SERVING ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF SALESIANUM

SPRING/SUMMER 2010 WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
SERVING ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF SALESIANUM
Message from the President
Dear Friends of Salesianum,
Almost fifty years ago, teens fleeing from Fidel Castro’s Cuba came
to Salesianum, and found a secure place for the continuation of their
educations. At the time, they thought all was lost. Through the generosity
of one of those young student refugees, funds are being provided for tuition
financial assistance, today. A challenge matching grant of $1 million has
been given in gratitude for assistance received. The arithmetic is simple:
100 gifts of $10,000 equate to $2 million for tuition financial assistance
for the neediest families. The gift comes at a very good time. Salesianum
has been in the preparation and silent phases of a Capital Campaign for
the last year. Our hope is that a public announcement of the campaign
will be made near the start of the new school year. This matching grant
for $1,000,000 will play a huge role in the launch of the campaign in the
coming months.
There is parallel to the stories of those young men from Cuba and the
remarkable tale of the events which lead up to that first school day here at
Salesianum. It is a story of three Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, who were
no longer permitted to teach their faith, and to share their knowledge and
wisdom in their French homeland. Only six months prior to that opening
day of school, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales were officially abolished
by the French government. Father Louis Brisson had founded the first
Oblate community a full 30 years earlier to educate and inspire youth in
France. Yet, America became a place of refuge and a fertile ground for
the work to continue. When Father Brisson died in 1908 in Plancy, France,
Salesianum was already in its fifth academic year.
In December 2009, Fr. Brisson was declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI and moved one step closer to being declared as a saint. One
would think that the suppression of religious orders teaching in France would destroy all the work of Father Brisson and the first Oblates.
From the ashes, however, new life rose. The mission of forming young minds, hearts and souls was to continue in new soil. The faith was to
be imparted to the youth of a different land, but the values of responsibility, respect and faith were not new.
The mission of the early Oblates was further affirmed on March 8, 2010, when the normal classroom routine was placed aside and the
school’s STARTeam sponsored four separate, yet simultaneous, student assemblies. For the seniors, it was “college transition,” the successful
adjustment to college life including making good choices, and avoiding bad decisions and their consequences. The juniors gathered to hear
about “brain drain,” the negative effects of drug abuse on the body and the brain of adolescents. The sophomores assembled for the “Smart
Drive Program,” highlighting decision-making behind the wheel, being accountable for speed, laws, distracted driving and cell phone use.
Finally, the freshmen were taught about “Internet Safety,” including cyber bullying, safe internet and social networking use. Each gathering
was geared to addressing an issue critical in the lives of our students beyond the arts, the sciences, reading, writing and arithmetic. These are
not time fillers, but rather means of educating the whole person, a hallmark of Salesianum.
The complete education of young men in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales has continued uninterrupted, yet the place, the format and the
issues of the day have changed. The efforts of a hostile government did not destroy the spirits of the boys from Cuba, or the first Oblates
here at Salesianum, but rather caused the mission to develop and grow.
Baseball star Tug McGraw had a catchphrase “Ya Gotta Believe.” We can criticize his use of slang, but the meaning is simply we believe
that God rebuilds, even amid the difficult times. God Bless.
Sincerely,
(Rev.) James E. Dalton, OSFS
President
2009-2010 Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance
and management of Salesianum School. Trustees are
elected for three-year terms, renewable once.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Very Rev. James J. Greenfield, OSFS
Chairman
Spring 2010 / Volume VI, Issue II
Mark A. Degli Obizzi ’77
Vice-Chairman
News from 18th and Broom
4
Peter G. Abessinio ’90
G. Howard Bathon, II, MD ’69
Harmon Carey
Dan Chila
Rev. James E. Dalton, OSFS
Rev. Richard R. DeLillio, OSFS ’56
Anne E. Eidschun
Pedro M. Ferreira, Ph. D. ’65
Clairemarie H. Field
Janis L. Julian
Gilbert A. Leidig, MD
Gerard T. Kennealey, MD
Earl W. MacFarlane, Esq.
Nicholas M. Marsini, Jr. ’73
Rev. William T. McCandless, OSFS
Rev. Kevin Nadolski, OSFS
Rev. Bernard F. O’Connor, OSFS ’62
Michael J. O’Rourke
Steven J. Salvitti
William H. Schieffer ’79
Richard B. Skinner, Jr.
David J. Szaroleta, ‘68
Bon Voyage Fr. Bill
Salesianum says farewell
to Fr. Bill McCandless
8
Lights, Camera, Action!
Will Fetters ’99 has his
first screenplay produced
10
Hall of Fame
Class of 2009
12
My Days
Francis ‘Zeke’ Schofield ’61
15
Senior Speak Out
16
Grad Glimpses
18
Mark L. Reardon, Esq. ’78
School Counsel
Upcoming events
MISSION STATEMENT
The Distinguished Gentleman is published twice a year by the
Alumni/Development Office for the alumni, parents, and friends
of Salesianum. If you are interested in submitting at article or
Grad Glimpse, please send to:
Salesianum School
Distinguished Gentleman
Attn: Alumni/Development Office
1801 N. Broom Street, DE 19802
e-mail or call:
pcastagna@salesianum.org, 302.356.2660
Back Cover
STAFF
Jon Allison ’97, Assoc. Director of Development
Editor in Chief
Peter Castagna, Director of Communications
Managing Editor
Rebecca Simeone
Rebecca Simeone Designs, LLC
Graphic Artist
Contributors
Jon Allison ’97
Francis ‘Zeke’ Schofield ’61
Bud Keegan/ www.budkeeganimages.com
Publisher
Farley Printing
NEWS FROM
18TH & BROOM
Salesianum School is pleased to announce that 9 current seniors were
recognized as National Merit Commended Students. The seniors are
Raymond F. Bounds, Carlo K. Cinaglia, Owen J. Corey, Patrick F. Eells, Austin
J. Greever, Nicholas J. Gunia, Joseph S. Mathew, George M. Patterson, and
Daniel M. Troyan.
Salesianum teacher Jennifer Romano was
named 2009 Outstanding Biology Teacher
for the state of Delaware by the National
Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). This
is the second consecutive year a Salesianum
teacher has received this honor. Last year,
Jennifer Albanese was recognized.
Mrs. Romano began her teaching career at
Salesianum in 2008, prior to that she taught at
Padua Academy. In her career she has taught
biology, chemistry, and anatomy. She holds
bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Secondary Education from Villanova
University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Delaware. She
graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1999.
“We are extremely proud of Jennifer’s accomplishment,” said Fr. William
McCandless, OSFS, school principal. “She had a great reputation before
joining our faculty last year, and we are proud to count her amongst us. To
have two teachers in a row receive this honor highlights the already strong
and dedicated faculty we have here at Salesianum.”
Members of the Salesianum School community
gathered the evening of Sept. 14 to celebrate
the accomplishments of Rev. William Keech,
OSFS, a history and religion teacher at the
school from 1958 until 1967. The gathering
also served to announce the establishment
of a scholarship fund at Salesianum in Fr.
Keech’s honor.
Fr. Keech, a Wilmington native, graduated
from Salesianum in 1943. In addition to his
tenure at Salesianum, he also served as
parochial vicar and pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Wilmington. Since his
retirement in 1994, he has served in the Oblate Development Office located
in Wilmington.
In late September, more than two-thirds or about 34,000 of the approximately
50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT® received Letters of Commendation
in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. Commended
Students are named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index
score that may vary from year to year and is below the level required for
participants to be named Semifinalists in their respective states. Although
Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National
Merit® Scholarships, some of these students do become candidates for
Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.
Salesianum School was named one of the
country’s 50 best Catholic High Schools by
the Catholic High School Honor Roll for 2009.
This is the fourth time Salesianum has been
honored. “For Salesianum to be recognized
again by the Catholic High School Honor
Roll is a tremendous honor shared by our
students and their parents, our teachers, and
administrators,” said Fr. William McCandless,
OSFS, Salesianum’s principal.
The
Salesianum
School
community
celebrated the honor on Wednesday, Nov.
11 with an all school assembly. The Very Rev. James Greenfield, OSFS,
provincial of the Wilmington/Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St.
Francis de Sales, was in attendance.
The primary goal of the Honor Roll is to encourage schools to educate their
students as effectively as possible, in a way that integrates Catholic faith
and prepares students for active engagement in the world. Schools are
evaluated on their levels of quality in academics, Catholic identity, and
civic education.
Salesianum School seniors Mark Cyron and
Dan Rodgers each signed a letter of intent
to play lacrosse at Merrimack University and
Drexel University, respectively.
Mark is from Lincoln University, PA and is the
son of Donald and Michele Cyron. As a
defenseman, he was named All-State and
All-American last year.
“Fr. Keech is a priest’s priest,” said John McMahon ’60, Delaware’s Secretary
of Labor, and one of the organizers of the scholarship fund. “He is an
incredible teacher, mentor, role model, friend and confessor to so many, it
seemed fitting that he be honored in this way.”
While established, the scholarship fund is still growing and the proceeds
will benefit future students at Salesianum School whose families qualify for
financial assistance.
Dan is from West Chester, PA and is the son
of Ronald and Mary Ellen Rodgers. He was
named third-team All-State last year, after compiling a 17-0 record as a
starting goal keeper. At Drexel, he will join former Salesianum standout goal
keeper Mark Manos, who graduated from Salesianum in 2008.
Jo-Ann West, who has served
as Salesianum’s School Nurse
for over 26 years, will retire at
the end of the 2009-10 school
year. “I loved my time here,
and I am sad to go,” said
Jo- Ann, “but I am ready for a
new chapter in my life.”
Salesianum School’s Jefferson Awards
Team has been recognized as the winner
of the Students in Action video competition.
Students from five schools nationwide
submitted videos showcasing their school’s
commitment to service. The Jefferson Awards
Board of Selectors picked Salesianum’s as
the best entry.
Jo-Ann has no immediate
plans, but she and her husband
love to travel, so they are looking forward more trips
together. “I am also looking into volunteering,” said Jo-Ann.
The video will be showcased at the 2009
Celebrate Delaware event, hosted by
Delaware’s First Lady, Karla Markell, at
Woodburn, the official governor’s residence.
The Salesianum School Community wishes Jo-Ann all the
best, and thanks her for many years of dedicated service.
Last year, Salesianum was recognized as the 2009 Jefferson Award Youth
Service National Recipient for Outstanding Service by a High School, and
the previous year the school was recognized as the Leadership School for
the State of Delaware.
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DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
Senior Andrew O’Malley has been named to the 2009 National Soccer
Coaches Association of America/adidas Boys High School All-America
Team. This is the second year Andrew was named All-America. Andrew
was a captain of the Salesianum soccer team and is a two time Delaware
Coaches’ Player of the Year. He will attend the University of Notre Dame
next fall. The All-America selections were invited to be recognized at the
annual All-America Luncheon, to be held in Philadelphia on Jan. 17, as part
of the 2010 NSCAA Convention.
Salesianum School and St. Mark’s High
School faced off on the ice for the 2nd
Annual Hockey for a Cause, Thursday, Jan.
28 at the University of Delaware Rust Arena.
Salesianum School’s proceeds went towards
the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation,
and St. Mark’s supported the DFRC.
The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation
honors the memory of Andrew McDonough,
a 14-year-old athlete and ‘A’ student from
Wilmington, Delaware. Andrew went from
playing four soccer games on January 27, 2007 to cardiac arrest and a
diagnosis of leukemia and sepsis just 48 hours later. Andrew’s blood type
and the family’s motto were, and continue to be, “B+” …“Be Positive.”
Andrew passed away July 14, 2007. The foundation raises money for
support of families of children diagnosed with cancer, research to find a
cure, scholarships for Salesianum School, and encourages people to “live
like Andrew.”
Salesianum School’s Jefferson Awards Team
hosted the Rev. John Spellman, OSFS 3-on-3
Basketball Tournament on Sunday, Jan. 24,
the tournament began with a clinic featuring
University of Delaware Basketball Head
Coach Monte Ross and members of the Blue
Hens. All proceeds from the tournament will
go towards the Rev. William T. McCandless,
OSFS Scholarship for Service.
This was the second year of the tournament
which is named in honor of Fr. Spellman, a
long time teacher at Salesianum. The Rev. William T. McCandless Scholarship
gift will be awarded to two seniors who have exemplified service work
completed during their four years here at Salesianum School.
Seniors Andrew O’Malley, Shane Powell and
Chaz Wilson signed scholarship acceptance
letters on Wednesday, Feb. 3. During their
time at Salesianum, they were part of three
state championship teams.
Andrew will attend Notre Dame University
next fall. He is a two-time adidas AllAmerican, a two-time Delaware Player of the
Year, and in 2009 was named the Gatorade
State Player of the Year. He served as team
captain his during junior and senior seasons.
Shane, second-team All-State in 2009, will attend the University of Providence
next fall, while Chaz, a team captain in 2009, will attend the University of
Delaware. Chaz was earlier named to the 2009 All-State team, Top IX.
The three students were members of Salesianum’s state championship
soccer teams from 2006-08.
Salesianum School’s Model UN Club traveled to Washington, DC February
11-14 to participate in the 47th annual North American Invitational Model
United Nations Conference (NAIMUN) at the Washington Hilton Hotel. The
conference was hosted by the School of Foreign Service of Georgetown
University.
Senior Peter Palena, president of the Salesianum School Model UN Club, led
Salesianum’s delegation of 22 students to the convention. Fr. John Hurley,
OSFS and Mr. Sean Tischler served as moderators.
In the individual debate competition, Palena won an Outstanding Delegate
award for his representation of the foreign policy of Russia in the UN Security
Council. This award constitutes national recognition among the top Model
UN students in the USA.
More than three thousand high school students from across the USA
participated in this national convention that simulated the United
Nations. Students from Japan, China, Nigeria, Kuwait, Germany, Canada,
Netherlands, England, France, Spain, and Puerto Rico also attended the
convention.
Salesianum seniors Robert Haffey and
Nicholas Roy have been named finalists in
the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program.
They are eligible to be named National Merit
Scholars when the awards are designated in
the spring. Robert is from Glen Mills, PA and
is the son of Robert and Kathleen Haffey;
Andrew is from Elkton, MD and is the son of
Andrew and Kelli Marie Roy. The selection of
some 8,200 Merit Scholarship winners from a
group of more than 15,000 Finalists is now in
progress.
Salesianum School has been recognized by the Jefferson Awards for Public
Service Youth Service Initiative as the Delaware Recipient for Outstanding
Service by a High School. This is the third consecutive year that the
school has been honored. Student leaders from Salesianum will represent
Salesianum and the state of Delaware at the Jefferson Awards National
Gala in Washington DC, June 14-16.
“To once again be recognized by the Jefferson Awards is truly a testament
to the lasting devotion our school community has to service, and to
highlighting the service of others,” said the school’s principal, Fr. William
McCandless, OSFS. “We would like to especially thank Mrs. Dolores Ballintyn,
our Christian Service Moderator, and her husband Mr. Matthew Ballintyn, for
working with the Jefferson Awards team and helping them to achieve this
wonderful distinction.”
Salesianum was selected at the 2010 Youth Service Spring Competition and
Conference for best highlighting the programs’ seven deliverables in the
Jefferson Awards Turnkey System and for their philanthropic contribution
to the community and their school. They have helped to pave the way
for greater volunteerism throughout the state of Delaware. Salesianum is
also now eligible for the National Award for Outstanding Service by a high
school, and will be entered against schools from eight regions, which include
Charleston, Chicago, Delaware, Central Florida, Memphis, San Francisco
Bay Area, Savannah and Toledo. Last year Salesianum was selected as the
National Award winner.
Fr. Chris Berretta, OSFS will become
Salesianum’s new principal on
July, 1, 2010.
Fr. Beretta was
previously the principal of Bishop
Verot High School in Ft. Myers,
Florida, and has served as director
of campus ministry prior to his
present ministry. He held teaching
positions at Salesianum from 19911993 and from 1997-1999. He has
also coached basketball at both
Salesianum and Bishop Verot. Fr. Beretta earned a bachelor’s
degree in theology from Allentown College of St. Francis de
Sales (now DeSales University), a master’s of divinity from the
DeSales School of Theology in Washington, D.C., a master’s
degree in kinesiology from the University of Maryland, and
master’s in educational administration from the University of
Notre Dame.
Check your mailboxes for future issues of Distinguished
Gentleman for a more in-depth look at Fr. Beretta.
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
5
Our 4th Annual 4 THE BOYS once again drew many
parents, alumni and friends of the school in celebration
and support of Salesianum, raising over $60,000, towards
the athletic area renovations and tuition assistance.
Although the event had to be moved to the snow date
of February 27, the gym was still full of people, listening to
the music of the school’s Jazz Band and enjoying food
from some of the area’s best restaurants.
Thank you to all of our volunteers, donors, and guests
who helped to make the evening a rousing success!
6
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
1
ALUMNI SPORTS BANQUET
The 62nd Annual Alumni Sports Banquet honored the athletes of the class
of 2010, and welcomed many distinguished guests to Salesianum.
2
Former Penn State football player Adam Taliaferro was the featured
speaker and shared his powerful and inspiring story of coming back from a
football injury that almost left him paralyzed. Also speaking to the crowd
was former Salesianum football head coach George Glenn ’60, and former
all-state quarterback Eugene Delle Donne ’05, who was the returning
alumni speaker.
Andrew Salvitti ’10 was selected to speak on behalf of his classmates, and
Tim Furlong ’92 of NBC10 served as the emcee.
3
4
6
7
5
1: Keynote speaker Adam Taliaferro and Tim Furlong ’92,
the evening’s emcee. 2: Charlie Field ’10 opens the evening
with the National Anthem. 3: Andrew Salvitti ’10, the senior
speaker. 4: Former Salesianum football coach George
Glenn ’60, sharing his story of success. 5: Adam Taliaferro
shares his story of triumph with the audience. 6: Tyler
Garvine ’10 and Dann Gladnick ’10 7. Eugene Delle Donne
’05, the returning alumni speaker.
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
7
F
r. William McCandless will wrap up more
than ten years of service to Salesianum
School this year. He will be moving to
a new post for the congregation of the Oblates
of St. Francis de Sales, General Coordinator for
the Salesian Education of Youth. This newly
created position charges Fr. Bill with working
with Salesian schools world-wide to develop
the curriculum for Salesian education, as well as
facilitate exchanges of students between schools.
The roots of this new program have already
begun here at Salesianum, with many students
already traveling abroad in the last few years and
spending time at schools in France, Austria, and
Uruguay.
This is a new endeavor for the Oblates, and the
challenges excite Fr. Bill very much. “There is
still much to be done, and a lot of opportunity
for new development and new relationships
between our schools world-wide,” said Fr. Bill.
“We are looking to expand this program through
organized youth programs in parishes as well, so
there are so many new possibilities.”
The new post will necessitate a move to Monaco
for Fr. Bill, but he will not be a stranger to Sallies
in the coming years. “The Superior of the Oblates
has designated Salesianum as the flagship school
for Salesian education, so I know I will be back a
few times in the future, on site visits, or helping
to coordinate the exchange programs with other
schools,” said Fr. Bill. “Salesianum has already
established many of the programs and curriculum
ideas that we will be implementing in other
schools.”
Bon Voyage
Fr. Bill
8
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
In looking back on his time at Salesianum, Fr.
Bill has many positive recollections. However,
there was one experience that says changed him
the most. “In the summer and fall of 2007, the
deaths of rising sophomore Andrew McDonough
and junior Joseph Boxler had a profound effect
on me as a person,” said Fr. Bill. “But seeing how
the school community came together to support
one another, and also to support the families of
the students, really showed me just how special
Salesianum School is.”
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
Fr. Bill also looks back with pride at the many accomplishments the school and its students
have earned during his time here. “From state championships, to Model UN wins, Life
Smarts, Jefferson Awards, and being named a Top 50 Catholic School three years in a row, the
accomplishments of the students and the school is something I will always be proud of,” he said.
While this move takes Fr. Bill away from Salesianum, he admits the school will always have
a special place in his heart, and he does not rule out a return. “Salesianum is the only school I
would ever want to work at, but this new opportunity is so exciting,” he said. “To share many of
the things we do here to foster the teaching of Francis de Sales with other schools, and to grow
that program world-wide, it is something I am very much looking forward to.
I graduated from Sallies in 1991. “Mr”.
McCandless taught me Sacraments, but
he was also my boss in my first job. He
was in charge of the kitchen in the faculty
house - planning dinners, helping with
cooking, and managing the staff (which
included me). For 21 hours per week
(every other week), the Oblates paid me
$80 to set the tables and wash dishes. I
don’t have a specific moment, but I
recall Bill being an understanding and
“hip” boss with a laid back management
style. It was a very good prep for what
laid ahead.
Tony Higgins, '91
Before “Father Bill” was principal, he was
“Mr. McCandless”, my religion teacher,
a guy who could somehow infuse an
unbelievable amount of comedy into the
often solemn topic of Catholicism. He was
by no means trying to mock or make light
of our religion. He was- I see now- cleverly
trying to get a bunch of teenaged boys
to better understand their own faith by
speaking to us in our own language. He is
living proof there is room for humor in the
ongoing discussion of faith and morals.
He is also proof that one can indeed be
both loved and respected.
Tim Furlong '92
I remember Fr. McCandless from his first
tour at Sallies, when he was the assistant
coach of the cross country team (circa
1990). He was a young guy who was easy
to talk to and sort of like a “big brother”
more than a teacher. He was nicknamed
“Potsie” due to his semblance to the
Happy Days character.
Mike Frabizzio '92
I met Father Bill in September 2009, just days after I
had lost one of my best friends to cancer. Father
Bill and I were both friends of Savannah Pauley.
After Savannah went to heaven, her mom, Ms.
Carey, asked me to read at Savannah’s funeral
mass. Father Bill was asked to lead the funeral
mass. On the day before the funeral, Father Bill
visited my school to meet with me. Father Bill and I
shared stories about Savannah, and he asked me if
I wanted him to include any important things about
Savannah in his homily. At the time I could not think
of any, but later that night I sent Father an e-mail
with questions I had about why my friend had to go
to heaven. The next day my family and I were a few of the first ones in St. Elizabeth’s Church. While
the open casket line was leading out the back of the church, Father Bill took me up to the front and
showed me where I would be reading and we put the microphone at my level, so I didn’t have to
fix it when I got up there. I did my best and everybody who attended said I did awesome. When
Father Bill said his homily he included everything that was in the email I had sent. I think Father Bill
did a great job honoring my best friend that day.
After the funeral, Father Bill came up to me and told me what a great job I did at Mass, and that
Savannah would have been proud. It meant a lot to me for Father to take the time to come and
meet me at school. Father Bill is a very busy man; he is the Principal at Salesianum School. One
day I hope to attend Salesianum. Father Bill told me that one day he asked Savannah if I was good
enough to go to Sallies, and she gave him a thumbs up. So I guess that means yes. Unfortunately, it
will not be with Father Bill, as he has been chosen to move to Europe. Father Bill is an amazing man,
and I will never forget him. He took the time to be my friend, even though I am only 10 years old. He
helped me stop being sad when Savannah went to heaven, and he tried to help me understand
why God chose Savannah to be an angel.
Cole Ciber , St. Ann's School
My fiancé Jill and I were honored to attend the Ordination of Fr. McCandless and Fr. George in
1994. We were both mesmerized with the grandeur and grace of the ceremony, and the Oblates
gathered to preside and share in the celebration. It was humbling for us to witness the dedication
and effort put forth by Fr. McCandless and Fr. George to reach their ordination, and overwhelming
for us to think about the lifetime of service represented by the army of Oblates present for the
ceremonies.
After the ceremony we attended the reception party for the new priests and were able to meet
their families and friends. This event was Jill’s first exposure to the Oblates, and she quickly became,
as I am, a loyal fan and follower. Based on the events of that weekend she even suggested that
we ask Fr. Bill to preside over our wedding service the following year, which he most graciously
did.
Fr. Bill, seminarian Bill when I first met him, has been and continues to be a friend and mentor who
is gracious, enthusiastic and genuine. He is a true leader of men and someone who I am proud to
call my friend. Being present to witness Fr. McCandless’ Ordination stands out as one of the most
humbling and religious events of my life. It was there that I truly realized the power and significance
of God’s power and calling. I count myself lucky to know and have been a part of the legacy of
Fr. McCandless at Salesianum.
Although we will surely miss his guidance and leadership at Sallies, we wish him all the best in his
new endeavors and believe that the Oblate schools and missions in Europe are blessed to receive
such a wonderful leader.
Andy Waibel '89
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
9
Lights, Camera, Action!
By: Peter Castagna, Director of Communications
Will Fetters ’99 had an idea in Delaware and followed it to California. After many late
nights, rewrites, odd jobs, and simple (but important) twists of fate, his idea ended up
on the big screen. In March, Remember Me, a drama starring Robert Pattinson of the
Twilight Saga movies, hit theaters. Also starring were Pierce Brosnan, and Academy
Award winner Chris Cooper. The movie was written by Salesianum’s own Will Fetters.
“When I was at Sallies, I lived for movies, I loved movies,” said Will. When he got to
college, he focused more on his academics. “I knew I would always enjoy movies,
but I thought it was time to leave childish things behind.”
10
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
Me,” said Will, “once he signed on, that was the game changer.”
With one major star on board, the others, Cooper and Brosnan, came
along as well, and the movie went to production.
“The fun part about writing a movie,” said Will, “is that once you are
on set, your job is pretty much done.”
Robert Pattinson (left) and Pierce Brosnan (right) played father and son in
Remember Me.
“The idea for the script was part biographical,” said Fetters during a
phone conversation from California, where he is currently working on
two more movie scripts. When Will was at Salesianum, and afterwards
at the University of Delaware, his plan was to be a lawyer.
“Since I was 16, that (being a lawyer) is what I wanted to do, so when I
got to college I studied finance and political science,” Will said.
When Will was 22, after a “similar situation” to what Pattison’s
character goes through, Will got the idea for Remember Me.
“That experience really threw a hitch into my plan, and it became one
of the themes in the movie as well,” Will said. “We spend so much time
trying to control everything, and in the end some of the most significant
events of your life, love and loss, come from nowhere.”
Knowing that, Will was able to walk around the set, almost like a tourist,
and watch the actors and directors work. He admits being a little starstruck at meeting the actor who portrayed James Bond in person, but of
course professionalism prevailed.
“When I met Pierce Brosnan, that was surreal,” said Will. “He is the
last of the truly iconic ‘50s style movie stars.”
With the success of Remember Me, Will has been working on two other
scripts as well; A Star is Born and The Lucky One.
The Lucky One is based on a Nicholas Sparks’ book of the same name.
“Warner Brothers is committed to that,” said Will, “Scott Hicks, from
the movie Shine is the director.”
At the dawn of his success, Will still is keeping his head about him.
“I don’t actually have a bucket list of people that I want to work with;
I have just been rolling with this,” said Will. “I am excited that I am
actually working now. I got ridiculously lucky to get the opportunity
that I did.
“This time last year my wife lost her job, and (prior to that) I quit my
job to go full time to try writing, and we were in a bad situation,” said
Will. “So I am just so glad to be working, and know that people are
willing to hire you and risk money on you to just go make stuff up, it is
nice to have that. I am really fortunate.”
Armed with the idea and script, Will admits to doing the cliché of
driving to Hollywood with a dream. He told his parents he
would try this and if it didn’t work out, he would then go to
Will (center) on
Law School.
Coulter (right).
set with cinematographer Jonathan Freeman (left) and director Allen
Once out west he did what most aspiring writers and actors
do, they sleep on friends’ couches and find bartending or
other small jobs to make ends meet. One of the plusses of
this time for Will was meeting his wife, Amanda. Will was
co-financing a short film (“because I’m an idiot”) and she
came in to audition. “We just hit it off,” he said. Will was
also lucky enough to find Nick Osborn, a producer. “Nick
read the script five years ago, and just loved it and connected
to it,” said Will.
The next turn for chance was when the world was introduced
to the Twilight Saga books and resulting movies. Robert
Pattinson, a virtual unknown was then introduced to the
world as Edward Cullen, the saga’s protagonist, and it
seemed he became the most famous man on the planet.
It was after shooting the first Twilight movie that Pattinson
picked up Will’s script from what must have been a towering
pile, and decided he wanted to do this movie.
“Out of everything he could have done, he picked Remember
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
11
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2009
On October 22, 2009, Salesianum inducted its 7th class of Hall of Fame members as a kick-off to Homecoming Weekend.
From left to right: Mr. Lawrence Reardon ’51, son of inductee the late Hon. Francis Reardon’24, Service to Salesianum and Community; Victor Zwolak ’56,
Athletics; (Rev.) Bernard O’Connor, OSFS, Science/Religion (2007 inductee); Joseph Hahn, M.D. ’60, Science/Religion; and Phillip Vavala ’66, Arts/Education/
Entertainment.
(REV.) BERNARD F. O’CONNOR, OSFS ’62
SCIENCE/RELIGION (2007 INDUCTEE)
Fr. O’Connor’s childhood was rooted in the lush farmlands of southern
New Jersey. Both sets of grandparents had large farms located around
Woodstown. The produce went to the Campbell Soup Company, which
originated in Camden. An Oblate of Saint Francis de Sales (OSFS)
came to Fr. O’Connor’s church each Sunday from Northeast Catholic
High School in Philadelphia to assist with the masses, and he came to
know the Oblates well when he decided to attend Salesianum. After
high school, at age eighteen, Fr. O’Connor decided to join this group of
religious priests and brothers dedicated to the education of the young.
At the conclusion of his studies, Fr. O’Connor was ordained a Catholic
priest and had completed two masters’ degrees, one in philosophy
from the Catholic University of America and one in theology from
the DeSales Hall School of Theology. He began his teaching career at
Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales.
O’Connor began teaching philosophy in 1974, and would return to the
Catholic University of America to complete his doctorate in philosophy.
Fr. O’Connor returned full time to Allentown College in 1980. For the
next 20 years, he taught philosophy and theology at the College.
Fr. O’Connor’s years at Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales
also included a number of administrative responsibilities: Chair of
the Philosophy Department, Chair of the Philosophy and Theology
Department, Academic Dean, Vice President for Academic Affairs,
Executive Vice President. He also chaired the Academic Affairs
Committee, the Planning Committee, and served for many years on the
Rank and Tenure Committee.
On July 1, 1999, Fr. O’Connor became the third President of Allentown
College, which would become DeSales University on Jan. 1, 2001.
Presently, Fr. O’Connor serves on the Board of Trustees for Salesianum
School, Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, and St. Charles
12
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
Borromeo Seminary. He is also a member of the Board of Directors
of the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park, the Lehigh Valley Association
of Independent Colleges, and the Board of Directors of Learning for
Life.
JOSEPH F. HAHN, M.D. ’60
SCIENCE/RELIGION
Joseph F. Hahn, M.D., MBA, was appointed Chief of Staff of Cleveland
Clinic Health Systems and Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors
for Cleveland Clinic in September, 2005. Dr. Hahn is responsible for
the clinical divisions and the institutes, with over 2,200 professional
staff members. In addition, Education, Research and Florida operations
report to the Chief of Staff. He is widely regarded throughout the entire
Cleveland Clinic as a compassionate clinician and manager.
Previous to that appointment, Dr. Hahn was the Chairman of Cleveland
Clinic Innovations (CCI). As Chairman of CCI he was responsible
for commercialization of all technology developed at the Cleveland
Clinic.
Dr. Hahn was the longest serving Chairman of Surgery in the history
of Cleveland Clinic, having served as Division Chair from 1987 to
October, 2003. As Surgery Chair, he managed an enormous growth
in the CCF’s surgical capabilities, ultimately reaching a budget level
of more than $600 million with more than 220 surgeons. Six of the
surgical departments he was responsible for were rated in the top ten in
the United States. Cardiothoracic surgery was ranked #1 for nine years
in a row and continues in that position.
A noted neurosurgeon, Dr. Hahn has also served as Chairman of the
Department of Neurosurgery and the head of the Pediatric Neurosurgery
Section. He received his BA from Johns Hopkins University in 1964,
his medical degree from the University of Virginia in 1968, his MBA
degree from the Weatherhead School of Management in 1990, and was
a flight surgeon in Southeast Asia. His wife Andrea is a distinguished
artist. They have three grown children and six grandchildren.
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
HON. FRANCIS A. REARDON ’24
SERVICE TO SALESIANUM AND COMMUNITY
Francis A. Reardon, Salesianum Class of 1924, approached his career
in law and community service the way he approached life — with
candor, compassion and unrestrained enthusiasm. Born in Wilmington
in 1905, the son of Irish immigrants, Francis attended St. Patrick’s and
St. Paul’s Parochial Schools. He graduated from Salesianum School in
1924 and the University of Delaware in 1928. He was graduated from
the Georgetown University Law School in 1931 and was admitted to
the Delaware bar the same year.
Francis served more than 56 years as a private practitioner, judge
and prosecutor. He served as Federal Prosecutor in the United States
Attorneys Office, as Delaware’s first State Prosecutor in the Attorney
General’s Office and served thirteen years as judge in the Family Court.
Throughout his long career, Francis’ irascible nature made him famous,
if not infamous, in Delaware court houses and in the Delaware bar.
Judicial colleagues and fellow prosecutors described him as “fiery”,
“blunt”, “efficient—like a sledgehammer”, “colorful” and “tenacious”.
At the same time he was known to care deeply for the elderly and for
children. Francis cared how the law affected those who most required
protection. He was renowned for his devotion to his Irish roots, his
church and his own large family and Salesianum School.
Remembering Francis in a 1993 eulogy, Delaware Supreme Court
Justice Joseph T. Walsh, ’48 and Salesianum’s Hall of Famer, said
about his longtime friend: “Francis’ energy, dedication, integrity and
absolute fearlessness in espousing the interest of a client or cause made
him a legend in the Delaware bar.”
Francis’ devotion to Salesianum was a hallmark of his life and legal
career. He was a passionate and vocal fan of Salesianum’s sports
teams. He was a generous benefactor to the school, often times quietly
providing his own tuition assistance to boys whose family could not
cover the bill. On the legal front, Francis was instrumental in navigating
the legal issues associated with Salesianum’s relocation in 1957 from
8th & West to 18th and Broom, and before that, he was Fr. Lawless’
legal advisor in connection with Salesianum’s historic acceptance
of five transfer students in the Fall of 1950 breaking the racial color
barrier for Delaware schools. For Francis’ counsel and leadership
indesegregating Salesianum, the Black Alumni Society of Salesianum
(BASS) posthumously recognized him in 2007 for his distinguished
service to Salesianum School and its alumni.
Perhaps no demonstration of Francis’ devotion to Salesianum is more
telling than his own five sons, and the number of grandsons, greatgrandsons and nephews that have followed him at Salesianum School.
Judge Francis Reardon took hold and did not let go.
PHILLIP D. VAVALA ’66
ARTS/EDUCATION/ENTERTAINMENT
In 1971, Phillip Vavala joined Salesianum School as a science teacher.
Nearly forty years later, he has evolved into the face of the science
department, helping bring high levels of respect and admiration to the
program. As a teacher, Phil has made his mark in the biological sciences.
Among the courses he currently instructs are Advanced Placement
Biology, Introductory Biology, Biotechnology and Independent Study
Biology.
Since 1994, Phil has served Salesianum as the Science Department
Chair. He has served nine separate terms on the Board of Trustees,
served as chair of the Middle States Evaluation, and has also held the
titles of Dean of Students, Director of Activities, Public Relations
Person and Director of Transportation. In addition to his work at
Salesianum, Phil has also worked as a consultant to the College Board
in Philadelphia, conducting workshops in the Middle Atlantic Region
for teachers of A.P. Biology; and as an adjunct faculty member at the
University of Delaware, of which he currently instructs an A.P. Biology
Institute for teachers.
Phil has been recognized more than a dozen times for his contributions
to science and education, most recently with the Siemens Advanced
Placement Teacher Award in 2007 from the Siemens Foundation,
the Biotechnology Teacher Leader Designation in 2005 from the
Biotechnology Institute, and the Commitment to Education Award in
2005 from the College Board, an award he also won in 1992.
The aforementioned A.P. Biology Institute, which Phil has taught since
1992 and held in Salesianum’s Abessinio Center since 2003, is one of
the many workshops he has conducted.
A former Captain in the Delaware Army National Guard, Phil and his
wife, Kathleen, have two adult children and six grandchildren. His son,
Phillip, is a 1989 graduate of Salesianum.
VICTOR A. ZWOLAK ’56
ATHLETICS
Victor Zwolak was a member of the Class of 1956, the last class
that graduated from the old school at 8th & West. During his athletic
career at Salesianum, he was a city, New Castle County and State mile
champion and record holder, and was a two-time state Cross Country
champion.
Victor served in the United States Marine Corps 2nd Recon Battalion
from 1957-1960. He then attended Villanova University, where, in
1964, he pulled off a difficult double in the 1964 IC4A championships
by winning the 3-mile in meet record time and returning 33 minutes
later to win the 3000 meter steeplechase. Victor won the IC4A Cross
Country Championship in both 1963 and 1964.
Victor was the NCAA Cross Country Champion in 1963, and was a
two-time NCAA 3000 meter steeplechase champion, setting a new
collegiate record in 1964 in Eugene, Ore. Vic won four gold watches
at the Penn Relays while winning the steeplechase, and running on the
Championship of American four mile relay, distance medley relay and
the two mile relay teams.
Victor competed in the 1964 Olympics for the United States, the same
year he graduated from Villanova. Currently, he holds 17 Delaware
age group road race records, from age 45 through 70. He is a member
of the Villanova Sports Hall of Fame, the Penn Relays Wall of Fame,
the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame, the Delaware Track & Field Hall of
Fame, and now, the Salesianum Alumni Hall of Fame.
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
13
REUNION NEWS
Class of 1960
The Class of 1960 50-Year
Reunion will be a two-day
celebration on Nov. 5 & 6, 2010
at Cavaliers Country Club in
Newark, DE.
On Friday, Nov. 5, members
of the class are invited to play
golf, with a tentative start time
of Noon. The cost for golf will
be $45. Afterwards, classmates
are invited to a “Stag Night”
at Cavaliers, which will start
tentatively after 4 p.m. The cost
of this gathering is $20.
On Saturday, Nov. 6, the Class
of 1960 will celebrate their 50year reunion in grand style
with a dinner at Cavaliers
Country Club. Classmates are
encouraged to bring a guest.
The cost is $100/person. The
reunion will be from 7-11 p.m.
1954
1949
1959
1999
1984
More information on this
reunion will be made available
as it develops. Invitations will be
mailed in early September.
1960
Are you interested in helping out with your reunion this
year? Please contact Jon Allison ’97 at (302) 356-2643 or
jallison@salesianum.org to sign up and be a part of the
committee!
14
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
My Days
Francis “Zeke” Schofield ’61
Edward Schofield ’45
P
Paul, my next older brother, spoke out in a voice of quiet competence and said: “Let’s try
this again. I’ll say, “Introibo ad altare Dei”, and now you give back the reply.”
My response was, “Ad Deum qui latetificat juneventutem meam,” Ah! I knew I was right.
I was nearly eight years old and in second grade. More important, though, was the
situation where I was the youngest of five boys (and four girls) and all of my brothers were
altar boys at the Visitation Monastery on Bancroft Parkway at Gilpin Avenue. If I could
learn my Latin and receive first Holy Communion, I could become the fifth Schofield altar
boy at the “Viz.” This was quite a privilege for a second grade student, because St. Ann’s,
my school, required their altar boys to be in fourth grade.
Joseph Schofield ’48
James Schofield ’52
Paul Schofield ’54
These were golden years for me. I assisted at the early masses for Fathers Keech, Kemp,
Sprag, Gambet, Hopkins, Boyle, Doyle, Brennan and many other Oblates of Francis de
Sales. I remember Fathers Lawless, Kenney, Heckel, Mario, Baldicelli, Tucker, Neidimeir
and even the Provincial, Father “Big Bill Buckley”. From these priests, I picked up
Salesian spirituality early on, well before high school, well before I could even understand
“live today well”, “live Jesus”, “Grow in the place where you live,” the “declaration of
intention” and the capital “V + J” that we inscribed on every sheet of paper at Salesianum.
Our family lived the motto, “Take hold, do not let go.” My band of brothers all lived the
spirit of “Tenui Nec.” Eddie was a captain of the baseball team and played basketball.
He gave up his senior year at Sallies to answer his call to serve his country in World War
II. He returned from the war, graduated from St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia and became the
first accounting grad from St. Joe to be hired by the DuPont Company. Joe played football,
basketball and ran track. He served on the first parish council at St. Elizabeth’s. He became
a lifelong teacher for the Iron Workers Union. Jim ran track, played football and served
several terms as President of the Irish Cultural Club. Ed, Joe and Jim are all on the honor
plaque as “Honored Alumni of Salesianum,” the Alumni Hall of Fame. Paul ran track and
played football. Paul graduated from LaSalle College, earning a spot in the “Who’s Who
in American Colleges.” He was a three term member of St. Ann’s Parish Council. He was
the first president of Discover Credit Corporation. As for me, I lettered in football, served
as captain of the tennis team and kept my cherished altar boy spot through high school.
My daughter Stephanie served as Sallies first female coach, as an assistant with the indoor
track team. All of us, as a family tradition, served as ushers for the annual graduation
ceremony from 1970 until the last of the grandchildren graduated in the early 90’s.
There are even more notes to this song. Schofields, Cornleys, Schlotterbachs, Vachris, and
Wilmoth are there now.
What can we take away from this story of everyday life? Perhaps we can say that just as
the smallest stone cast into the pond leaves spreading lasting rings that reach the other
shore, so too will the tiny steps of service to others and simple perseverance to live a
worthy life flow on to others.
“Tenui nec,” they say. Serve, try, and never give up.
I can’t wait to hear from the Reardons, Schiavis or the Szczerbas.
Francis “Zeke” Schofield ’61
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
15
Dan Sullivan: It is a mixture of integrity and habitual
hard work. It is not forced here, but it is necessary if
you want to succeed. The expectations here are high,
and you have to match them. That will follow through
to college as well.
DG: How did it feel when you found out you were
selected to speak for your class?
Dante Marini: It was pretty cool at first, but I’ll admit
I was nervous thinking about being in front of the
whole room talking. But to represent my class, that
was cool.
Senior Speak Out
The traditions of Salesianum run the gamut of adjectives.
From the distinguished white jacket tuxedos seniors wear
at graduation, to the always question inducing lack of a
school mascot. While there are many others in between,
the tradition of the speakers for the annual Honors and
Service Dinner, and for Graduation is one that stands out
as one of the most appropriate. Voted on by the faculty, the
four students (two speakers at Honors and Service, and two
for Graduation) selected this year represent the best of the
senior class from across academic, athletic, service, and
activities of the school.
Distinguished Gentleman had the opportunity to sit down
with the four students for a roundtable discussion about
many topics, ranging from the honor they have received,
their time at Salesianum, what challenges they expect next
year, and what advice they would give to students moving
into junior and senior year. The conversation has been
edited for spaced and clarity.
Distinguished Gentleman: What do you think is the most important
thing you learned at Salesianum?
Christian Bale: The idea of brotherhood amongst the students. Even
though there is competition amongst the students, given the fact it is
an all-boy school, there is still compassion that each student will show
when they put down that competitiveness and help each other out. And
while there are certainly groups of students here at Sallies, you don’t
always see cliques.
16
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
Nicholas Roy: When Fr. Bill told me I must admit I
was very nervous because I am not the biggest fan of
public speaking. But thinking about how after four
years, the teachers recognized something in me, it was
a great honor.
Bale: Gratitude to the teachers who voted. While I don’t have a fear
of public speaking, I know that the evening of graduation, I will be
nervous.
SPEAKER PROFILES:
Christian Bale ’10
Grade School: St. Matthew School
Graduation Speaker
College: University of Delaware
Accomplishments: Student Council President,
President of Campus Ministry, Inter-Act Club, National
Honor Society, Jefferson Awards Team Member
Dante Marini ’10
Grade School: St. Mary Magdalen
Honors and Service Banquet Speaker
College: Northeastern University
Accomplishments: 2009 First team All-state Soccer,
Academic All-American, Member of three state
champion soccer teams, National Honor Society,
Salesianum Spirituality Commission
Nicholas Roy ’10
Grade School: Tome School
Honors and Service Banquet Speaker
College: Yale University
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist, National
Honors Society, Mathleets
Daniel Sullivan ’10
Grade School: Independence School
Graduation Speaker
College: Georgetown University
Accomplishments: Senior Class President, National
Honor Society President, Model U.N., U.S.
Presidential Scholar Semi-Finalist, Student Choral
Group
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
DG: Did
you find yourself looking for aspects of
the colleges you were looking at?
Salesianum
in
Marini: I don’t think I was looking for things I specifically liked about
Sallies. I looked for my own personal likes and dislikes, but I think
those ideas were formed by my experiences here.
Roy: Colleges all talk about activities and other aspects of the campus,
but I was looking for academic rigor, and Sallies has prepared me for
that.
Sullivan: Originally I was just looking at the top ten business schools
in the country, since I want to pursue business law. However, I found
myself looking at schools with more of a community atmosphere, and
not a detached feeling. In schools that are more community focused, I
find that opportunities are exponentially more available.
DG: What are you looking forward to most next year?
Roy: When I was visiting campuses, many of the students I was touring
with seemed to be making getting into the school the most important
thing in their lives for the last four years. I’d like to think I have a better
perspective, I am ready to go to college, while others are still in that
“SAT” mode, where I feel like I am ready to move on in life.
Sullivan: I am really looking forward trying new things and activities.
I am very involved in Model UN and service clubs here at Sallies, and
I enjoy doing that. But I am looking forward to try new activities in
college. I do want to try swing dancing, I saw a club doing that on a
college visit, and it is something I want to try.
Marini: College is a place where you get to know who you really are,
and Sallies has brought me to the point where I will get the most out of
my college experience.
DG: Dante, do you think you are ready for the time commitment
that sports and academics require at the college level?
Marini: People assume that I have no free time between school and
soccer, and I think that is fluffed up a little bit. I have plenty of time for
hanging out with my friends; it is really just working when you need to
work or playing when you need to play.
DG: Any fears about next year?
Bale: I am the oldest of six children, so for me missing my family will
be the hardest. I know I will be home for Christmas and other holidays,
but I will miss my little siblings.
DG: What
advice would you give to the students beginning this
will get through it.
Bale: I applied to a lot of schools and then went to visit once I was
accepted. I didn’t realize how much time that would take and if I did it
all over again I would visit first and apply second.
Sullivan: I would say figure out it is what you want, and choose a
school based on what you want, not necessarily the rankings or what
others say about it. Also, work on your essays early. Try to put as much
of yourself into those essays. I wrote an essay about how horrible I am
at golf, and that was the one I got the most feedback from in the college
interview process.
DG: What do you
here at Sallies?
think was one of the highlights of your time
Marini: When we all arrived here freshman year at orientation, it
seemed everyone, including me, was in their own shell, stayed with the
friends they had known already. For me a great memory was the fall
pep rally. As part of one the skits I was asked to run out and tackle one
of the senior football players, and there was about 1000 guys cheering
for me, so that was cool.
Roy: Last year during AP Calc, the class changed from doing all work
yourself to working together and teaching each other. Mrs. Wieczorek
(then Pilipczuk) was our teacher, and she was great in the way she
presented the concepts to us. What we were learning was hard stuff,
but I realized I was learning much faster working with the group. I feel
that is more what college will be like, and I am prepared for that.
Bale: My trip to Annecy France with students John Menton ’09, Tyler
Azevedo ’09, Fr. Bill (McCandless) and Fr. Pat (Kifilo). I was able
to foster great relationships with both Fr. Pat and Fr. Bill. They are
both very different and represent different aspects of the Salesianum
experience, but being around both of them I was able to better understand
both the religious aspect and leadership aspect of Salesianum.
Sullivan: My favorite experience at Sallies was Encounter (a four day
retreat offered to juniors and seniors). It was an experience like no
other. Sallies has a way of connecting people, but Encounter has a way
of making those connections stronger.
While the conversation could have lasted hours into days, the
young men had to return to class.
Look for the fall issue of Distinguished Gentleman for highlights
from the Honors and Service Dinner, Graduation, and more
information on the class of 2010.
college selection process?
Roy: Don’t limit yourself to a certain 50 mile radius or something like
that. Look for schools that you think will be a good fit for you.
Marini: Know that this can be a stressful time, no matter what. I
knew I wanted to play soccer in college, so that added the aspect of
speaking with coaches and researching their programs as well. It will
be stressful; there is no way around it. But know that, and know you
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
17
Message from the Provincial
Dear Members of the Salesianum Community,
Before I address an important matter for my current letter in this edition of the
Distinguished Gentleman, I want to discuss your response from my last letter in
the Fall 2009 edition when I addressed the issue of the allegations of clergy sexual
abuse that arose from lawsuits filed against some Oblates, many who had died.
In that letter, I was clear in my expression of support for those claiming abuse,
acknowledging their pain as real, and our responsibility to help them heal. I thank
you as many offered your prayers and support, and others expressed deep frustration
and disappointment, as we engage in the ministry of healing. I assure you that our
efforts to aid in this healing continue in earnest as a response to Gospel justice. I
again ask for your prayers for all impacted by abuse.
As I have shared with you in the past, one of the highlights of my ministry as the
Provincial of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales is to serve as Chairman of the Board
of our great school! While this hardly brings me to interface with the daily running
of the school—except when I preach and preside at school Masses, for which I am
becoming a student favorite because of my tendency to grant school holidays, I do
keep the activities of Salesianum as a chief priority, as it is a privileged ministry in
the life of our Province.
You may have heard that I have assigned Fr. Bill McCandless, principal, to serve
the larger Oblate Congregation in an international assignment that will take him to
live in Monaco. The Superior General, Most Reverend Aldino Kiesel, OSFS, asked
me whether Fr. Bill would be able to begin an effort to coordinate all of the Oblate
schools throughout the world in their work to integrate Salesian spirituality into the
curricula of the schools and the lives of the students. Agreeing to the request of Fr.
Kiesel, I needed to appoint a new principal for our school here in Wilmington.
In the spirit of the by-laws of the Board of Trustees, I brought this task to our board members—many of whom are lay
people— at the September 2009 meeting, and they enthusiastically asked me to appoint an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales.
Acknowledging that we Oblates are fewer in number and older in age, I raised the possibility that now may be the time
for a qualified lay person, after a national search, to assume the ministry of principal at Salesianum. It was their strong
sentiment that the life of the school remains thoroughly tied to the spirit and personalities of the Oblates, and they wanted
the pastoral leader of the school, its principal, to be from our religious community.
I was impressed by the clarity of their advice to me. While we did open the search to interested lay colleagues of all of our
schools, they asked me to state clearly in the position announcement that preference would be given to an Oblate.
I am happy to announce here that I have appointed Fr. J. Christian Beretta, OSFS, to serve as the 17th principal. I am sure
that future issues of The Distinguished Gentleman will feature Fr. Beretta more closely, but I wanted you to know that both
his experience and credentials position him well to minister in this important leadership role in our school.
18
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
Presently, he serves as principal at Bishop Verot High School in Ft. Myers, Florida, and holds graduate degrees in divinity
from DeSales School of Theology, kinesiology from the University of Maryland, and education from the University of Notre
Dame. Ordained to the priesthood in 1997 by the late bishop of Wilmington, Michael A. Saltarelli, Fr. Beretta was assigned to
teach at Salesianum in 1997 as a seminarian and immediately after his ordination. Of course, he is delighted to return again!
My vision of the ministry of the principal is that he is to serve as the pastor of the students, faculty, staff and parents. Fr.
Beretta shares this vision and has worked tirelessly at Bishop Verot to develop programs, activities and the curriculum to
ensure the Catholic, Salesian nature of the students’ faith formation and education. I expect that this will only progress during
his time at Salesianum.
I wanted to share with you the background of his selection, for I was impressed with the energy that the members had for
maintaining an Oblate presence in the principal’s office. This spoke to me about a deeper appreciation for our charism and
our longstanding commitment to the school. In return, I assure you of the Oblates’ long-term commitment: Despite fewer
vocations and an aging population in our religious community, Salesianum School remains an essential apostolate and holds a
cherished position among the various ministerial demands to which the church calls us to respond.
As an expression of our commitment to Salesianum School, I have assigned Patrick Kennedy, our newly ordained deacon,
to work full-time at Salesianum next year. As our youngest ordained Oblate, Pat, 28, will bring his talents as a scripture
scholar, having just completed a year teaching at DeSales University, to the classroom and retreat activities of the school. I
am confident that his gifts and youth will serve our students exceedingly well in his ministry as a deacon. Please keep Pat
in prayer as he prepares for this important step in his preparation for the priesthood and his work among our young Salesian
gentlemen.
As I write to offer a preliminary introduction of our next principal, I realize that memories of your time at Salesianum may
be evoked. I point you to a new feature from the Oblates’ web page that is linked to the alumni page of Salesianum. Thanks
for the Memories can be accessed through either site. In its first stages, we have invited different Oblates to write their
memories of their time at the school. However, we are very interested in adding your recollections to be included with theirs.
Please visit this site, www.oblates.org/memories, to see if one of your Oblate teachers has posted memories from his time at
Salesianum.
Again, as we Oblates move forward to make Salesianum a strong Catholic, Salesian school for young men, our commitment to
their formation, education and safety is primary. The ongoing support we experience from you helps immeasurably, and I pray
that—together—we will grow even stronger.
Live Jesus!
Sincerely,
Very Reverend James J. Greenfield, OSFS
Provincial, Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
Chairman of the Board, Salesianum School
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
19
Grad
Glimpses
J.T. “Tom” Brown III ’51
moved to Camden County, GA,
two years ago from Virginia
Beach, VA. He is president of
the Fleet Reserve Association
(FRA) Branch 248. Tom retired from the Navy
as a senior chief petty officer and gun control
technician, and then retired from his second
career in international marketing for naval
defense systems for Dynell Electronics and
Ford Aerospace.
Airport.
Joseph Piascinski ’53, and his wife, Eleanor,
celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
with a trip to Topsail, NC with family. They
were married on May 2, 1959 at St. Elizabeth’s
Church in Wilmington. They attend St. John
Neumann Church. The Piascinskis are parents
of Michael, John, Mary and Thomas and have
six grandchildren. Joe retired from the former
RCA Corporation and Ele retired from Dart
Container Corporation.
Michael Kehnast ’62 is selling mattresses as
regional manager for Memory Foam Kidz, a
California company.
50’s
Francis Socorso ’58 retired from the Baltimore
County Police in July, 2005.
William F. Hawk ’61 is president and owner of
TECHAWK Security Products providing state
of the art radiation detection equipment to the
US Coast Guard, Dept. of Homeland Security,
police and fire departments nationwide, and
foreign sales including Saudi Arabia and
Iraq. He is also Vice President for Academic
Affairs and adjunct professor of business and
economics at Tysons College, in Vienna, VA.
John N. Flinn ’63 is married with 4 grown
children and 1 granddaughter. He is now
working into his fortieth year in Human
Resources.
Terrance Ireland ’63 retired from the New
Castle County Vocational Technical School
District in 2007. He is enjoying retirement and
working on his golf game.
Joseph W. Jackson ’60 retired
after 35 years with DuPont.
He was ordained a permanent
deacon in 2001. He acquired
his Masters degree in Spiritual
Direction in 2007. Joseph is enjoying
grandchildren, bicycling, working with young
adults and teens, and has been married for 42
years.
Gerald F. Ferguson ’65 retired from DuPont
September 30, 2009.
Donald G. Davis ’61 has 2 children, Zachary
(24) & Meredith (23). He plans to teach for
a few more years. His wife Jinni is a school
nurse. His hobbies include Negro League
Baseball and collecting Zippo lighters.
Donald E. Walsh ’67 is an administrative law
judge with the State of Colorado since June
2004, in Colorado Springs, CO. Currently, he
hears workers’ compensation cases. Donald
retired from the US Air Force in March 1998
after more than 30 years of total service — 12
in the Delaware Air National Guard, and on
active duty with the USAF for 20 years.
60’s
Jerome (Jerry) Fahey ’61 retired from USAF
after 24 years, and worked for Lockheed
Martin, the Greater Orlando Aviation
Authority, and is currently a Manager with ISS
Facility Services, Inc. at Orlando International
20
Michael J. Gawinski ’67 has two children
and two grandchildren. He manages a small
industrial manufacturing business, which is
part of an international materials handling
group of companies. His hobby is Christian
Clowning in the USA and Europe.
Michael Handlin ’68 is married with 4
children and 6 grand children. He taught
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
Vocational Agriculture for 31 years, and was
named teacher of the year for Middletown
High, Appoquinimink School District in 1989.
He started plays and musicals at Middletown
High in 1978. He is a member of Holy Family
Parish, St. Michael Council Knights of
Columbus, and member of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians Newark, Div. 2.
Mr. Thomas C. Beecher ’69 is currently the
president of Mater Dei Catholic High School
in San Diego. He recently finished a sixyear commitment to the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the past
two years as Chairman of the Accrediting
Commission for Schools. Thomas is in his
12th year as a Western Regional Associate to
the National Catholic Educational Association
(NCEA).
Thomas J. Cahill, III ’69 had his debut novel,
“In the Land of the Chalice Maker” published
on February 1, 2010. The book is available on
Amazon.com.
70’s
Joseph Barranco ’70 has been
teaching and coaching for the
last 31 years.
Matthew D. Heron ’71 retired
in September 2009 after 23 years of service
in the FBI, reaching the level of Section Chief
OCS, CID. He served in Kansas City, Newark
and the New York offices of the Bureau.
Gerald E. McGrory ’71 is Director of
Pharmacy Services at Nemours/A.I.duPont
Hospital for Children.
Michael Anselmi ’73 retired as a Senior
Manager in Human Resources after 30 years
with Chrysler Corp.
William G. Price ’74 has been married to
his Donna for 30 years. He has two children
Billy and Julia. Currently, he drives a bus for
DART and passes Salesianum everyday. He
would like to say hello to his good friends
Jim Munnis and Brian Resetco.
Michael J. Ruddick ’75, along with his son
Alex, came from behind on the 18th hole
to defeat Greg Morrin of St. Mark’s and his
father, Tom, in the first annual father/son
scramble format, Salesianum/St. Mark’s disc
golf tournament held at Brandywine Creek
State Park. Jon Mazzio ’09 was on hand to
congratulate the Ruddicks at the finish.
Frank Gerace ’76 is working as a news anchor/
reporter at WDEL 1150AM in Wilmington,
and occasionally as a disc jockey at sister
station 93.7 WSTW.
Louis P Marconi ’76 is working and loving
life.
Christopher Hill ’77 is in his 26th year of
teaching and coaching at St. Thomas Aquinas
High School and is coaching running backs
for the varsity football team. Currently
his only son is serving with the USMC in
Afghanistan.
rank of Major of the New Castle County Police
Department. Major McGowan was named the
Acting Chief of Police for the department.
Walter Delaney ’82 has been
working at Boeing Commercial
Airplanes as a safety-analysis
engineer. For the last six years
he has been working on the
787. He and wife Ellen have also been raising
two daughters ages 13 and 10.
80’s
James Aumiller ’83 and his wife, Donna, stay
busy raising their three children in Dublin,
OH. Their oldest daughter, Morgan, started
high school at Dublin Coffman in Dublin.
She is playing field hockey, swim team and
lacrosse. Son Jimmy is in seventh grade at
Kamer Middle School and plays football and
wrestles. Youngest daughter, Shannon, is in
5th grade and enjoys playing field hockey,
soccer and lacrosse.
Michael J. Shogi ’83 is working as an
IT project manager for Avery Dennison
Corporation in Mentor, OH. He is collecting
music and historic artifacts; reading lots
and lots of books; playing with his dog and
enjoying his vegetarianism.
enforcement for the past 19 years. He is
currently employed with the West Goshen
Twp. Police Department in Chester County,
PA.
Michael Imburgia ’88 was traveling through
Asia, and is back in the states now.
David Cassel ’90 is now working as a
senior federal consultant for Mark Logic
Corporation.
C.T. Lyons ’90 has been
teaching for the last 12 years
and is currently the Behavior
Intervention
Specialist
at
Dickinson High School. C.T.
and his wife had their third child on Nov. 22,
2009.
90’s
Thomas Silicato Jr ’90 is a graduate of
West Chester University in business and just
recently graduated from Del Tech in civil
engineering. He is looking into several schools
to continue towards his bachelor degree in
civil engineering. Currently, he is working in
the construction industry as a surveyor and
holds a real estate license. Thomas and his
wife are expecting their first child in June.
Edward J. Dugan III ’84 is skiing and
snowboarding in Colorado.
Peter Mace ’84 and his wife, Laura, welcomed
Charles Thomas Mace on May 16, 2009. The
Mace family resides in Atlanta, GA.
Robert Becker ’78 was promoted to the rank
of Captain of the New Castle County Police
Department.
Brian Donahue ’79 has been principal at
Mariner Middle School in the Cape Henlopen
School District for the past 3 years.
Walter J. Kowal, Jr. ’80 launched Talent
Partnering Solutions, an executive employment
recruitment firm. Walter is using over 15 years
experience in recruiting and staffing, 6 of
which were spent with Comcast where he was
one of two recruiters who helped Comcast
enter the internet space. For more information,
visit www.talentpartneringsolutions.com.
Michael McGowan ’80 was promoted to the
Michael L. Szep, Jr ’86 has been married to
Chris Ann Szep for 15 years. The couple has
two children, Nicholas (13) and Joshua (10).
Both attend Mt. Aviat Academy in Childs, MD.
Michael is a Corporal with the Newark Police
Department where he is starting his 13th year
with Newark Police. Prior to Newark, Michael
worked 5 years at the Cecil County Sheriff’s
Office.
Dennis Cini ’87 is a teacher in the Smyrna
School District, and taught previously at MOT
Charter School, Holy Spirit School, Hodgson
Vo-Tech.
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Brian Erskine ’87 is in the District Curriculum
Supervisor Doctorate Program at UDEL in
School Leadership. His daughter Olivia is 3
years old.
John Liss ’87 has been working in law
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
21
Grad
Glimpses
John E. Bromels ’94 and his wife, Rebecca,
welcomed their first child, Henry Archer
Bromels, on Dec. 3, 2009. The Bromels live
in Saint Bernard, OH.
Brian Conneen ’95 married Kate Adams in
Oct 2007. Their first child, Grady James, was
born on February 20, 2010.
Dan Barkley ’96 oversees the operations of
three restaurants. He was recently promoted to
Director of Operations for BP Waldorf. He and
his girlfriend have been together for 2 years.
Jared N. Leland ’96 was promoted at Keevican
Weiss Bauerle & Hirsch LLC to Partner of the
Firm. As founder of the Firm’s Entertainment
Law Practice, he manages transactions
involving the production, distribution, and
financing of motion pictures and television
programs as well as the acquisition and
disposition of entertainment assets. He hosts
“Jared Leland Live: From the Red Carpet” on
Pittsburgh Business Radio 1360 AM WMNY.
“Jared Leland Live” is the only radio program
on air in Pittsburgh (and one of only a few
across the country) devoted solely to covering
the intersection of business and entertainment.
He received his B.A. degree from Boston
College and his J.D. degree from The Catholic
University of America - Columbus School of
Law.
Eugene M. Dzielak Jr. ’98 is the middle
school science teacher at St. Anthony of Padua
school in Wilmington.
Lt. Michael Nunziato ’98 is currently a
Afghanistan/Pakistan Policy Analyst for the
US Navy at the Pentagon. He is also enrolled
in Catholic University of America and getting
his Master’s Degree in International Affairs.
Franklin T. Pyle III ’00 graduated magna cum
laude from Penn State’s Dickinson School of
Law in 2008. His is currently an associate in
the Health Effects Litigation practice group of
22
MAY THEY
REST IN PEACE
Richard F. Vilone ‘64
Anthony J. Barone ‘34
Mark T. Davies ‘67
John J. Rivers ‘37
Leland C. Jennings ‘70
William F. Crather ‘38
William S. Fox ‘91
Norman D. McLaughlin
Joseph R. Priest ‘96
‘40
Paul J. Slavin ‘60
Joseph P. Drazek ‘41
Armando F. Hidalgo ‘63
William F. Grant ‘42
Joseph J. Scherry ‘63
Charles A. Lapenta ‘44
Richard T. Young ‘63
Gordon Thomas ’02 has been in the Army for
four years. He is an artillery officer and was
deployed to Iraq between 20072008. He is currently at Fort
Benning, GA.
Joseph M. Mahoney ‘44
Richard F. Vilone ‘64
Gregory M. Corrigan ‘46
Kenneth N. Dunn ‘97
Harry J. Bacon ‘47
Jason M. Croce ‘05
William F. Callahan ‘47
Loretta J. Blevins
John F. Halloran ‘47
Roger M. Burris
James P. Collins
Jay Hartnett ’03 graduated
from the University of Delaware with a
Doctorate of Physical Therapy in December
2009. He is now working full-time at Elite
Physical Therapy in Wilmington, DE.
Francis A. O’Connor ‘47
Charles A. Albano ‘48
Thomas F. Degnan
Dallas W. Jordan ‘49
William R. Dunn
Joseph F. Szperka ‘51
Philip Facciolo
Anthony D. Dicampli ‘52
Mark G. Foster
Louis F. Bozzo ‘53
Ernest Gumenuk
M. Gregory May, Jr. ’04 received his Masters
in Accounting from the University of Virginia
in 2009. He is currently working for Mengel,
Metzger, Barr & Co. in Elmira, NY.
James R. Farmar ‘54
Margaretta J. Kelly
William E. Grabowski ‘54
John W. Lyle
Martin J. Walsh ‘54
Evelyn S. Lynch
John R. Bartkowski ‘55
Thomas J. Maxwell
Francis A. McGready ‘55
William J. McVey
Stephen Meier ’04 received his Masters in
Administration of Justice and Homeland
Security in January from Wilmington
University.
Joseph C. Bartkowski ‘56
Duke C. Meredith
Michael J. Haley ‘57
Ellyn C. Moore
James J. Coll ‘58
William F. Murphy
James T. Clothier ‘60
Louis J. Pia
Herbert F. Craig ‘60
Marie E. Rachelli
Robert J. Dauphin ‘60
Thomas F. Simendinger
Armando F. Hidalgo ‘63
David L. Simpson
Michael A. Bradley ‘66
Emidio F. Stellini
Mark T. Davies ‘67
Edward J. Szczerba
Joseph J. Scherry ‘63
Frances M. Verderamo
Pepper Hamilton, LLP in Philadelphia.
Eric C. Eckstrand ’00 is a US Naval Submarine
Officer.
Joseph Meier ’00 is in the MBA Program
at LaSalle University and was inducted into
the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor
Society for Business.
00’s
Alex Gambogi ’05 currently attends Jefferson
Medical College.
Ryan Joseph Cuga ’08 is currently in training
to become an Officer for the United States
Coast Guard. Alongside of his training, he
is also studying for a B.S. in Mechanical
Engineering.
Ryan Nucifora ’09 is in a six year Doctorate
Program for Physical Therapy at Slippery
Rock University.
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
Richard T. Young ‘63
Michael A. Bradley ‘66
Congratulations to
our Fall and Winter
State Champions!
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
23
Salesianum School
School
1801 N.Salesianum
Broom Street
Wilmington,
DE
19802
1801 N. Broom Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
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Calendar of
ALUMNI EVENTS
JUNE:
June 5:
Salesianum Alumni Wiffle Ball
Tournament
June 21:
Salesianum Open Golf
Tournament
June 25
Salesianum Alumni Association at
the Blue Rocks concession
JULY:
July 31
Alumni Day at the Beach
SEPTEMBER
September 16-19
2010 Homecoming
NOVEMBER
November 5-6
Class of 1960 50-Year Reunion
Cast of Salesianum’s fall production of 12 Angry Jurors
Visit www.salesianum.org for any
upcoming events as they
happen!