steve taught at Villanova Prep School, then ministered at St. Thomas parish, Ojai, as assistant, then pastor. Internment was at Holy Cross Cemetery, San Diego.

Memorial Gifts

I

n memory and in prayer for those who have gone before us in faith, we invite you to make a memorial gift to honor your deceased loved ones. Memorial gifts to Villanova Preparatory School become a part of the Scholarship Endowment Fund. Since the school spends only the interest from the fund each year, and not the principal, memorial donations endure forever.These financial gifts becomes a “living legacy” in honor of our deceased loved ones. Donate today at villanovaprep.org/donate.

Consider These End-of-the-Year Gift Opitons ❏ Performing Arts Renovation Fund (Goal: $250,000) ❏ Wired Technology Fund (Goal: $125,000) ❏ Fr. Glynn Scholarship Fund (Goal: $10 million by 2024,Villanova’s 100th anniversary) ❏ Adopt-a-Student- (2011-12 goal: $75,000) ❏ President’s Club (min. $1,000, annual goal :$50,000) ❏ Bunce Scholarship Endowment (goal: $800,000 by 2025) Please make checks payable to Villanova Preparatory School or donate online today at www.villanovaprep.org/donate.

Don’t miss your chance for a year-end gift. If you wish to make a credit card donation, the date can be no later than December 31. If you write out a check, date and mail it by December 31 and you can take the deduction in the year that the check was written.

Vista | 36

Young Alumna Gives Back!

Sarah Federico, Class of 2000

“V

illanova taught me a framework that prepared me for the future,” says HBO senior accountant Sarah Federico. “I learned about time management, goal setting, how to challenge ideas that don’t make sense, how to ask the right questions. In college, I was much more prepared than most of my classmates – and I still use these skills every day.”

After studying economics and accounting at Claremont McKenna College, Sarah worked as an auditor for two years at an international financial services firm, Deloitte and Touche.

At Deloitte, she gained the experience needed to get her CPA license and start a career in corporate finance. She has worked at HBO for the past six years, and in her spare time, she participates in triathlons and takes fitness classes at UCLA. For Sarah, giving to Villanova is about coming full circle and returning the generosity that was shown to her.

“I wanted to attend Villanova because of its strong academic reputation, but my parents couldn’t really afford to send me,” Sarah said. “Things were hard – we didn’t have money, sometimes not even for food or necessities. I was scared that I was going to get kicked out since my parents struggled to pay tuition.

I entered Villanova as a freshman in 1996, but in my junior year, Villanova gave me a full scholarship, and helped my brother out too. No one else has shown me that kind of generosity in my life, before or since.”

Sarah fondly remembers how Villanova cultivated an environment where many kinds of success are appreciated. “So many opportunities were open to everyone – Honors, AP classes, electives,” she said. “I never felt like a geek because I had good grades; in fact, I felt like I earned respect for working hard. In sports, I wasn’t excluded because I wasn’t particularly athletic; I still played soccer and volleyball, and had a lot of fun.”

Many alumni express that Villanova’s teachers are the driving force ensuring that the school responds to the needs of every student - and Sarah agrees. “Mr. Phelan was my favorite teacher. I took World History and Music with him as a sophomore, and Psychology/Sociology as a senior,” she said.

“He was accessible and

“

Villanova gave me a full scholarship, and helped my brother out too. No one else has shown me that kind of generosity in my life, before or since.”

had a great sense of humor – even now I still laugh thinking about his class! I also often think about what he taught me and how it applies to life today.”

Sarah also felt at home socially at Villanova. “The best times were freshman week, lunch with my friends, all of the dances, Beach Day,” she said. “I also liked that our schedule changed each day, it kept things interesting.” She plans to continue attending major reunions for her class, and may connect with Villanova when she is in Ojai on business.

Receiving a quality Augustinian high school education gave Sarah the opportunity to escape the poverty that her parents still struggle with today. “I can’t express how grateful I am. Honestly, I don’t know if I would have been accepted to Claremont McKenna if I hadn’t attended Villanova. I wouldn’t be where I am today if Villanova hadn’t made so many things possible. That is why I make a point to give.”

Vista | 37

Villanova Preparatory School of California

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SANTA BARBARA, CA PERMIT #578

12096 North Ventura Avenue Ojai, CA 93023 805-646-1464 development@villanovaprep.org www.villanovaprep.org

Looking Back D

uring the 1949-50 school year a striking young woman attended the annual Villanova barbeque. In those days many from the local community attended the fundraiser in order to enjoy Johnny Lagomarsino’s expertly grilled steaks!

The boys were encouraged to bring dates.

According to Bill Blackstone ’51, the teenage Elizabeth Taylor had been invited by one of his classmates.

Taylor was already a movie star. Her breakthrough role came in the 1944 film National Velvet which starred Mickey Rooney as a washed up jockey who helps a young girl train a wild but gifted horse for England’s Grand National Sweepstakes. In 1946 she made The Courage of Lassie, in 1947 Life with Father and in 1950 Father of the Bride.

Chuck Quinn, also from the class of ’51, remembers sitting at the picnic table next to hers as she is pictured in this photo from the 1950 Villanova yearbook. “I wanted to get up and go talk to her but I was too shy in those days,” he said. “There wasn’t any excitement or commotion about her being there, but it was nice to see such a beautiful girl,” Quinn said.

John Chiero ’53 was a freshman when Taylor showed up at the barbeque and he and his friends were struck by her beauty more than her stardom. “All we said was, ‘Wow! Look at that!’”

From the 1950 yearbook