No Debate - Strake Jesuit

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Page 1
Spring 2006
the
CHRONICLE
OF
STRAKE
JESUIT
COLLEGE
PREPARATORY
I N
T H I S
I S S U E
No Debate
Jesuit Debate Team
Earns Nation's Top
Ranking, Senior
Wins State Title
Houston, Texas
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Page 1
Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ has become known at Jesuit for his moving homilies. None were more touching
than the one he offered at the Mass of the Resurrection for Pope John Paul ll in April, 2005.
Table of Contents
Features
Counselor, Comforter,
Healer, Friend
p. 4
Debater Wins State,
Team Number One
in Nation
p. 8
Departments
President’s Message 3
School News 8 - 10
Development 11 - 13
Principal's Perspective 16
Athletics 18 - 19
A View from the Art Museum 20
Armchair Reflections 21
Alumni News 22 - 24
Class Notes 25 - 27
In Memoriam 27
Births 27
By George 29
THE COVER: Senior Andy Werner (center with
plaque), who won the State Debate Title, with
his teammates who earned the number one
ranking in the nation.
Spring 2006
the
Editor
Rick Rivers, Director of Communications
CHRONICLE
OF
STRAKE
JESUIT
COLLEGE
PREPARATORY
Contributors
Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ
Mr. Richard Nevle
Mrs. Ellen Orseck
Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ
The Chronicle is published four times a year by
the Development Office of Strake Jesuit
College Preparatory, Houston, Texas
President
Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ
Principal
Richard Nevle
Director of Development
N.J. Santarcangelo ‘67
Spring_inside_cover.qxp
3/13/2006
10:51 AM
Page 1
Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ has become known at Jesuit for his moving homilies. None were more touching
than the one he offered at the Mass of the Resurrection for Pope John Paul ll in April, 2005.
Table of Contents
Features
Counselor, Comforter,
Healer, Friend
p. 4
Debater Wins State,
Team Number One
in Nation
p. 8
Departments
President’s Message 3
School News 8 - 10
Development 11 - 13
Principal's Perspective 16
Athletics 18 - 19
A View from the Art Museum 20
Armchair Reflections 21
Alumni News 22 - 24
Class Notes 25 - 27
In Memoriam 27
Births 27
By George 29
THE COVER: Senior Andy Werner (center with
plaque), who won the State Debate Title, with
his teammates who earned the number one
ranking in the nation.
Spring 2006
the
Editor
Rick Rivers, Director of Communications
CHRONICLE
OF
STRAKE
JESUIT
COLLEGE
PREPARATORY
Contributors
Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ
Mr. Richard Nevle
Mrs. Ellen Orseck
Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ
The Chronicle is published four times a year by
the Development Office of Strake Jesuit
College Preparatory, Houston, Texas
President
Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ
Principal
Richard Nevle
Director of Development
N.J. Santarcangelo ‘67
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3/15/2006
President’s Message
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Page 3
Unlike September, January began quietly. No longer are the evening hours filled with
New Orleans students marching between classes, having lunch at dinnertime, or
beginning their school week on Sunday. Indeed, all but five of our over four hundred
New Orleans students have returned to their home city. But I continue to get notes
of thanks from families who found a safe haven in Houston and at Strake Jesuit.
Yet the campus is never wholly quiet.
Construction on our new Athletic Center continues to make wonderful progress. All
of the exterior walls are up, the roofs are being raised, and work is beginning on the
interiors.
Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ
President
The Admissions Office has been busy processing the largest number of applicants in
the school's history. By now, letters have been mailed. More applicants mean more
disappointed students and families, but as I mentioned in my President's Dinner
speech in February, we strive to maintain a delicate balance between rigorous academics and a diverse student body. The Strake Jesuit experience is much better
because of the different economic, racial, geographic and religious backgrounds of
our students. In keeping this balance, we remain committed to our Catholic tradition.
Perhaps the turbulence of this semester has been most felt, not by construction or
the regular rhythm of the school year, but by the number of tragedies that our community has had to deal with.
In the month of February we lost a member of the class of 2008 to a life-long battle
with cancer as well as members of the class of 1999,2002, and 2003 (see page 27).
Nothing is more difficult than the loss of life at an early age. These tragedies have
touched our community very deeply. It is, however, in these difficult moments that
our community is strongest. The generous outpouring of support from our families is
humbling. One of the most important responses that we can have is prayer.
Prayer is a constant in our community, but especially during times of crisis. Prayer
in the Jesuit Community, at masses, on the e-mail prayer line, on retreat, in assurances from one to another, these are signs of the depth of our spiritual nature in this
community and a distinguishing characteristic of who we are as a school.
Prayer is powerful. When others see us pray, they feel more free to pray themselves.
One of chief pray-ers in this community during the last five years has been Fr.
Thibodeaux, School Chaplain and director of Pastoral Ministry. As he finishes his
time with us and prepares to go off to his Tertianship (the final part of Jesuit training),
we thank him for leading us so often to prayer.
As difficult as moments of life and death can be for us, we find assurance of the
Lord's care for us in and through prayer. We are grateful for the Lord leading us at
difficult times, and we are grateful to members of our community - especially Fr.
Thibodeaux - for infusing us with life-giving prayer.
Be assured of my prayers for you and your families during this holy season of Lent.
May the Lord gives us the strength to remain close to Him during both the good and
difficult times in our lives. Please pray for our mission here Strake Jesuit College
Preparatory.
www.strakejesuit.org
The Chronicle 3
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counselor,
comforter,
healer,
friend.
The Strake Jesuit community prepares to bid farewell
to school chaplain, Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ.
It is simply a fact that the life of a young Jesuit priest is,
By that measure, the five short years that Fr. Mark
by definition, a somewhat nomadic lifestyle. While still in their
Thibodeaux has served at Strake Jesuit could have filled a life-
religious development, they move from assignment to assign-
time. While he has certainly touched the lives of any number
ment. Adding to what can be a difficult series of frequent tran-
of students - both in class and in his ministry, he has equally
sitions is the fact that, in many cases, they remain at one
impacted the lives of the faculty, staff, and even parents who
assignment long enough to establish close ties. They can
have come to know and love him.
make friends and develop close relationships with co-workers,
The spring semester at Strake Jesuit is his last (at least
both priest and lay. All of which makes the next move that
for now) as he prepares to move on to his next journey of faith.
much more trying.
It could be in Africa, though at press time he was still unsure.
So, how do you measure the time of one priest - one man
In an effort to provide a glimpse of the wide range of lives with-
during one of these assignments? While the calendar is an
in the school community that Fr. Thibodeaux has impacted, we
absolute and clinical gauge, for these men a more accurate
have asked several of the members of the community to tell in
measurement would be in the lives they touch and the lives
their own words what 'Thibs' has meant to them.
they impact.
4 Spring 2006
www.strakejesuit.org
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this,
no man than
ater love has
re
"G
,
id
sa
s
."
Jesu
for his friends
wn one's life
n life to
ow
s
hi
than to lay do
n
w
s lain do
ha
ux
ea
od
ib
Mark Th
ory of God.
the greater gl
r
fo
fe
li
is a great
a
ve
li
lf with others
se
s
e'
on
e
ar
ily durTo openly sh
with our fam
ared himself
sh
s
ha
ite sure
k
qu
ar
M
gift.
I'm not
Strake Jesuit.
at
re
the
he
e
m
r
ti
ing his
e a membe of
but he becam
,
m
ho
w
the
d
in
te
eekends
who adop
for dinner, w
re
he
d:
ol
n
eh
day mor Badum hous
rthdays. Sun
bi
d
an
,
as
m
st
e we doing
country, Chri
ark, "What ar
M
om
fr
ll
ca
ga
e we
ing can brin
ply, "What ar
Typically I re
"
s?
as
M
Even in the
y
"
sa
t!
after I
g breakfas
n
ki
oo
"C
,
er
ve.
k's answ
municates lo
doing?" Mar
of life, he com
ts
en
om
d does.
m
an
e
in all he is
most routin
t within him
ri
Sp
y
rough
ol
Th
H
e
ost level.
We see th
ved at its utm
li
ty
li
rtua
it
m
ir
sp
d and co fo
He embodies
en us, console
iv
rg
fo
,
s
us
ay
d
w
s love
m (it al
him Jesus ha
words of wisdo
s
hi
to
ed
er
en
ve list
ly in ev y
ed us. We ha
of us personal
ch
ea
r
fo
g
n
somethi
ose silly
or (oh my, th
seems there is
sense of hum
s
hi
d
(often
re
er
de
n
ht
s laug
homily.), po
kes!), heard hi
jo
ux
ea
od
fe
ib
tears we lt
Boudreaux-Th
s tears (often
hi
en
se
,
lf)
se
m
and we have
directed at hi
cent to shed),
ti
re
e
er
w
t
bu
arts,
inside our he
for it.
er
sus' love on
tt
be
been the
ndprint of Je
ha
n
ow
ry
ve
your
You have left
you,
r, and we love
ve
re
our hearts fo
the
r
fo
d
We thank Go
Father Thibs.
gift of you.
m
Lee Ann Badu
el ‘09
'05 and Micha
ul
Pa
of
r
he
ot
M
Fr. Thibodeaux and Annie Badum.
I firmly believe th
at God places peop
le in our life at
certain times for
certain reasons.
Th
is
has truly been th
case with Fr. Mark
e
Thibodeaux S.J.
When Fr. Thibs (a
is known around
s
he
campus) came to
Strake Jesuit in
August of 2001 he
not only made hi
mself at home he
he quickly found
re,
his way into my he
art. Our friendshi
has grown and bl
p
ossomed over the
years. Of course
didn't hurt that
it
we had some thin
gs in common - a
for gumbo, crawfis
love
h, zydeco and Lo
uisiana. We have
laughed together
, cried a lot togeth
er and shared
moments of grace
that will always be
special memories
for me. Yes, God pla
ced Mark Thibod
ea
ux in my life for
reason. The reason
a
why is because Go
d
loves me and he
used Mark Thibod
eaux to show me.
Cyndi Llorens
Administrative As
sistant to the Prin
cipal
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Since Fr. Thibodeaux is suc
h a wonderful story teller,
I
thought I would start by tell
ing a story about him. Sev
era
l years
ago my Theresian's group
was attending a silent retr
eat
at The
Villa de Matel in Houston
. I asked Fr. Thibodeaux
to celebrate
mass. He got lost and forg
ot the phone number, not
that there
was anyone there to answe
r a phone. We were all sitt
ing in the
chapel. When he did arrive
, more than an hour late,
he was
extremely embarrassed by
the situation. What he pro
bab
ly didn't
realize was that it was per
fect. The time spent sitting
in that
magnificent chapel was an
extremely peaceful and mo
ving experience for all of us. His arr
ival with his infectious smi
le,
spirituality, and crazy Cajun wit
was like the grand finale
of
a
beautiful event. You could see the
n as you do every day, God
's
han
d in
everything he does.
He has a wonderful gift wit
h words through his books
and
through his speech. He alw
ays seems to be speaking dir
ect
ly to
me. His spirituality has als
o entered my home throug
h
my
sons
Austin ('04) and William
('06). We all admire him
for
tak
ing
the gifts that God has given
him and used them in suc
h a powerful way. He has inspired
us to better use our own gift
s that He
has given us. I wish you all
the best as you move forth
to
touch more lives. I know
my life is
better because Mark
Thibodeaux has touched
mine.
Margie Todd
Mother of Austin ‘04 and
William ‘06
Oh, and remember the foil
ed
attempt at wrapping the
school. I still laugh at Aus
tin's
remark, "Man, Fr. Thibs can
run fast!"
I begin
Strake Jesuit
four years at
y
m
er
ov
on
ct
fle
ined am g
As I sit and re
hips I have ga
ds
n
ie
om
fr
us
tremendo
p started in ro
to realize the
ant friendshi
rt
po
im
e
n
ux
O
Thibodea .
d faculty.
with Fr. Mark
1
classmates an
gy
lo
eo
Th
e first time I
an year for
priest and th
a
h
406 my freshm
it
w
s
as
cl
d
rake Jesuit
first time I ha
tion for my St
da
This was the
un
fo
a
e
ar
a casulogy and both
y turned into
kl
ic
qu
ux
studied Theo
ea
ibod
e formal Fr. Th
. He became a
experience. Th
ew and grew
gr
p
hi
t
ds
n
ie
d our fr
the years, bu
forgiver over
al Fr. Thibs an
a
d
an
,
er
d.
al
he
ible frien I
counselor, a
me an incred
co
be
s
ha
he
tly
e incredmost importan
a witness to th
en
be
ve
ha
to
and
blessed
s, to retreats,
have been so
ne. From Mas
do
s
ha
rist
he
Ch
y
at
he is trul
ible work th
hing he does
yt
er
ev
in
g
n
ts
di
's stan
service projec
m. Whether he
hi
ow
kn
to
e
m
go to
for all who co
wn students to
l hunting do
al
H
an
his office,
or
in
M
u
e
outsid
down with yo
g
in
tt
si
or
ings
to be
Vocation even
ars are going
course, his te
of
s,
ye
ory I
d
em
an
ar. One m
his smile
Jesuit next ye
ke
ra
St
d
ai
n
Armch r
missed arou
from his book
is
go
I
re
he
yw
e has
will take ever
Reach God". H
for God is to
ch
ea
R
o
s and I owe
"T
ay
w
c,
Mysti
so many
in
d
Go
r
fo
h
reac
a teacher,
allowed me to
edible years as
cr
in
e
es
th
r
uch fo
Fr. Thibs so m
iend.
fr
d
healer, an
n ‘06
Kelly Halaszy
Kelly Halaszyn ‘06 and Fr. Thibodeaux.
6 Spring 2006
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Page 7
a
nt my high school years at
I was raised Catholic, spe
ss
ma
ed
end
att
school, and have
certain Jesuit college prep
a
n
bee
e
s a child. Priests hav
on most Sundays since I wa
arispiritual mentors, disciplin
part of my life as teachers,
of that history, never before
ans, and sages. Despite all
ard
nd" - until Father Mark Edw
could I call a priest "my frie
s
ion
sat
ver
long-winded con
Thibodeaux. We have had
cones, and fears. Some of the
hop
about our jobs, interests,
our
ce on tough, long runs on
versations have taken pla
e taken
ng course, and others hav
favorite marathon-traini
ask
his house or mine. I often
place over a good meal at
es
tim
se
the
ice, but it's not at
Mark Thibodeaux for adv
s that go
ndship. Instead, on the day
that I most value our frie
n the
eve
ore first period is over or
from ordinary to crazy bef
ments,
difficult in a matter of mo
runs that go from easy to
king a
Mark has a knack for ma
d that
wor
d
joke or saying a kin
ng to
goi
keeps my spirit up. I'm
miss not having my friend
around.
Trip Norkus '96
Jesuit Faculty Member
Fr. Thibodeaux performed the wedding
ceremony this past January when Trip
Norkus ‘96 married his wife, Lizzie.
Within the two an
d a half years that
I have known Fa
Thibodeaux, he ha
ther
s changed roles fro
m a priest to a fri
brother. He has be
end to a
en my confessor,
my counselor, an
lenger.
d my chalOn the first day I
met him, I was a
timid, quiet, and
sophomore who as
shy
ked him if I coul
d
go
to confession. De
my awkward attit
spite
ude, his warm sm
ile made me feel
and I could tell hi
welcomed
s love was genuin
e.
Since that day in
mid December of
2003, a friendshi
grown between us
p has
. The memories wi
ll
be
all we have left af
my graduation an
ter
d his re-assignmen
t. I have spent so
days in the PMC eit
m
any
her working on Ka
iros, talking abou
fusing situations
t con, or just joking ar
ound with him.
When most people
think of Father Th
ibodeaux, the fir
thoughts that com
st
e to mind are "em
otional" and "tear
yes, we all remem
s." And
ber those powerfu
l and tearful hom
he gave during hi
ili
es that
s time at Strake Je
suit.
Now, faced with m
y final year at Je
suit, I have starte
ing back on these
d lookfour years. Thibod
eaux has been a
influence in my lif
bi
g
e since I met him
. He has challen
spiritually, emotio
ge
d
me
nally, and intellec
tually.
Though many wi
ll remember Thib
odeaux by the tea
by his hard work
rs, others
, still others by hi
s
caring talks, I wi
remember Father
ll
by his smile. That
same smile, from
day in mid Decem
that
ber of sophomore
year, still greets m
today when I wa
e
lk in his office - th
at same smile full
passion and love
of
com.
Chris Harding ‘06
EDITOR'S NOTE TO THIBS: In your new journey, at those times when it seems the challenges are just too great, remember that old
saying, "it's like stealing huano from a blind man."
www.strakejesuit.org
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Page 8
SCHOOL NEWS
Jesuit Artists Claim Top Awards
Jesuit seniors Yang Jiang and Corey Cleary claimed top awards at the
Scholastic Art Competition. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is a national competition founded in the 1920's to honor young people who have dedicated themselves to excellence in writing and in the visual arts. The
Awards strive to foster the confidence of young artists and
writers and invite them to broaden their creative horizons. At
the regional level, Harris County Department of Education
(HCDE) sponsors The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for
students in grades 7-12 in public and private schools in
Harris County.
Yang Jiang won two gold keys for his self portrait and his
giant painting of the hands and his work will go onto compete on a National Level. Corey Cleary won a silver key for
his graphite drawing which was displayed at a reception in
Houston.
Corey Cleary’s graphite drawing (far left) and Yang
Jiang’s oil on canvas self-portrait (near left) were winners at the Houston Scholastic Art Competition.
Debater Wins State Title,
Team Achieves #1 National Ranking
Tournament
Archer
standing individual debaters were senior
history of the school, Strake
School for Girls in Los Angeles
Shane O'Neal, juniors Joseph Clifton and
Jesuit has won a state title
in early January.
Brian Kwik, and sophomores Phillip
For the first time in the
at
the
in debate. At the state tour-
"I am very proud of
nament held March 2-4,
each of and every one of the
Jesuit senior Andy Werner
boys on the team," remarked
won the state title while jun-
Jesuit
Debate
ior Patrick Mahoney finish-
Head
Coach
ing 5th. On the team side,
Jerry Crist. "They
have
the Debate Team claimed
the No. 1 spot in the nation in
the latest (at press time) rank-
State debate champion
Andy Werner.
worked
very hard and
deserve
suc-
ings from nationaldebaterankings.com. The
cess. The number one rank-
Jesuit squad earned the top ranking
ing is the culmination of
through a series of outstanding perform-
months of preparation and
ances in national debate competitions,
work
including wins at such prestigious events
debate camp at UCLA last
as the University of Texas Longhorn
July and will not end until
Classic held in early December, the Edie
nationals in June."
that
began
with
Holiday Classic at the Blake School in
In addition to Werner
Minneapolis, and the Victory Briefs
and Mahoney, other out-
8 Spring 2006
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Wiggins and David Donatti.
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Page 9
school news
Spring 2006.qxp
SCHOOL NEWS
Men for Others Stars Shine Bright
The Jesuit mantra of building Men for Others was seldom more evident than in the last few months when a host of
Jesuit students put those words into action. Highlighted below are a few of those notable instances.
$5,000 and as much food and clothing as
SENIOR RECEIVES PRESIDENT'S
VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
he could handle, he quickly reached and
surpassed
that
In February, Jesuit senior Kelly
Halaszyn
received
the
President's
ATHLETIC TEAMS
TAKE TIME TO SERVE
initial
Two groups of Fighting Crusaders
t a r g e t .
took time out of their busy school, prac-
When
tice, and competition schedule to serve
all
Volunteer Service Award. The award is
was
said
presented
and
done,
Tennis coach Chuck Kenny gathered
in
conjunction
with
the
some of Houston's less fortunate.
President's Council on Service and Civic
he
had
up 15 of his players early one recent
Participation and the Prudential Spirit of
raised over
Sunday morning and headed to Loaves
Community
$12,000 and
and Fishes soup kitchen (below). Aside
Service Awards.
delivered
from some clothing donations which were
It
two full truck
brought along, the team also brought
Americans of all
loads of donations of food and clothing to
salad makings and served some 275 of
ages who volun-
the Salvation Army.
Houston's homeless. It marked the third
'recognizes
teer a significant
"Michael is an extraordinary young
amount of their
man," stated Jincy Kunnacherry with The
time
Salvation Army. "He is an inspiration to us
to
serve
their communi-
and to other youth and we salute him."
ties and their
country.'
Kelly was recognized for his extensive community service work at Jesuit
including two summers at SHINE Catholic
JESUIT STUDENT HONORED AS
YOUTH VOLUNTEER
OF THE YEAR
Work Camp, Camp Spike 'n' Wave for the
Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Texas
Jesuit
senior
Albert
Mancillas
year that the Jesuit netters have made the
excursion.
and many others. In all, he earned almost
describes himself as an “average teenag-
The Swimming Team (below) fol-
three times the minimum 100 hours of
er who just happens to enjoy helping oth-
lowed suit when they gathered together
community service required by the school
ers any way he can.” If that sounds like a
under the direction of coaches Bob Horn
for graduation.
STUDENT AIDS HURRICANE
VICTIMS THROUGH
THE SALVATION ARMY
Man for Others, the people at Casa de
and Jim Marvin and headed to the Star of
Esperanza must agree as they recently
Hope Mission where the Crusaders
recognized Albert as their Youth Volunteer
served the mission's clients.
of the Year.
Casa
Esperanza
de
is
a
safe place for chilSoon after Hurricane Katrina struck
dren in crisis due to
the Gulf Coast last August, Jesuit sopho-
abuse, neglect or
more Michael Skelton contacted The
the effects of HIV. It
Salvation Army. He asked if he could do
provides residential,
an Eagle Scout Project for the organiza-
medical and psy-
tion by collecting food, clothing and donations to assist them in their support of hur-
chological
care
according to the needs of each child.
ricane victims. Naturally the answer was
'yes.'
Beginning with a goal of raising
www.strakejesuit.org
The Chronicle 9
3/15/2006
school news
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SCHOOL NEWS
Jesuit Musicians Earn
All-State Honors
Fr. Leininger Recognized
with Teaching Award
A total of eight Strake Jesuit band and three orchestra mem-
Fr. J.B. Leininger, SJ was recognized this spring, along with
bers were selected to the 2006 Texas Private School Music
five other Houston area teachers, with a Crystal Award. Each year
Educators Association's All-State Band and Orchestra. The All-
the Spring Branch Education Foundation and the Houston
State Band consists of 96 exceptionally talented musicians and the
Chronicle combine to present the award which recognizes six out-
All-State Orchestra numbers 60. The Jesuit musicians were select-
standing teachers of grades kindergarten through 12th grade. The
ed by audition from a pool of outstanding private high school talent
other honorees were officially recognized at a awards dinner in
across the great state of Texas. These students performed at the
early February at the Hilton
TPSMEA All-State Concert in San Antonio Saturday, January 29 at
Houston Post Oak.
Fr. Leininger began
7:00 PM in the Scottish Rite Hall.
teaching in 1964 at Jesuit
High School New Orleans
and then went on to teach
at Dallas Jesuit from 1970
to 1972. He moved to
Strake Jesuit in 1972 and
has been at the school
since.
Jesuit Spirit Store
Now Online
You can now buy your favorite Jesuit gear - tee shirts,
sweatshirts, caps, gifts, and much more - from your computer.
Top: Texas Private School All-State Band Members (left to right)
Collin Roach, Alex Diaz, Justin Chiang, Brian Le, Armand Ayeras,
Daniel Miller, Elliott Luckett, and Brian Elmer with Band
Director Robert Peri.
Middle: Texas Private School All-State Orchestra members (left
to right) Kenneth Parreno and Martin Bae with Orchestra
Director Guillermo Hernandez-Ching
In March the online version of the school's Spirit Store was
launched and can be accessed directly from the school web
site.
A full range of items are available and credit card purchases are made on a secure server. Shipping can also be
arranged for and paid online so that all your Jesuit gear will
show up at your doorstep.
Bottom: Mr. Hernandez-Ching with Texas All-State Orchestra
member Sam Kelder.
10 Spring 2006
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development
Spring 2006.qxp
DEVELOPMENT
Annual President’s Dinner
Draws Record Crowd to New Venue
One of the highlight events of the
spring season moved to a new location
this year in order to accommodate an
ever-growing
crowd.
The
Annual
President’s Dinner, held on February 12,
moved to its new venue at the prestigious
Houstonian Hotel just in time as a record
400-plus members of the Jesuit community were in attendance.
Held each year to thank and recognize the school’s many benefactors, the
attendees were treated to performances
by an ensemble of the Strake Jesuit
Orchestra and The Triple Trio as well to
remarks by school President Fr. Daniel
Lahart, SJ.
Fr. Lahart opened his remarks by
explaining that the school community had
reason to celebrate - especially in light of
the entire community’s response to the
members of the Jesuit High School New
Orleans students and families displaced
by Hurricane Katrina. He then went on to
specifically thank the chairs of the
school’s captial campaign and annual
Top left: Fr. Daniel Lahart, SJ remarks on the state of the school and thanks
the benefactors
Top right: A record crowd enjoyed the special night at a new venue, The
Houstonian Hotel.
Bottom: The Triple Trio serenade Mrs. Nancy Nevle.
drives. Namely he recognized Bob and
Louise Parsley and Don and Ellie Knauss
The
Greater
Glory
Campaign,
George
Crawford
from
Capital
ified students who didn't need any finan-
ments,
cial aid at all.
We could start recruiting
accomplishments, increasing numbers of
athletic
and
extra-curricular
and
8th graders who are top athletes and
applicants, successful annual drives and
Cynthia Conrad-Bayer from the Annual
promise them spaces on teams or schol-
great progress on The Greater Glory. But
Parents Drive, Bill Schneidau ‘80 from
arships and fill their young heads with
our chief reason to celebrate is that we
the Annual Alumni Drive, and Michael
visions of grandeur. “
are all part of something larger than our-
“We could do many things differently
selves. Together we are helping to shape
He then explained why he had
and still fill our freshman class and Strake
lives, and in turn helping to shape the
recently commented that the biggest
Jesuit would be a very good school. And
future. We celebrate because the mission
challenge the school faced was manag-
we would lose our soul.”
of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory is
Kerley from the Annual Faculty Drive.
ing its success. Without a mandate to
“Strake Jesuit will continue to accept
alive and is guarded not just by the Jesuit
increase enrollment, increased demand
diverse classes, not every student will be
Community, but also by over a hundred
pressures the school to change.
in the top percentiles on the entrance
dedicated men and women of our faculty,
“We could begin to fill our freshman
exam, not every student will be a star ath-
not to mention our parents and alumni
class with boys who all tested in the top
lete or star debater, not every student will
who believe with all their hearts that what
percentiles on the entrance exam,” he
be Catholic and come from a Catholic
we do each day is important. We cele-
explained. “We could select only those
school, and not every student will have
brate because our future is bright, and the
students who come from our traditional
parents who can afford our full tuition.”
challenges of this year and the years
feeder schools, or only boys who are
He concluded that “we have many
We could overcome endow-
reasons to celebrate tonight. A success-
ment issues by filling the class with qual-
ful Second Session, academic achieve-
Catholic.
www.strakejesuit.org
ahead neither deter us nor frighten us.”
The Chronicle 11
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development
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DEVELOPMENT
Great
The Greater Glory:
Athletic Center Complex Taking Shape
progress
has continued on the
new Athletic Center
Complex under construction as a part of
The
Greater
Glory
Capital Campaign. By
early March the walls
and roofs of the two
structures - the competition gymnasium
and the Field House
facility
-
were
in
place. From the time the first section of tilt wall went up in late
January, the project went quickly.
A large part of the work on the two structures will now move
to within the walls and, thus, be much less visible. However,
there are two other outdoor aspects to the project that will be in
plain view - namely the outdoor competition swimming pool,
which will be located just west of the Field House, and the
four-lighted tennis courts, wich be constructed on the far
west edge of the site. The swimming pool will be the new
home of the Jesuit Swimming and Water Polo teams while
the tennis courts will host the Crusaders Tennis Team.
Anticipated to be completed by the start of school next
year, the new facility will provide the large majority of the
students that participate in athletics with a home
unmatched in the area. The new competition gym, which
will be the home of the basketball team, will seat 2,400. In addition, its size will allow commencement exercises to return to
campus beginning with the Class of 2007.
The Field House, which stands just west of the gymnasium,
will feature three full-sized practice courts. The building will also
have a new exercise room with state-of-the-art equipment, locker rooms for all sports, coaches offices, a new training room and
conference room.
The completion of the facility will make way for planning and
work to begin on the next phase of the strategic plan. Under the
last phase, the Smith Gymnasium building will remain but will be
converted to a dining hall. Once that renovation is complete, the
existing cafeteria and foyer area will be replaced by a new structure - a Student Activity Center. The vision is that this new building will serve as the center of student life on campus.
12 Spring 2006
Top: The new Athletic Center under construction as of early March
with a rendering of how the new facility will look from the main
parking lot.
Middle: Artist rendering of the four lighted tennis courts which
will be home for the Tennis Team
Bottom: Rendering of the outdoor competition pool which will
give the Swimming and Water Polo teams an on campus home for
the first time in school history.
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development
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DEVELOPMENT
2006 Fantasy Auction an Evening of Fun
On Saturday, April 22, The 26th
music and fine dining as your group is
Annual Strake Jesuit Fantasy Auction,
treated to a private tour through the
Beneath the Tuscan Sun, will take place
Strake Jesuit Art Collection by world
at the beautiful Marriott Town Square, in
renowned collector, Frank Ribelin?
Sugar Land. There may still be time to
There’s also a tremendous selection of
join in the fun!
dinners and get-togethers.
Enjoy a
If you love the excitement of the auc-
Hawaiian Luau, a gourmet lobster din-
tion but are a little leery of the bidding,
ner, a “Tinis & Tapas” fiesta, or an
we have the perfect choice for you. New
evening of friendly competition on the
this year is an expanded selection of “Sign-up” parties. Some
“Ultimate Scavenger Hunt”. The dates for most of these parties
gatherings are limited to just a few participants, while others will
have already been set, so you might want to bring your calen-
accommodate 100 or more, so make sure that you are one of
dar to check availability.
the first to put your name on the list and the package is yours!
For those of you who still crave the thrill of having that win-
A great variety of offerings assures that there will be something
ning bid, you will be delighted with the superb assortment of
to interest nearly everyone.
items in the live, big board and silent auctions. April 22 is just
Ladies, how about a shop-til-you-drop excursion to the Biannual Antiques Weekend in Round Top, a quiet overnight
around the corner, so get your friends together, purchase your
tickets, or your table, and plan for a wonderful evening.
For more information or to find out how you can still be a part
retreat to the San Bernard River, or an afternoon of fun with
friends learning the art of tamale making? Dads, pair up with
of
the
evening,
your sons and take on other teams during a night of poker fun,
713.490.8107 or at svenables@strakejesuit.org, or Lou Braun,
complete with celebrity dealers (SJ coaches), a buffet dinner,
at 281.980.6500 or at lbraun@dsbureau.com.
and some amazing door prizes. What about an evening of art,
please
contact
Sharon
Venables
at
2006 Spring Fling Another Big Success
Since 1971, spring at Jesuit has meant one thing - Spring
Fling. The annual event, which benefits the financial aid pro-
gram, has grown to become one of the school’s largest single
community events.
This year’s event was held a little earlier than normal, falling
on Sunday, March 5. The earlier date didn’t seem to cause any
problems as the weather cooperated. The crowd
was large and so was the fun.
The crowd had a variety of food and entertainment options. The cafeteria was home to the
International Taste Tour featuring a sampling of
food items from around the world. The Smith
Gymnasium was once again home to the Casino
while the quad area outside of Moran Hall was
dotted with inflatables as well as the music stage
where live entertainment was provided all after
noon.
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Because others gave then.
Billy Zaleski '86
BA Business Administration/Finance
University of Oklahoma
Co-Founder - At Home Media
Strake Jesuit Mentor
President - Data Projections
Strake Jesuit Financial Aid Recipient
It doesn't just happen.
14 Spring 2006
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Because you give now.
William Todd '06
Member - National Honor Society for 3 years
Member - Honor Roll every quarter at Jesuit
Member - Triple Trio
TPSMEA All State Choir
Member - Chorus, Celluloid Club, and Medical Club
Member - Fort Bend Boys Choir
Strake Jesuit Financial Aid Recipient
Choose to give to Strake Jesuit.
Visit www.strakejesuit.org and click on Giving to Strake Jesuit.
www.strakejesuit.org
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It's usually well after hours, often after 10:00 p.m. that an e-mail
Association Tournament. Given the fact that Texas is one of the
goes out to the faculty reporting the news that we have won, lost
most competitive debate teams in the country taking first in the
or tied a game - that we’re still in this or that tournament, but the
state is an admirable accomplishment - achieved not just by being
competition is tough and it’s usually a coach who gets out the
talented but by working many, many long hours under the guid-
news about his football players, runners or debaters - one last job
ance and discipline of their coaches.
before calling it a day. But at Jesuit, that coach is invariably a
class room teacher, and at a grade level meeting, it is that teacher,
Consequently coaches and moderators, retreat team leaders,
whose students usually call coach on and off the field, who most
chaplains and service project supervisors spend many hours with
often has a unique insight into a student’s problem in the class-
their students, not just doing their job of coaching, directing or
room. It isn’t at all unusual, when the news that a student is expe-
guiding, they spend hours listening. Besides being coaches and
riencing difficulties in the classroom, in behavior or in life in gen-
teachers most of the people who work with our young men are
eral makes its way to the principal, to the dean of students or to
also drivers and when a team or group of performers are on the
the school’s chaplain or counselors, that the first question that
road, the coaches are also the concierges who don’t just happen
comes to mind is “Who’s his coach?” The coach whether it be the
to know the comings and goings of their students - it’s their job to
man whose beyond on the practice field with him day after day or
know.
the young woman who has guided him through countless hours
in rehearsal will know what the root of the problem is or where to
But beyond knowing there is caring; one of those other Jesuit
start looking.
terms that comes up even more often than magis, is the phrase
We are a relatively small school; the curriculum is demanding in
Studiorum, the plan of studies and guide to Jesuit educators that
both the number of courses a student is required to take and in the
has been part of Jesuit schools in one form or another since the
level of their difficulty. The demands placed on students are
end of the sixteenth century, comes from the Constitutions - the
reflected in the demands placed on teachers in the time they
rules and guidelines for the Jesuits. Close to two-thirds of the
spend preparing and grading and keeping up with their respective
Constitutions are about forming Jesuits so what happened in the
fields. Our students are bright and they are used to a demanding
shaping and making of Jesuits over several centuries has come
pace, which in turn places more demands on the work that teach-
into regular use among both Jesuit and lay teachers. In everyday
ers must do to stay ahead. The teachers often use the word magis
parlance all of these activities are labeled as extracurricular. But
(that Jesuit term that means do better work, do greater things, do
as far as schools go, whatever happens at school, whatever is
your best and then some), but they apply the term to themselves
included in the school’s program is in fact part of what we want to
in the work they do in their classes. On top of the demands that
happen - its part of the course we run, that is to say our curricu-
cura personalis. This term which doesn’t show up in the Ratio
come with being a Jesuit school are the
lum. It is because the school has blend-
challenges that come with our particular
ed these two traditions - modern
group of competitors. This past year,
American extracurriculars and the tradi-
our football team, which represented the
tion of cura personalis - that when we
smallest school in one of the most com-
need to find out about a student and his
petitive football districts in the state
life, and we need to know who knows
worked its way all the way through the
that ‘kid’ and who cares about him, we
season into the play-offs. At this writing
often ask, ‘Who’s his coach?’
I received the news that our debate
team, which for several months has
been rated number-one in the nation,
earned the school’s first state title in
debate in winning the Texas Forensic
16 Spring 2006
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The Loyola Society at Strake Jesuit
G
The
L
ift of a
ifetime
The Loyola Society at Strake
Jesuit includes those individuals
who have made Strake Jesuit
College Preparatory a beneficiary
through a will, a charitable trust
agreement, a gift annuity agreement, a retirement fund, or a life
insurance policy. These gifts
“Time is
the school
in which
we learn.”
are considered part of
Planned Giving.
Such gifts, truly the Gift
of a Lifetime, ensure that the
mission of Strake Jesuit - to
train young boys to become
Men for Others - continues
for generations into the
future.
If you would like more
information on Planned Giving at
Strake Jesuit, visit our web site at
www.strakejesuit.org and click on
‘Giving to Strake Jesuit’ and then
‘Planned Giving’. Or contact NJ
Santarcangelo '67 in the Office of
Development at 713.490.8152.
www.strakejesuit.org
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Page 18
ATHLETICS
Jesuit Hoopsters Close out Smith Gym,
Build for New Season in New Home
The start of the 2005-2006 season marked the Crusaders
athletics
3rd year in the UIL. It also marked the start of good things to
district and an overall record of 15-
come in the future as the incoming talent proved at the lower lev-
14. Throughout
els. The Crusaders' season got off to a great start with big wins
the season, the
against 2005 state quarterfinalist Conroe and a big win over
Crusaders made
cross-town rival St. Thomas, TAPPS state runner ups. A trip to
huge strides while
Washington D.C. to compete in the Good Counsel High School
turning
Tournament followed where they first faced Holy Cross of New
heads this year in
York and fell just one basket short. Jesuit then matched-up
the UIL, and will
against state ranked National Christian Academy of Maryland
enter next season
and came out on top with a last second shot to win and a 6th
in their new gym-
place finish at the tournament. The Crusaders then played in the
nasium with great
Lee College Classic Tournament where they won their pool and
promise for future
defeated Magnolia to win the Silver division championship.
success.
more
It was then on to district play where Jesuit got off to a slow
start with 2 loses. They then bounced back with a 3-game winning streak and jumped into 3rd place in district and playoff contention. But injuries to big players plagued the team as they went
through a stretch of close games only to come up short. At the
end of the season they posted a 6-10 district record and 5th in
Senior Steve Tyree (above), who will be playing basketball for Bucknell next year, led the
Crusaders most of the way this season and
was among the leaders in the Houston area in
steals, rebounds, and blocked shots.
Seniors to Play at Collegiate Level
UIL Gives
Crusaders New
Home
This past February, the UIL in Texas
went through its bi-annual re-districting
and, as a result, the Crusaders found
themselves in a new district for the next
two years. A member of District 19-5A,
which included all of the Katy and Alief
schools, since Jesuit's entrance into the
UIL three years ago, the school will be a
member of District 17-5A beginning next
Four seniors signed up to play col-
year.
lege athletics this spring. Pictured here,
the seniors are: (above, left to right)
Joining Jesuit in the new district are
Jonathan Moore (football-Cornell), Steven
the Cypress-Fairbanks schools which
Tyree (basketball - Bucknell) and Grant
include Cy-Fair, Cypress Falls, Cypress
Jefferson (football - Columbia) and (right)
Springs, Cypress Creek, Cypress Ridge,
Scott Coffman (football - Georgetown)
Jersey Village, and Langham Creek.
with his parents Richard and Karen
Coffman.
18 Spring 2006
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ATHLETICS
Team Effort Works
for Crusader Swimmers
The Fighting Crusaders Swim Team found team success
on their way to a strong 5-2 dual meet record. Among their top
meet performances were wins at the Bellaire Invitational and the
Private Schools City Championship.
“We had a really strong dual meet team,” said Coach Bob
Horn. “We had lots of guys capable of posting a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th
place finish.”
At the district meet the squad finished 7th, but were hurt by
a false start disqualification in the relays. At the regional meet the
Crusaders managed a 17th place finish. That was due in large
part to junior Santiago Lombo and his performance in the 100
meter backstroke when he posted a his personal best time of
55.65.
Junior Santiago Lombo led the Crusaders at
the Regional meet with a personal best in
the 100 meter backstroke.
athletics
this spring as they posted several strong finishes in dual meets
Wrestlers Begin Rebuilding
with Future Promise
Staying optimistic during the wrestling season was, at times,
hard. That's what wrestling is - hard. The team never had a full
line up, making it difficult to complete in dual meets.
However, in Grapevine at the Texas State Duals, first year
Head Coach John Lopez sensed a that "team" started to form. It
began to show when they were challenged to “not go home until
we win half of the matches we wrestle."
Within JUST hours the team had done just that, winning half
of their matches, twice. The team then began to have fun and
set realistic goals. This was evident at the St. Thomas Duals
where the team went 2 and 1 for the day.
On an individual level, senior Steve Nijoka placed third in
180 lb weight class. He finished the tournament with a 4-1 record
including a gutsy overtime victory to seal his place in the UIL
State Wrestling Tournament in Austin.
The season was expected to be a rebuilding year, and it was
in every aspect. The good news is that all but two wrestlers from
the current team will return next year to continue construction.
Senior Steve Nijoka placed third at
Regionals to qualify or the UIL State
Wrestling Tournament.
www.strakejesuit.org
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art museum
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A VIEW FROM THE STRAKE JESUIT ART MUSEUM
Sharon Kopriva: Transformative Spirit
by Ellen Orseck, Strake Jesuit Art Museum Curator
A trip to Peru's ancient ruins inspired Houston, Texas artist Sharon
Not one to skirt difficult or unpopular subjects, such as the
Kopriva to create visceral sculptures of death and everlasting life.
Inquisition represented by The Raven, child molestation or the
Despite the eerie Incan burial grounds, Kopriva was not alarmed
humanity of nuns at the piano - Kopriva considers all fair fuel.
by the mummies she witnessed near Cuzco, "They weren't fright-
Apocryphal landscapes, such as
ening; they were beautiful…they make you think about your own
Inside of Night, draw you into
mortality."
their vast horizon like a magnet,
inviting the viewer to find that
Kopriva trained as a painter at the University of Houston where
everlasting light at the end of the
she earned her master's degree in fine arts. Remarkably, she is
tunnel. Notice the three-dimen-
equally skilled as a sculptor and printmaker and often blurs the tra-
sional objects adhered to the
ditional lines between various forms of art. As a self-taught sculp-
front of the picture plane further
tor, Kopriva is fearless about incorporating found objects, breaking
blurring the lines of what is real
boundaries between sculpture, painting and installation art. She
and what is illusory.
experiments with papier-mâché, chicken bones, paint, glue, gauze
and found objects to bring to life nuns, bishops, cardinals and mar-
Everything is transformed in
tyrs. Growing up Catholic in Houston, Kopriva was saturated with
Kopriva's hands - the ephemeral
indelible memories of fragrant incense and candle light. The ritu-
specters of life become metaphors
als of her heritage come to life in her richly symbolic painting,
for the vector point between life and death, between salvation and
sculpture and printmaking.
damnation.
20 Spring 2006
Study of the Raven, 2005
drawing
12 x 18 inches
collection of the artist
The Raven, 1998
mixed media
86 x 40 x 43 inches
On loan from Frank Ribelin
On display in the Moody Memorial Library
Rite of Passage
cast bronze
60 x 132 x 72 inches
Gerald Peters Gallery
Inside of Night
oil/mixed media on clay board
40 x 30 inches framed
LewAllen Contemporary
www.strakejesuit.org
Koriva with The Raven
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by Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ
Good Morning, Lord
Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn. I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to you among
the nations. For your steadfast love is higher than the heavens, and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.
Ps. 108:2-5
It's Saturday morning and Dad, in undershirt and boxers and I, in
see that my Father and I can easily control them - can keep my
PJ's, are lathering our faces with shaving cream as we look at
soul smooth despite their presence. Last night, as I tossed and
ourselves in the bathroom mirror. I, being only six years old,
turned in bed, the waters of chaos crashed upon the craggy
stand on the countertop and move Dad's comb down my cheeks,
rocks of my worried heart. But this morning, God's breath makes
pushing off the foam in rows in the same manner as my Dad's
everything still and quiet. And at the end of the ceremony, I offer
reflection is doing with his razor. I love this ritual. I love the feel
my own Morning Offering. It's a little different than Dad's, but it
of my Dad's smooth cheeks after the stubble of the night is
serves the same purpose: it consecrates my day to the Lord:
swiped away. At some point during this father-son ceremony,
Dad nods toward the rectangular sticker with the face of Jesus
that is stuck to the lower-right-hand side of the mirror. My read-
Eternal Word,
ing skills being new, I try as best I can to follow along as Dad
Only begotten Son of the Father,
recites the Morning Offering, "O Jesus, through the Immaculate
Teach me true generosity.
Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings
Teach me to serve as you deserve:
of this day…."
To give without counting the cost.
To fight, heedless of the wounds,
My Saturday morning prayer times these days have the same
To labor without seeking rest,
feel as those of my childhood memories. I, in robe and slippers,
To sacrifice myself without the thought of any reward,
sit with a cup of coffee while The Father and I prayerfully swipe
Except for the knowledge that I have done your will.
away the stubble - the worries and concerns I took to bed with
Amen.
me the night before. Last night, they kept me up and led me to
believe they would soon grow out of control. But this morning, I
(attributed to Saint Ignatius Loyola)
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alumni news
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ALUMNI NEWS
Alums Gather as Jesuits
This past Christmas, a host of special
Jesuit alums came together in Grand Coteau,
Louisiana. Aside from their common bonds as
graduates of Strake Jesuit, they were also
bonded by the fact that they were Jesuit
brothers, all in service to the Society of Jesus.
The alums ranged in graduating classes from
the first, in 1965, to the most recent, in 2005.
Fr. Bill Farge, SJ ‘65 represented the
early Strake Jesuit years. Fr. Farge entered
the Society in 1965, was ordained in 1978
and took his final vows in 1983. He is currently on the faculty at Loyola University in
New Orleans where he is professor of
Japanese. In order of the Jesuit class year,
the other alums in the group are:
- Fr. Joey Carola, SJ ‘80. Fr. Carola
Jesuit Alums in the Society of Jesus (left to right): Thaddeus Lancton ‘05, John
Nugent ‘00, Michael Wegenka ‘05, David Paternostro ‘04, Derrick Weingartner ‘87,
and Fr. Joey Carola, SJ ‘80. Not pictured is Fr. Bill Farge, SJ ‘65.
entered the Society in 1980 and was
ordained in 1993. He is currently Professor of patrisitc theolowhere he works in a soup kitchen and a relief center. He
gy at Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
- Derrick Weingartner, nSJ ‘87 entered the Society in 1999
and is in his second year of regency. He is currently serving at
Jesuit High School in Tampa where he is teaching Theology.
- John Nugent, nSJ ‘00 who is a second year Novice. He
is currently on a four-month assignment in Tijuana, Mexico
anticipates taking his first vows this coming August.
- David Paternostro, nSJ ‘04, Thaddeus Lancton, nSJ ‘05
and Michael Wegenka, nSJ ‘05 are all first year Novices and
have been serving in the Texas valley. They each anticipate
taking their first vows in August, 2007.
Reunion Weekend 2006: The Planning Begins
2006
elected to coordinate with the St.
plans are underway. Scheduled
Reunion
Weekend
Agnes reunion plans and include
for Friday and Saturday, August
them in their Saturday night party.
25 and 26, this year’s Reunion
Watch your e-mail inbox and you
will include eight classes, from
mail box for more information and
1966 - 2001. The Class of 1966
details on Reunion Weekend 2006.
will be celebrating their 40th
And, as always, information will be
Reunion.
available on the school web site
Class representatives have
under ‘Alumni.’
stepped forward to help coordinate the
1986 - Tom Stallings, Tony Alvarez,
details for the weekend, except for the
James Martingano, Mike McConell
volunteer to help coordinate your class
class of 1981 (at the time of publication).
1991 - Shane Walsh, Alex Montoya, Josh
party, contact Tim Scalzitti '90, Director of
The other class reps are:
McMorrow
Alumni Relations at 713.490.8153 or by e-
1966 - Larry Mason
1996 - Kevin Kelleher, Kevin Mitchell,
mail at tscalzitti@strakejesuit.org.
1971 - Charles Kurth
Andy Dougherty
1976 - Arnie Azios
2001 - Kyle Burks
1981 - ?
22 Spring 2006
Two classes, 1986 and 1996, have
www.strakejesuit.org
For more information, questions, or to
3/15/2006
11:11 AM
Page 23
alumni news
Spring 2006.qxp
ALUMNI NEWS
Basketball, Soccer Alums Gather For Special Nights
Over 60 alums (pictured above) turned out on Tuesday, February 7 for a very spe-
cial night in the Smith Gymnasium. That night the Crusaders hosted Alief Taylor in the
final basketball to be played in the facility. Having served Jesuit basketball and athletics
since 1965, next year the gym will be replaced when the new competition gym, the
Crusaders new home, opens as a part of the new Athletic Center Complex. The
Crusaders managed a win for the alums and for the Smith Gymnasium farewell.
Subsequent plans for The Greater Glory Capital Campaign call for the existing building
to not be torn down but, instead, be converted to a much needed, larger dining hall.
The Annual Alumni Soccer game, held on December 29, 2005, underwent some
changes this year, but the turnout and the spirited competition was just as great. Due to
UIL regulations the current varsity squad was not able to take on a team of soccer alums,
so the event became a contest of alums vs. alums. The alumni on hand were divided into
two squads and they battled on the field at Crusader Stadium. The result was a great time
for all, a lot of reminiscing, refreshments in the cafeteria afterwards (and probably more
than a few sore muscles the next day at the office).
www.strakejesuit.org
The Chronicle 23
3/15/2006
alumni news
Spring 2006.qxp
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Page 24
ALUMNI NEWS
Lorenz '88 Takes Over as President
of Alumni Association
resource for the community, the school, and fel-
January brought the beginning of another
semester at Strake Jesuit. It also signaled the
low members. I want the Strake Jesuit Alumni
beginning of my term as President of the
Association to be a source of pride for us all and
Strake Jesuit Alumni Association. I am privi-
an organization that provides value to its mem-
leged to have the opportunity to serve the
bers.
school and the association in this capacity and
As students we were taught to be Men for
would like to take a few moments to introduce
Others, as alumni, we are expected to act on
myself and briefly outline my goals for the
these teachings. For those that have been active
organization.
with the association, I would like to say thank you.
My name is Todd Lorenz, I am a member
To those that are considering taking an active role,
of the class of 1988, and my wife Julie and I
I welcome you. To those that may have drifted
live in Pearland.
away, I would remind you that it is never too late to
I have been actively
get involved.
involved with the Alumni Association for
association in your prayers.
approximately six years, having served as a
class representative, secretary/treasurer, vice president, and
now, president. In this role, I would like to build on the suc-
Sincerely,
cesses of my predecessors and continue to strengthen our
association. I would like to see our association serve as a
24 Spring 2006
Please keep the school and the
Todd Lorenz ‘88
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3/15/2006
11:11 AM
Page 25
class notes
Spring 2006.qxp
CLASS NOTES
‘60’’s
s
‘60
Joe Polichino '66 sold the family beer business and is semiretired. His current business is
Quadrant II Consulting and he
advises owners and managers of
small to mid-size businesses on
start-ups, growth strategies, marketing,
turnarounds,
and
buying/selling. He is also a realtor
in residential and commercial real
estate.
Glen Boudreaux '67 and his
wife, Honi, welcomed the birth of
their first grandchild on January 27.
Their daughter, Elizabeth, and her
husband Chris celebrated the birth
of Henry Morrison Coffman at
Methodist Hospital in Houston.
Bruce Dugey '67 works for the
Port of Houston Authority at their
Barbours Cut facility in LaPorte. He
and his wife, Sharon, live in Clear
Lake, have four children and six
grandchildren and spend their
leisure time on their farm in
Smithville, Texas raising cattle and
fishing.
George Gaenslen '67 rode 600
miles on a dirt bike over jeep trails
in Big Bend National Park this
spring and has plans to go to Moab,
Utah in April for more dirt biking.
Michael Henry '67 received a
Fulbright Distinguished Scholar
award from the US-UK Fulbright
Shawn McShane '73 (right)
and his son, Brian, and wife,
Kathleen.
Commission to lecture at the
Centre for Sustainable Heritage at
University College London for the
Spring 2006 term. He is currently
Principal Engineer/Architect with
Watson & Henry Associates,
Preservation
Architects
and
Engineers located in Bridgeton,
New Jersey.
Gray Miller '67 has been nominated by President Bush to the federal bench. He is currently a senior
partner at Fulbright & Jaworski in
Houston.
Sam Polichino '67 is the Office
Manager for Ben E. Kieth
Company in Dallas, the largest
Anheuser-Busch distributor in the
United States. Sam and his wife
Rhonda live in Lewisville, just north
of Dallas.
Johnny Webre '67 is beginning
his 34th year at Maurice Pincoffs
Company in the international trade
area. He and his wife, Debbie,
have two sons - Judson, who has
been accepted to Jesuit for the fall,
and Ty who is in the 7th grade at
St. Michael's School.
‘70‘7’0s’s
Gerardo A. Smith '70 has been
living in Houston after his mother
passed away in January, 2005. He
is re-modeling her house on
Stroud, near Strake Jesuit, for possible sale and his daughter, Katie,
Tom Reilly '80 and
his son, Garrett.
moved in with him to continue her
education.
Shawn McShane '73 and his
wife, Kathleen, live in Portland with
their two sons, Brian and Patrick.
Brian is a senior at Portland Jesuit
where, as a member of the
Crusaders (yes, Crusaders) football team, he was a part of their
state championship season this
year.
Tom Reilly '80 and his wife
Sandra (SAA '81) live in the
Dallas-Fort Worth area where he
works for Bell Helicopter Textron,
Inc. Their son, Garrett, recently
won the state competition of the
Knights of Columbus Soccer
Challenge. Garrett and his
younger sister, Shannon, attend
St. John the Apostle Catholic
School.
Paul Svacina '82 is an engi-
Dr. John Bertini '74 was recently named chief of Staff at CHRISTUS St. Joseph Hospital in
Houston. John is a graduate of the
University of Texas and lives in
West University.
Dr. Shawn Messonnier '79
was selected by Martha Stewart
Omnimedia as the pet care expert
for Martha Stewart's new radio
show,
which
premiered
in
November, 2005. Shawn also
writes a weekly pet care column for
the Dallas Morning News and a
regular column for Body and Soul
Magazine.
‘80’’ss
‘80
Jim LePage '80 has been promoted to regional sales manager
for Airgas Mid-South and has
responsibility for all of Kansas,
Oklahoma, Arkansas and part of
five other states.
Bob Reilly '84 and his bride,
Stephanie (SAA '88).
www.strakejesuit.org
neer, a massage therapist in the
physical therapy office, and
attends pre-med classes at college. In 2004 he took a year off
from engineering work to spend
five months in Europe.
Chris Miller '83 and his wife,
Kimberly, welcomed the birth of
their son, Christopher Jr. in last
November. They live in Houston
and also have two daughters,
Madison and Annelise.
Mark Aitala '84 and his wife,
Sara, welcomed their second son
into the world December 15, 2005.
Kole Joseph was welcomed by
mom, dad and brother Dillon. Mark
still works in Austin at Apple
Computer as Worldwide Field
Service Data Manager but considers his true vocation to be combination human playscape and diaper genie.
Bob Reilly '84 married
Stephanie Baker (SAA '88) on
January 14, 2006.
Dillon, son of Mark
Aitala's '84, with new
younger brother Kole.
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Page 26
class notes
CLASS NOTES
Raquel, wife of Gregory George '86,
with daughter Isabelle.
Mike Riccetti '84 and Michael
Wells '84 have collaborated on a
new book "The Guide to
Ridiculously Easy Entertaining Tips from Marfreless that was published at the end of last year and is
available in bookstores and on
Amazon.com.
Gregory
George '86 is
Managing Director and Head of
Execution for The Bank of Nova
Scotia's US Energy practice in
Houston. He and his wife, Raquel,
have three children and currently
live in Friendswood, Texas.
Nelson Ebaugh '86 is an attor-
ney with Zimmerman, Axelrad,
Meyer, Stern & Wise P.C. in
Houston. He and his wife, Grace,
published an article in the fall 2005
issue of The Journal of Texas
Consumer Law, and in 2005 Texas
Monthly and Law & Politics
Magazine recognized Nelson as a
"Texas Arising Star."
Marty Schrier '86 lives in Miami
with his wife, Rosi, and their
daughter, Sabrina, and son, Lucas.
He works for Kirkpatrick &
Lockhart, an international law firm.
Rob Hubbell '88 and this
bride, Wendy.
26 Spring 2006
John Neslage '87 and his bride,
Ashley at their wedding with the
presider, Honorable Ken Wise '87.
Edward Horan '87 returned to
New Orleans after a two-week
evacuation to Houston after
Hurricane Katrina. He resumed
work at the City in his position with
the Department of Safety and
Permits.
90’’ss
‘9‘0
Rocco Hard '90 married Laarni
Patrick Bridges '87 lives in the
Houston area with his wife, Laura,
and their four children. He works as
a Hospitalist in the Texas Medical
Center, specializing in management of cardiovascular surgery
patients and long-term care.
John Neslage '87 has worked
as Senior Counsel for Enron since
1998. In April, 2004 he married
Ashley Stephens by the Honorable
Ken Wise '87 in his courtroom and
the best man was Marc Miller '87.
Rob Hubbell '88 and his wife,
Wendy, were married this past
December in Kyle, Texas. He is
working as Athletic Equipment
Manager at Texas State University
and, the weekend of the wedding,
the team played the University of
Northern Iowa at home in the
NCAA
1-AA
Football
Championship Semi-Final game.
Hernandez on March 4, 2006 at the
Sheraton Suites Hotel in Houston.
Brad Kerwin '91 is happily
engaged to Stephanie Sullano and
they plan to be married this October.
Shane Walsh '91 is managing
Andress-Walsh Company and lives
with his wife, Elena (SAA '91) in
Pearland with their two sons, Kyle
and Brandon.
Brandon Swoboda '93 and his
wife, Betsy, live in Knoxville,
Tennessee with their children
Hunter, Tucker, Conner, Bessie
Mae, and Lilly.
Howard C. Chapman '94 and
his wife, Stacie, welcomed the birth
of their son, Howard Daniel on
December 17, 2005.
Howard Daniel, son of
Howard Chapman '94.
www.strakejesuit.org
Joseph Gaines '96 graduated
from the University of Houston in
2001 with a Bachelor of Music
degree in Vocal Performance. He
then studied singing for a year at
the Felix Mendelssohn College of
Music and Drama in Leipzig,
Germany. This season he is
singing as an apprentice artist at
Sarasota (Florida) Opera and
Central City (Colorado) Opera and
is a featured soloist in Houston with
the Mercury Baroque Ensemble,
the Houston Chamber Choir, the
Houston Bach Society, and in
Washington
D.C.
with
the
Washington Bach Society.
Trip Norkus '96 and his wife,
Lizzie, we married on January **,
2006.
in Houston. Fr. Mark
Thibodeaux, SJ presided at the
wedding.
Paul Merkel '97 and his wife,
Carina, recently celebrated their
first anniversary in December and
are currently building a house in
Pearland, Texas
Paul Merkel '97 and his
wife, Carina.
Spring 2006.qxp
3/15/2006
11:11 AM
Page 27
‘0‘000’’ss
Tony Polichino '01 graduated
from Johnson & Wales University
in Providence, Rhode Island with a
BS
in
Food
Service
Entrepreneurship. He is currently
working at Maggiano's in Houston
where Jim Biles '79 as the General
Manager. This summer he will fulfill
a commitment for the 7th year to
serve as a counselor at Camp for
All in Burton, Texas.
Matt Gochnour '01 graduated in
December from Georgia Tech with
a bachelor's degree in electrical
engineering and accepted a job
with BP in Houston.
Michael Marchand '02 will
graduate this semester from
Loyola University in Chicago with
his BA in Theology. He plans to
move back to Houston and
become the Coordinator of Youth
Ministry at St. Anne's Catholic
Church. In mid-August, he plans on
marrying fellow Loyola graduate
Crystal Dasburg in Chicago.
Joey Gochnour '04 received
the President's Freshman Award at
Penn State last April which is
awarded to only 1% of the freshman class.
IN MEMORIAM
Daniel J. Compton '02
Trent Fucich '03
Carlos Senosiain '08
Daniel Compton, member of the
Jesuit class of 2002, passed away
on Saturday, March 4, 2006. He
was a senior at Georgia Tech in
Atlanta where was was majoring in
computer science.
Trent Fucich, member of the Jesuit
class of 2003, passed away on
February 21, 2006. He was a junior
at Loyola University in New
Orleans.
Carlos Senosiain, member of the
class of 2008, passed away on
Wednesday, February 8 after a lifelong battle with cancer.
James Barlow Anderson
Father of Msgr. James B. Anderson, Jr.
Farrell Bolz
Father of Anthony '07
Alex Masoomian '05 was
selected to play with the Austin
Symphony Orchestra at their concerts in March.
Michael Kurt '05, after attending
Texas A&M in the fall, is interning
this semester with the Disney
through their Walt Disney World
College Program. After auditioning,
he was offered the role of Tigger.
He hopes to pursue a career with
the Disney Company in accounting
or finance.
Jim Zerda '99
Jim Zerda, member of the Jesuit
class of 1999, passed away on
Friday, February 17, 2006. He was
the brother of David Zerda '98. He
had been working as an actor and
film producer.
Alfred R. Lea
Father of Steve ‘73 and Tom ‘76
Andre Piazza
Father of Pascal '75
Rose Santoro
Mother of Tom ‘71
Barney Burdick
Brother of Paul ‘75
Dorothy Nonmacher Todd
Mother of Jack ‘71, Mark ‘75 and Kevin
Nonmacher ‘80 and Grandmother of Edwin '00,
Timothy '04, and David '09
Allen Joseph Cortez, Sr.
Father of Allen ‘78
Dr. Rudolf L. Jemelka
Father of Jim ‘77
BIRTHS
class notes
CLASS NOTES
Thomas John Uhl, Jr.
Father of Fr. Luke (Robert Uhl ‘70)
John McCloskey Breen, Jr. on October 31, 2005
John ‘81 and Zoe
Kole Joseph Aitala on December 15, 2005
Mark ‘84 and Sara
Christopher Miller, Jr. in November, 2005
Chris ‘83 and Kimberly
Howard Daniel Chapman on December 17, 2005
Howard '94 and Stacie
www.strakejesuit.org
The Chronicle 27
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11:11 AM
Page 28
Progress Brings Back Memories
athletics
Construction of the new athletic complex is well underway.
As January ended, the contractor began raising the walls of new
gymnasiums. The structures are in a word, "overwhelming." The
new facility looms large over the north end of the campus. The
old Smith Gymnasium is
simply dwarfed by its
replacement. The future is
at hand and the school
must insure that we are
prepared.
As for this Olde
Crusader, thoughts of the
future are invariably coupled with remembrances
of the past. I suppose that
this phenomenon is a function of my age but that's
just fine with me because
thoughts of days gone by
evoke truly fond memories.
I remember that in
1961, when this school
first opened its doors, there were only two buildings; the Smith
Gymnasium and the 300 building. Back then the 300 building
was called "the freshman building" perhaps because that first
year, only 91 students were enrolled and they were all freshmen.
The old gym was brand-new and state of the art in its architecture and design. Other than that, there was only a humble smattering of what were politely referred to as "temporary buildings." These were white washed, wood frame buildings that
were sorely needed to supplement the one modest freshman
classroom facility. One of the wood frame buildings served as
our cafeteria. Another was used as the administration office and
another was put to good use as our Chapel. The last of these
"temporary buildings" were removed from campus some 20
years later.
In those early days, Houston was a small city. The
Astrodome was just a dream in the planning. Major League
baseball was played in an open air wooden bleacher stadium
located at the edge of town by a team we called the Colt 45's.
28 Spring 2006
Sharpstown Center was still under construction and it was the
first air-conditioned shopping mall in the state of Texas.
Bellaire Boulevard, west of Fondren Road was not a boulevard
but an unpaved trail. The Southwest Freeway ended at Bellaire
Boulevard. Sugar Land
was a quaint little town
known only for its sugar
mill and penitentiary.
Frank Sharp was a
developer who envisioned a new community
west of the city of
Bellaire. The land west of
Fondren road was rural,
agricultural, and mainly
used to farm rice or to
raise cattle. He gifted a
parcel of land to the
Jesuits and on the site of a
former rice field, our
founder, Fr. Michael
Kennely built the Jesuit
College Preparatory. In
those early days many forward thinking and generous benefactors, including philanthropist George W. Strake for whom the
school was later named, helped the Jesuits. The Strake dedication ceremony was held in the Smith Gymnasium and I can still
remember the ceremony as if it were just yesterday. On that day,
all thoughts were of the future. It was a day very much like the
day that I first saw the Parsley building, or the day I first saw the
600 building, or again like the day I first saw the new football
stadium.
Forty-five years after the Jesuits first opened this school,
our thoughts are once again about the future. And for this Olde
Crusader, those thoughts always bring back many fond memories of the past. And to that and to the future, I pledge my shield
and my sword.
George
www.strakejesuit.org
Spring 2006 Cover.qxp
3/13/2006
10:16 AM
Page 4
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April
2
Father-Son Breakfast
9
Palm Sunday Mass & Egg Hunt
13
Holy Thursday Liturgy
16
Easter
20
NHS Induction
21
Spring Orchestra Concert
22
Fantasy Auction
28
Spring Band Concert
29
Amistad Celebration
30
Junior Cross and Ring Ceremony
May
2
Awards Ceremony
4
Mothers for Others Luncheon
5
Junior/Senior Prom
8
Take God to College
10
Teacher Appreciation Dinner
13
Mentor Mom Coffee
Fr. J.B. Leininger, SJ Gala
14
Mother’s Day Liturgy
15
Strake Jesuit Scramble
20
Baccalaureate
21
Graduation
24
Board of Directors Dinner
June
2-3
5
Summer School Registration
Summer School Begins
For up to date event information,
go to www.strakejesuit.org
Donut with Balls and Ring, 2000 by Fletcher Benton measures 120 x 120 x 96 inches and is composed of Cort-en
steel. It is on loan from Frank Ribelin and is located outside
the northeast corner of the Library.
Spring 2006 Cover.qxp
3/13/2006
10:16 AM
Page 5
Now online at www.strakejesuit.org
See page 10 for details.
PARENTS, if you are still receiving your
son’s Chronicle although he no longer
lives with you, let us know so we can
change our records and send the magazine directly to him. If you enjoy reading
the publication but do not receive a copy
of your own, let us know that too. We
would be glad to send a copy to your
son’s new address and continue to send
you one.
Contact the Alumni Office at
tscalzitti@strakejesuit.org or at
713.490.8153
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
8900 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston, TX 77036
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Houston, TX
Permit No. 11441