MAGAZINE

Fall 2020

SYNCHRONIZED HYBRID LEARNING A De La Salle Success Story Please give me some good news! In the midst of a global pandemic, civil unrest, hurricanes, floods, fires and a difficult DE LA SALLE MAGAZINE presidential election, we could all use some good news! Fall 2020 Let’s begin with our theme for our academic year: Meteors United! In order to work through the midst of this global pandemic, De La Salle Institute recognized the importance of working PUBLISHER together in order to accomplish academic success for our students Fr. Paul Novak, OSM and families. Our faculty, staff, and families were united in their desire to create a synchronous hybrid model of education which EDITOR would allow for simultaneous education. Meteors United! Michael K. Walsh When 30 of our families were seeking additional financial assistance, our alumni, friends, and AUTHORS benefactors united together to help our Meteors with the financial means necessary for them Iris Gist Cochran to remain in school. I am most grateful to you for your support of Lasallian education and our Michael K. Walsh Meteors! Together, through our actions, we embody the Lasallian values of faith, service and community. Meteors United! PHOTOGRAPHY After completing one quarter of school without interruption due to the Covid virus, I am pleased De La Salle Archives to announce to you that 75% of our students achieved the academic honor roll whether attending Brad Hokin: school in person or remotely. I am often questioned about whether our hybrid model is working. Glory Days Photography With these results, I am pleased to confirm that our hybrid model of education is successful Michael K. Walsh because we are united in our efforts. Please tell your friends and family to visit our website www.dls.org to learn more about our success. Please remind them that our entrance exam will be PRINTING held on December 5, 2020 for admittance to the Class of 2025. Meteors United! M&G Graphics Our lead story of this magazine is dedicated to the implementation of our synchronous hybrid learning model. Please enjoy reading how De La Salle Institute has successfully navigated the pandemic with Our Roadmap to Re-opening as presented by De La Salle’s first alumni principal, De La Salle Magazine is published three Mr. Thomas Schergen ’97, and our Associate Principal for Curriculum and Technology, Mr. Paul times a year by De La Salle Institute’s Dirschl. Office for Advancement. The purpose of If you would like to continue to support our Meteors’ success with a philanthropic gift, please this publication is to unite the Christian visit the Meteor Rising Fund at https://www.dls.org/meteorrising.jsp. Your generosity at any Brothers, alumni, students, parents, faculty, level makes a tremendous impact on the lives of our students. Together, we remain Meteors staff and friends together in De La Salle’s mission of excellence in education. All United in Lasallian education. submissions or comments should be Good news? You mean great news! Meteors United are unstoppable! directed to [email protected]. To receive this magazine electronically, May God bless you, your families, and loved ones with health of mind, body and spirit! We will please send an email to continue to pray for you; please continue to pray for the Meteors! [email protected]. Healthy Thanksgiving for us all! Live Jesus in Our Hearts, forever!

Fr. Paul Novak, OSM President De La Salle Institute De La Salle Institute Campus 3434 South Michigan Avenue , IL 60616-3898 P 312.842.7355 MISSION STATEMENT F 312.842.4142 De La Salle Institute is an independent Catholic secondary school rooted in the tradition of Christian education begun by St. John Baptist de La Salle. Founded in 1889, its Tolton Adult Literacy Center mission has been, and is, to foster a desire for excellence in education. Young people 2235 South Albany Avenue from a variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds are given the opportunity to fully Chicago, IL 60623 develop their abilities so they may be active, contributing members of our complex, P 312.747.3471 changing society. www.dls.org 2 D MAGAZINE TABLE OF CONTENTS Academics

Synchronized Hybrid Learning A De La Salle Success Story (cover story)...... 4-8 Creative Approaches to Continued Learning ...... 7 Entrance Exam for the De La Salle Class of 2025...... 9 The Vega Family – Creating a Meteor Legacy...... 10-11 Athletics Fall Athletic Highlights ...... 12-13 Development Alumni Achievements- Briana Steffenhagen Pulia ’08...... 14-15 Zoom with the De La Salle Alumni Association...... 15 Meteors United!...... 16 Maintaining a Tradition of Meteor Excellence...... 17 Meteor Rising Golf Outing...... 17 A Good Result...... 18 Newsnotes ...... 19 In Memoriam ...... 19 Save The Date 2021 Golf Outing...... 19

De La Salle Institute Board Of Directors 2019-2020

Chairman Members Mr. Michael J. Passarelli ’90 Extollo Educational Mr. Paul D. McCoy ’68 Mr. George A. Bonomo ’59 Mr. Frank A. Ruffolo Foundation Mr. Jeffrey J. Bryk ’89 Mr. Chad N. Strader Board of Directors Vice Chairman Mr. Steven W. Burrows ’91 Mr. Michael A. Tadin ’69 Mr. Prentiss J. Jackson ’67 Mr. Victor M. Chavarria ’69 Mrs. Cathryn P. Taylor President President’s Council Brother Chris Englert, FSC Mr. Mark A. Tomassini ’88 Mr. Michael G. Bansley ’53 Honorable William J. Aukstik ’64 Dr. Robert O. Graham ’64 Mr. James A. Vanek ’64 Vice President Mr. Michael G. Bansley ’53 Honorable Patrick M. Huels ’67 Mr. James R. Woodrow ’53 Mr. Michael F. Hickey ’56 Ms. Sharon R. O’Brien Mr. James R. Woodrow ’53 Mr. Joseph D. Parente ’84 Secretary/Treasurer Mr. Michael F. Hickey ’56

FALL 2020 3 SYNCHRONIZED HYBRID LEARNING A De La Salle Success Story

March 10, 2020 was a typical Tuesday at De La Salle Institute. Our talented and dedicated faculty was providing the best in Lasallian, college- preparatory education to the young women and men of our school. The students were learning Calculus, Ancient History and Spanish while deciding whether to have the pizza or a salad for lunch (or both) while enjoying their food in the Hilton Commons and conversing with their classmates and friends. The next day – thanks to the Coronavirus – “In March and April of 2020, the school really adapted with remote the world dramatically changed. learning,” Dirschl said. “From the students’ perspective, teachers are having class and engaging students and counselors are engaging with And De La Salle was ready. More than ready. students on Zoom and meetings with our staff.”

“This year where we really had the time to analyze efficiency of With students and faculty not allowed on our campus until August, what we did in April and May, we looked at the ISBE ( State the Meteors moved into synchronous hybrid learning and haven’t Board of Education) standards and the CDC (Centers for Disease looked back since. Control) guidelines to create the Roadmap to Re-Opening, a 30-page document outlining what the school year was going to look like. We “We were ahead of the curve and there are many reasons for that,” then equipped the classrooms – all classrooms have cameras – with De La Salle Associate Principal for Curriculum and Learning Technology Paul Dirschl said. “We were 1-to-1 in 2006 and we have had computers in classrooms for (almost) 15 years. Our students are equipped with very advanced machines in the Lenovo ThinkPad and 100 percent of our students were equipped with technology pre- COVID for remote or distant learning. Not a lot of schools can say that. This is something we should be proud of.”

“The next point is that five years ago we started the e-day policy to prepare if school were cancelled for weather or other circumstances. We’ve been ready to go since 2016. Having had e-days in the past, we were familiar with remote learning since the 2015-16 school year.”

While they couldn’t be in their classrooms or spending time in person with their fellow students and teachers, the Meteors were still very much able to learn and maintain their academic aptitude.

4 D MAGAZINE enhanced video, microphones and speakers that allow students to be “We are educating in the midst of the pandemic,” De La Salle engaged at home and continue the synchronous learning process.” president Fr. Paul Novak, OSM said. “Education has become a more student-centered, student-motivated and student-initiated process. In all, De La Salle bought over 55 cameras that allow people to see Teachers have become mentors and guides for students.” teachers and all the students at home. These cameras are designed to give teachers the ability to engage students in the classroom and at “De La Salle has invested in teacher training, distance learning home. technology such as microphones and cameras for classrooms, and our teachers have become more proficient in Zoom training and learning While the cameras and microphones and other essentials cover the strategies to ensure student success.” hardware aspect of synchronized hybrid learning, De La Salle also has relied upon state-of-the-art software such as Zoom and Schoology to “The ultimate goal in the hybrid model is for parents and students assist in the educational process. who want to be in the school to have that opportunity along with providing students who choose to be remote learners to have the “Our classes are using Zoom to keep students engaged through same De La Salle education.” breakout rooms where they can partner with other students remotely,” Dirschl said. “We also have a chat feature for remote “Our goals are student success, continuous learning and learners where they post questions and teachers can answer them.” academic achievement. History will judge whether they “Through Schoology, students are able to submit all their homework have been successful and our ability to place our students as well as still take tests and assessments. We also see from teachers in the highest academic institutions will judge how well we and students that more video is being incorporated. That can be for have been able to educate through this pandemic.” homework, projects or assessments.” One of the guides that De La Salle has used through the first portion “What De La Salle Institute should be most proud of regarding of the 2020-21 school year is a 30-page document entitled “Roadmap remote learning is that it has been proactive with technology and to Reopening” that was created by new principal Tom Schergen ’97 hybrid learning.” and members of the administration.

“COVID-19 has altered the way in which we present our curriculum to our students,” Schergen said. “We do not have all the students in the building at the same time and we have to follow all guidelines and At the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, it was announced procedures.” that De La Salle would have students and teachers back on campus, however, in a limited capacity. continued on page 6 There would be no 8:15-2:45 school days five times a week with nearly 800 Meteors filling the building during the academic portion of the day with many students remaining for extracurricular activities.

“We have social distancing stickers in the hallways, up and down staircases, students wearing masks properly, temperature scanners for all students before they enter the building, self-screening through the app to certify people do not have COVID symptoms before school,” Dirschl said. “These proactive safety measures have provided a safe environment through the entire first quarter.”

Instead, synchronized hybrid learning was initiated with half of the students in the building on Mondays and Thursdays and half of the students here on Tuesdays and Fridays with Wednesdays being considered a day of independent learning from home.

FALL 2020 5 SYNCHRONIZED HYBRID LEARNING A De La Salle Success Story continued from page 5

“Our hybrid model allows for our students to learn wherever they are and also having the cameras and the microphones in all the classrooms has been one of the biggest changes in the COVID era. Students can log into the classroom all day long.”

“The teachers have expanded their methods to find ways to ensure we are keeping our community safe and that both groups are able to participate even though one is at home and one is in the classroom.”

“Working in the COVID era has allowed for teachers and students different ways to present and learn the material through technological means,” Schergen added. “If you are looking for some challenges that we are still working through, we have two different groups that never see each other or have physical, social or emotional interaction. We want to meet the social and emotional needs and we want to address the spiritual and cultural components of the school.” “It’s been very successful for De La Salle because of the technology our students are equipped with, the creativity and engagement of our “We are still exploring ways to create opportunities for interaction teachers and the work ethic of our students,” Dirschl said. between our cohorts and we will implement those strategies.” “From an academic level, the grades during remote learning are very consistent with those of in-class instruction. This has been a very successful first quarter Our usual fall events at De La Salle include the student fundraiser for us. Seventy-five percent of our Meteors have attained to the fall sports teams preparing for the start of the state playoffs honor roll status in the first quarter.” to 400 Meteors volunteering to serve at the Chicago Marathon as the runners traverse past our campus on the second Sunday of the “In addition to academics, De La Salle has provided a safe month. environment through our hybrid model for our students while also giving students and families the flexibility to learn from home.” This year, the most important milestone, however, is that the first academic quarter has drawn to its conclusion. Grades have been turned in, tests have been taken and the first nine weeks of the school year have been completed. One quarter down, three to go. In Dirschl’s opinion, the Meteors – both students and teachers – have continued to show their mettle despite all of the adversity and So what lies ahead for secondary education as a whole and De La Salle challenges they have faced. in particular as 2021 approaches? “As for the future of American education, what will it look like?” Fr. Paul said. “Will campuses return to all in-person learning? Will the hybrid model become the norm?”

“The pandemic has caused a market disruption to the way in which education is being delivered in the world. Will schools become centers for emotional, social and service learning? Will schools have continued athletic focus?”

“From a historical perspective, De La Salle has proven to have the staying power, sustainability and firm foundation for the future. We have made positive deposits into the future of education at De La Salle. That is why De La Salle Institute is the school to educate your child.”

6 D MAGAZINE Mr. Schergen, your perspective and thoughts of the future at De La Salle as you surpass the first significant milestone as the principal of your alma mater… “This is going to force us to be strategic in how we educate our men and women going forward,” Schergen said. “We may never go completely back to the way things were pre-COVID. Will what we Creative Approaches are doing now open up a De La Salle education to more students from out of the area?” to Continued “Can students from Florida or California receive a De La Salle education virtually Learning and if this is something they want? It also gives us the opportunity to reimagine what classrooms look like and what do the teachers need to succeed.” Student Activities

“Do they have the resources they need to succeed? Will they have students in Throughout the Remote Learning period, front of them as well as at home? Do students learn virtually and does the school the De La Salle faculty and staff exhibited building become more of a social space? Can they be outside of the classroom in a creative and innovative approaches to comfortable setting learning the course material?” continued learning, school activities and services for our students and their families. “This will help us reimagine what the four walls of a classroom will look like. Will Some examples include the following: there be walls?” • Daily morning and end-of-the-day school-wide prayer via Schoology While there may or may not be walls in the future, there will need to be structure in terms of scheduling, which is something that Schergen has given and is giving a • YouTube videos great deal of consideration. • Small group projects with student presentations via Zoom “Maybe one day of the week becomes an independent learning day and students complete longer projects, participate in group work and meet with teachers during • Interviews with contemporary authors office hours,” Schergen said. “This day would allow for service learning, retreats, via Zoom liturgies and other learning opportunities.” • Virtual Mock Trial Awards Ceremony “Through the first quarter, these days worked very well because it allowed teachers • Virtual French and Spanish Honor more time to plan and it affords our students the opportunity to catch up with Society and Thespian Troupe Inductions continued on page 8 • Virtual grade-level group meetings • Romeo & Juliet Festival via Zoom • Office staff working remotely from their homes • Division meetings held via Zoom • Tech Center on-site service appointments for students experiencing computer issues • “Meet the New Principal” Zoom meeting for parents • Held an Outdoor Mass on Parente Field

FALL 2020 7 SYNCHRONIZED HYBRID LEARNING A De La Salle Success Story continued from page 7

“Tuition assistance is a huge challenge,” Fr. Paul said. “Sixty-six percent of our students need assistance totaling $4 million a year. We have remained true to the Lasallian vision of providing an education for the working families of Chicago.”

“We have a great history of academic, financial, religious and racial diversity. We are a microcosm of the entire city of Chicago.” “It’s because of this that De La Salle’s mission is serving the working families of Chicago. And we deliver. We send 96 percent of our students to college, 2 percent to the military and 2 percent pursue trade careers.” “We continue to deliver above and beyond expectations throughout this pandemic. We recognize and are grateful for the generosity of the Chicagoland community and our alumni base.”

Monday and Tuesday work and start off Thursday and Friday fresh. These are conversations the academic team is having and will continue to have as the school year goes on.”

“Whatever happens, we will be here in this footprint on the South Side of Chicago and providing high-quality Lasallian education to the young women and men of Chicago.”

In order for De La Salle to continue providing the high-quality Lasallian education to our students as we have done since 1889 at 35th and Michigan, there are specific challenges that need to be addressed. “In working together with philanthropic spirit, De La Salle will continue to have a bright future. Tom Schergen referred to this year as ‘Meteors United.’ It’s the Chicagoland business community and our alumni community being united with De La Salle’s students, faculty and staff.”

“So what’s the best way to become involved with De La Salle? Contact me at [email protected] or (312) 842-7355 ext. 139 or by visiting the Meteor Rising Fund on the De La Salle website at https://www.dls.org/meteorrising.jsp.”

8 D MAGAZINE DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE ENTRANCE EXAM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 @ 8AM

Online registration begins November 13th. Please bring $25 and two pencils.

Please call 312-842-7355 to schedule or for more information visit our website www.dls.org for latest information.

FALL 2020 9 The Vega Family – Creating a Meteor Legacy

One of the facets that has made De La Salle such a strong institution becoming involved with our children and their activities whether of secondary education since 1889 is our tradition. it was attending sports events, working concessions, Parent Association, library, coaching, bingo and festivals.” As traditions go at 3434 S. Michigan Ave., one of the best belongs to the Vega family. “We wanted to give our children the Catholic education that was given to us by our parents. We believe De La Salle was the right In the last decade, there have been six Vegas who have earned their choice to help build their road to further success.” diploma from De La Salle. For Marc, the road to further success has featured his deepening The tradition began with Marc in 2010, followed by Mario in commitment to the Lasallian community. 2011, Matthew in 2013, Madeline in 2016, Michelle in 2018 and concluded with Marie in 2020. “The greatest benefit of receiving a De La Salle education is having the connection I do now with the Lasallian family and network,” “We are extremely proud and truly blessed,” the matriarch of the Marc said. “After ‘De,’ I went on to Lewis University, was a member family, Carmen Vega, said. “We thank Jesus every day for our of the Lasallian Teacher Immersion Program and most recently beautiful family!” worked for the last five years at La Salle Manor Retreat Center.”

While sacrifices were made to afford to send their children to De La “I am beyond blessed to be able to say I know and have friendships Salle, Carmen said it is something she and her husband, Marc, were with a number of Christian Brothers and Lasallian partners across more than willing to do. the country and world. I have intentions of staying close to and “We have both been blessed with parents who helped us with serving the Lasallian network in my future as best I can. De La Salle morning drop-offs and after-school pickups,” Carmen said. “Thank was the stepping stone to a life of faith, service and community that God for Grandma Cuellar and Grandpa Vega. This allowed us to went beyond my high school experience.” continue to work our split shifts; I worked during the day and my For Marc, that Lasallian journey began with his enrollment at De La husband worked the night shifts.” Salle in 2006 and continued after his graduation in 2010.

“We tried hard to make the changes easier on our children by “Being the first in my family to graduate from De La Salle certainly devoting our time and supporting the school programs and

10 D MAGAZINE The Vega Family – Creating a Meteor Legacy

felt like a big accomplishment,” Marc said. “I remember feeling “The legacy of our time at De La Salle means so much beyond proud and having the support from my family made it much more the walls that educated us. I believe my siblings and I formed worth it.” friendships and a bigger family through our classmates, teachers and brothers that influenced our lives.” “I think being the oldest and first at a lot of things puts pressure on you, but the pressure has always felt light with loving and supportive “It puts a smile on my face to have been able to return to ‘De’ for parents and family members.” one of my siblings’ events, and hear ‘It’s the Vega family’ or ‘You’re Vega’s older brother.’ It shows that our family was really cared about That exemplary love and support running through the Vega family at De La Salle and we were not just another number or a seat filled was still very much in abundance when Marie earned her diploma in the classroom. We are a part of the Meteor family.” earlier this year. For now, the Vega family tradition at De La Salle has drawn to “Honestly, it is kind of crazy,” Marie said. “I grew up looking towards a close. For Marie, knowing that she will always be a Meteor is my siblings for help or guidance and now, to think our chapter at something that has great meaning for her. ‘De’ is closing.” “The legacy of my family means a lot to me, especially with being “Being the last one definitely had its ups and downs; however, it the last one,” Marie said. “I was always asked how my older siblings feels good to be the last one as we get to all look back together. Sure, were doing or I got the occasional joke about being the last one.” we all went to the same school, but we all took different paths.” “Being able to have those types of connections around school was While the paths taken by the members of the Vega family may have nice and showed what our family meant to the school. I will always indeed differed, they all contributed significantly to the group’s treasure being a part of the Vega legacy at De La Salle.” legacy.

“After graduation from ‘De’, it meant a lot to be able to say the words, ‘My brother or sister goes to De La Salle,” Marc said. “There was always a sense of pride with being able to say that. My hope for my siblings was that they were able to receive an education that prepared them for the world.”

FALL 2020 11 Athletics

Here are highlights from the four Meteor athletic programs that were able to compete during the fall 2020 season:

Men’s and Women’s Golf The Meteors defeated the Wolcott School in nonconference competition. In the postseason, De La Salle’s men’s team – coached by Vince Correa – placed 12th in the League Tournament while the women’s team – led by Fred Muehleman – took part in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Tournament. Ethan Verner ’21, who carded an 87, was one of the individuals to advance from the IHSA Class 2A Brother Rice Regional to sectional competition. In all, the number of student-athletes who participated was strong with 13 young men and 11 young women representing our school.

Women’s Swimming Among the highlights of the Meteors’ schedule were nonconference match-ups against Mother McAuley, Agricultural Science and Solorio Academy. Coach Robert Rodriguez ’15 led a De La Salle team with 17 Meteors competing.

12 D MAGAZINE Women’s Tennis The foundation of the Meteors’ season was a Girls Catholic Athletic Conference victory over St. Laurence. De La Salle also had strong showings against Montini Catholic and Regina Dominican. In the GCAC postseason tournament, the doubles team of Kennedy ’24 and Kamryn ’24 Porter placed third, while Sydney Metcalf ’23 was third in singles play. Coach Mandy Bixman’s team featured 16 student- athletes.

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Highlighting the season for the Meteors were victories by both the men’s and women’s teams against Hope Academy. Coached by Eric Crosby, the Meteor women’s team placed first at the Agricultural Science Quad and 6th at the DePaul Prep Invitational. The men’s team was fifth at DePaul Prep. Congratulations to the women’s team as it qualified for the IHSA Sectional. Also, congratulations to Chase Pitre ’22 and Ian Hopkins ’21 from the men’s team as they qualified for sectionals as individuals. Between the two teams combined, there were 29 Meteors who ran cross country this fall.

FALL 2020 13 ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS Briana Steffenhagen Pulia ’08

patient and family at a very vulnerable time in their life is beyond rewarding. In my profession, I value being at the forefront of healthcare in terms of new clinical trials and cancer treatments and I value the ability to educate patients and to form relationships with them, to be their advocate and support system during some difficult times. I am grateful to have found a profession that ignites my passion and allows me to provide exceptional care for my patients. Was there a particular class at Being a nurse is more than just a job De La Salle that influenced your major for Briana Steffenhagen Pulia ’08. or career path? Briana, who is working as an oncology I wouldn’t say there was a specific class nurse practitioner at Northwestern that led me to nursing particularly. I loved Memorial Hospital caring for patients my Anatomy and Physiology class with with multiple myeloma and other Ms. (Colleen) Mills, but I was very torn on plasma cell disorders, has been career paths as I entered college. I couldn’t employed in that capacity for eight decide between education and medicine. years, describing it as “the greatest I loved being around children and was profession for me.” inspired by my teachers and the impact they have had on my life. Here is an opportunity to meet Briana, who comes from a true De La Salle However, when I started to have experiences & Lourdes family. Her dad, Gary, caring for family members and working as a nursing assistant, I realized this is what is from the Class of 1976, while her I wanted to do. I would definitely say that mom, Renee, is from the Class of 1981. my education at De La Salle allowed me to Briana’s sister, Allison ’06, and brother, follow my own career path because I was Gary ’10, are also Meteors. challenged academically and supported by such influential educators. After graduating from Concordia University – Chicago, Briana earned How did De La Salle prepare you for a Master’s of Science in Nursing your future? from Rush University’s College of I was challenged academically in the Nursing before receiving a Doctorate Honors program and received college credit of Nursing Practice as a Family Nurse for classes. I also learned many life lessons Practitioner from Rush University like time management, communication, and as well. the importance of giving back and being kind. High school is an important time to grow in How rewarding is being a nurse? one’s education, but also a time to grow as To tell patients they have cancer is never an a person and discover the impact you want easy part of my day, but to be with them to make on the world. I felt I had gained through their journey, to see a positive these experiences during my time at ‘De’ response to treatment, to improve their and attribute my successes in life – whether quality of life and to be able to know the personal or professional – to my time here.

14 D MAGAZINE Attend a De La Salle

What teacher/coach made a memorable impact on you? Alumni Association Wow! This is hard to narrow it down to just one, so I will have to name quite a few. Zoom Meeting! Ms. (Diane) Geers was my English teacher and an assistant volleyball coach. She made learning fun and always put her students first. Coach (Anna) Marassa was my volleyball coach and PE (physical education) teacher. She was dedicated to DLS on and off the court. She pushed me to be a better athlete, student and person. Mr. (Justin) Costello-Stebelton was my English and Spanish teacher. We also worked closely together with the City of De. His passion for good books was contagious and he was committed to his students’ success in the classroom and in life. I will never forget Mr. (Bob) Klebes who taught U.S. History. I can’t look at a political cartoon and not want to analyze it. And there’s Sr. Rosie (Morowczynski). Every time I turn off my laptop, I can’t help but recite to myself, “Shut down, shut down.” Please join us every third Thursday of the month at 6 pm for the De La Salle How special is it to have other members Alumni Association Zoom meeting. Information will be made available prior of your family also be De La Salle and to the meeting as to how to join us. Lourdes graduates? For more information, please contact De La Salle’s Director of Development, It is very special for my family that we are all Iris Gist Cochran, at (312) 842-7355 ext. 152 or [email protected]. alumni of De La Salle and Lourdes. The values and traditions that ‘De’ has instilled in our family is something we all carry with us and are Find out what’s going on at De La Salle! forever proud to be Meteors. Reconnect with former classmates! What advice would you give to a family Learn about some fascinating topics! who is considering De La Salle? See you at the Zoom meeting! It would be a wonderful decision and sacrifice to send your child to De La Salle and something you and your child will not regret. It is important to have a solid education that prepares your child for whatever their future endeavors are, but Zoom Meetings it is equally important in my eyes to provide a nurturing environment where your child is not will take place just a number, but a person, who can learn, grow @ 6 pm and be supported. De La Salle will provide such a strong • November 19, 2020 foundation in education, faith and community. • December 17, 2020 The teachers and staff are amazing and give so much time inside and outside the classroom • January 21, 2021 to support your child and help them become wonderful young men and women. • February 18, 2021 • March 18, 2021

FALL 2020 15 Meteors United!

THANK YOU! We cannot say those two words enough right now. Why support the Meteor Rising Fund? A recent donor to the fund With COVID-19 still having an effect on everything at our school, on shared this: “As an alumnus of De La Salle, I have always loved the our families and in the world, we have incurred some hardships at De school and the great education I received. I do not believe that I would La Salle. Many of you asked how you could help us. have been the husband, father or grandfather or even the church leader that I am today, had it not been for De La Salle. I will always do In response, De La Salle created the Meteor Rising Fund. More than whatever I can to help a fellow Meteor!” 125 alumni and friends have already contributed to this important fund, raising nearly $31,000 to support our student financial Your generosity helps keep a De La Salle education accessible for our assistance program. We are committed to working with each family students, and more importantly, you give our students an opportunity to ensure their child can continue their education here at De La Salle. to receive an innovative Lasallian education and give hope to our Your gift made this possible. We areMeteors United! families. Your financial support is making an impact, and we are so grateful for everything you do to support De La Salle Institute. Again, There is still much work to do as we continue educating current and we thank you. future Meteors! Many of our families continue to face challenges as they navigate the transition of being back in school, and that’s why it is so important that you know the true impact of your generosity. Support from the De La Salle community has ensured that we can If you have not already made a gift in support of the continue to provide each student with the personalized instruction Meteor Rising Fund and would like to do so, please visit and care that are so critical in an excellent Lasallian education. http://www.dls.org/meteorrising.jsp. We are Meteors United! Alumni and friends of De La Salle recognize the importance and value of the educational mission and how it is carried out with steadfast dedication, not only for our students, but also for the community and the future good of the country. The ongoing support of our benefactors is an important reason why the school continues to flourish and impact the lives of so many young women and men.

16 D MAGAZINE Meteor Rising Maintaining a TRADITION OF Golf Outing METEOR EXCELLENCE Martin Kosiek ’70 Receives Honor Key

De La Salle Institute hosted the 125th Annual Alumni Banquet on October 2, 2020 for the first time in a virtual setting. Honored were the members of the Golden Jubilee Class of 1970 celebrating their 50th Anniversary, the Silver Jubilee Class of 1995 celebrating its 25th Anniversary and the Class of 2010 celebrating its 10th anniversary! One tradition at De La Salle is the Honor Key Award. Our Alumni Association provides the Honor Key to graduates and/or faculty and staff members at the school who have distinguished themselves by their achievements at De La Salle, as well as their civic or commercial success. This year’s Honor Key Award recipient was Martin Kosiek ’70. Kosiek, who is the Executive Director of the United States Military Air Power Museum, is a retired Captain in the United States Navy, having served for more than 25 years. Kosiek is a De La Salle would like to thank everyone who highly experienced and decorated naval aviator. attended and supported the 2020 Meteor Rising Among the awards he has received during his naval career are Golf Outing held on September 26 at Cardinal three Meritorious Service Medals, two Legions of Merit and Creek Country Club in Beecher. the Navy Expeditionary Service Medal. We thank Cardinal Creek proprietor George De La Salle wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Bonomo ’59 and his staff for their professionalism all our anniversary classes for their generous support of the and kindness in helping to make our event a success. anniversary class gift scholarship funds. For more information In addition, we extend our sincerest thanks to Marina about supporting your class gift scholarship fund, please Cartage Inc. for its exemplary generosity in serving as contact De La Salle Director of Development Iris Gist our premier sponsor. Cochran at 312.842.7355 ext. 152 or [email protected]. A fun day was had by all and we thank everyone for Thank you! their support of the young women and men who call De La Salle home. Go Meteors!

FALL 2020 17 A GOOD RESULT!

Recently we sent out a survey, asking our readers for input regarding the D Magazine and almost 300 responded!

Thank You For Your Participation!!!

18 D MAGAZINE NEWSNOTES 1965 1991 Gregory Cherry is retired and calls Robert Swanson is retired and lives Newcastle, OK home. His email address in Fort Myers, FL. His email address is is [email protected]. [email protected]. 1970 1993 James Teeter works in sales and Alan Maynie is a real estate developer distribution in the telecommunications and resident of Houston, TX. He may be industry. Living in Portland, OR, his reached at [email protected]. email address is [email protected]. 1998 SAVE 1972 Dorian Thomas is an insurance broker William Gomolka is a salesman in the and lives in Chicago. His email address is corrugate industry. He calls Orland Park, [email protected]. THE DATE IL home and his email address is billg@ royalbox.com. Toriano Triche works in the information technology industry as a 1973 network engineer and is a resident of 2021 De La Salle Jonesboro, GA. He may be reached at Leon Wright is in the military and serves [email protected]. Golf Classic as a teacher for STEM drone technology as well as a broadcaster. He lives in 2008 Battleboro, NC and his email address is [email protected]. Brittany Potter is employed in the June 23, 2021 maritime industry as a human resources Gleneagles Country Club 1978 coordinator. She lives in New Orleans, LA and her email address is brittanym_ 13070 McCarthy Rd. Gregory Steadman is an attorney in [email protected]. Lemont, IL the field of hospitality law. He lives in Bolingbrook, IL and his email is 2016 [email protected]. For more information, Rogelio Garcia is working in the please contact De La Salle 1979 information technology field. He resides Event Manager in Chicago and his email address is Carl Willingham ’99 John Travick lives in Lithonia, GA and [email protected]. is self-employed. His email address is at (312) 842-7355 ext. 146 [email protected]. or [email protected].

De La Salle Institute extends its deepest sympathies to Come on out, have the families of the following De La Salle and Lourdes some fun and support IN MEMORIAM alumni and friends who have recently passed away: the young women and men of De La Salle! Frank M. Baginski ’75 Dennis J. Derda ’68 Edward M. Nuzbach ’61 Ronald F. Boehm ’64 Robert T. Diver ’61 Dennis Sheehan We look forward to seeing Rudy J. Burich ’75 Robert J. Donohue ’51 John J. Smalley ’54 everyone there! Phillip L. Byrdak ’81 Cazimer V. Encher ’51 James A. Smalley ’56 DeVallo F. Cassidy ’55 Charles Fletcher ’83 Quentin E. Stampley ’78 Go Meteors! Jonathan D. Castillo ’06 William B. Frederisy ’58 Br. James Wegesin, FSC, ’54 Patrick M. Considine ’63 Ronald J. Grant ’62 Terry Young Eternal rest grant onto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. St. John Baptist De La Salle, pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

FALL 2020 19 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3092 Office for Advancement Chicago, IL 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60616-3898 Address Service Requested 312.842.7355

Parents: If this is addressed to your son or daughter and he or she no longer resides there, please contact De La Salle’s Office for Advancement by phone or with the enclosed envelope so that we may update our records.

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Join De La Salle Institute as we proudly present the 2020 Virtual Meteor Rising D-Turkey Trot 5K/10K Monday, November 2nd - Monday, November 30th!!

The event provides a wonderful opportunity for students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to promote health & wellness, education, as well as school and community spirit during the Pandemic and Thanksgiving holiday season. Proceeds go to the Meteor Rising Fund http://www.dls.org/meteorrising.jsp Since the Turkey Trot is being held virtually, participants can complete the race of their choosing anytime and anywhere in the world (park, trail, treadmill, backyard, etc.) from Monday, November 2nd – Monday, November 30th. Methods include running, walking, or rolling. You decide! Just lace up your sneakers and get started. As an added treat, we’ve even provided options for children (Mashed Potato 1 Mile Fun Run, Tot Trot, and Drumstick Diaper Dash)!! Register at www.dls.org/turkeytrot.jsp Thank you for your support! Go Meteors! 20 D MAGAZINE