saving - Strake Jesuit

Winter 2008
the
CHRONICLE
OF
STRAKE
JESUIT
COLLEGE
PREPARATORY
SAVING
Camelot
Houston, Texas
The ceremonial groundbreaking for Phase III of The Greater Glory Capital Campaign was held on Wednesday,
November 14, 2007. The next day, work began on converting the Smith Gym into the W.T. & Louise J. Moran
Dining Hall. For more see page 11.
Table of Contents
Features
Saving Camelot
p. 4
A Final Journey Home
- Fr. J.B. Leininger, SJ -
p. 13
Departments
President’s Message - 2
Principal’s Perspective - 3
Development - 10 - 11
School News - 14 - 15
Spirituality - 17
Athletics - 18 - 19
Alumni News - 20 - 21
Class Notes - 22 - 23
Births - 23
In Memoriam - 23
By George - 24
Winter 2008
Vol. 39, No. 2
Editor
Rick Rivers, Director of Communications
Contributors
Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ
Richard Nevle
Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ
Larry Mason ‘66
Jordan Baker ‘09
the
CHRONICLE
OF STRAKE JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY
The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
(USPS 024165) Vol. 39, No. 2, Winter Edition,
is published quarterly by Strake Jesuit College
Preparatory, 8900 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston,
TX 77036. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston,
TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory,
8900 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77036-4699.
President
Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ
Principal
Richard Nevle
Director of Development
NJ Santarcangelo ‘67
ON THE COVER - An aerial view of Strake Jesuit in
February 1968 with insets of (top to bottom) Fr. Mike
Kennelly, SJ, Fr. Mike Alchediak, SJ, Susan Strake,
and young faculty member Richard Nevle.
President’s Message
Dear Friends,
I often find myself telling the story of Strake Jesuit’s early years .
• The Provincial appointing Fr. Michael Kennelly to found a school in Houston.
• The gift by Mr. Frank Sharp of nearly 85 acres of land in a new development called
Sharpstown.
• The offer of 15 of those acres first to newly-founded Duchesne Academy, which instead decided to build in Memorial, and then the gift of those acres to St. Agnes Academy,
which relocated from Fannin Street.
• Opening our doors to the first class in 1961 as Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston.
Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ
President
• Rapid growth and the construction of many buildings.
• Naming the school in honor of George Strake, Sr., in 1965.
• The bankruptcy in 1971.
Often the conversation gets interrupted there. People unfamiliar with the history of the
school express surprise and interest in this part of our story. The reasons for the bankruptcy are many and complicated, at times even tabloid-like. Yet the more interesting story,
the better story is that the doors of the school never closed, no faculty were ever laid off,
and student life always went on as usual.
Many myths about men and women who made incredible sacrifices to save a young
school with tremendous promise surround the years after the bankruptcy. That Strake
Jesuit survived at all was, in fact, very surprising . At the time other Jesuit schools in this
province were closing (e.g., in El Paso), or Jesuits were leaving the school to others (e.g.,
in Shreveport). But Strake Jesuit overcame the financial challenges, grew and even prospered.
This issue of The Chronicle tells the story of those trying years after the bankruptcy. It
is an amazing story. It is a story of God’s grace.
St. Ignatius teaches us in the Examination of Conscience, known most often as the
Examen, that in the review of our day’s activities we find God. Ignatius encourages this
twice-daily practice to reflect on what has happened so we see God’s presence revealed in
the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives.
By reviewing our history, we see God’s presence. God’s grace inspired individuals to
come together to help a fledgling school survive tumultuous years. We all owe a debt a
gratitude to those with the courage and vision to see the future of Strake Jesuit College
Preparatory, for they accomplished what many people thought impossible.
Just as I am grateful to those visionaries of yesterday, so too am I grateful to those
visionaries of today, those who have joined together to help us implement Vision 2008.
The work of the last several years and the current construction project (see page 11) have
ensured the future of Strake Jesuit for the next generation. The Greater Glory Capital Campaign continues to build Strake Jesuit, helping it to fulfill its mission begun long ago. That
mission is not just about new buildings, but also about new retreat programs, new technology, and larger endowments for financial aid programs, all vital areas that strengthen the
work we all do daily.
Our story continues. Our mission continues. God’s grace continues.
Thank you for believing in Strake Jesuit, and thank you for being instruments of God’s
work in our evolving history. It is a great story to tell.
May this season of Christmas and the New Year be filled with great joy for you and your
family.
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Winter 2008
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A few days ago on my way to class in Hampil Hall (the 400 Build-
reasons, but the annual effort to raise funds for financial aid brought
ing) chunks of the east wall of the old Smith gym began breaking off
faculty, students and families closer together than they had ever been
and falling. In a few minutes the members of the demolition crew
in the school’s history – in those years for the first time people began
inside became visible as they hammered down the wall. A few of my
to use the phrase “more than just a school.”
students stopped to watch with me. It didn’t take long for one of them
One of the most common uses of the gym was for school wide
to say, “Hey, do we have to go to class? Couldn’t we just watch this?
liturgies. The opening liturgy of the year, the Mass of the Holy Spirit,
It’s a historic movement.”
was always celebrated in that gym. At one time we could fit the entire
I had to admit he was right about that. For most of the school’s
student body on one side; then it went to both home and visitors’ sides,
history the “gym” had been the one building on campus that could
and later it became necessary to roll out the Astroturf, rent chairs and
house all of the students and faculty at the same time. We used it for
seat the Seniors and Juniors on the floor, along with the ever increas-
everything, basketball games of course with overflowing crowds and
ing numbers of guests who came for our liturgies. Sophomores and
incredible play. There were P.E. classes and in the ‘60s and early ‘70s,
freshmen were relegated to the bleachers. The Freshman Retreat Lit-
“Class Nights” which were game nights for homerooms - a chance
urgy celebrated one of its most important moments in that gym up until
for freshmen and sophomores to hang out. There were also pep ral-
this past year when it moved to the new competition gym.
lies and student assemblies, lunchtime intramurals, dodge ball, indoor
In the earliest years there were few people at liturgies besides
soccer and volleyball. One time there was even a pro-tennis match in
students, faculty and staff. Gradually the number of guests rose – a
the gym. Hosting that tournament paid for the first covering of the gym
few Mothers’ Club officers, then more moms and even dads. When
floor – rolls and rolls of Astroturf.
we began the practice of calling out the names of deceased students
The gym was used for dances too – the annual Orientation dance
and alumni at the All Saints Liturgy, alumni began to show up, some of
and for many years it was the site of the Homecoming dance. This
them driving home from Austin or College Station to be there to stand
past fall we revived that tradition of having Homecoming at home. For
up for a classmate. Now even in the Parsley Center, most liturgies
years the gym was the site of the Junior Cross and Ring ceremony and
are standing-room-only events. In 1971 Fathers Chris Billac and Mi-
for graduation as well. When we began to move things off campus be-
chael Alchediak made their “final” profession of vows into the Society
cause the gym was no longer large enough for events like graduations
of Jesus in the gym – a few weeks after that event Fr. Billac called the
some students and their families were genuinely disappointed – all of
“Debacle” surfaced.
the great events, beginnings and endings, from book sale to gradua-
Watching that wall go down was indeed a historic moment, but
tion had taken place in that gym. It was uncomfortable, perhaps even
the great thing is that the heart of the building will still be there. Those
somehow disloyal, to celebrate our being Jesuit any place else.
broad laminated wood arches, so rare in an age of steel and concrete
During that year of what Fr. Billac calls the Sharpstown Debacle,
construction, will still span the new space where we will gather daily to
the Mothers’ Club was not about to allow the resultant financial tailspin
have a meal together and celebrate our community. The student who
to destroy the school’s efforts to provide finan-
joined me in watching that crumbling wall was
cial assistance. They put together the Raffle
right, more right than he knew. History is about
and the Spring Fling with the gym serving as
change, about the changes that can drive us
the venue. It meant rolling out that Astroturf
apart, or the ones that shape us and hold us
and then building booth after booth to house
together. We watched that moment of change
everything from cake raffles to “Over and Un-
for a few minutes more and then headed off to
der” tables. The faculty and the Dads’ Club
class.
carried out the brunt of construction – in the
early years it was all done with two-by-fours,
hammer and nails. The serious work began
on Friday evening and generally finished up
somewhere around 2:00 a.m. on Saturday
morning. The Spring Fling began for financial
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The Chronicle
3
SAVING
Camelot
by Larry Mason ‘66
Strake Jesuit led a magical first decade in the 1960s, when everything the school did seemed to
work out for the best, earning it the nickname of Camelot. Then, on a fateful day in January of
1971, it suddenly appeared about to come to an end. This is the story of that survival and those
who would not let the school’s storybook tale come to a nightmarish end.
T
h
he
e building boom
boo of post-World War II America hit southwest Houston in the late 1950s. Miles and miles of farmland were converted
into
to Sharpstown,
S
Sh
ha
harpstown,
ha
Houston’s
Hou
newest suburb. The project involved 4,000 acres, 15,000 new homes and innovative amenities like Sharpstown
Center,
enter, the first covered,
cove
air-conditioned shopping mall in the state. It was also home to the Sharpstown Country Club and the upscale
Parade
arade of Homes. If golf course living was not your barrel of oil, The Conquistador offered the luxury of a high-rise. By the early 1960’s the
place had became a shining emblem of Houston’s first boom.
Onto this scene entered a Jesuit priest named Fr. Michael Kennelly, SJ. At the invitation of Bishop Wendelin Nold of the GalvestonHouston Diocese and at the direction of his Provincial, Fr. Kennelly arrived in Houston on a mission to build a Jesuit school and to teach.
4
Winter 2008
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
t
Strake Jesuit as it appeared in February 1968.
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
The Chronicle
5
THE EARLY
‘HEADY’ YEARS
opened in 1969. By 1970,
paperwork was completed and plans were made
needed
to construct the school’s
land. In a telling sign of
first athletic fieldhouse,
the good fortune to come,
what would become the
in September 1960 he
Johnny
received a donation of
house.
First,
he
Keane
Field-
some 85 acres of land
Then, out of no-
for the new campus. Lo-
where, Camelot seemed
cated at what would be-
ready to crumble under
come the intersection of
the weight of a scandal-
Bellaire Boulevard and
ous bankruptcy.
Gessner Drive, the plot
Fr. Michael Kennelly, SJ
proved so generous that
15 acres were later gifted
to the Dominican Sisters.
In the fall of 1961, in the middle of a muddy rice farm on
CAMELOT IN CRISIS
the far southwest side of Houston with only one small classroom
building (the 300 building), the Jesuits founded a school. An ad-
On January 25, 1971, Sharpstown State Bank, the school’s
ministration building, cafeteria and gym were completed in 1962
bank, was forced to close as the result of a stock scandal. It was,
and a science building was completed in 1963.
at the time, the largest bank failure in the history of the Federal
By January 1965, as Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston
Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As a result of the bank’s
entered the spring semester of its fourth year and prepared to
failure, Strake Jesuit lost $6 million. Its cash was reduced to a
graduate its first class, the school had taken the name of one
mere $200. Its assets comprised only of the school itself, the
of its major benefactors, George W. Strake, to become Strake
buildings and the land. It’s liabilities in the millions.
The next day, January 26, 1971, the news came slowly to
Jesuit College Preparatory.
Throughout that first decade, the school led what seemed
some and with a startling suddenness to others.
like a charmed life. The energy and growth evident throughout
On campus, the news first arrived in the form of rumor. Soon
the city extended to the school. Fr. Michael Alchediak, SJ, who in
the newspapers had the story and the word spread. The entire
1970 succeeded Fr. Kennelly as President, saw evidence of that
city was shocked. The campus was in a state of stunned disbe-
‘admiration’ during his visits to the Province’s Novitiate in Grand
lief.
Coteau, Louisiana. A young faculty member at the time, Richard
John Hosty, who came to Jesuit in 1966 and is there still,
Nevle, now the school’s principal, can easily recall those early
had been secluded, working alone all day with no outside contact.
‘heady’ years.
“We were the golden boys.
It was an enthusiastic place,” he
fondly remembers. “Some Je-
‘Soon they teasingly nicknamed
Strake Jesuit Michael’s Camelot in Texas.’
an important faculty meeting,
but I had no idea what it was
suits in the Province began to
Fr. Chris Billac, SJ about. We met in the lecture
refer to us as Camelot because
room, the room that is now the
whenever we needed something it would happen.”
chapel. It is a small room, but at the time the entire faculty could
“When Fr. Alchediak would visit Grand Coteau,” adds Fr.
fit in there. As I took my seat, I sensed that the mood was one
Chris Billac, SJ, “upon seeing him the novices would all begin
of pensive apprehension. When Fr. Alchediak stood and spoke
singing the theme song from Camelot, a popular musical at the
the news, I was so surprised. I could only sit there in stunned
time. He especially liked to brag about the boys, and rightly so,
silence.”
as they were an excellent group of young men and shared his
At the time, Fr. Billac and Fr. Alchediak were in the process
love of the school. The other Jesuits would patiently listen to what
of finalizing their Jesuit vows. Both were supposed to be at Spring
they knew would inevitably be one tall tale after another about the
Hill College in Mobile, Alabama for retreat, but Fr. Alchediak nev-
school. Soon they teasingly nicknamed Strake Jesuit ‘Michael’s
er arrived, leaving Fr. Billac puzzled.
“Later, when I returned to Houston,” explains Fr. Billac. “Fr.
Camelot in Texas.’”
Indeed, all was going well. The library had been built and
6
“I remember being called to
Winter 2008
Alchediak met my plane. During the drive home, he explained
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
THE FIGHT TO SURVIVE
BEGINS
his absence as he broke the bad news.
The school was in receivership.”
What did it all mean? At that moment no one really knew. Fr. Alchediak
A new Board of Directors, put in
let everyone know that there was a
place soon after the bankruptcy, deter-
good possibility the school might have
mined that the school needed to raise
to close.
$100,000 just to salvage the 1970-1971
Richard Nevle recalls Fr. Alchedi-
school year and to increase tuition for
ak explaining that if anyone felt the
the 1971-1972 school year from $600
need to leave, he would understand
to $750. The Board also realized that
and assist them in finding another
the school needed $200,000 more to
teaching job. But, he explained, he
keep the school operating for three
really needed them to stay and see it
years. The generosity of foundations
through if they could. He also told the
and many individuals secured the
faculty that, if anyone needed imme-
school’s short-term existence.
diate assistance because their funds
For his part, Fr. Alchediak never
were tied up at the bank, the school
used the word ‘bankruptcy.’ To him,
would assist them.
that word connotated a lost cause. In
“I was sitting next to John Hosty,”
his mind, all was not yet lost.
Mr. Nevle said, “and at that point I
By necessity, Strake Jesuit’s num-
leaned over and said to him ‘Damn,
ber one advocate soon became its top
John, it’s the Alamo.’”
Fr. Mike Alchediak, SJ
Many wondered what the parents
salesman. As such, Fr. Alchediak knew
he first had to convince the ‘home of-
and students would do. The faculty
fice’ that all was not lost. So he set his
was all for fighting on, but what if the
sights on the Province, where he knew he would have to give the
next day there were no students to teach? At that moment many
sales pitch of a lifetime.
realized they were facing the worst of times.
In New Orleans, the word ‘bankruptcy’ had already crept in
But the bankruptcy served only to stiffen young Mr. Nevle’s
to the Provincial vernacular. Indeed, it was used with ever-in-
personal resolve. He knew that Jesuit schools had to stand on
creasing frequency. The Provincial not only understood the word
their own financially and that, in fact, several other Jesuit schools
bankruptcy but also clearly understood all its nuances and nega-
in the Province in El Paso and Shreveport had closed or changed
tive connotations. Luckily, the Provincial also understood Michael
hands.
Alchediak. He believed in him, trusted him and admired his zeal.
“I understood that it took money to run a school,” Mr. Nevle
In the end, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, the Prov-
now recalls. “My first reaction was ‘No, not this school!’. This
ince offered support and allowed Fr. Alchediak to continue his
school must not and will not
close.”
Mercifully, at that moment,
efforts to save the school.
‘Damn, John, it’s the Alamo.’
Despite
Fr.
Alchediak’s
warning that the school might
Young faculty member
be forced to close, everyone
Richard Nevle to John Hosty in 1971
he did not know the full extent
or severity of the situation. Cam-
believed that ‘Big Mike’ (an af-
elot stood at the edge of a cliff
fectionate nickname due to his
with no sure footing. For the faculty, the effects of the bankruptcy
height) could and would lead the school through those terrible
soon hit hard on a personal level. For Mr. Nevle, the reality of
times. For all, it was a time for selflessness. Thankfully, God had
the situation hit home as he remembered that, as was the case
blessed Jesuit with teachers who truly loved the school. They
for most of the faculty, Sharpstown State Bank was his bank as
were the right people at the right time.
well.
“Fr. Alchediak was inspiring,” explained Mr. Nevle. “What
“The day that the bank was closed, I deposited a check,” he
was magnificent about him was that through his inspiration I nev-
recalls. “I then went home to hear the news that the bank had
er doubted for a minute that we were going to make it. It never
been closed by the FDIC and, except for the five or ten dollars I
crossed my mind that the school would not survive. The amazing
had in my pocket, we had no access to our money. The next day I
thing was that he just didn’t say that we were going to make it for
called the Houston Teacher’s Credit Union and got a loan for $60
a few weeks or months, he sustained that attitude for years and
so that we could buy groceries.”
carried all of us.”
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The Chronicle
7
The changes were subtle at first as
longer and had no liquid assets, we knew
N.J. Santarcangelo ‘67, who returned
that the only way to keep the school was
to Jesuit as a teacher in 1974, recalls.
for the receivership to sell some of the
“Teachers cut the grass on Saturday after-
land, pay down the debt, and then allow
noons. They reached into their own pock-
us to buy back the remaining land. The
ets to buy school supplies,” he remem-
school actually had no say in what land
bers. “It suddenly became the norm to
would be sold, to whom it would be sold,
use both sides of a sheet of paper. Chalk
or for how much it would be sold.”
suddenly became a precious commodity,
Even so, Mr. Oliver worked closely
each stick used sparingly and down to the
with Fr. Alchediak and allowed him to
nub.”
mark out what land the school would
Sacrifice was the order of the day.
need. The first parcel of land to be sold
There was never really a call for sacrifice.
was the land facing Bellaire at the corner
One wasn’t really necessary. There was
of Gessner where a Safeway grocery
a sense of purpose. Everyone knew what
store (now Fiesta) was built. The north
needed to be done and just did it.
parcel along Gessner, where apartments now stand, was next to go.
“Fr. Alchediak always put the faculty
To survive, the school had to get out
first,” Jim Gilbert, another young teacher
at the time, said. “We never missed a
Mrs. Susan K. Strake
paycheck, and they were always on time.
fund-raising. Today, the school’s fund-
They may have been from a different bank
just about every week, but that just served as a reminder of the
raising efforts have definite, tangible goals such as increasing
situation.”
the financial aid endowment or, in the case of The Greater Glory
Many aspects of today’s Jesuit community were born out
of those first months and years following the bankruptcy. Among
8
of debt and buy back the land it wanted
to keep. That required a different kind of
Capital Campaign, the constructing new buildings or the growth
of the endowment.
those was the Dads’ Club, raising funds from various activities, a
In the early ‘70s, Fr. Alchediak had to reach out to the school
new Booster Club created by the Dads’ Club specifically to sup-
community to literally keep the doors of the school open. He first
port athletics, and most notable a Mothers’ Club, which in the
turned to the school community for help and to those stalwarts
spring of 1971 instituted a school Bazaar called the Spring Fling
that had always been there to support the school. Once again,
to raise funds for scholarships.
they answered the call. It would prove to be their unfaltering gen-
For the most part, campus life went on as usual, though at
erosity that would save this school. ‘Alchediak’s Angels’, as they
the time of the bankruptcy, the Johnny Keane Fieldhouse was un-
are lovingly remembered, gave generously and then gave again.
der construction, but given the trouble work stopped. For years,
Many of the names are the same ones you will see as strong
the building remained unfinished, standing as a visual symbol of
supporters of the school today, just a different generation. They
financial distress.
included the Parsleys, the Brueggemans, the Segers and many
Mr. Nevle recalls that as difficult as the times were, Strake
more. They all joined the effort. Fr. Alchediak’s every request
Jesuit was still a place of great joy. The teachers regularly en-
found a check and a promise of more. Whatever the need, an
joyed faculty volleyball games. Once a year, the faculty would
‘angel’ was sure to hear the call.
challenge the varsity players to a game of flag football. It was
Alchediak and his ‘angels’ also took the cause to the com-
great fun for everyone and became a tradition. Magnanimously,
munity at large. Wherever a charitable or fraternal organization
the faculty often allowed the varsity team to win.
gathered, they were there. Asking for money was tough, but
The first effects of the troubles were small. But the day of
the response was very positive. Everywhere they went, a warm
reckoning was soon at hand. Most significantly, much of the land
reception greeted them. Some were skeptical at first, but Fr.’s
was lost.
heartfelt and sincere belief in this school made many converts.
The court agreed to allow Jesuit to liquefy assets on a mea-
Mr. Nevle recalled one story that serves as such an exam-
sured and scheduled time table rather than all at once. This one
ple. “Fr. Alchediak spoke at one particular luncheon in downtown
decision gave Fr. Alchediak the small glimmer of hope he need-
Houston. In the crowd that day were a couple of guys who were
ed. But saving Camelot would come at a great cost.
really grilling him. They just kept pounding him and the school.
“A gentleman by the name of Henry Oliver was assigned as
Fr. kept his cool, defending the school and ultimately made his
the trustee,” Mr. Nevle said. “Since we did not own the land any
pitch for help. A businessman told someone afterwards that he
Winter 2008
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
should invite the two gentlemen to join him at every
of his leadership, all of the premises owned by
luncheon because, whether out of resentment for
the school were either fully paid for or funds were
the torment the two had given him or for whatever
being held in reserve to complete payment.
Even through that troubled decade, the magic
reason, Fr. Alchediak raised more money at that lun-
that had become synonymous with the school
cheon than at any other.”
Various civic organizations, foundations, and
seemed to survive. Proof of that magic is in the
countless individuals all stood strong with the school.
example of Mr. Henry Oliver. The same Mr. Oliver
Before long, progress was being made and there
who was assigned by the court as Trustee and
was a light at the end of the tunnel. The success
whose role it was to ensure that the school made
was nothing less than a miracle. Fr. Alchediak and
good on its debt. After the contract to purchase
his ‘angels’ shared a common love for this school.
the school was executed, the first gift toward that
Fortunately so did the Houston community. Every-
effort, $1,000, was contributed personally by Mr.
one seemed to understand that if Jesuit were left to
Oliver.
In the end, the hard work over the decade of
fail, more than a school would be lost.
the 1970s by Fr. Alchediak and countless others
Among the most notable benefactors during
those troubled times was Mrs. Susan K. Strake,
widow of George W. Strake, the school’s namesake.
In addition to selling raffle tickets and hosting formal fund-raising dinners at her own expense, she
Richard Nevle as a young
faculty member in the ‘70s
and, today, as Principal
at Strake Jesuit.
secured a $1,000,000.00 commitment from the
Strake Foundation. That gift was contingent upon
had been successful.
Camelot had been saved.
In retrospect, Mr. Nevle emphatically says that,
“difficult times can happen at any school. This
country is filled with schools where there was a
failure, not of the students or of the community,
the school raising $1,130,000.00. Those two amounts would
but of leadership. In those cases, somebody did not have the
equal the $2,130,000 price that the school had negotiated for the
courage and the endurance to dig in and put a challenge to the
re-purchase of the land that remained.
people and to create a sense of mission.”
By December 1980, almost exactly ten years after those
fateful days in January 1971, Fr. Alchediak was in the process of
During its darkest times, Strake Jesuit had no such failure of
leadership, it had ‘Big Mike.’
handing over the reins as President to Fr. Ed Maresma, SJ. He
was preparing to begin a new assignment for the Province. At that
Will Volding and Rick Rivers contributed to this story.
time, the Board of Directors advised Fr. Alchediak that, by virtue
Tribute to ‘Big Mike’ Still Evident
Fr. Michael Alchediak, SJ passed away on April 30, 1994
at the age of 58 while serving as associate pastor at Sacred
Heart Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida, his hometown.
Bob Parsley, one of Jesuit’s major benefactors and early
Board members whose wife, Gana, was the daughter of
George and Susan Strake, sought a means to pay tribute
to his friend, Fr. Alchediak. At the school’s annual Fantasy
Auction in April 1993, Mr. Parsley went around the room
soliciting donations in order to raise $10,000. That was the
amount that then school President Fr. Brian Zinnamon, SJ
had indicated he would need to raise in order to name the
playing field at Crusader Stadium after Fr. Alchediak.
Needless to say, Mr. Parsley reached his goal and ever
since, Crusader Stadium (both the original and the new)
has been the home of Fr. Alchediak, SJ Field.
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The Chronicle
9
development
DEVELOPMENT
FANTASY AUCTION
Excitement Building for Magic in the Emerald City
Magic in The Emerald City, Strake Jesu-
sponsoring a list of crowd-pleasing favorites.
it’s 28th annual Fantasy Auction, will be held
For example:
April 5, 2008 at the Sugar Land Marriott Town
- A fabulous multi-course Italian dinner
Square. It’s guaranteed to be an extremely
for 12 provided by Fr. Chris Billac SJ, Alumni
successful fundraiser for the school’s Finan-
Chaplain, and Tim Scalzitti ‘90, Alumni Direc-
cial Aid Endowment and an incredibly fun eve-
tor. The best part is that the dinner will be
ning for our Strake Jesuit community. Be sure
served right in your home!
to mark your calendar so as not to miss this
- Enjoy four reserved parking spaces and
magical evening! Ladies, get ready to slip on
12 reserved premium seats for both the Bacca-
those ruby slippers and gentlemen, gather up
laureate Mass and the Graduation Ceremony.
your ‘cccourage’ to place bids on some amaz-
Dinner for 12 is included at Piatto Ristorante,
ing items in the live auction, big board, and
along with a memorable autographed photo
silent auction. Remember: the proceeds from
car, dinner and a show at the Magic Castle,
of the Class of 2008, and a DVD of the entire
this event provide much-needed support to
dinner at Yamashiro’s, and two tickets to a
graduation.
many Strake Jesuit students.
first-run Broadway show. There is even more
Highlighted in this year’s live auction will
- Enjoy a Strake Jesuit tradition with the
to the package…details to follow.
ever-so-popular Crawfish Boil cooked and
be several Over the Rainbow trips sure to
- Carefree on the Coast of Maine: If you ever
served at your home for 50 guests of your
tempt any travel bug including:
go looking for your heart’s desire…you will
choice!
- Emerald City Extravaganza: Dorothy jour-
want to head to the beautiful coast of Maine!
- An incredible 15-piece needlepoint nativ-
neyed to the Emerald City, but this package
Spend a week in this five-bedroom Victorian
ity scene with beautiful finishing. The elegant,
takes you all the way to the Emerald Isle! And
home set on six acres of gardens, fields, and
traditional Tapestry Tent scene is displayed in
you won’t need the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion,
Sugar Maples. Built in the 1800s and just a
a specially crafted wooden manger and would
and Scarecrow to guide you on this trip of a
quarter mile from Rockport Harbor, the home
be a beautiful addition to anyone’s Christmas
lifetime…you’ll be accompanied by Father La-
is located in the area known as the Jewel of
celebration.
hart and Victor & Lisa Miranda, who will serve
the Maine Coast…only one mile from down-
For more information, please check the
as your hosts and guides! Details to follow…
town Camden, Maine with its famous shops
SJ website, or contact Sharon Venables,
- Hurray for Hollywood: Click your heels and
and harbor view of the Penobscot Bay.
SJ’s Auction Coordinator at 713.490.8107,
off to Hollywood you go! Get away from it all
Other trip destinations include Belize,
email svenables@strakejesuit.org, or Susan
with this extravagant weekend in Hollywood.
Colorado, the Island of Malta, and the Black
Smith, Auction Chair at 713.972.0221, email
This package includes a two-night stay at the
Hawk Ranch in South Texas. Once again, the
npssed@aol.com .
Hollywood Hills Hotel, the use of a convertible
Jesuit community and Strake Jesuit faculty are
10
Winter 2008
Among the many exciting trips that will be available in this
year’s Fantasy Auction are trips to Ireland (left) and Hollywood, California (right).
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
development
DEVELOPMENT
Final Phase of The Greater Glory Capital Campaign Begins
The groundbreaking for the beginning of
construction for Phase III (left to right)
Chairman of the Board John Niemann,
Principal Richard Nevle, Campaign
Co-Chairs Louise & Bob Parsley ‘72,
President Fr. Daniel Lahart, Pat Moran
‘66, Director of Development NJ Santarcangelo ‘67, and the Clays - Robert ‘85,
Emily, Catherine, and Will.
“This is one of the most sig-
would remain would be the structure’s distinc-
n
ifica days in Strake Jesuit hisnificant
tive arches that gave it its trademark curved
tory.”
tory.”
exterior.
W
With those words, school
At the end of five short months, the gym
pres
president
Fr. Daniel Lahart, SJ
will emerge as the new W.T. and Louise J.
set the
th tone for the events of the
set
Moran Dining Hall with seating for 600. It will
even
evening
of Wednesday, Novem-
be the first of three important parts to the new
ber 14, 2007. The location was
ber
facility. Once complete and in service next
the Smith Gymnasium, home to
the
spring, the existing cafeteria will be razed. On
Jesu basketball games, pep
Jesuit
that site will be constructed the Clay Student
rally
rallys,
Masses, graduations,
Activity Center and the new Chapel. The Clay
and more since the school
and
Center will be a three-story structure that will
ope
opened
its doors in 1961. The
feature an open atrium and new offices for the
occ
occasion
was for the formal
Pastoral Ministry Center, as well as student
gro
ground-breaking
for Phase III
activities including debate, newspaper, year-
of The Greater Glory Capital
book, SJET, and the arts. The building will also
Campaign With the
t
Campaign.
completion of the new
include conference rooms, as well as the Spirit
Athletic Center Complex last year, which in-
Store.
cludes a magnificent new Competition Gym,
The new Chapel will seat up to 150 and
the Smith Gym was no longer utilized for ath-
will be available for daily Masses, as well
letic events.
as personal reflection time for students and
This special evening was a time to reflect
faculty. Accessible from the chapel will be a
on the past while looking with excitement to-
Prayer Garden and a distinctive bell tower,
ward the future. In addition to Fr. Lahart, others
at the base of which the Blessed Sacrament
who offered their sentiments and comments on
will be reserved. The space will also feature
the significance of the moment were Pat Moran
a Sanctuary Lamp that will be visible from the
’66, Robert Clay ’85, and Campaign Co-Chairs
outside, reminding all who visit the Jesuit cam-
Bob & Louise Parsley ’72.
pus of the mission of the school.
By the time school began the next morning
on Thursday, workers were hard at work tearing out the gym floor, dismantling bleachers,
and preparing to bring down the walls. All that
Wasting no time, the day after the Groundbreaking Ceremony, construction crews had taken down the east wall of the Smith Gym and
the conversion into the Moran Dining Hall (right) was underway.
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
The Chronicle
11
G
L
The Loyola Society at Strake Jesuit
The
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
“Time is
the school
in which
we learn.”
insurance policy. These gifts
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.
12
Winter 2008
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
A Final Journey Home
Fr. J.B. Leininger, SJ
1924 - 2007
On Monday, November 5, the Strake Je-
After more than 50 years of teaching, on
suit community had its chance to say a last
the afternoon of May 22, 2006 (his birth-
goodbye to JB. It was an evening filled
day), Fr. J.B. Leininger, SJ retired and
with stories, smiles, laughter, and a few
made his last journey down the hallway
tears. The gathering of an estimated
of the 200 building at Strake Jesuit
400 included faculty, staff, alumni,
as he left his classroom for the last
parents, past parents, and friends.
time.
Fr. Leininger was remembered in
Just over a year later, on the
morning of October 27, 2007,
eulogies by former student Mike
‘JB’ passed away. On that day
Koch ‘75, Jesuit Principal Rich-
he made his final journey, his
ard Nevle, and school President
journey home. It was a journey
Fr. Daniel Lahart, SJ.
“Fr.
he had been preparing for all
Leininger,
his life.
Joseph
JB,”
Blessing
commented
Mike Koch, “was a blessing in
Fr. Leininger was born in
New Orleans on May 22, 1924
my life and in the lives of all of us
with his twin brother, Fr. (Charles
here tonight. I would like to finish
with his words, only to him. Thank
A.) C.A. Leininger, SJ. He gradu-
you.”
ated from Jesuit High School in
“I know a secret about Fr. Lein-
New Orleans in 1940 and entered
inger. He was shy.” said Mr. Nevle.
the Society of Jesus along with his
“But he was also a man of destiny. He
brother, C.A., in August of that year.
knew he had a reason to live. So he took
They were ordained on June 17, 1953
his shyness and it became his brevity of
and took their final vows on August 15,
speech that taught us all so much.”
1957. JB served his Novitiate and Juniorate
at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, Loui-
In his comments that evening, Fr. Lahart
siana from 1940 – 1944. He then earned a B.S. in
Mathematics from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama in
said of JB that, “his vocation as a Jesuit, his vocation
as a priest, inspired us all. His life, lived so well, illustrates
1947, a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from
to us the difference that one simple per-
St. Louis University in 1955, and a Masters
son can make. Through his 83 years he
of Education in Mathematics from the Uni-
touched the lives of thousands. He would
versity of New Mexico in 1967.
have been too humble to say this, so I now
He began his Jesuit teaching at Je-
say it for him – as he has done, so should
suit High School in Tampa in 1947. He then
you go and do. May this brilliant teacher,
went on to serve assignments at Jesuit High
this simple Jesuit, this holy priest, may he
schools in Shreveport, New Orleans, Dallas,
challenge all of us to live our lives in hum-
and Houston. In 1972 Fr. Leininger began
ble service to others, and through that ser-
his service at Strake Jesuit College Prepa-
vice may we too bring Christ’s message to
ratory in Houston. He remained here until
others. May his life encourage us to touch
his retirement at the end of the 2005-2006
the lives of others no matter what vocation
school year.
we chose.”
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
The Chronicle
13
school news
SCHOOL NEWS
Fleming Grants Continue to Enhance Jesuit Faculty
Since its inception in the July, 2005, The
- Physics teachers trip to Chernobyl to study
Fleming Fund for Teaching Enrichment has
the effects on the people from the 1986 melt-
enabled Jesuit faculty members to make
down.
trips and attend conferences and workshops
- English teachers trip to England to gain
that they otherwise would not have been able
a better understanding of many of the works
to attend. The Fund was established by Mr.
they teach.
George Fleming to support excellence in the
classroom. The principle goal of the program is
- Computer Science faculty member to conference in Scotland.
to provide monetary support of faculty-initiated
Mr. Fleming, brother of Scott Fleming ‘69,
requests for professional enhancement to im-
also established the Fleming Award for Teach-
prove classroom teaching.
ing Excellence at Jesuit. That award is named
To date, Fleming Grants have included:
after his father, Dr. George Fleming, who died
- Mike Melancon: Support for presenting a
in 2003 at the age of 86. Dr. Fleming had a
paper in Cambridge, England at the Oxford
lifelong interest in education. After college
Round Table.
graduation, he taught the children of migrant
never forgot this teaching experience and
workers and American Indians in Arizona. He
eventually earned a doctorate in Education.
- Theology Department trip to Rome
Third Annual Grandparents
Day Draws Record Crowd
Strake Jesuit hosted its third annual Grandparents Day on Thurs-
George Fleming
Seniors Earn
Academic Recognition
SIX SENIORS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS
day, October 18 and a record number of grandparents, approximately
Six members of the Strake Jesuit class of 2008 are among 16,000
350, were in attendance. Some traveled from out of town for the event
other students named as semifinalists in the 53rd Annual National Merit
including from as far away as New York. Counting the students, the
Scholarhsip Program. These seniors include Curtis Antolik, Anish Bavi-
crowd exceeded 550.
shi, Steven Glass, Michael Hannon, Thomas La, and Daniel Miller.
Many arrived at the Competition Gym early and awaited the ar-
These select few, from among 1.4 million students who entered the
rival of their grandsons. Everyone enjoyed a Mass followed by lunch.
program last year as juniors, now have an opportunity to continue in the
Afterwards, students were invited to give their grandparents a tour of
competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards worth $34 mil-
the campus.
lion. The 2008 Merit Scholarship winners will be announced between
Based on the events’ growth, another record crowd is expected in
The College Board announced that 15 Strake Jesuit students have
been recognized by the National Hispanic Recognition Program.
The National Hispanic Recognition Program, established in 1983,
is a College Board program that provides national recognition of the
exceptional academic achievements of Hispanic high school seniors
and identifies them for postsecondary institutions.
The honored 15 current Jesuit students, who are among 3,300 such
students to receive the honor from an original number of over 124,000
students nationwide, are:
SCHOLARS – Richard Baratta, Ian Carrillo, David Donatti, Jonathan
Hernandez, Baine Herrera, James Lee, Michael Price, Carlos Sampson, and Federico Torre.
HONORABLE MENTION – Rodrigo Chapa, Nicholas Ferrer, Samuel
A record crowd off grandparents
d
t andd th
their
i JJesuit
it student
t d t grandsons
d
filled the new competition gym for the annual Grandparents Day.
14
Winter 2008
April and July of 2008.
FIFTEEN EARN NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION
2008.
Garcia, Daniel Lafuente, Andrew Loperena, and Steve Walsh.
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
school news
SCHOOL NEWS
First Musical Production in Years a Hit on Campus
by Jordan Baker ‘09
For the first time in 15 years, The Southwell Players and International Thespians - the
theatrical group at Strake Jesuit - produced a
musical in the Lowman Theater. Their selection, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” was
well received and enjoyed large crowds.
Though numerous plays are performed
by Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes students in the
Lowman Theater every year, musicals have
largely been run by the St. Agnes theater department, and performed in the St. Agnes theater.
“Musicals really open up the scope and
we don’t have the biggest stage in the world,”
said Mr. Jack Bonner ‘98. He and Theater Director Mr. Michael Sullivan ‘87 were the two
dicated that there are other reasons as well,
Despite “Charlie Brown’s” success, Mr.
faculty members in charge of the production.
“It’s also high school appropriate, everyone’s
Sullivan and Mr. Bonner do not have immedi-
familiar with the material and the vocals aren’t
ate plans for another Strake Jesuit musical.
The size of the Lowman Theater played a
large part in Mr. Sullivan’s choice of “You’re a
Good Man Charlie Brown,” based on the long
running comic strip by Charles Schulz.
On the uncertainty of another musical,
too difficult for this level.”
While the Lowman Theater does not have
an orchestra pit, that didn’t stopped the pro-
“I picked this show specifically for the
duction from utilizing live music. Music direc-
space. There’s a lot of variety and the scale to
tor Claudia Dyle hired a live band, including
which you do this show is optional. It doesn’t
a bassist and percussionist, for the musical’s
need to be big,” explained Mr. Sullivan. He in-
three performances on mid-September.
sophomore Justin Jones, who played the lead
role of Charlie Brown, had only two words.
“Good grief.”
Jesuit Site of First Houston Appearance
for DiNardo as New Cardinal
In October 2007 it was announced by Pope Benedict that Archibishop Daniel DiNardo of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese was
selected to join the College of Cardinals. Over the course of Thanksgiving week, that selection became official at ceremonies in Rome.
Upon his return from Rome, His Emminence made his first public appearance in Houston at Strake Jesuit on Thursday, November
29. Greeted by a standing ovation, he addressed the students and
spoke of his experiences in Rome, his selection to the College of
Cardinals, and his work as leader of the Archdiocese.
His appearance closed with a presentation of a Jesuit jacket
which he immediately put on to rousing applause.
Cardinal DiNardo addresses a student assembly as Fr. Daniel
Lahart, SJ looks on.
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
The Chronicle
15
When you
Sponsor a
student,
your gift
comes with
a face
and
a name.
Whether you have been a longtime
contributor to Strake Jesuit, or you have just been
waiting for the right opportunity to get involved,
consider sponsoring a financial aid student.
As a Sponsor, you will be able to meet the student and
watch him grow throughout his Jesuit experience.
It is a very personal and rewarding way to reach out to
a deserving young man and impact his life
in a meaningful way.
For more information, contact NJ Santarcangelo ‘67 in
the Development Office at 713.490.8152.
16
Winter 2008
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
SPIRITUALITY
spirituality
Our Own Holy Places.
“They shall make a sanctuary for me, that I may dwell in their midst.”
Exodus 25:8
by Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ
There are places in our personal history that never fail to bring us back
to our origins. These holy places always point directly to our hearts and
remind us who we are and to whom we do belong.
Ever since I have been able to return to my hometown in Chinandega,
Nicaragua, I make a trip down the cobbled streets to the church where
I was baptized, the church of Santa Ana. This ancient parish church,
which was established around the XVII century, stands tall amidst the
small houses surrounding it. Right next to it, the city’s central park with
its colorful kiosk provides an often peaceful walk to visitors and locals.
Inside the church, the smell of burning candles, incense and the mur-
murs of prayers bring me back to a sacred place. Walking up towards
the main altar, down the center aisle, I experience a sense of belong-
ing. I enter God’s dwelling place among the people in my hometown.
My eyes, fixed on the ancient retablo, paint a vision of heaven’s gate:
Saint Ann in its center, Saint Joseph to the left and Mary Immaculate
on the right.
The retablo in the church of Santa Ana
in Chinandega, Nicaragua
Standing where I first received the sacraments and was initiated in the
Catholic faith fills me with awe and gratitude. The old pews and walls
speak to me of reconciliation, prayer, thanksgiving, lamentations and
they continue to echo the prayers of the people today. It is indeed a
place where the Lord dwells and meets his people. I came to meet the Lord once again and to know
his love and care for me throughout these years.
Returning to the United States is always a sobering experience. Here, although I may not have a par-
ticular place that brings me back to my childhood, I know that I also walk with the awareness that here
at Jesuit, the Lord wants to meet me. Many times, walking around our campus, I am reminded of the
sacredness of this place. Jesuit is the meeting tent where we meet our Lord: here in this place, veiled,
yet always accessible, the Lord comes to us and graces us with memories that will not be forgotten.
Jesuit is where God renews our spirits and fills us with awe and gratitude. In God’s dwelling place,
our minds, bodies and souls find meaning to all that life offers us. Here, in the midst of southwest
Houston, God has chosen to dwell among us.
Phase III of The Greater Glory Capital Campaign dreams the heart of a plan: a meeting place, a holy
and sacred space where students will come to share their stories, a place where we can partake of
the sacraments and continue to grow in awareness of God’s dwelling place among us, a place where
awe and gratitude will fill our hearts for years to come.
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
The Chronicle
17
ATHLETICS
FOOTBALL
athletics
Crusaders Earn Second UIL Playoff Berth
Playing in one of the toughest football
Evidence of the Crusaders’ success on
districts in the Houston area, no one predicted
the field in 2007 is reflected in the number
that the Jesuit football was a serious playoff
of post-season honors many of the players
contender. As they have done on more than
received. Leading the way in honors was
one occasion since entering UIL play, the Cru-
senior defensive lineman David King who,
saders proved them wrong.
in addition to being named 1st Team All-
The team got off to a great start, posting
wins in their first five games. Those included
District, was named as the District’s Defensive MVP.
impressive wins over rival St. Thomas, 44-10,
Joining King in receiving 1st Team
Cinco Ranch, and two opening District 17-5A
Honors were senior offensive lineman
wins over Cy-Fair and Langham Creek.
Sterling Carter and senior wide receiver
After their first loss of the season at the
Davis Burck. Receiving 2nd Team All-
hands of Cy-Falls, the Crusaders posted two
District honors were junior offensive line-
more wins over Cy Springs and Cy Creek.
man John Hohlt, senior tight end Steven
They then split their final two regular season
Glass, senior quarterback Jeff McVaney,
games, falling to Cy Ridge before posting a
junior wide receiver Kellan Belanger, ju-
win over Jersey Village.
nior defensive lineman Wes Williams,
Their 5-2 district record (8-2 overall)
earned them their second UIL playoff berth.
junior defensive back James Scott, and
junior place-kicker Alex Wilkins.
That was the goods news. The other side of
In addition to these on-the-field honors,
the coin was that they would face No. 1 state
four members of the 2007 team earned Aca-
ranked Katy in the first round of the playoffs.
demic All-State recognition. The four included
The underdog Crusaders were up to the
Glass as well as seniors Robert Goodyear
challenge early when the two teams met at
(see Touchdown Club article below), Tommy
Rice Stadium. Though the final score, a 51-18
Stell, and Ben Werner.
Senior defensive lineman David King
(above) was named District Defensive MVP and selected to the 1st Team
All-District Defensive Team.
defeat would not reflect it, Jesuit stood toe-totoe with the Katy Tiger for three quarters trailing 28-18 at that point before the Tigers pulled
away.
Robert Goodyear Awarded Scholarship at Touchdown Club
At The Touchdown Club of Houston Scholar-Athlete annual lun-
cheon on Wednesday, November 7, Jesuit senior Robert Goodyear
was one of three Houston area athletes recognized. Goodyear was
awarded a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of his third place finish.
The senior received the Highest GPA Award for four years with his 4.2
on a 4.0 scale.
Goodyear was one of 25 finalists. Players with the best grades
who are considered starters on their high school football teams are
nominated by their respective coaches. The 25 finalists were selected
by the presidents of the football-playing colleges in Houston, the University of Houston, Rice University, and Texas Southern University.
18
Winter 2008
(left to right) Jesuit coaches Jeff Wallis and Mike Block, Robert Goodyear, parents Mary & Jim Goodyear, and Jesuit
Head Coach Ron Counter.
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
ATHLETICS
CROSS COUNTRY
Team Repeats as District and Regional Champs
another very successful year. At the first meet
sophomore James Collins. At the state meet
athletics
Al of the Jesuit Cross Country teams had
the Crusaders placed a respectable 9th.
of the year at The Woodlands, the freshman
James Webb later placed 5th at the Nike
team placed 2nd and never lost another meet
Team National Qualifying race with an out-
all year, finishing with a perfect team score of
standing and personal best time of 15:39 for
15 in the district meet. The JV team never
the 5K race.
placed lower than 3rd in a meet all year and
repeated as district team champions with a
perfect score of 15.
The Varsity placed well all year and continued to develop throughout the year. At the
District 17-5A meet, the Crusaders placed four
runners in the top ten to win the meet and defend their district title from 2006. James Webb
finished a very close 2nd, followed by team
mates Greg York 4th, Will Herrington 5th and
Jack Brentin 6th, and all earned All-District.
Colin Roach placed 11th to round out the team
score.
At the Region III meet, the team shocked
The entire squad gave Head Coach Mike Kerley a celebratory shower
(left)after junior James Webb (right) led the Crusaders to a successful
defense of their Regional title.
everyone by defending their Regional title from
a year ago. James Webb once again led the
Crusaders with a 6th place finish followed by
Will Herrington, Greg York, Jack Brentin and
WATER POLO
Crusaders Make Return Visit to State Tournament
In
Head
Coach
Bo Horn’s final season,
Bob
Senior Mark Strickland, who set both single
the Jesuit Water Polo
season and career goal scoring school records
tea once again turned
team
and, once again, earned a First Team All-State
in a strong performance.
selection, will be missed on next year’s squad.
Ov
Overall
the team posted
But Coach Horn is confident that the 2008 Wa-
a 27-11 record and it
ter Polo team will be up to the challenge.
sh
should
be noted that all
“Obviously the loss of Mark and the other
11 losses came at the
four seniors will have an impact,” he noted.
h
hands
of a team that
“But next year’s team should be very good.
fi
finished
first, second,
Several younger players stepped up at the
o third in state.
or
state tournament. The on-campus pool also
They once again
e
earned
a berth into the
Senior Mark Strickland (above) set both single
season and career goal scoring school records and
earned a First Team All-State selection.
ment where they finished in fourth place.
plays a pivotal role in the team’s preparedness.”
T
I t
h
Texas
Interscholastic
Swim Coaches
Association State Water Polo Tourna-
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
The Chronicle
19
alumni news
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Return to Campus to Advise Seniors on Career Day
On Wednesday, October 17, the Strake Jesuit Class of 2008 spent
the morning not listening to a lecture or taking a test but, instead, hearing about career options from Jesuit alumni. At the 2007 Career Day,
17 Jesuit alums returned to campus to counsel this year’s senior class
on a variety of professional fields.
“Having these successful alumni take time out of their business day
for the benefit of our seniors is a wonderful gesture,” noted Tom Kulick,
Director of Guidance and Counseling at Jesuit. “The information that
these young men received today was priceless. And the willingness
of the alums to offer their insight shows a real sense of gratitude on
their part for the foundation they received during their time at Strake
Jesuit.”
The event began with a keynote address to the entire class by David
Cordua ’00. Mr. Cordua is currently an Executive Chef with Cordua
Restaurants which include some of Houston’s most popular and successful restaurants: Churrasco’s, Amazon Grill, Artista, and Americas.
Following that keynote address, the students were able to select
from a series of breakout session based on professions. The breakouts
included Legal, Finance and Investments, Medical, Oil & Gas / Energy
Trading, Consulting, Engineering, Sales, and Education.
Among the alumni who returned to Jesuit to take part in the presen-
tations were:
Jesse Collins ’01 – Associate Design Engineer, National Oilwell Varco
David Cordua ’00 – Executive Chef, Cordua Restaurants
Rick Couvillon ’81 – Director Midcon Desk, BP Energy
Tom Friedman ’69 – Owner, AlignResults Consulting, LLC
Rauli Garcia ’87 – VP Research and Client Development, Paul Comstock Partners
Kevin Kelleher ’96 – Primary Charge Nurse, DaVita Dialysis Clinic
Will Knecht ’98 – Executive Search Consultant, Richard Wayne & Roberts
Michael Marchand ’02 – Coordinator of Youth Formation, Saint Anne
Catholic Community
Chris McConn ’91 – Sales-Business Development, Idea Integration
Michael Mineo ’91 – Urologist
Alex Montoya ’91 – Regional Vice President, Russell Investment
Group
Peter Sabonghy ’90 – Orthopedic Surgeon
Erich Schenk ’88 – Attorney, The Spencer Law Firm
Mario Smith ’85 – Airline Pilot, Expressjet, Inc.
John Spiller ’84 – Attorney, Strasburger & Price
Miguel Suderman ’70 – President & Chief Science Officer, Cell Systems 3-D
Tony Zubizarreta ’91 – Sales, Rexel Electrical & Datacom Supplies In-
Among the Alumni presenters at Career Day 2007 were (top)
Keynote Speaker David Cordua ‘00, (middle) Rick Couvillon ‘81, and (bottom, left to right) Rauli Garcia ‘87 and Alex
Montoya ‘91.
dustrial Sales
20
Winter 2008
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alumni news
ALUMNI NEWS
Texas Alumni Receptions Draw Large Crowds
A trip of Alumni Receptions were held across the Lone
Star State in the fall in Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Each
drew a gathering of alumni in the area with the Austin event
setting a record for an Alumni Reception not in Houston.
Dallas served as the kick-off event on September 26 at
Maggiano’s. Fr. Billac made a guest appearance and the
alumni present were glad to see him. One former student,
Bob Ennis ‘73 went so far as to bring his Latin textbook with
him from his days at Jesuit and had Fr. Billac autograph it for
him.
From there it was on to Austin on October 29
where a record turnout of almost 60 alums
gathered at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill owned
by Jesuit alum Larry Perdido ‘86. The trio of
events wrapped up the next night, October 30,
in San Antonio at Rio Rio where the alumni on
hand ranged from the class of 1973 all the way
up to as recent as 2006.
Pictured at left, top to bottom:
- Dallas: Fr. Billac, Bob Ennis ‘73 and his wife,
Zora Vlasak
- Austin: a record gathering of almost 60 alumni
- San Antonio: (left to right) Assistant Director of
Development Mike Crowley, Bob Bombace ‘79,
Bret Broussard ‘76, Kevin Squyres ‘06, Fr. Donald
Bahlinger, SJ, school president Fr. Daniel Lahart,
SJ, Director of Development NJ Santarcangelo ‘67,
Cindy and Frank Dirosa ‘73.
Jack Koch Memorial Golf Tournament
The Koch Clan (left) and a great number of friends
gathered once again this summer for the Annual Jack
Koch Memorial Golf Tournament. This year’s event
was once again held at Country Place County Club
in Pearland, Texas on June 8.
The annual tournament benefits the Jack Koch
Memorial Scholarship Fund at Strake Jesuit. Mr.
Koch was the father of five Jesuit alums.
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The Chronicle
21
CLASS NOTES
class notes
‘60’s
‘60’s
Rick Teichgraeber III ’67 is the Director of Tulane’s Murphy Institute
at Tulane University where his wife,
Mary, is the Vice President of the
Tulane Health Science Center.
‘70’s
‘70’s
Michael Parke ’71, his wife, Mariilyn, and children Christine, Michelle,
and Robert are living in Hawaii
where he works for NOAA doing
research on the coral reefs of the
U.S. Pacific Island. He is currently
on special detail with the Commerce
Department looking at the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in disaster
management.
Mike Rice ’77 is on the faculty at
Baylor College of Medicine as a full
time Emergency Room attendant at
Ben Taub Hospital.
Bryan Munson ’78 has spent the
last seven years teaching high
school English at Taejon Christian
International School in South Korea. Last May he, his wife, and two
of their daughters moved to Riyadh
in Saudi Arabia where he is now
teaching English Literature and his
wife is a literacy specialist.
‘80’s
‘80’s
Chris Marotta ‘83 is a CPA and
Auditor for the Inspector General,
US Agency for International Development. He recently traveled to
the embassy in Baghdad, Iraq on a
long-term assignment
Seth Wallis ‘94 and his wife, Sara
(SAA ‘94), and their son, Benjamin,
welcomed the birth of their son,
Zachary Michael, on September 28,
2007. The family is living in Austin.
David Eskelund ’85, is a Lieutenant
Colonel in the Marine Corps and was
recently assigned as Commander of
the Combat Logistics Battalion – 6
2nd Marine Logistics Group in Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina.
Tom McNeely ’86 and his wife,
Cheryl, welcomed the birth of their
daughter, Alice Mayra. She was
born in Guatemala and brought
home to Cambridge, Massachusetts
where Cheryl is the Head of Access
Services for the Harvard College
Libraries. Tom has received a Literature Fellowship for 2008 from the
National Endowment for the Arts.
Scott Mullis ’89 was married in May
2007 to Stephanie Barker and they
are living in Katy, Texas. He has
worked for eight years as a computer systems analyst for Crown Castle
International, a large telecommunications company.
Russell Ford ‘89 and his wife, Kelly,
welcomed the birth of their son, Colin Philip, on November 21, 2007
‘90’s
‘90’s
Ryan McConnell ’95 and his wife,
Alyson, and their daughter, Caitlyn,
welcomed the birth of Jack Ethan on
May 24, 2007. The family returned
to Houston in November 2007 when
Ryan joined the United States Attorney’s Office as an Assistant United
States Attorney in the Criminal Division.
Richard Zientek ’95 and Leslie Jacob were married on July 28, 2007 at
St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Houston. Fr. Mike Dooley, SJ was the celebrant and the ceremony included
Jesuit alums Mike Zientek ’87 who
served as Best Man, Frank Simcik
’95 who served as a Groomsman,
and Jim Spurr, Jr. ’87 who served as
an Usher. Richard is Senior Public
Relations Representative with the
engineering consulting firm of HNTB
Corporation.
Tom Barry ’98 and his wife, Jessica, and daughter, Rose, welcomed
Thomas Joseph Hosty Barry, Jr. to
the family on August 31, 2007 in
Houston.
Louis Martincheck ‘83 is living in
Riverside, California with his wife,
Shana, and two children - Piper
and Luke. He is a neonatologist at
Redlands and Riverside Community
hospitals.
Winter 2008
Kevin Kelleher ’96 is a Primary
Charge Nurse for DaVita in the
Houston Medical Center while completing his Masters in Nursing. He is
engaged to Lori Koesters and they
have a wedding planned for next
spring with a honeymoon in Santiago, Chile.
Tom Legler ’93 was married to Julie
Naomi Finberg on May 6, 2007 and
they are living in Mansfield, Texas.
Craig Adams ’80 recently accepted
a position with British Gas – North
America as Director of Marketing,
Logistics, and Optimization in Houston after spending four years with
Cargill in Minneapolis.
22
Joseph Gaines ‘96 is a full-time opera and concert singer. He made his
concert and opera debuts in some
local New York City companies. He
made his regional debut last May
at the Indianapolis Opera with a
principal role in Verdi’s “Falstaff”.
In December he made his regional
symphony debut as a Messiah soloist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
Belton Flournoy ’99 graduated
from Marquette University in December 2007. He spent his last semester at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He has accepted
a position with Protiviti as a Technology Risk Consultant.
Gerardo A. Interiano ’99 and his
wife, Aynsley, are living in Austin,
Texas. Gerardo is a District Director and Campaign Manager for U.S.
Congressman Lamar Smith. He
is also President of the Cathedral
of St. Mary’s Parish Council and
serves on the Austin Independent
School District’s Young Men’s Leadership Academy Task Force.
William Moore ’99 graduated
Summa Cum Laude from Vanderbilt
University with a major in Economics and minor in Chemistry. He then
graduated as a Doctor of Medicine
from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas at the top of his class. He was
the 2007 recipient of the HudsonPenn surgery award for outstanding achievement, clinical skills, and
a caring attitude toward patients.
He is currently in his first year of a
7-year general surgery residency at
Vanderbilt University in Nashville,
Tennessee.
Jared Voskuhl ’99 was married
to Courtney Stauffer on August 5,
2006 in Evanston, Illinois at the
Alice Milar Chapel on the campus
of Northwestern University. Jesuit
alums Brian Walters ’99 and Jake
Voskuhl ’96 were in attendance.
‘00’s
‘00’s
- IN MEMORIAM ALUMNI
Brian Joseph Brasseaux ‘81
Father of Trey ‘11 and
Brother-in-law of Timothy ‘72, Kevin ‘75,
Robert ‘77, Mike ‘79, and Daniel ‘81 Crowley
Jeffrey Gaspard ‘00 earned his BS
and MS in Chemical Engineering
from Texas A&M University and is
currently pursuing his PhD.
Donations may be made to the Brian Brasseaux
Memorial Scholarship Fund at Strake Jesuit
James Tisius ‘00 graduated from
Texas A&M University with a degree
in Biology and Genetics. In December 2007 he completed his work at
Baylor College of Medicine Human
Genome Center and in January
2008 he will begin medical school at
American University on the island of
St. Marteen.
Chris Coffman ‘01 is a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force and earned his
pilot’s wings this past fall. The next
day, he became enagaged to Erin
Calder and they have plans for a fall
g
wedding.
Daniel
Fortson ‘00
William
Jasper ‘85
Alex Steffler ’03 is teaching secondary Spanish for Teach For
America as a member of the 2008
Philadelphia Corps.
Savie Maneen ‘05 is working as a
TV sports producer for the ABC affiliate in Syracuse, New York. He is
a junior at Syracuse University majoring in broadcast journalism and
political science
Gregory
Willkomm ‘73
Walter I. Petter
Father of Daniel ‘70, Gary ‘77 and
Grandfather of Brian ‘90
Anthony P. Apollo
Father of Anthony ‘89
Mary Krutsinger
Mother of Charles ‘79 and
Ethan ‘81
Estacio Dunn ’02 is a missionary
for Couple for Christ Ministry and
works in youth ministry in Florida,
Georgia, and Mississippi.
Craig
Lessar ‘97
Tomas Rune ‘06
Edward A. Cazares
Father of Edward ‘85
Sean Ubias ’01 graduated from
the University of Texas and has
completed Marine Officer Candidates School and The Marine Basic
School. He is a Second Lieutenant
and is assigned to Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina as an instructor in
Combat Engineering.
class notes
CLASS NOTES
Lillie Mae Dornak Miskell
Mother of Joe ‘81
John Francis O’Connell
Father of Jack ‘87 and Patrick ‘88
John Norman Pawloski, Sr.
Father of George ‘91
Nick Joseph Russo
Father of Nick '74 and
Grandfather of Jack Caliva '79
Joseph Ralph Sacra
Father of Ralph ‘69, Jerry ‘71, and
Mark ‘74 and Grandfather of Joseph
‘97, Mark, Jr. ‘03, Richard ‘05, and
Stephen ‘06
Elizabeth Van Slyke
Mother of Peter ‘77, Tony ‘79, and
Dirk ‘85
- BIRTHS -
Alice Mayra McNeely on September 25, 2006
Tom ‘86 and Cheryl
Jack Ethan McConnell on May 24, 2007
Ryan ‘95 and Alyson
Thomas Joseph Hosty Barry on August 31, 2007
Tom ‘98 and Rose
Zachary Michael Wallis on September 28, 2007
Seth ‘94 and Sarah
Colin Philip Ford on November 21, 2007
Russell ‘89 and Kelly
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
The Chronicle
23
Soul Mates
Every year at this time I reflect on the entering freshmen and how their Jesuit experience will affect them. Jesuit not only provides
a scholastic education, but something more
meaningful and profound--an education on
life.
As the years pass, many alumni become
more grateful for the difference attending Jesuit made in their lives. At the same time this
year’s freshmen were attending classes for
the first time to begin their journey, many Jesuit alums were attending their class reunions
and reflecting on their experiences.
This year, Chris Horton ‘87 missed his reunion.
After his freshman year at another school,
Chris felt something missing. He wanted
more. Chris was a student of life and a deep Chris Horton ‘87 and
soul. Jesuit was the perfect place for Chris.
He also found his spiritual mentor in Fr. Joseph Doyle, SJ. And, as
would become apparent later, Fr. Doyle found a mentor in Chris.
Fr. Doyle says of himself that he was not a very good teacher. He
is wrong. Fr. Doyle taught Chris Jesus’ most important lessons, to be
selfless and love one another. For Chris, actions spoke louder than
words, and Fr. Doyle lived these principles. Chris knew Fr. Doyle was
a person who would literally give the shirt off his back to any stranger,
and that selflessness affected Chris greatly.
After Jesuit, Chris attended Texas A&M where he met his future
wife, Miles Hunke. If ever there was a marriage that was perfect, it was
theirs. They shared a love of the outdoors and traveling, even living out
of a backpack traveling the world for fourteen months. They had two
children, Noe and Nicholas. Chris always wanted to live in a smaller
town, with a slower pace, where one could enjoy life. They eventually
settled in Kerrville, Texas where he imported goods from the various
places they had traveled. They had it all.
In February 2007, Chris visited a doctor thinking he had food poisoning. Sadly, the doctor had terrible news--he had pancreatic cancer.
Chris knew the odds were against him, but he would fight. Shortly
after being diagnosed, Chris and Miles visited MD Anderson in Houston. When they arrived in Houston they were surprised to see so many
Jesuit classmates awaiting them. With only a single days notice, ten to
fifteen of his Jesuit classmates showed up for moral support, traveling
from places as far as the nation’s capital. It was a testament to the lifelong friendships that are made at Jesuit.
Fr. Doyle, now President of Tampa Jesuit, happened to be at
Strake Jesuit that day. He heard one of “his boys” was in need, but did
not know which one. When apprised of Chris’ situation, he immediately
changed his schedule. It had been a few years since Chris and Fr.
Doyle had spoken, but their bond was as strong as ever. Fr. Doyle gave
24
Winter 2008
a heart wrenching prayer that night and told
Chris that this fight would not be his alone, that
all present were fighting with him and would be
part of this journey--wherever it took them. He
had Chris and Miles re-pledge their vows. Fr.
Doyle’s presence was a small gift from God.
Chris’ battle lasted less than six months.
Over the course of that time Fr. Doyle spiritually guided Chris in his time of need, just
as he had spiritually guided Chris during his
progression from teenager to a grown man--a
Man For Others. Fr. Doyle asked Chris what
he felt God was calling Chris to do. Chris responded that he sought “simplicity and purity”
in life.
When the end was near Fr. Doyle moved
in. Chris, the fighter that he was, fought lonFr. Doyle
ger than expected. As Fr. Doyle did not bring
enough clothes, he wore Chris’, inexplicably
bringing them even closer together. Through this adversity they had
truly become father and son. Fr. Doyle’s presence brought peace to
the household. He held mass everyday in Chris’ bedroom for the family. No matter how weak Chris was, Fr. Doyle would force him to participate whether it was merely a nod of the head or a simple grip of the
hand. He was there during Chris’ last moments to present his son to the
Lord.
Fr. Doyle worried whether his homily would be good enough to pay
tribute to Chris. I have no doubt Chris was looking down on Fr. Doyle
and remembering their days at Jesuit. The homily was perfect. Chris
would not have wanted it any other way. It was from Fr. Doyle’s heart.
In his final days Chris was asked what could be done for him. After
giving it much thought, he asked that a scholarship be created to allow
those less fortunate to attend Jesuit. He wanted all boys to have the
opportunity to experience Jesuit ensuring an excellent education, but
more importantly, nurturing and feeding a spiritual growth that prepares
boys for life’s most important challenges and makes them Men for Others.
The spiritual awareness that was awakened while at Jesuit gave
Chris the fortitude to fight for his life and eventually die with the grace of
gratitude. He was thankful for the life he had lived and the relationships
he had made--knowing this time on earth is only part of our journey.
Having attended Jesuit made a difference in Chris’ life.
His legacy will live on through the Chris Horton ‘87 Memorial Scholarship Fund helping turn other young boys into Men for Others.
To Chris and all the Jesuit Men for Others who have gone before
us, I pledge my shield and my sword.
George
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January
13
Father-Son Pool Tournament
15-18 Sophomore Father-Son Retreats
19
34th Prep Bowl
22
Right to Life Mass
25-27 Sophomore Father-Son Retreats
31
Open House
2
Entrance Exam
6
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
February
12-15 Kairos XXIX
13
Parent-Teacher Meeting
17
Green Mass
21-23 Provincial Colloquium
on Social Justice
24
Father-Son Basketball Tournament
1
Second Entrance Exam
March
4-7
Kairos XXX
9
Spring Fling
17-21 Spring Break
23
Easter Sunday
28
Easter Season Liturgy
For up to date event information,
go to www.strakejesuit.org
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
Man with Briefcase, by Jonathan Borofksy, is pulp with paint on
paper. It is located on the first floor of the 800 Building and is on
loan from Donna Josey.
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
8900 Bellaire Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77036