SLUH News Winter 2009

Summer 2009A Jesuit College Preparatory School • Founded 1818

On the Cover

The photo on the cover is by Senior Zac Boesch, the recipient of the 2009 Ed Hawk Award. This image is one of a series of photos that Boesch created to adorn the main wall of the Pastoral Office, portraying the spiritual life of our school. Visitors to SLUH are encouraged to stop by the Pastoral Office to see the full set of photographs.

Editor’s Note: For the past three years, Zac has taken thousands of photos capturing the spirit and essence of SLUH. We have used many of Zac’s photos in this magazine, and we are very grateful to him. On behalf of the SLUH NEWS, our thanks to Zac and best wishes as he enters college in the Fall.

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St. Louis University High School4970 Oakland AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63110Telephone: (314) 531-0330Facsimile: (314) 531-8446www.sluh.org

Mr. David J. LaughlinPresident

Dr. John J. MoranPrincipal

Mr. Thomas BecvarAssistant Principal – Administrative and Technology Services

Mr. Brock Kesterson Assistant Principal – Student Affairs

Ms. Robyn L. PilliodAssoc. Vice President for Advancement

Mr. D. Michael Leary Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer

Mr. R. Mark Michalski ‘84Assistant Principal – Academics, Curriculum and Instruction

SLUH NEWSis a publication for alumni, family and friends of St. Louis University High.

Questions and comments should be addressed to:

Joe Patke, Director of Data and Communications St. Louis University High E-mail: [email protected]

Photography courtesy of Mr. Matt Sciuto ‘70 and the SLUH Photography Club.

2009 Alumni Reunions Dates

Class of 1944 Tuesday, September 15 (lunch)

Class of 1949 Fri-Sat, September 11-12

Class of 1954 Fri-Sat, October 2-3







Class of 1989 Fri-Sat, November 20-21



Class of 2004 Saturday, December 26

Listed below are the dates for Alumni class reunions

for 2009. Planning committees are in the process of

finalizing the details. Invitations are generally mailed

6-8 weeks before the event. Complete details will also be

posted on the reunion portion of the SLUH website as

they become available: www.sluh.org/alumni/reunions

Coming Home

3As we continue to pursue excellence at St. Louis U. High, it is important to confirm that we are on the right path by examining some quantifiable measures of suc-cess. We can take an objective look at our academic success in test scores, grade point averages and tre-mendous college admissions. Outside the classroom, we can see success in our co-curriculars by excellent performances, championships and recognitions. In this issue of the SLUH NEWS, we examine and celebrate many of these successes.

We have been blessed with great young men, support-ive families, wonderful faculty and loyal benefactors who together make our work possible. We are thankful for our good fortune – especially in a very difficult eco-nomic year.

Jesuit education is well known for its high standard of intellectual success throughout the world and over many generations. A spirituality which ‘finds God in all things’ will inevitably pursue this excellence of the mind and the body. We can gather the data which demon-

strates our success in these areas, but our mission goes beyond that. Exem-plary test scores, superb artistic per-formances and athletic championships do not fulfill our mission on their own.

Recently, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, SJ, Supe-rior General of the Society of Jesus,

visited the United States. In an interview with the media, he stated the following: “…

there is a lack of space for silence, for calm, for

peaceful relating….the healing power of calm and peace is tremen-dous and we are losing this…..We need time to recuperate for the heart to develop. We also need to challenge the overwhelming importance given to thought over feeling.”

In his most recent book, What is Ignatian Spirituality?, Fr. David Fleming, S. J. ’52, writes that Ignatian Spiritual-ity is a matter of the heart. The Spiritual Exercises do not have the goal of intellectual development, writes Fr. Fleming, SJ. “The goal is a response….Ignatius is after a response of the heart.”

A Jesuit education is not complete without this instruc-tion in matters of both mind and body. To find God in all things, “we must cultivate life-affirming virtues, lively imaginations, critical minds, and compassionate hearts.” To achieve complete success, a Jesuit education must address the total student and trigger that ‘response of the heart’ that Fr. Fleming, S.J. describes.

As much as any statistic I have studied this year, I felt a tremendous confirmation of our mission as I met with the Geometry students from classes taught by Frank Corley ’77. The classes were divided into small groups to offer suggestions for the new student commons area, currently occupied by the Backer Gymnasium. Using geometric theories, they designed their ideas and made specific suggestions. And, as predictable young men, they had ideas that were terrific, and others that might never see the light of day! (After all, a fully-equipped video arcade does not really fit into the mission of a Jesuit, college-prep high school!) However, within EACH of about a dozen groups, a quiet, reflective space for personal study, prayer and intimate discussion was considered essential. Yes, current Geometry students helped me realize that in addition to the academic, activities and athletic success, the matters of the heart were on balance with the matters of the head as a pri-ority for our young men.

As we end another school year, we do so – Ad Ma-jorem Dei Gloriam. In gratitude, we dedicate all of our thoughts, words and actions in matters of the mind, body and heart to the ‘Greater Glory of God’.

Christ’s peace,

David J. LaughlinPresident

Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends,

In 2008, the SLUH family lost a wonderful supporter with the death of Melvin Giles ’38. He was a volunteer, reunion organizer and benefactor to our school. His support of the school continues on, even after his death. Mr. Giles made provisions for SLUH in his estate plans, and the school has received gifts totaling

$1,000,000 from his estate. The funds have been placed in the school’s endowment fund, and the investment earnings will provide scholarships for deserving SLUH students for generations to come.

Giles attended SLUH from 1934 until 1938. He was a successful student and

Bequest from Melvin Giles ’38 Creates 4

Editor’s Note: The following piece is based on an article written by Sophomore Nick Fandos for the May 1, 2009, edition of the Prep News. Nick’s article is available on-line at http://student.sluh.org/prepnews/pdfs/73/vol73-28.pdf

Dr. Mary Lee McConaghy is retiring as a full time teacher at the end of the current school year. McConaghy has taught Latin and Greek at SLUH for 30 years. She will continue in a part-time role for the indefinite future, teaching one course in Greek.

As one of the first full-time female teachers at SLUH, McConaghy was considered a pioneer. “Not only was she a pioneer in terms of her gender, but nearly all the SLUH Latin teachers prior to her were Jesuit priests…so she was a pioneer in that regard as well,” noted fellow Latin teacher Fr. Ralph Houlihan, S.J.

If there were any qualms about whether a woman could succeed in the Latin program at SLUH, McConaghy quickly dispelled them. She is highly regarded by both students and colleagues, and her enthusiasm for the classics and for teaching is infectious.

McConaghy noted that “if you have enthusiasm for something, it can carry you through very challenging situations and keep you optimistic ... and also inspire you to go into areas you haven’t considered before.”

A supply of stickers with the word optime (Latin for “excellent”) is always close at hand for McConaghy, as a reward for students who perform well. These small rewards are treasured by students, and worn with pride. Affectionately known to two generations of SLUH classics scholars as “Magistra” (Latin for “teacher”), McConaghy taught both Latin and Greek. She also coached the Certamen teams, which compete against other schools in contests testing the students’ knowledge of the Latin language and Roman culture.

Dr. McConaghy Retires After 30 Years

1938 yearbook picture of Melvin Giles.

Dr. McConaghy at Awards Day Ceremony

Scholarship Fund5

graduated with honors. Involved in many activities, he was a standout infielder and leading hitter on the baseball team. He was a captain on the basketball team, and he was a member of the city championship football team. He cherished his time at SLUH and cited his Jesuit education as a keystone of his success in life.

The Great Depression, and the challenges it presented, shaped the time that Giles attended SLUH. Now, more than 70 years later, we are feeling the strains of another era of economic hardship. Thanks to the generosity of Melvin Giles, SLUH is better prepared to meet the challenges of these difficult times. Each year, the income from his endowed scholarship will provide financial support to several

SLUH students, keeping the Jesuit education he cherished within reach for more young men.

If you would like information about making an estate gift to SLUH, please visit our planned giving website at www.sluh.org/alumni/waystogive/ or call our Tom Auffenberg at (314) 531-0330 ext 112.

Mark Michalski and Senior Alex Brooks

Editor’s Note: The following piece is based on an article written by Junior Matt Betton-ville for the May 1, 2009, edition of the Prep News. Matt’s article is available on-line at http://student.sluh.org/prepnews/pdfs/73/vol73-28.pdf

Academic Assistant Principal Mark Michalski ’84 will leave St. Louis U. High to become principal at Central Cath olic St. Nicholas School and Academy, a school with about 230 students in kinder garten through eighth grade.

“I’m at a time in my career when I’ve had my eyes out for a principal’s job,” said Michalski of his decision to leave. He said that he had worked in urban diocesan grade schools in Denver and Kansas City, so Cen-tral Catholic St. Nicholas, a largely African American school located in North city, appealed to him.

“I’ve loved my eleven years here at SLUH,” said Michalski. “I’ve loved every minute of my time, but I’m excited to face new challenges at Central Catholic St. Nicholas.”

Michalski Named Principal of Central Catholic

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The chairs of the Cashbah Dinner-Auction looked to Hollywood for their theme this year, and presented “A Silver Screen Salute to CASHBAH.” The event, held on Saturday, April 4, was by all measures a huge hit…a blockbuster.

Guests made their way past the popping flashbulbs of the paparazzi as they walked the red carpet into CASHBAH. The Backer Gymnasium had been transformed…decorated in a glamorous cinematic theme that gave the event the atmosphere of a Hollywood Oscar-night party. Nancy Guilfoy and Kate Nolan Hagan, auction co-chairs, were delighted with the

camaraderie and overall success of the sold-out event. “The night was a success on many levels,” said Hagan. “We raised a lot of money for the scholarship program at SLUH, which in these economic times is crucial. But it was also a great party and we had a lot of fun. It is a great community-building event for the SLUH family.”

More than 800 guests attended the 40th annual CASHBAH. Auction items ranged in scope from stunning vacation and sports packages to exquisite jewelry and distinctive furniture. In spite of an unfavorable economic climate, CASHBAH 2009 netted approximately $560,000.

A Silver Screen Salute To CASHBAH 2009

Mark your calendars now for CASHBAH 2010 on Saturday, March 20.

Pictured left to right, Alumni Chair, Mike Brand ‘73, President David Laughlin and Parent Chair Dan Barrett.

Top-to-bottom: Jack Erbs, Drew Morris, Adam Twist, Joe Stratton, Connor Hagan, David Martin, and Chris Sokolowski.

Pictured left to right, Cashbah Co-Chairs, Nancy Guilfoy and Kate Hagan

At the annual Faculty Appreciation Dinner in May, the Jesuit Partner Award was presented to long-time Spanish teacher Mr. Charley Merriott. In 2000, the Board of Trustees established an Endowed Fund to create an annual opportunity to recognize and reward a member of the SLUH faculty for their outstanding support of Catholic, Jesuit education. In creating the award, the Board requested that the academic administration annually select a faculty member who has demonstrated the ideals expressed in the mission statement of the school. The teacher selected will have shown great dedication, both in and out of the classroom, to the ideals of Jesuit education. The award includes recognition on a plaque placed prominently in the school, and an honorarium generated by the endowment fund.

Charley Merriott has been a Spanish teacher for over 40 years, with 18 of those years at SLUH. In 1994, then-Principal Paul Owens asked Merriott to accompany 6 seniors on their Senior Project to the Centro San Yves in Yoro, Honduras. The Centro San Yves is a residential nutrition center for malnourished children. Merriott accepted this challenge and the rest is SLUH history. For the next 15 years, Merriott would lead a Senior Project group to Honduras. He became so committed to the nutrition center, and the children there, that he began going back again during the summer, spending weeks of his vacation time working in Honduras.

Eventually, he took on the project of building a new facility to house the nutrition center and its children. He worked tirelessly raising money for supplies and negotiating with vendors and contractors in Honduras. He became a fixture outside the SLUH cafeteria, staffing a candy sale table to raise money for “his babies.” Many in the SLUH family were inspired by his efforts, and before long he had raised over $40,000…enough to build a new facility for the Centro San Yves. As the new facility was built, Merriott made several trips to Honduras to personally oversee construction work.

Ten years ago, Merriott was asked to oversee an exchange program with a Jesuit high school in Columbia, South America. Every year, two Colombian students come to SLUH to study for a semester while living with their host families. Merriott serves as their advisor and mentor. Recently, Merriott received accolades from TV station KSDK. In a series of special reports called “Making A Difference,” the station highlighted inspiring people in St. Louis. Merriott’s piece aired in mid May, and can still be viewed on the station’s website (enter the word “Merriott” in the search field of the station’s website to find it).

At the award ceremony, Tom Keeline ’68, the Chair of SLUH’s Board of Trustees, noted that “Charley is a fixture at SLUH

events. He works the gate at football games, supervises students at Cashbah, leads student trips to Spain, has moderated the yearbook, leads retreats, and this Spring he has taken on the role of assistant track coach. He has devoted the last 18 years of his life to the boys at SLUH and to his babies in Honduras.”

“Charley Merriott is an embodiment of the Ignatian spirit of education,” continued Keeline. “For this we recognize him with the 2009 Jesuit Partner Award.”

Merriott Receives Jesuit Partner Award

Mr. Merriott with students Mark Kissel (left) and Brendan Giljum.

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Spring Sports Round-UpWater Polo Takes Fourth Straight Title.Head Coach: Paul Baudenstel ’90Assistant Coaches: John Penilla ’99 and Mike Petersen ’02 Overall Record: 30-1

The SLUH Varsity water polo team earned its fourth consecutive state championship in May, defeating second-seeded DeSmet 9-4. The Jr. Bills wrapped up a 30-1 season, suffering their only loss of the past three years (yes, the past three years!) to Belen Jesuit High School of Miami, Florida.

“They earned it,” coach Paul Baudendistel told the Prep News. “This championship was the product of the

seniors’ work over the past three months, and in the cases of several players, over the past six years. There were many early mornings, long days, and late nights, but I think they would agree that it was all worth it. Talent plus dedication is a wonderful combination.”

“This year’s Senior class is among the most talented ever in the water polo program, and also among the hardest working,” added Assistant Coach John Penilla. The SLUH water polo team has now earned 14 state championships in its history, the most ever for any school in the area.

Several Jr. Bills were recognized with post-season honors by area coaches. Seniors Trent Going and John Savio were All-District Honorable Mention, and Seniors John Heafner, Matt Hohenberger, Michael O’Neill, and William Page were All-District First Team. No school had placed as many as four players on the All-District First Team since 1994, when the feat was accomplished by SLUH. In addition, John Heafner was selected as the Missouri District Offensive Player of the Year, while Michael O’Neill was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year for the second season in a row. John Heafner is the third Heafner brother to win the Offensive Player of the Year Award, following Jim ’07 and Tim ’05.

Senior Jack Berger

Tennis

Head coach: Patrick Zarrick ’78Assistant Coaches: Dennis Dougan and Clark Taylor Record: 12-5 in duel meetsMCC Record: 4-0Highlights: First place in the MCC tournament. First place in the district tournament, and second place in sectionals, thus making the state’s “Elite Eight.” Senior John Edwards and Sophomore Greg Marifian qualified for individual competition in the State Tournament. Marifian went deep in the tournament, finishing in 6th place overall in the state.

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Head Coach: Jim LinharesAssistant Coaches: John Diffley, Tom Flanagan, Brian Gilmore ‘02, Karl Guenther ‘01, Charley Merriott, Joe Porter, Barrett Taylor

Record & Highlights: Coach Jim Linhares led the 2009 Jr. Bills to a third place finish in the state. This was the third time in the past five years the Jr. Bills have finished in the top 3 at State, including the State Championship in 2006.

Season highlights included championships in the MCC Relays, the University City Invitational, and the Clayton Invitational. The Jr. Bills were the MCC champions at all levels…Varsity, JV and Freshman.

Individual All-State performances included: * Double State Champ Ronnie Wingo; the 100m in 10.59 and the 200m in 21.44 (21.39 in a prelim). * 4 x 800 Relay State Champs, the first for this event in SLUH history. Austin Cookson, David Kuciejczyk-Kernan, Caleb Ford, and Nick Seckfort won the final with a time of 7:51.49, a new SLUH record. * Austin Cookson placed second in the 1600m with a time of 4:16.03 and won additional points by placing 11th in 3200m. * Nick Seckfort placed second in the 800m and set a new school record of 1:53.74. * Caleb Ford contributed points by placing 9th in the 1600m and 14th in the 3200m. * Kevin Graves added to the team total with a 13th place finish in discus with a throw of 149’02”.

It was a tremendous Spring for the Junior Billikens. The water polo team won an unprecedented 4th consecutive state title. The track squad placed third in the state. The Jr. Billiken baseball team went deep into the playoffs, making the state’s “Elite Eight.” The volleyball team made the final four, losing to eventual-champions DeSmet. Strong showings in tennis and golf rounded out an outstanding season for the Junior Bills.

Track Team Takes Third in State

Sophomore Edwin Young

Senior Jeremy Schob

Continued on Page 10

Golf

Coach: Greg BantleRecord: Fourth place (out of 11 teams) in the District

Tournament.Highlights: Senior Jeremy Schob qualified for state play, and finished 40th overall.

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Continued from Page 9

Winter & Spring Sports Round-Up

Baseball Finishes in “Elite Eight”

Head Coach: Steve NicolleratAssistant Coach: Tom Zinselmeyer ’99 Record: 19-9 Second place finish in the MCCHighlights: The Jr. Bills hosted the “Jesuit Classic” in April, and posted wins against Loyola of Chicago, Rockhurst and DeSmet. Their only loss at the classic was to nationally-ranked Creighton Prep. After finishing second in the MCC, the Jr. Bills went on to win their district and qualify for the state tournament. From there they made it to the “Elite Eight” before falling to eventual state finalist Ft. Zumwalt South. The team finished the season in the top 10 of the Post-Dispatch rankings.

Individually, Coach Nicollerat commended Seniors Pat Roy (outfield) and Jeff Brand (first base) for their outstanding seasons. Unfortunately, Mike Bucchino sat out his Senior season with an injury, after making the varsity team as a Freshman, Sophomore and Junior. He had arm surgery in the Spring, and hopes to be ready for college baseball by next year, although he is undecided about his college destination. Coach

Nicollerat reports that the future looks bright for the Jr. Bills, as Sophomore Sasha Kuebel posted a record of 9-1 as a starting pitcher and was also one of the team’s top hitters. “We had a total of five Freshman make Varsity this year…and we made it all the way to the ‘Elite Eight’ with a team that regularly started two Freshman and a Sophomore,” said Nicollerat.

Volleyball Team Reaches Semi-Finals

Head coach: Dan Becvar ’02 Assistant Coach: Paul ScovillOverall Record: 25-5MCC Record: 5-3Highlights: The Jr. Bills won the Parkway Central Tournament in April. In May the team had a great run in the State Tournament, reaching the semifinals before being eliminated by the eventual champions, the DeSmet Spartans. Individual honors had not yet been announced at press time.

11Alabama A&M UniversityAlabama State UniversityThe University of AlabamaAmerican UniversityAmherst CollegeArizona State UniversityUniversity of ArkansasAuburn UniversityAvila UniversityBabson CollegeBall State UniversityBellarmine UniversityBelmont UniversityBeloit CollegeBenedict CollegeBenedictine CollegeBenedictine UniversityBentley UniversityBoston CollegeBoston UniversityBradley UniversityBrown UniversityButler UniversityUniversity of California at Los AngelesCarleton CollegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityCase Western Reserve UniversityThe Catholic University of AmericaCentral CollegeUniversity of Central MissouriChapman UniversityCollege of CharlestonUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of CincinnatiClaflin UniversityClark UniversityClemson UniversityCoe CollegeUniversity of Colorado at BoulderUniversity of Colorado at Colorado SpringsColorado School of MinesColorado State UniversityColumbia CollegeColumbia University Creighton UniversityUniversity of DallasDartmouth CollegeDavidson CollegeUniversity of DaytonUniversity of DelawareDenison University

University of DenverDePaul UniversityDePauw UniversityDrake UniversityDrexel UniversityDrury UniversityDuke UniversityEastern Illinois UniversityEckerd CollegeElon UniversityEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University - FLEmerson CollegeEmory UniversityUniversity of EvansvilleFlorida A&M UniversityFordham UniversityFranciscan University of SteubenvilleGeorge Mason UniversityThe George Washington UniversityGeorgetown UniversityGrinnell CollegeHampton UniversityHarvard UniversityHarvey Mudd CollegeCollege of the Holy CrossHoward UniversityUniversity of IdahoUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignIllinois Institute of TechnologyIndiana University at BloomingtonIowa State UniversityThe University of IowaIthaca CollegeJohn Carroll UniversityJohns Hopkins UniversityKalamazoo CollegeKansas State UniversityUniversity of KansasKentucky State UniversityUniversity of KentuckyKenyon CollegeKettering UniversityKnox CollegeLake Forest CollegeLewis UniversityLindenwood UniversityLouisiana State UniversityLouisiana Tech UniversityUniversity of LouisvilleLoyola College in Maryland

Loyola Marymount UniversityLoyola University ChicagoLoyola University New OrleansLyon CollegeMacalester CollegeUniversity of MaineMarquette UniversityMaryville UniversityMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMercyhurst CollegeMiami University, OxfordUniversity of MiamiMichigan State UniversityUniversity of MichiganMiddle Tennessee State UniversityMillikin UniversityUniversity of MississippiMissouri State UniversityMissouri University of Science and TechnologyUniversity of Missouri ColumbiaUniversity of Missouri, Kansas CityUniversity of Missouri, St. LouisMontana State University, BozemanThe University of Montana, MissoulaMorehouse CollegeMorgan State UniversityMurray State UniversityUniversity of Nebraska at LincolnUniversity of New HampshireNew Mexico Institute of Mining and TechnologyNew York UniversityThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of Notre DameOhio UniversityUniversity of OklahomaOttawa UniversityOtterbein CollegeOxford College of Emory UniversityPennsylvania State University, University ParkPrinceton UniversityProvidence CollegePurdue UniversityQuincy UniversityRegis UniversityRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteRhodes CollegeUniversity of Richmond

Rockhurst UniversitySaint Anselm CollegeSaint Joseph’s UniversitySaint Louis UniversityUniversity of San DiegoSanta Clara UniversitySeattle UniversitySeton Hall UniversitySkidmore CollegeSouth Carolina State UniversitySoutheast Missouri State UniversityUniversity of Southern CaliforniaSouthern Illinois University, EdwardsvilleSouthern Methodist UniversitySpring Hill CollegeSt. John’s University - Queens CampusSt. Louis College of PharmacySt. Louis Community College at MeramecSt. Olaf CollegeStanford UniversityStillman CollegeSyracuse UniversityTemple UniversityUniversity of Tennessee, KnoxvilleUniversity of Tennessee, MartinTexas Christian UniversityThe University of Texas, AustinTransylvania UniversityTrinity UniversityTruman State UniversityTulane UniversityUniversity of TulsaTuskegee UniversityUnited States Military AcademyUniversity of UtahValparaiso UniversityVanderbilt UniversityVillanova UniversityUniversity of VirginiaWake Forest UniversityWashington and Lee UniversityWashington University in St. LouisWebster UniversityUniversity of West FloridaUniversity of Wisconsin, MadisonThe College of WoosterXavier UniversityYale University

College Acceptances for the Class of 2009Members of the St. Louis University High Class of ’09 were accepted at the following colleges and universities.

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Editor’s Note: Our thanks once again to Ms. Margarite Shewman, retired SLUH librarian. When she is not on a cruise or visiting friends and relatives across the country, Ms. Shewman graciously takes the time to scan St. Louis publications for news about SLUH alumni and forwards the information to Class Notes.

To submit an item to Class Notes, send an e-mail to [email protected]

1950Tom Ruoff saw the need for a crossing guard to help children get to his parish school, Little Flower in Richmond Heights, after the Highway 40 closure led to increased traffic in front of the school. Ruoff volunteered, but after a few months on the job he suffered a heart attack. While hospitalized, he received an outpouring of support from the children at the school, and the story was featured in Bill McClellan’s column in the Post-Dispatch in March. Ruoff has recovered and plans to resume his crossing guard duties in the fall.

1956Fr. Tom Cummings, S.J., will return to St. Louis University High for the ’09-’10 school year. Fr. Cummings will serve in a pastoral and sacramental role, including duties as the Alumni Chaplain.

1961James Etling has recently retired as the President and CEO of Etling Printing Company.

Dennis Drabelle’s new book, Mile-High Fever: Silver Mining, Boom Towns and High Living on the Comstock Lode will be published by St. Martin’s Press in July. Look for it at all major bookstores.

1968The Missouri Growth Association honored St. Louis County Economic Council President and CEO Denny Coleman with their 2009 “Individual Community Betterment Award” in March. Coleman has been the President of the St. Louis Economic Council for nearly 20 years. The Council leads the county government’s efforts to create long-term growth and employment opportunities in St. Louis.

1970Charles Lawton was one of 30 players from across the nation invited to compete in the 2009 US Chess Championships held in St. Louis in May. Lawton is a local chess legend, known for mentoring young players. He told the Post-Dispatch that he developed his love of chess at St. Louis U. High, when classmates Jim McLaughlin and Doug McClintock taught him the game.

1971Joe Kortum is the CEO of the Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington. Mr. Kortum sent an interesting article from The Columbian newspaper about a strange figurine unearthed during an archeological dig in Washington. Scholars were excavating the site of Fort Vancouver, which was founded in the 1850s and is the first permanent settlement in the Pacific Northwest. The archeologists uncovered a glass figurine of a chubby, seated figure with a contented smile on his face. They were puzzled, but eventually their research revealed that the strange figure was a Billiken.

1976Stephen Bourneuf was nominated in two categories for the Kevin Kline Awards. These awards recognize outstanding achievement in professional theater in the St. Louis area. Bourneuf was nominated for Outstanding Director of a Musical and also for Outstanding Choreography for his work on the Stages St. Louis production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.

1977Joe Eckelkamp continues to expand and grow his businesses. He founded his accounting firm, Eckelkamp & Associates, in 1996. Since then, he has branched out to

C l a s sNotesNotes


consulting services with the firms of E & A Management Partners and E & A Financial Partners. His latest venture is in property management, specializing in elite condominium associations with his new firm called E & A Business Partners.

1978The publication Who’s Who in Black St. Louis celebrates high-achieving African Americans in the St. Louis community. The most recent edition featured attorney Richard Banks on the cover, as well as an extensive feature article. Banks graduated from Howard University with a business degree, and then went on to the Thurgood Marshall Law School at the University of Texas. He is the founder and principal of Banks & Associates, a litigation firm in St. Louis. Also featured in the publication were Dan Isom ‘85, St. Louis Chief of Police, and SLUH’s Assistant Principal for Diversity, Robert Evans.

1981David Anderson teaches English at the University of Louisville, where he is an Associate Professor. Anderson teaches African American Literature, and is the Director of the English Honors Program at Louisville.

Michael Beugg returned to St. Louis in March, and brought some Hollywood stars with him. Beugg is the Executive Producer of the movie Up In The Air, starring George

Clooney and Jason Bateman. Much of the movie was shot in St. Louis during March and April. Watch for Up In The Air in theaters later in 2009.

The American Management Association recently published The Management 500, a book by Dan Coughlin. This is Coughlin’s third book on management and motivation. His previous book, Accelerate, reached #4 on Barnes & Noble best seller list for business titles. Another of his books, Corporate Catalysts, was recently translated for sale in India and China.

1982Joe Knobbe is the manager in charge of primates at the St. Louis Zoo. Knobbe was featured

in a Post-Dispatch story in April about the zoo’s efforts to save endangered lemur populations in war-torn Madagascar.

Everyday Catholic, a monthly publication from St. Anthony Messenger Press, featured a profile of Michael Rabbitt in the August 2008, edition. The article was about Rabbitt’s efforts to combat racism and social injustices. Rabbitt works extensively with the Archdiocese of Chicago for the Workshop on Racism and Ethnic Sensitivity and also for Catholics United for Racial Justice. He also chairs his parish’s Ministry on Racial and Social Justice.

1983The year has been one of awards and recognition for Richard Bradley, who is in charge of Planning and Engineering for the St. Louis Lambert Airport. On “Scout Sunday” in January at the Cathedral Basillica, Bishop Herman presented Bradley with the Boy Scouts’ Emblem of St. George Medal for his service to youth. In February, he was honored by the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers- St. Louis Chapter as the 2009 Outstanding Professional Engineer in Government. In April 2009, he was inducted into the Missouri Science & Technology Academy of Civil Engineers.

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Three SLUH students achieved the highest possible score of 36 on the ACT exam this year. Over the past five years, 13 Junior Billikens have “aced” the ACT. Juniors Ben Minden-Birkenmaier and Frank Schumacher, and Senior Mark Waterman have earned top ACT scores this school year.

The most recent top-scorers are Minden-Birkenmaier and Schumacher. Each learned in April that they had achieved composite scores of 36. For Schumacher, it was the third time he had taken the ACT. He had achieved scores just short of 36 on previous exams, but motivated in part by a sibling rivalry, he decided to take the test again.

“My older brother (Stephen Schumacher ’08) had aced the ACT, and I really wanted to match his score,” Schumacher told the Prep News.

Minden-Birkenmaier felt that his success stemmed from the six-week prep course that SLUH mathematics teacher Craig Hannick teaches after school. “It was very helpful,” said Minden-Birkenmaier. “At the very least, it gave me a lot of confidence. It’s all about the psychological aspect.”

The college plans for these two Juniors are not yet finalized. Minden-Birkenmaier is interested in studying science, specifically bio-engineering, and also music. Schumacher is looking at Vanderbilt, Duke and Washington Universities, but told the Prep News that his plans are definitely subject to change.

Senior Mark Waterman was notified of his top score earlier in the school year. Waterman’s top score came in the December ACT exam. Months before, Waterman had achieved a near-perfect score of 35 on a previous ACT exam. He decided to take the test again to see if he could achieve a 36. Remarkably, when he took the December ACT exam he had already been admitted to his first-

choice college—Georgetown University—making this second ACT exam even less important. But two of his classmates had achieved top scores, and Waterman wanted to add his name to that list.

As reported in the Fall 2008 SLUH NEWS, Seniors Jack Berger and Keven Wright had achieved perfect ACT scores previously. “Once Kevin and Jack got their perfect scores, I was motivated to try again because I had a little something to prove to myself and I had come so close before that I would have been disappointed to not try it at least once more,” Waterman told the Prep News.

Around the Halls

SLUH Students Continue Their Mastery of the ACT Exam

Three From Rifle Team Invited to Jr. Olympic

Training

Three members from the SLUH rifle squad received invitations from USA Shooting to compete in the Junior Olympics this spring. Dan Hermsmeier ‘10, Mitchel Jones ‘10 and Jason Nienhaus ‘09 qualified for the Junior Olympics after an impressive showing at the Missouri State Qualifier.

Nienhaus won the Air Rifle competition at the Missouri State Qualifier, which was held in January in Kansas City, and Hermsmeier placed third. In addition to competing in Air Rifle at the Jr. Olympics, Hermsmeier has also qualified to compete in Small-Bore .22. Because of their success at the state competition, the three were invited to spend a week in April living and training at the national Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

15


Coach “T” Named AssistAnt CoACh of the YeAr

The St. Louis Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) selected Mark Tychonievich as the “Assistant Coach of the Year.” Tychonievich, known by his players and colleagues as “Coach T,” was honored with the award at the NFF’s 17th Annual Awards Banquet at Washington University on May 3rd.

“We are extremely excited for Coach T,” said SLUH Head Football Coach Gary Kornfeld. “He is a man who has always put others first, so it is fitting that he is being recognized for his excellence and selflessness. This is a well-deserved honor for a wonderful man.”

Tychonievich has been coaching football and teaching Latin at SLUH since 1990. He received the 2007-08 Teacher of the Year Award, which is annually voted on by the senior class and presented in gratitude to a teacher at SLUH for all of their efforts toward the growth of their students, for excellence in the classroom as well as contributions outside the classroom.

Twelve Jr. Billiken Athletes Sign Letters of IntentTwelve athletes from the Class of ’09 signed National Letters of Intent to play their sport at the college level. The following students signed during the ’08-’09 year: Jack Berger (Princeton University, ice hockey)Rudy Brynac (Lewis College, volleyball)Mike Bucchino (University of Arkansas, baseball)Morgan Cole (West Point, football)Nick Maglasang (Saint Louis University, soccer)John Merlo (Rockhurst University, soccer)

Daniel Miller (Stanford University, swimming)William Page (Mercyhurst, water polo)Nikko Sansone (University of San Diego, football)Brian Schultz (DePaul University, soccer)Matt Storey (Butler University, football)Ronnie Wingo (University of Arkansas, football)

“The SLUH athletic department is proud of these students and their accomplishments and wishes them success as they compete at the college level,” says Dick Wehner, SLUH Athletic Director.

SLUH Wins Black History Knowledge Bowl

St. Louis University High won the sixth annual St. Louis Metropolitan Black History Knowledge Bowl in February. This achievement marks the third time the Jr. Billikens have won the event in the past four years.

SLUH’s team, led by Social Studies teacher Tom Zinselmeyer ’99, consisted of David Blount ‘09, Malik Brown ‘09, Mahdi Grady ‘11, David Jones ‘09, Etefia Umana ‘11, Jeff Uriarte ‘10, Marcus Wright ‘10 and Joey Zanaboni ‘09.

The Black History Knowledge Bowl is an event held each year on the third Friday in February, which is Black History Month. The event, held at Harris-Stowe State College, seeks to bring schools together in an effort to encourage friendly and scholarly competition in the field of Black History.

16

Danis Field House Nears Completion

The newest edition to the SLUH campus - the Danis Field House - is nearly complete. It will be ready for use at the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.

“The exterior structure is complete,” said Director of Facilities Joe Rankin ’83. “All that remains is the interior finish work.”

The Danis Field House will contain multiple gym spaces. One is the competition gym which will become the new home for the Junior Billiken basketball and volleyball teams. This space has seating for 1,200 fans, state of the art scoreboards and clocks, and plenty of amenities. Behind the competition gym, there is an additional gym floor for practice and recreational use. When the bleachers are retracted,

the gym flooring can be configured into five full-sized basketball courts.

There is also a 3,200 square foot room that will serve as the practice space for the wrestling team during the winter season. During the fall and spring seasons, this room will be available as a multi-purpose space for other uses, both athletic and academic.

“We’re thilled with this new facility. All three of our basketball teams will be able to practice simultaneously,” said Athletic Director Dick Wehner. “In the past, with the constraints of only one gym, some of our athletes had to wait until five or six o’clock to begin practice. We’d have boys here until eight o’clock every night.”

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SLUH Caps Off Basketball Era with Victory

The Backer Gymnasium opened in 1955, and for 54 years was the home of Junior Billiken basketball. The era came to a close on February 17, 2009, as SLUH hosted their final basketball game in the Backer Gym, finishing with an exciting overtime victory over MICDS. In the fall of 2009, SLUH will open the Danis Field House, and a new era of Jr. Billiken basketball will begin.

To mark the closing, SLUH invited all former varsity basketball players and coaches to return for the final game. Former coaches and players were recognized by SLUH Athletic Director Dick Wehner during breaks in the game and at halftime. Among those in attendance were coaches Hank Raymonds ’42, Emmet Hanick and Don Maurer as well as standout player Ed Macauley ’45, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Most of the players from the state championship teams of 1958 and 1961 were in attendance, some coming from as far away as Florida for this special night. During a post-game reception hosted by SLUH, the teams enthusiastically posed for group photos with Coach Hanick.

The Danis Field House will also be the home for a new Billiken. Joan and Mark Milburn ’70 are donating a 3-foot-tall statue of the Billiken which will be placed on a pedastal and installed in a place of honor. “This is a fun addition to facility,” said SLUH President David Laughlin. “Joan and Mark did a similar statue for St. Louis University, which now sits outside their new arena. We’ll have a ‘Junior’ Billiken version here, welcoming our fans and guests.”

You can track the progress of the construction on line at www.sluh.org. Click on the button on the front page marked “Live Construction Feed” to see up-to-date images of the Danis Field House.

Pictured Coach Hanick, Coach Raymonds, Coach Maurer

Around the Halls

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Continued from Page 15

Senior Pete Winfrey finished in the top twelve in the country at the national Poetry Out Loud competition held in Washington, D.C. in April. The month before, Winfrey had won the Missouri state competition in Jefferson City to earn his spot on the national stage. As a result of his Missouri state victory, the Poetry Out Loud organization paid travel expenses for Winfrey and his coach, SLUH English teacher Chuck Hussung, to travel to Washington for the national contest.

On Sunday, April 26, after performing in the matinee of the Dauphin Players production of All in the Timing, Winfrey rushed to the airport to catch his flight to Washington, D.C. The Poetry Out Loud competition began the next morning. In Washington, he met up with his coach, Mr. Hussung.

The national contestants were divided into three regional groups. “From each of the three regional groups they chose four people to go to the finals. There were 12 finalists,” explained Winfrey to the Prep News. Winfrey’s group had 18 contestants.

Each contestant recited two poems and were scored by a panel of judges. The top 8 scores in the group were then called back to recite a third poem. From among the 8 regional finalists, the top 4 were then chosen to represent the region in the National Finals.

Winfrey’s three poems were Mingus at the Showplace by William Matthews, De troit, Tomorrow by Philip Levine, and La Belle Dame Sans Merci by John Keats. His scores qualified him among the top four in his region, earning him a place in the National Finals later in the week.

While Winfrey did not win the National Title, he was honored to be among the top twelve. In addition to winning a trip to Washington, Winfrey won state and national prize money totaling $1,500. He was also one of five students selected by Charles Osgood of CBS News to be interviewed for a feature on Osgood’s show CBS News Sunday Morning. A broadcast date for the show had not been determined at press time.

Senior Performs in National Poetry Finals

Linhares Receives Regional coaching awaRdJim Linhares, track and cross country coach at St. Louis University High, has been recognized by his coaching peers in the region for his significant contributions to the interscholastic sports program. The National Federation Coaches Association (NFCA) has selected Linhares as a Sectional Award recipient.

Linhares, who joined the SLUH faculty in 1983 and currently serves as a theology teacher, has been the cross country coach throughout his tenure. His teams have earned two state

titles and many top-10 finishes in cross country. In addition, he is also the Jr. Billikens’ track coach and led that program to a state championship in 2006.

Coaching peers from North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri selected Linhares for the award. In a written statement, the NFCA and the Missouri High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) said of Linhares, “Your contributions to the sport and our education based high school sports have set you apart from the rank and file as a leader in your sport… Through your leadership and role modeling you have affected the lives of so many young people. Your positive modeling has truly helped mold the lives of these young people.”

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Congratulations to the Latin students who

competed in the Certamen Competition at the

Missouri Junior Classical League Convention in

Columbia, Missouri in April. Both the Freshman

(Michael Baldetti, Sam Body, Sam Bufe, Peter

Derdeyn, Phil Yoffie, and Joshua Zink-Duda) and

Sophomore (Andy Eilers, Dan Hoefel, Sam Purcell,

John Sachs, and Maxwell Waters) teams earned

the title of state champions. The varsity team

(David Ball, Brian Campbell, Aaron Dripps, Peter

Harris, Alex Placke, Alex Seidel, George Staley, Matt

Tryniecki, and Alex Whalen) earned second place.

The team was coached by Latin teachers Dr. Mary

Lee McConaghy and Mr. Mark Tychonievich.

Latin Scholars Nearly Sweep State Competition

SLUH’s Academic WorldQuest team defeated nearly 60 teams from the St. Louis area in November 2008 to earn a spot in the national Academic WorldQuest competition on April 4th at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The Jr. Billikens, represented by Luke Chellis ‘10, Brendan Ross ‘09, Joseph Schulte ‘09 and Mark Waterman ‘09, finished 11th out of 41 teams from across the country. Their coach and moderator was SLUH Social Studies teacher Dr. Paul Michaelson.

WorldQuest is an annual competition organized by the World Affairs Council involv-ing high schools from across the country. The categories for the 2009 Academic WorldQuest Competition included: Water, Alternative Fuels, Biotechnology and Genetics, Connectivity, Globalization, Transnational Crime, Great Decisions 2008, Current Events, and Germany.

The team went into the competition unsure of whether they had prepared enough. Many of the teams prepare all year long, with some schools even making the event a course in their social studies department. For the team from SLUH, it is something they do on their own time. “When we left for Washington, we weren’t sure we would be very competitive,” recalled Senior Brendan Ross. “But then we had some flight delays. A long layover between flights gave us time for last-minute studying that improved our confidence.”

SLUH’s team correctly answered 73 out of 100 very difficult questions at the event. The winning team from a high school in Cincinnati scored 83 out of 100.

“The SLUH team was amazing and really earned my respect for their efforts and for their wonderful representation of us in the nation’s capital,” Dr. Michaelson told the Prep News after the event.

Jr. Bills Represent Region inNational WorldQuest Quiz Competition

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This article is based in part on a piece written by senior Chris Brennan for the May 1, 2009 edition of the Prep News. You can see Chris’ article at http://student.sluh.org/prepnews/pdfs/73/vol73-28.pdf

At an assembly of students on Friday, April 28, 2009, SLUH conferred its highest honor, the Backer Award, on graduates Stephen E. Hutchison ’68 and Rev. Claude B. Heithaus, S.J. ’16. Named for SLUH patrons and benefactors George and Anna Backer, the Backer Award is given to SLUH graduates who have (according to the award’s inscription) “Achieved outstanding success in service to family, Church, and mankind; contributions to his profession; leadership in civic and social work; or promotion of intellectual, religious or cultural pursuits.”

The two men, though represent ing different eras and professions, share the common theme of dedicat ing their lives to the service of the disadvantaged and oppressed.

Fr. Claude Heithaus, S.J. ’16 SLUH posthumously grant ed the 45th Backer Award to Rev. Claude B. Heithaus, who died in 1976. Heithaus was born in 1898 and graduated from Loyola Hall, a branch campus of SLUH, in 1916. After high school, he joined the Jesuits. Later, he was sent abroad to study classical anthropology at the University of London before being assigned as a professor at Saint Louis University.

In February 1944, Heithaus delivered a passionate sermon

denouncing racism and encouraging the integration of SLU. An account of the sermon was published in The University News leading to even wider media coverage, which generated considerable controversy. At the time of his sermon, the issue of racial integration was being discussed and debated by church leaders, but these deliberations had remained a private, internal matter. Heithaus’ sermon was viewed by some as an act of disobedience to his Archbishop and to his Jesuit Provincial, who had, up to this point, refused to integrate the university. As a result of the controversy, he was removed from SLU, spending time in Kansas City and then at Marquette University in Mil waukee.

Backer Award presented posthumously to Fr. Heithaus ’16 and to Hutchison ’68

21However, at the start of the following semester in September of 1944, SLU admitted five African-American students. The school became the first university in a former slave state to integrate, in large part because of Fr. Heithaus. After the controversy had subsided, Heithaus was allowed to return to the SLU faculty in the late 1940s. He continued to write about the issue of integration and racial justice, publishing several essays in America, the weekly national Jesuit publication. In 1950, Time magazine reported on Fr. Heithaus and his call for integration of Catholic schools across the country. In his later years, he received honors and citations from Jesuit Superior General Pedro

Arrupe, the French government, and, posthumously, the United States Congress for his work in racial integration.

“What he did was prophetic … One of the things that I found especially inspiring was that it was the early 1940s, fifteen or twenty years before the rest of the country was really grappling with this (issue of integration),” said SLUH President David Laughlin. “Speaking and writing about this issue in the 1940s caused great conflict in his life, and required considerable courage.”

Ralph Houlihan S.J., ’52 took several classes taught by Heithaus in the 1950s at SLU. “He was

a brilliant scholar of classical languages,” recalled Houlihan. “His knowledge of Mediterranean culture was astounding.” In presenting the 45th Backer Award to Fr. Heithaus, Laughlin said, “He was an accomplished student, priest and scholar who gave witness to his faith by fighting for justice for the oppressed.”

Stephen E. Hutchison ’68 The 46th Backer Award was conferred upon Steve Hutchison, ’68. After graduating from SLUH, Hutchison at tended the University of Notre Dame, and later received a graduate degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He is an electrical engineer who currently holds several patents.


Fr. Claude Heithaus, S.J. ‘16 Steve Hutchison ‘68

22 Eric Clark, the Principal of the Loyola Academy in mid-town St. Louis, has been named one of the 2009 Educators of the Year by the St. Louis American newspaper. Clark will be honored in a banquet in the fall, when he will officially receive the award.

1984James Gunn continues his creative career. He recently created a short comedy piece for the Xbox 360 gaming platform called “Humanzee.” He later appeared on the VH-1 reality show “Scream Queens” as a judge. The show gathered 10 unknown actresses to compete for a role in an upcoming horror movie.

1985The law firm of Lewis, Rice and Fingersh appointed Tom Berra to the firm’s Management Committee in 2008.

1994Frank Kovarik has published two feature articles in St. Louis Magazine in the past year and continues to teach English at SLUH. His local interest features can be viewed on-line by visiting the website www.stlmag.com and entering “Frank Kovarik” in the search field.

During a campaign stop in St. Louis last fall, Barack Obama had a chance to try the pizza from a restaurant in the Delmar Loop called “Pi,” owned by Chris Sommers. Obama liked it so much, he invited Sommers and his staff to the White House to cater a pizza party for the Obama family on a Friday night in March. Sommers flew to Washington (at his own expense…no tax money was used) with all his ingredients and set up shop in the White House kitchen for the night, serving the Obama family and their guests.

2005Matt Herzberg II graduated with distinction from the United States Air Force Academy in May with a Bachelor of Science in foreign studies and a minor in Russian language. Upon graduation, Matt was commisioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Eric Durban has been globe-hopping for the past year. Durban is a student in the Mizzou journalism school, but spent six months studying at the Danish School of Journalism in Arhus, Denmark last year. He interrupted these studies last August when he was selected as one of 50 journalism students chosen by the Olympic News Service to cover the Beijing Olympics. Durban spent two months in China working for the service, before returning “home” to Denmark to

complete his studies there...after a stop-over in Reeykjavik, Iceland, where he celebrated his 21st birthday.

2006The NCAA Men’s Volleyball Final Four event turned in to a reunion of sorts for two Junior Billiken volleyball players. Kevin Heine ‘07 is a starter for the Ohio State squad that qualified as the number four seed. They lost in the semifinals to eventual champions UC-Irvine. On the other side of the bracket, Murphy Troy ‘06 was a starter and standout for the third-seeded USC Trojans. USC won its semifinal over Penn State, but lost in the championship match to UC-Irvine.

To submit an item to Class Notes, send an e-mail to [email protected]

Class Notes Continued from Page 13

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Fr. Marty Hagan, S.J. taught at SLUH for 54 years... longer than any other Jesuit in the school’s history. Last summer, following his passing, SLUH alumni celebrated his life with a dinner and “smoker” in the pool hall, which he supervised for so many years.

It was a tremendous success, and nearly 200 alumni gathered in the Fr. Hagan Rec Room to enjoy dinner, cigars, billiards and memories of “Uncle Marty.” Many suggested that this should be an annual event. The Alumni Board decided to host this event again and have it in conjunction with the annual Alumni Golf Tournament.

As in the past, the golf tournament will feature a dinner and an awards presentation. But this year, that dinner will be held in the Fr. Hagan Rec Room at SLUH (instead of at the golf course clubhouse). Non-golfers are invited to join the event for the evening on the SLUH campus.

NEW THIS YEAR: Special hole sponsorship rates for the golf tournament. Become a hole sponsor for only $50. Promote your business, show your support, or say whatever you want (within the bounds of good taste and SLUH’s Catholic mission, of course!) Brag about your past championships, taunt your fellow golfers... have fun and liven up the atmosphere on the course for just $50.

To register for the event and/or buy a hole sponsorship, visit the alumni page of the SLUH website at www.sluh.org/alumni.

for the Golfers...Format: Four-man scramble. Both Regular and Senior

(over 50) flights.Time: Noon check-in and lunch. 1:00 p.m. Shotgun start.Place: Norman Probstein Golf Course (Forest Park). Cost: $150 per person ($600 per team) Includes lunch, golf, on-course beverages and

post-tournament dinner and cocktail party at SLUH.

Please note: The locker rooms at SLUH will be open for any who want to shower and change.

for the non-Golfers...Come join us for the Fr. Hagan Memorial “Smoker” Time: Friday evening, starting at 6:30 p.m.Place: Fr. Hagan Rec Room on SLUH campus. Features: Buffet supper Open Bar Our now-famous “Billiken Cigars” Unlimited billiards, snooker, shuffle board and

foosball. Reminiscing about “Uncle Marty” and the time you spent hanging out in the “Senior Smoker”Cost: $30 per person Additionally, donations to the Fr. Hagan

Memorial Scholarship Fund will be accepted that night.

Friday, July 10, 2009An event for both golfers and non-golfers!

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Backer Award presented to Hutchison ’68, and posthumously to Heithaus ’16Continued from Page 21

Hutchison’s professional life has included work with Boeing’s aerospace and satellite divisions and encryption technology for Motorola’s communications division. In 1985, he co-founded the company called Systems Integrators, Inc. and served as the company’s president until 2001.

But Hutchison was honored with the Backer Award more for his volunteer work than for his professional accomplishments. In spite of the extensive time and energy required to run his company, Hutchison devoted considerable effort to his work in the North St. Louis neighborhood known as The Ville. St. Matthew’s parish, staffed by the Jesuits, is in The Ville, and Hutchison is a long-time parishioner. He works tirelessly for the parish and the North-side neighborhood that surrounds it. He designed a land-use plan with SLU, and launched several youth programs in the area. As an officer of the SLUH Alumni Board in the mid 1990s, he inspired many of his fellow Jr. Bills to become active with the works of the parish. The Alumni Board recognized these efforts by presenting Hutchison with the John J. Divine Alumni Service Award in 2000. Hutchison continues to serve on the Alumni Board, which is where SLUH President David Laughlin first met him.

“He certainly has touched a lot of lives with the service he’s done at St. Mat thew’s Parish,” said Laughlin. “He is also very accomplished in his profession as an electrical engineer. He is a fantastic example to our students of an alumnus who is successful professionally and intellectually, while at the same time living a life of service and faith.”

During the 1990s, St. Matthew’s parish launched a long-range campaign called Revitalization 2000. More than a fund raising campaign, Revitalization 2000 was a

multi-faceted effort to improve the economic, spiritual and social well-being of the people of the parish. Hutchison was one of the leaders of the effort, and through his leadership, many other SLUH alumni became involved.

“I serve on the Alumni Board with Steve, and he encouraged me to get involved with St. Matt’s more than 10 years ago,” said alumnus John Weller ’70. “I began by working on service projects there with my sons, who were students at SLUH at the time. Today, I’m a member of the parish and I continue to be involved alongside Steve.”

During his acceptance speech, Hutchison talked of the difficulty and the value of service. He spoke of his work on the North Side as “an absolute necessity of his Catholic faith.”

“This work is the inevitable result of my faith. Why do I spend so much of my time engaged in service? If I truly believe the gospels, I cannot do otherwise,” Hutchison told the students.

Pictured from left to right, David Laughlin, Gloria Hutchison, Steve Hutchison ’68

25As of May 2009, there are 19 SLUH alumni at some stage of formal studies and preparation for the priest-hood. And there are likely to be more very soon, as three members of the just-graduated Class of 2009 are exploring and praying about a possible priestly vocation.

Currently there are 12 SLUH grads enrolled in Kenrick-Glennon seminary, which is run by the St. Louis Archdiocese. There are also six SLUH alumni in formation to be Jesuit priests, including Brian Chris-topher, S.J. ’93 who is being ordained this June. Also among the 19 is Scott Wallisch ’96, who is enrolled in a seminary in Kansas City, Kansas.

“I can’t recall any time in the past 20 years when we’ve had this many of our graduates answering God’s call to the priesthood,” said SLUH Theology teacher Fr. Jim Knapp, S.J. ’69. “It’s very encouraging…very hopeful.”

Are you being called to the priesthood? Listed be-low are some resources and contact information for SLUH alumni who would like to explore the idea of a priestly vocation:

Priestly Vocations Continue Among SLUH Students and Alumni

For information about becoming a Jesuit, visit www.beajesuit.org and click on the “vocations” button. For further information, contact Fr. Lou McCabe, S.J. at [email protected]

For information about becoming a priest in the St. Louis Archdiocese, visit www.archstl.org/vocations/

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Around the Halls Continued from Page 19

SLUH overcame a solid Rockhurst squad to take home the Division I lacrosse title in May, the first in school history. The Jr. Billikens trailed the Hawklets for much of the game, but came from behind to win 11-10 in overtime for a breathtaking win at the St. Louis Soccer Park.

Down 9-6 with 9:16 left in the fourth quarter, the Jr. Billikens made a stunning comeback to send the game into overtime. Robbie Fonke ‘09 scored on a pass from Andrew Howe ‘09 to cement the overtime victory. SLUH goalie Chris Saville ‘09 protected the net with 15 saves and was recognized as the game’s most valuable player.

The Jr. Billikens finished the season with a 14-2 record.

Junior Bills Win First State Lacrosse

The SLUH racquetball squad has won the 2009 USRA High School National Tournament which was held February 27-March 1. In its storied racquetball history, the Jr. Bills have now earned four National Championships and 11 State Championships.

According to Coach Joe Koestner, “Losing the national tournament last year by so few points was an inspiration to these boys who set their sights on winning this year and never looked back. The work of coaches Matt Stewart ‘98, Robert Hoffmann and Scott Ziegler ‘99 was instrumental to our success.”

The Gold Level finalists on the racquetball team included:

• Seed 1 Gold Doubles Semifinals Spencer Rusch ‘09/Kevin Kissel ‘09 (Designated All-American)

• Seed 4 Andrew Connor ‘09 - 2nd place

• Seed 5 John Duchardt ‘09 - National Champion

• Seed 6 Mark Kissel ‘10 - National Champion

• Seed 6 Matt Nahlik ‘09 - 2nd place

racquetball team WinS Fourth national title

27

The St. Louis University High ice hockey team advanced to the championship game in the 2009 Challenge Cup Series, Missouri’s high school hockey championship. The Jr. Bills defeated Francis Howell Central in the semifinals to advance to the final game at Scottrade Center on Wednesday, March 4th at 8:00 p.m. against CBC.

“To play in the Challenge Cup finals for the first time after having been in the league since its inception in 1971 is something we have always tried to achieve,” says coach Charlie Busenhart. “This year we have a group of young men who have put in many hours developing their hockey skills and it has obviously paid off.”

In front of 5,000 fans at the Scottrade center in a game televised on Fox Sports Midwest, the Jr. Bills fell 4-2 to a heavily-favored CBC squad. SLUH controlled the play for much of the first two periods, and led in the second period. SLUH stars Jack Berger and Kevin Corby (both Seniors) played an outstanding game, and nearly pulled off the upset. But CBC’s depth was too much to overcome, and the Cadets went ahead in the third period and refused to relinquish the lead.

Hockey Team Advances to Challenge Cup Final

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Calendar Of EventsJuly

10 Fr. Hagan Alumni Golf Tournament – Forest Park

Fr. Hagan Memorial “Smoker” - SLUH

(see page 23)

August

27 Classes begin

31 Mothers’ Club Opening Meeting – 7:00 p.m.

September

8 Fathers’ Club Opening Meeting – 6 p.m.

13 Family Mass – 9:30 a.m.

15 Alumni Mothers’ Club Meeting

18 Class of ’84 Reunion


25 Danis Field House Dedication

October


2-4 Dauphin Players Production

9 Class of ’69 and ’79 Reunions

11 Mothers’ Club Card Party



25 Grandparents’ Mass - 9:30 a.m.

Top row: Photos of Mr. Charley Merriott’s project in Honduras.

Bottom row: Images from the ceremonies marking the final game in the Backer Gym.

Who: All SLUH Alums All alumni are welcome. Grads who were Jr. Bill XC runners are especially encouraged to attend. When: Saturday, August 11th, 2009 9:30 a.m. Where: Forest Park Central Fields Barbecue and awards to follow at SLUH after the race. Awards: Top 10 Finishers in the Alumni Division All alums receive a hip XC T-Shirt with entry.

Announcing TheTenTh AnnuAl

SLUH ALUMNI XCRACE & BARBECUE

Please send this form, along with a check made out to SLUH for $15.00, to: Coach Jim Linhares St. Louis University High School 4970 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110

Name: ______________________________________ Class Year: _______

(Please return this form by July 22nd. For questions, please call SLUH at 314-531-0330, Ext. 289, or send Jim Linhares an e-mail at [email protected].)

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30

Senior Awards for the Class of 2009Each year the seniors, faculty and administration recognize individual accomplishments with a series of awards that also honor former students and faculty in whose names the awards are presented.

Archbishop May Service Award – Benjamin MerrillChosen by the Director of SLUH’s Community Service Program (CSP), this award is given to the Senior “who is an outstanding example of rendering Christian service within his community and school.”

Dunn-Martel Award – Jack BergerThis award was established in 1987 to honor soccer coach Ebbie Dunn and football coach Paul Martel for their long and successful careers at SLUH. Chosen by the faculty, this award is presented to “the Senior who maintains a high level of scholarship as well as the discipline and commitment of athletic participation that earn for him the selection as the Scholar Athlete of St. Louis University High.”

Jesuit Secondary Education Award – Louis HotopThe JSEA award is presented at each of the Jesuit high schools in the United States. It is presented by the Jesuit Community to the student or students who best exemplify the Jesuit goal of shaping each student to become “a well rounded person who is intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice in the generous service to the people of God.”

Back row: Zac Boesch, Rick Shipley, Kevin Casey and Ben Merrill. Middle row: C. David Jones and Chris Brennan. Front row: John Haefner, Jack Berger, Steve Hutchison, Louis Hotop and Mark Holzum.

31Hinck-Hereford Award –

John HeafnerThis award was established to honor two SLUH alumni who were killed in action during WWII. The award is conferred upon the Senior “who has excelled in leadership, scholarship, and athletics and who, in the opinion of the Senior class, is judged most deserving of this award.”

Principal’s Leadership Award – Kevin Casey, Mark Holzum, and C. David JonesGiven annually to seniors who, in the opinion of the faculty and the Principal, have demonstrated the ability to combine academic excellence and exemplary leadership roles in school and community activities.

Mac Boland Award – Rick ShipleyOn March 13, 1960, William McReary Boland of the SLUH class of ‘58 died of leukemia. His classmates established this award in his memory. Each year, the faculty of SLUH choose the Senior who best reflects the personal qualities of Boland, described by his classmates as “the otherwise unheralded Senior, who through his dedication and determination has most influenced his fellow students in the spirit which is St. Louis University High.”

Ed Hawk Award - Zac BoeschEd Hawk ’71 died in the summer of 1970, just prior to his Senior year. He was the victim of an attempted robbery. The Class of ’71 created the award in his name to honor “a Senior, who through his love and dedication to St. Louis University High and through his example of working and giving, was most able to influence his class toward suc-cess by cooperation and unity.”

The F. Joseph Schulte Dauphin Players Award – Andrew Frank and Mark HolzumAwarded to the student(s) who best demonstrated superior talent and ability in the performing arts program at St. Louis University High School.

The Raterman Award – Chris BrennanGiven annually by the faculty of the English Department in honor of James Raterman, a great teacher and beloved colleague, to an exemplary senior who reads attentively, speaks from the heart, writes with conviction, and devotes himself to learning.

Faculty Appreciation Award – Mrs. Kate HochmuthThe teacher voted upon by the Senior class to whom they feel the greatest debt of gratitude for his or her service to them during their four years at St. Louis University High.

Kate Hochmuth at the podium accepting her award. She is a member of the Math Department

There is still time to make your gift to SLUH this fiscal year. All gifts received by June 30, 2009 will be recognized in our President’s Report published in the fall. So much of what our young men achieve is made possible by the generosity of our alumni. Annual gifts to SLUH provide resources for each of our students to reach his potential. With your help, we are providing our young men with a strong foundation to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Whatever the motivation for giving – gratitude to SLUH, gratitude for the SLUH experience, the need to give something for the benefit of others or some other reason – each gift to the Alumni Annual Fund plays an important role in fulfilling the SLUH mission. The Annual Fund provides alumni with the opportunity to be directly involved with the success of our students.

In order to be included in the next President’s Report, gifts must be received by June 30, 2009. Gifts can be mailed to: SLUH Advancement Office, 4970 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. Gifts can also be charged to a credit card online by visiting www.sluh.org. Click on the alumni tab and select “Contribute to SLUH online.”

Have you remembered SLUH in your estate plans?

Since 1936, when Anna Backer created the Backer Endowment Fund, hundreds of benefactors have left a legacy to SLUH in their estate plans. These gifts ensure that SLUH preserves its excellence and remains affordable.

Learn why you do not have to be wealthy to make a significant gift to SLUH, and how you can make a gift that does not affect your cash flow during your lifetime by visiting www.sluh.org/alumni/waystogive. Then click on Creative Ways of Giving for additional information.

There’s Still Time To Make A Difference

Stained glass window in the North American Martyrs Chapel

A Jesuit College Preparatory School • Founded 1818

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SLUH News Winter 2009