In this issue: Handcrafting success for irish 2004 alum

Faith, family, goodness 2013 alum works in South America to assist victims of domestic plus: violence Kristin Rossi Fr. Dennis Strach Fr. Eric Fedewa Paul Barker Sara Barron Robert Hindelang 18

’ Irish news

Permit 615 Permit

Royal Oak, MI Oak, Royal Alumni notes

PAID

Pontiac, MI 48340 MI Pontiac,

U.S. Postage U.S.

1300 Giddings Road Giddings 1300 spring/summer Non Profit Non

Notre Dame Preparatory School Preparatory Dame Notre 20 HOMECOMING 2018 IS COMING IN THE FALL AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO SHOW YOU'RE A FIGHTING IRISH FAN THAN BY WEARING NOTRE DAME SPIRITWEAR!

More than 20 new items in stock, including Nike and Holloway brand clothing to name a few. MOST ITEMS ready for pick up. Check it out online at ndpma.org/store. Or come into the Irish Bookstore & Cafe for a hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate or tea, complimentary with any purchase. Store hours: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (during regular school days) or make an appointment for additional bookstore hours. If you would like to order items listed online or if you have questions or suggestions, e-mail Larry Jack at [email protected] or call 248-373-5300, x-8054.

Diving Beneath the Surface SET GOALS. PLAN WELL. EXECUTE AND MONITOR.

Serving Middle-Income American Families and Small Business Owners We can help you build a financial strategy and a plan -Affordably! No minimum income or balances required. • Cash Flow • Risk Management • Portfolio Monitoring • Education Plan • Tax and Estate • Workshops • Retirement Plan • Investments Fiduciary, Fee-Only Financial Planning and Consulting 888-566-1841 KastlerFinancialPlanning.com (Please see our website for important disclosures.) Mike Kastler, MSF NDHS, Class of 1975 CONTENTS

Spring/Summer 2018 Volume 11, No. 1 irish IRISHIRISH is a magazine devoted to the alumni and friends of Notre Dame Preparatory, Notre Dame, Oakland Catholic, Pontiac Catholic, St. Michael and St. Frederick schools. It is distributed free of charge. For more information, please see the alumni section of Notre Dame Prep’s web site at www.ndpma.org/alumni.

CONTENTS DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Beth Campbell 6 IRISH NEWS EDITOR Mike Kelly ’73 (NDHS) Get the latest about NDPMA and alumni 8 SERVING OTHERS CONTRIBUTORS Beth Campbell Kristin Rossi takes a strong stand for nonprofits. Andy Guest '84 (NDHS) 12 LIVING, BREATHING LEGACY Head of school and alum Andy Guest talks legacy schools. IRISH is published twice yearly (spring/ summer and fall/winter) by the Notre 16 FUN, FAITH AND FORMATION Dame Alumni Association. Fr. Dennis Strach '06 (NDP) says Notre Dame was both fun and profoundly influential. The magazine’s address is: 20 ALUMNI NOTES & INFO 1389 Giddings Road Find out what your classmates are up to. Pontiac, MI 48340 248-373-2171 21 OF SINGERS, SONGWRITERS AND RUNNING SHOES [email protected] Alum’s music career is fast off the blocks; she says Notre Dame pushed her intellectual ndpma.org boundaries far. 28 CARS, CHICKENS, THE U.S. CUSTOMS AND NOTRE DAME Attorney Bob Hindelang '64 (NDHS) works in corporate law and imports/exports. 32 MOTOWN MISSIONARY Strong work ethic and NDHS experience convinced '88 alum of the importance

of philanthropy.

35 REUNIONS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Like us! Use your smart-phone QR code scanner app to be connected instantly to the NDAA Facebook page. Contact us: Advancement Office - Alumni Director Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy Advertise 1389 Giddings Road in IRISH? Pontiac, MI 48340 Are you interested in 248-373-2171 - ext. 3 advertising to nearly Fax 248-481-6037 [email protected] 14,000 of your fellow www.ndpma.org/alumni alumni and friends? Place an ad in an upcoming IRISH. Contact Mike Kelly ’73 (NDHS) for more information and pricing: ON THE COVER: [email protected]. 2013 alum (with the help of her family) works in South America to assist victims of domestic violence. See page 24. SPRING/SUMMER 2018 3 ALUMNI OFFICE

A WORD FROM YOUR ALUMNI DIRECTOR

As the school year winds down and spring is upon us, the alumni On July 15, we broke ground on our board is refreshed and ready to take on a new year. We are excited to new 26,000 square-foot academic expan- announce the addition of Dean Aldo ’76 (PC), Michael Kastler ’75 sion! The building is on schedule to open (NDHS), and Molly Campbell ’08 (NDP) to our alumni board. We for the 2018-19 school year and will offer are still looking to add a few more members to the board; we hope you two new science labs, a robotics room, two will consider joining! art studios, a green house and eight ad- We are really looking forward to unveiling our new softball and ditional classrooms! The campaign has raised nearly $6 million toward baseball fields on April 12, at our “Bless the Bats” event. We invite all a $7.5 million goal. This space will transform our building and provide alumni, especially former softball and baseball players to join us! There state of the art learning space for our kids. will be a ceremony beginning at 3 p.m. followed by a reception located Great things are happening here at Notre Dame! We hope you will between the fields. Both our softball and baseball teams will then hit find a way to a part of it! If your travels ever bring you near Giddings the fields for games! Please join us for this wonderful event! RSVP to Road in Pontiac, please don’t hesitate to stop by and check out all of the [email protected]. amazing things happening here on campus. I would love to meet you!! Do you have old yearbooks you no longer want? We are looking to expand our yearbook collection. We’re looking for yearbooks or any other memorabilia from Notre Dame High School, Pontiac Catholic, Oakland Catholic, St. Mike’s and St. Fred’s. Please contact me if you Beth Campbell have any items you would like to donate to our archive. Director of Alumni Relations, Notre Dame

State champs times five!

On March 3 in Grand Rapids, Mich., Notre Dame Prep’s competitive cheer team earned its fifth consecutive MHSAA state championship by finishing atop second-place finisher Richmond and third-place Monroe Jefferson. See page 6 for more.

4 IRISH Homecoming date set Oct. 12 homecoming football game to be played against Portland High School on William Kozyra Alumni Field; rest of season schedule set

he athletic department of Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy announced in February that the school’s 2018 homecoming football game will be held Friday, October 12, at 7 p.m., vs. Portland High School. According to Betty Wroubel, NDPMA’s athletic director and assistant principal, the Oct. 12 homecoming game joins a complete regular season schedule of games in 2018 for the Fighting Irish varsity football team. “As is typical, it has been a lot of work to get this schedule together, but it’s now pretty much set in stone and Coach Fox and his Tstaff are very much looking forward to it,” Wroubel said. The 2018 campaign for the Irish opens August 24 with a home game vs. Detroit Collegiate Prep (Northwestern) followed by a tough matchup on August 31 at Muskegon Catholic Central, which finished 8-2 last season. The homecoming game features a match with the Portland Raiders, who ended their 2017 campaign with an overall 11-2 record. Last season, the Irish fell to Portland, 29-27. The Irish finished their 2017 season at 8-3 after falling to Williamston in the MHSAA district final.

STAYING IN TOUCH: NDAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Notre Dame Alumni Association's current board of directors: HELP US REACH 1,500 LIKES! Bobbie Hall ’00 (NDP) V. Chair Facebook.com/notredame alumniassociation. Jane Dika ’02 (NDP) Sec. Dean Aldo ’76 (PC) Molly Campbell ’08 (NDP) THE NOTRE DAME E-NEWSLETTER FOLLOW US Brian Dooley ’85 (NDHS) Receive news and information, emailed Twitter.com/ndaapontiacmi. Meredith Gifford ’02 (NDP) monthly. Update your email address at ndpma.org/update. Lisa Healy ’98 (NDP) Mike Kastler ’75 (NDHS) Patty Dean Phillips ’52 (SF) NETWORK WITH IRISH ALUMS Linkedin.com – Notre Dame Alumni Dan Staniszewski ’02 (NDP) Association (Pontiac) group. Amy Tkac ’02 (NDP)

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 5 IRISH NEWS

NOTRE DAME SIBLINGS EARN BIG AWARDS AT DETROIT Notre Dame staff. SCIENCE FAIR NDPMA has been providing quality and fun-filled summer- Notre Dame senior camp experiences for more than 10 years and maintains a proven Malini Mukherji safety track record. Under the expert care of our camp coaches, and her brother, kids not only learn individual, sport-oriented or creative skills, Devarshi, earned but also develop personally and socially, learning teamwork and significant accolades building life skills through interaction with fellow campers. in early March as part of the Science SEVEN FROM NDP GET NATIONAL ART HONORS and Engineering Notre Dame Prep student-artists Fair of Metro Detroit, which was held downtown at Cobo Destiney Sandle (12), Maria Center. Malini won first place in the “Energy: Physical” cat- Mora (12), Kyle Conroy (12), egory and qualified for the Michigan Science Fair. Devarshi, a Amelia Cumming (10), Thomas 9th grader at Notre Dame Prep, brought home second place Fazio (12), Kathryn Lee (11) and in the “Computational Biology” category and also qualified for Natalie Lyijynen (11) learned the Michigan Science Fair, which will be held April 7, 2018, at in early March that they have Kettering University in Flint. earned national recognition in the In addition to her first-place award and earning her entry 2018 Scholastic Art and Writing to the Michigan State Fair, Malini also won the Great Lakes Awards competition. Water Authority cash award and luncheon; the U.S. Patent and Sandle and Mora received Trademark Office Professional Award; and the Yale Science & one gold award each and Conroy, Engineering Association, Inc., Certificate and Pewter Medal- Cumming, Fazio, Lee, Lyijynen One piece from Destiney lion. and Sandle received silver awards Sandle, Grade 12, ”Everything Last spring, Malini won a “Third Grand Award” in the best from Scholastic, with Fazio and in Me” portfolio of eight of Energy: Chemical category at the International Science and Sandle each getting two silver pieces, National Silver Award Engineering Fair, the world’s largest international high school awards. STEM event, which was held in Los Angeles. She also picked up Gold award recipients have an opportunity to travel to New an honorable mention in the “Special Awards” category in L.A. York in early summer to be honored at Carnegie Hall. for her project, which was called, “A Smart Light-Tracker Using Earlier this year, NDP students earned a total of 50 regional Machine Learning and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.” awards in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition for the Southeastern Michigan region, beating last year’s 45 awards ATHLETIC SUMMER CAMPS REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the school, which was a big increase from the 2016 school Notre Dame Prepa- record of 27 awards. ratory School and According to Sandy LewAllen, Notre Dame’s art chair, Marist Academy’s earning 50 awards tops the number of awards ever won at Notre youth summer camps Dame Prep and is one of the largest groups from any school in will soon be here on the region, including very large public schools such as Stoney campus. And this Creek and Novi. “I couldn’t be any more proud of all of our art year, Notre Dame’s students and their efforts,” she said back in January. summer program is bigger and more diverse than ever before and parent/student interest is expected to be high. So it’s time FIVE FOR CHEER now to sign up to ensure your children get a spot in the camp of (Story and photo by Drew Ellis, The their choice. Check out NDPMA.org for more information. Oakland Press) As one of the area’s most recognized programs, NDPMA’s The Division 3 cheer state champi- summer camps curriculum provides safe, fun, and skill-focused onships once again came down to experiences for kids entering grades kindergarten through 12. Richmond and Pontiac Notre Dame This year’s lineup includes a wider variety of both athletic and Prep in 2018. academic camps. The program includes athletic camps in vol- However, the story remained the leyball, soccer, football, basketball and tennis. Academic camps same for both teams, as the Fighting include sessions in art, college essay writing, math, debate and Irish held their position over the Blue Devils, scoring a 776.48 theatre. Camps range from two to five-and-a-half hours per day to claim its fifth straight state championship. and offer instruction for all skill levels, from introductory to “We have an amazing community at Notre Dame and our advanced. All camps are run by Notre Dame faculty members or kids just have a different standard of excellence,” Irish coach

6 IRISH Beth Campbell said of winning five straight titles. “They refuse character, values and understanding of the role that high school to not give it their all. They never come in with 80 percent. That sports plays in developing good young people, citizens and aca- is something special and when I came to Notre Dame that is demic scholars serves as a great example for others to model.” something I noticed from the minute I walked in the door. The Gaynor will be playing soccer at Butler University in India- effort and the standards are different here than other places and napolis, Ind. I think that is the key to our success.” Richmond finished with a total of 771.50 to earn runner-up FOUR SENIORS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP for the fourth straight year. The Blue Devils won the D3 title in FINALISTS 2012 and 2013 before the Irish began their current run. The Irish had a young squad in 2018, making Saturday’s title even more impressive. With just four seniors and five juniors, the roster of 25 came together quickly to make another championship happen. “This season I had 10 freshmen, five sophomores and two have never been on the mat. We graduated seven kids that were outstanding in our program and I thought in the beginning of NDP seniors, from left, Olivia Heming, Sean Higgins, Gretel Keller and the season it was going to be a rebuilding year,” Campbell said. Malini Mukherji were named National Merit Scholarship finalists by the “These kids came in and bought into our culture from Day 1. National Merit Scholarship Corp. This is a humungous accomplishment and I never would have Four members of Notre Dame Prep’s Class of 2018 have been dreamed it, to be honest.” named finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. NDP seniors Olivia Heming, Sean Higgins, Gretel Keller and NOTRE DAME SENIOR WINS SPECIAL STATE SCHOLARSHIP Malini Mukherji will now compete for more than 7,500 scholar- Notre Dame senior Celia Gaynor was ships worth more than $32 million that will be awarded in the named one of only six senior student- spring. athletes in Michigan to earn the 2018 Three types of scholarships will be offered by the National Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Merit Scholarship Corporation, including about 2,500 awarded Administrators Association (MIAAA) by state allotments, 1,000 corporate-sponsored scholarships and scholarship. more than 4,000 sponsored by 200 colleges and universities. “Congratulations to Celia on win- In March, NMSC will begin mailing scholarship offers to ning this honor and scholarship,” said winners of the 2018 scholarships. Notre Dame’s four seniors NDPMA athletic director and assistant were named NMS semifinalists in September of last year. principal Betty Wroubel. “This is quite The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic an honor! The Michigan Interscholas- competition for recognition and scholarships that began in tic Athletic Administrators (MIAAA) 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship reserved for by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship student athletes who best exemplify the values found and devel- Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) — which serves as an initial oped in educational athletics.” screen of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year — and The $1,000 grant is part of an annual MIAAA program by meeting published program entry and participation require- that helps defray the college expenses of exceptional graduating ments. seniors as they make their way to colleges and universities in the fall. NOTRE DAME’S SKI TEAMS EARN SPECIAL AWARD A two-sport (basketball and soccer) athletic and academic In early February, as Notre Dame’s girls and boys teams were standout for the Fighting Irish, Gaynor, who is the daughter of both wrapping up MHSAA regional titles at Pine Knob, they NDHS alum Paul Gaynor (’84), also was named 2017 First- found out they also won the special “Dan Costigan Award,” Team All-State in soccer and was instrumental in Notre Dame’s which goes to the top combined girls and boys team in each di- 2016 state title in soccer. In January, she was named a finalist for vision. It also was the first time in school history that both teams the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Scholar-Athlete captured regional titles in the same season. Award in Class B. Longtime Detroit Country Day ski coach Dan Costigan Gaynor will take her soccer skills to Butler University in the passed away in 2010. fall. The Dan Costigan award was initiated during the 2014 ski “I am so excited and proud that our professional organiza- season and is named in memory of longtime Detroit Country tion (MIAAA) chose Celia as one of the six recipients from the Day ski coach Dan Costigan, who died in 2012 at the age of hundreds of applications they received,” Wroubel added. “Her Please see IRISH News, page 14

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 7 ALUM PROFILE

he world of nonprofits is one fraught FIRST NONPROFIT JOB with peril as there is an infinite num- Meanwhile, as she was going through her master’s track at WMU, ber of causes worthy of support but Rossi picked up her first actual job at a nonprofit in the university’s a seemingly finite number of those Foundation, which promotes and provides donor investments to the willing to contribute to those causes. school. Ensuring that aid reaches needy in- "I received a crash course in fund development and learned what dividuals or organizations is a tough it actually takes to execute big initiatives," she said. "During my four job requiring trained development years at the Foundation, I learned the importance of community personnel willing to do the hard connections and how to lead a team. This also was the first place that work that has as its essence the often I truly felt part of a wider network. I joined a local board, I volun- uncomfortable task of asking others teered on an equal-rights campaign and felt totally connected to the for money. Kalamazoo community." Working hard, however, doesn’t appear to be a problem for 2002 She was tempted to stay in the WMU/Kalamazoo community Notre Dame grad Kristen Rossi, who currently is vice president of after completing her Master of Public Administration degree because development and communications at the Alzheimer’s Association of it had become like home to her. Instead she took a big leap, literally TGreater Michigan. and figuratively, and she moved to Italy for two years to teach English She said that despite the sometimes frustrating and difficult work, as a second language with Berlitz. she loves working for nonprofits because it’s challenging and because "That really was fulfilling another one of my dreams of living of its diversity — diversity of people and diversity of need. abroad, plus I did get to do some teaching after all," she said. "Later, "I’ve had the great opportunity to step into many different I even wondered if I should take those two years in Italy off of my re- spheres and wear many different hats in the nonprofit sector," she said sume because it wasn’t really congruent to the rest of my career at that recently in an interview with the Notre Dame Alumni Association. point. But eventually I realized that it was not only a pivotal experience "Apart from where I work, I’m also engaged in other local nonprofits in my life, but it actually taught me just as much if not more than any as a volunteer. I serve on the board of a human-services organization, other job or course of study I had. I learned to get by on my own in Community Social Services of Wayne County. I also sit on a com- another country, I had a front seat to ancient history, I learned another mittee for the Eastern Market and I’m very active in the Detroit Boat language and I connected more deeply with my family in Italy." Club Crew." When Rossi returned to the states, however, she was eager to jump back into the nonprofit sector again, this time in Detroit. She got a WANTED TO BE A TEACHER job in development for the Detroit Opera House and quickly moved Rossi’s interest in development and fundraising actually began to the Detroit Historical Society where she also worked with another back in college while working toward an expected career in education. Notre Dame alum, Robert Bury (’71), who recently retired as the "I went to Western Michigan University and absolutely loved executive director and CEO of the Historical Society. my time there," Rossi said. "Western was a perfect choice for me. I "I loved working in arts and culture — it’s a tough game, but it is wanted a college on the smaller side, but not tiny. I wanted to be out- very rewarding." side of my hometown, but not too far. And I wanted to be a teacher She also learned a lot about community and economic develop- at that time, and WMU had a great teaching program." ment and how to make sure that one’s organization always has a seat But the path to becoming a teacher ended up being rather short. "at the table" in Detroit’s philanthropic arena. "I must have changed my major five times or more at Western," Now at the Alzheimer’s Association, she said she considers herself she said. "I wanted something that wasn’t quite as scripted but still lucky to be able to gain even more insight into public policy and very action-oriented. I just happened to take a class in nonprofit research, and how to work toward big institutional goals. Rossi also leadership during my junior year of college and I was immediately is quick to credit her education and past positions for her early career smitten. I ended up minoring in that subject and that drove me into success. a master’s program in public administration with a focus on nonprofit "Without a doubt, the mentorship and guidance I’ve received management." over the years has been the most influential as I moved into increasing levels of leadership," said Rossi, who in 2014 earned a fellowship in PERFECT GRAMMAR AND READY FOR ANYTHING the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Detroit Chapter Rossi recalls how she felt totally ready for the rigors of college when Marjorie S. Fisher Fellows program. "I love to meet and get to know she first arrived on campus in Kalamazoo. new people, so asking for help has always been second nature to me. "I felt very well-prepared in my first semester at college," she said. But especially early on, I never expected those connections to truly "I remember getting back my first writing assignment in advanced help guide my career. Starting with the professors in college and other Spanish, and my professor congratulated me on having perfect gram- people I’ve admired, I have benefited greatly from the kindness of mar. I attributed that to Senora Tessada and Senora Anderson at others." NDP." She said that because she realizes that her own good fortune was Rossi also noticed that many of her fellow students at Western due in large part to her own mentors, she’s learned to pay it forward, were struggling during their first semester. But in her case, she felt to be assertive, to never miss an opportunity to connect and be con- totally prepared due to some really great teachers at Notre Dame. nected with others, to be a lifelong learner and to be genuine in all "I knew Mrs. Anderson when she was Ms. Rose and she was interactions. definitely one of my favorites and just an amazing Spanish teacher," "I am honored to work in service to others and hope that over Rossi recalled. "Mrs. Bembas taught me the enormously valuable five- time I can help give back all that has been generously given to me." paragraph essay and really helped foster my love of reading. And, of

course, Mr. Simon made political science so much fun!" BY KRISTIN ROSSI '02 (NDP) PROVIDED PHOTO

8 IRISH Serving others Notre Dame alum takes a strong stand for nonprofits.

Kristin Rossi '02 (NDP) currently is vice president of development and communications at the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Michigan.

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 9 ALUM PROFILE Handcrafting success Notre Dame alum is comfortable with both global supply-chain management and woodworking.

One of 2004 Notre Dame alum Paul Bonenberger's recent installations at a home in Royal Oak.

hen 2004 Notre Dame grad Paul Bonen- WELL-PREPARED, THANKS TO NOTRE DAME berger got to Michigan State University He credits Notre Dame with providing the proper study and as a freshman, he wasn’t quite sure what time-management skills necessary to succeed both in college and he would major in although he knew it in the workplace. would be business-related. He also didn’t “My freshman year at Michigan State was a relatively easy knowW then that his interest in business would ultimately lead transition,” he recalled. “At NDP, time-management skills are him to a successful career in global manufacturing and opera- essential and there are high academic expectations expected of tions management as well as a second career as a business owner. students. As a result of the challenging NDP environment, I “I was undecided for my freshman year and focused on found freshman year at MSU to be relatively underwhelming. entering the Broad College of Business at MSU while I decided It actually allowed me to focus on academics and have more on a specialization,” said Bonenberger, currently working in time for extracurriculars as well. By establishing ‘good habits’ risk management at General Motors, while maintaining his own before entering the college curriculum, i.e., from Notre Dame, I company, M1 Craft Co., which specializes in made-to-order juggled these activities while maintaining my GPA.” home fixtures, tables, shelving, lighting fixtures and wall art. Like all of Notre Dame’s alumni, Bonenberger has a boat- Bonenberger got bit by the global supply-management bug load of fond memories and recollections from his years in high when, as a student at MSU, he spent a summer abroad in Rome, school. But what comes to mind when asked about a favorite Italy, participating in a program focusing on global interdepen- memory? “Father Joe’s [Hindelang] understated sarcasm is dence. probably among what I miss the most,” he said with perhaps a “Following that experience and my general interest in smidgeon of his own brand of sarcasm. global business, I chose to focus on supply-chain and operations After graduating college, Bonenberger’s first professional po- management, which eventually led to a bachelor’s degree in sition was in logistics at General Dynamics Land Systems, where supply-chain management,” he said. Bonenberger then went on he assisted with the distribution and support of parts supply to to receive an Oakland University MBA, which focused on opera- teams positioned in the Middle East during Operation Iraqi tions management and entrepreneurship. Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Following that job, he moved to an engineering com-

10 IRISH pany responsible for supporting the simulation and tooling of Chrysler’s Belvedere vehicle assembly plant. This gave him the opportunity to work in a hands-on position, learning about the vehicle-assembly process and the tooling used to ensure efficient plant operations and operator safety. Bonenberger then spent 2012 to 2016 at Fiat Chrysler Au- tomotive, managing the outbound supply chain to international customers in the Middle East, Asia Pacific and South America. “I experienced first-hand the global interdependencies of the automotive industry, and the dynamic environment that exists within global economies,” he said. “At FCA, I was responsible for the performance of multiple warehouses around the world and was immersed in diverse cultures and business practices. This truly was an incredible experience.” Now at General Motors, he’s working in a relatively new field within the manufacturing and production world, which gives him an opportunity to develop and implement newer tools to help manage business better in a highly competitive industry. But if all that wasn’t enough, Bonenberger decided he actu- At his company, M1 Craft Co., Bonenberger uses electrical voltage ally needed more to keep him occupied. Which, for someone to create patterns similar to a lightning flash on his products. These with outstanding time-management skills, was no problem, of are often called "Lichtenberg figures," which are branching electric course. discharges that sometimes appear on the surface or in the interior of insulating materials. TV SHOW built by someone’s bare hands, from start to finish.” About seven years ago, Bonenberger purchased and began reno- vating his first home, and in 2015, he began a full flip of another 'NAUGHT WITHOUT LABOR' property he had purchased. Because of its good online presence, Bonenberger’s company “During those experiences, I learned that I really enjoyed grabbed the attention of the INSP Network, an American digital woodworking, building and being hands-on with projects,” he cable and satellite television channel that broadcasts family said. “This led me to the founding of M1 Craft Co., which was entertainment programming, and was featured on the network’s my opportunity to go through the process of founding and cre- show, “Handcrafted America.” ating a brand, and creating a unique product that could appeal “My company was featured in season 3, episode 7,” he said. to a broad customer base. The opportunity to create something “This was incredibly stressful and intimidating, but well worth that becomes a fixture in someone’s home is an incredible feel- it and an amazing experience. As a result, I’ve seen a drastic ing for me.” increase in order volume and it’s given me the opportunity to Also a bit incredible for Bonenberger was the fact that not further develop custom applications for my products.” even five months after establishing his company, he was asked He said that in addition to his healthy online sales, he’s also to appear on a popular TV series that focused on entrepreneurs sold products directly to several southeast Mich.-based busi- who are into handcrafting and marketing products for the nesses to furnish their sales space. home-goods market. He’s ecstatic about his early good fortune, but he doesn’t “There is a lot of value, perceived and actual, associated with for a minute suggest that anything other than hard work had having a handmade good in your home,” he added. “It is not anything to do with such extraordinary success. necessarily a guarantee of quality, and mistakes can happen when “‘Naught without labor’ was one of the expressions I found on building any product, however, there is a level of satisfaction for my fraternity crest in college,” he said. “That, plus the single the consumer knowing they are purchasing something that was word ‘onward,’ which I’ve always kept in the back of my mind. They constantly remind me that there is no such thing as ‘de- serving’ something; one must be willing to work much harder than expected to achieve incredible goals, and instead of reflect- ing on shortcomings, to keep pushing toward greater things.” Bonenberger plans to continue to grow M1 Craft Co. and to also continue as a risk-management professional. He said he may decide to pursue still more other ventures, too. “What will lead to the success of these things is the abil- ity to continue to create value for customers,” he said, “and to properly leverage risks to create a strong foundation and brand as needs change in the world around us.”

Bonenberger is with Jill Wagner, the host of INSP TV's "Handcrafted PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PAUL BONENBERGER '04 (NDP) BY PAUL PROVIDED PHOTOS America."

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 11 FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Living, breathing legacy Notre Dame's head of school (and alum) Andy Guest talks about how Notre Dame students represent the culmination of the experience of all alumni.

Andy Guest, right, was named head of school of Notre Dame in February 2017. Prior to that, he had been serving as interim head of school and before that was director of advancement for the school. perating a faith-based school in current times is both college-acceptance rates, we also tell students it is far more important exhilarating and challenging. The exhilaration comes for the “what they do” with their college experience than “where from the confidence and success in knowing that we they attend.“ Last year alone, our graduating class of 181 seniors were deliver a Catholic and internationally recognized, accepted to more than 140 different colleges and universities across college-preparatory experience of lasting value to a the country. diverse population of students. Last fall, we were selected as the best As alums from NDPMA, NDHS, PC/OC, St. Michael or St. OCatholic school in the state of Michigan for the second time in three Frederick, we ask you to embrace the current student body as the years! This is directly attributed to the hard work and dedication of living, breathing legacy of your experiences as a graduate from a the Notre Dame faculty and staff, and to the guidance of the Marist Catholic school. We strive to create the best environment possible for Fathers and Brother Louis. students, an environment where young people can grow, learn and The challenge comes from the constant attacks from outside forces excel in life. that continue to shake our country and its faith. NFL players refusing In four short months, we will be opening a brand new 26,000-sq.- to stand during the national anthem, racial violence, political divisive- ft. science, arts and technology wing. The new wing will include ness, changing marital laws and definitions of sexuality, legalization classrooms, science labs, art studios, a robotics lab and a greenhouse. of marijuana and the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas We have currently raised nearly $6 million toward our $7.5 million High School in Parkland, Florida, are all issues that we have had to goal through the March on to Victory campaign, and while we still address this school year alone. Add to that the influence of social me- have more to raise, we appreciate the many alumni who have come dia and 24/7 connectedness and you can only imagine how difficult it forward to support this project. can be for a young person growing up in today’s world. I would like to personally invite all alumni to visit the school to Fortunately, Notre Dame remains committed to forming good see first-hand the great things that are happening at Notre Dame. Christian people, upright citizens and academic scholars. We are an Remember, we would not exist without the legacy of all our alumni. oasis of safety, academic excellence and faith formation in a desert of social chaos. Our teachers and coaches are committed to being role I wish you all a happy and blessed spring. Go Irish! models for our students and our students work diligently to be the best version of themselves possible at a school where it’s “cool to be smart.” We teach children to strive for success, but also to cope with Andy Guest '84 (NDHS) failure. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. While we often tout our Head of School

12 IRISH SCHOOL NEWS Irish Week Challenge reaches new heights The Notre Dame community participated in force during the 2018 Irish Week Challenge, smashing last year's marks. he 4th Annual Irish Week Challenge finished up on March Dame Fund director Atif Lodhi. "More than 60 members of the 16 as another big success for NDPMA students! This year's Notre Dame community contributed $100 or more to the Irish Week Challenge raised more than $11,000 in support of Notre Challenge, which earned them a special limited-edition t-shirt." Dame and its annual appeal, The Notre Dame Fund, Lodhi said that each "champion" also was recognized on social whichT directly benefits students at the school from pre-kindergarten media and on the NDPMA website. In additon, Irish Week Champi- through 12th grade. ons will receive a personalized letter and be recognized in the school's Similar to last year’s Challenge, this year’s fundraising effort was annual report. focused on everyone who’s served at any of the Notre Dame schools as "A big thank you to all in the community for taking part in the well as Pontiac Catholic or Oakland Catholic. As a result, 160 faculty Irish Week Challenge and making it a week to remember," Lodhi and staff members were honored last week, a big increase over 2017's said. "We appreciate the recognition and support for such a vital 115. Among those called out for honor during the week were Tony institution. Go Irish!" Borton, Fr. John Bryson, Betty Wroubel, Fr. John Kiselica, Br. Louis The overall goal for The Notre Dame Fund is $600,000, which Plourde, Conrad Vachon and Sandy LewAllen. A complete list of the school officials hope to reach or surpass by the end of the fiscal year, 2018 "champions" is available below. June 30, 2018. More information on the fund is at ndpma.org/ "One hundred eighty gifts were made by 124 donors," said Notre ndfund. THE IRISH WEEK 2018 "CHAMPIONS" CHALLENGE BENEFITED ALL NOTRE DAME STUDENTS

Kim Anderson John Grossman Jerry McGhee Patricia Salazar Melissa Archer Andrew Guest Sue McGinnis Vlado Salic Diana Atkins Bobbie Hall Mark McGreevy Justine Sciriha Joanne Beauchamp Patricia Hall Tina McLaughlin Jim Sesi John Barbee Laura Hand Amy McLeod Larry Sigel Carol Belkowski Claudia Heinbuck Stephanie Medina Marty Simmonds Kathy Bembas Fr. Joe Hindelang, s.m. Greg Milewski Gregory Simon Kelly Bicknell Duane Holmes Rachel Alexander Miller John Smith Maria Billings Larry Jack Cathy Moras Dan Staniszewski Margie Bond Brandon Jezdimir Sylvia Mulrenin Fr. James Strasz, s.m. Jason Borngesser Greg Kaiser Mark Murphy Bob Strong Tony Borton Mike Kelly Stephanie Nester Donna Stuk Kathy Bowers Tom Kelly Heidi Newby Mychal Thom Fr. John Bryson, s.m. Virginia "Gini" Kelly Fr. Ron Nikodem, s.m. Katherine Thomas Anthony Butorac Denise Kelly-Kirk Kathleen Offer Ellen Tessada Beth Campbell Fr. John Kiselica Eric Olson Susan “Toz” Toczylowski Molly Campbell Eden Konja Fr. Leon Olszamowski, s.m. Jim Travis Russ Cannon Steven Konopacki Dave Osiecki Vince Trzcinski Michael Carman Joan Kopytek Jennifer Pakkala Conrad Vachon Daniel Chun Norm Kotarski Katrina Palushaj Barb Wade Joan Cross Donna Kotzan Ken Parent Mary Watson Ed Davis Lin Krankel Kala Parker Jason Whalen John Deibel Kim Kriesel Mary Jane Pasko Mary Jane Williams Allison Dery Anthony “TJ” Kulick Kelly Patterson Rick Winiarski Fr. Ron DesRosiers, s.m. Bob LaPointe Robert Patterson Betty Wroubel Ned Devine Marty Lappe Virginia Pauwels Sue Wylie Kathy Downs Della Lawrence Shari Phillips Patricia Wyza James Doyle Mary Jo Leseman Michelle Pittel Sheri Yanik Kathy Dugan Sandy LewAllen Marie Place Tyler Yanik Dolores Connors Elbode Kyle Lilek Br. Louis Plourde, s.m. Jocelynn Yaroch David Fazzini Brian Little Chris Polsinelli Melissa York Julie Frakes Atif Lodhi Amy Priess Lauren Zajdel Pat Fox Carrie Lytle Lauren Raleigh Michelle Zimmerman Rachel Fruchey Denise Mahoney Elaine Reimann Cathy Zuccaro Michelle Garcia Alayna Manos Hal Rice NDPMA faculty and staff Bev Gifford Joe Martin Pete Riley Oakland County Sheriff deputies: Jenny Gillis Clare McCaffrey Whitney Robinson Gary Claudio Gretchen Glick Kathleen McCaffrey Megan Rochon Nicole Davis Stacy Goliff Eleanor McCaskey Jamie Rodda Scott Tewes Jim Grossi Mark McCaskey Katrina Sagert Brian Thomas

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 13 IRISH News, from page 7 Dogs for the Blind during a visit to the nonprofit’s headquarters 55 after a brief illness from in Rochester Hills. a skin and blood disorder. Notre Dame assistant athletic director Maureen Radulski, He also was named the who accompanied the students to Leader Dogs, said that the MHSAA ski “Coach of the kids were excited about the visit where they also learned a great Year” in 2006. Costigan’s deal from a program called “Harness the Power of Leadership.” wife, Patty, now heads the The interactive workshop, sponsored by Leader Dogs, teaches DCDS program. those in the sighted community how to use the same skills used Craig McLeod, who assists Notre Dame’s boys and girls by blind people and their guide dogs to communicate more head coach John Deibel, said that when Costigan died, his wife effectively and to lead more successful personal and professional created the award in his honor. lives. “We earned that distinction and were given the award by “As someone with a passion for teaching young people to be Patty yesterday,” McLeod said. “Dan was a great guy and we leaders, I thought this was a unique opportunity for our students should be really proud of being recognized with this award!” to learn a different approach to learning leadership,” Radulski NDP head coach Deibel added that getting the award also added. meant a lot to him. “There were a lot of tears when the award Michael Dzialo, a Notre Dame alum was presented to us,” he said. “This was very moving for me (’82) and current parent of two NDPMA personally.” students, helped set up the workshop for Notre Dame after exploring the same NOTRE DAME ART TEACHER RECEIVES ‘INSPIRING’ AWARD workshop for employees of his own com- On Feb. 6, Notre Dame visual pany, Managed Assets Portfolios, LLC, arts teacher Sandy LewAllen based in Rochester. received the inaugural “In- “I saw this as an excellent opportunity spiring High School Teacher for Notre Dame students to learn and Award” at the 2018 Scholastic practice some real-life leadership skills Art awards ceremony, which they can apply in both their academic and was held at the Detroit Film professional endeavors,” said Dzialo, who Theatre. founded MAP in 2000. According to Amy Ar- The one-day workshop, which was taught by a person who mand, who is the director of is blind along with his own leader dog, demonstrated to the Notre Dame art teacher Sandy recruitment for Detroit’s Col- students foundational principles in leadership, management, LewAllen was nominated by her communication and team-building. The tools presented are lege for Creative Studies and students last year to receive regional coordinator for the based on training techniques Leader Dogs for the Blind, named the first-ever "Inspiring High a “Best In America” Charity by the Independent Charities of Scholastic Art Awards com- School Teacher Award" from the America (ICA), has been using for more than 80 years as part petition, LewAllen, who also Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of their mission to empower people who are blind or visually serves as Notre Dame’s visual organization. and performing arts chair, was impaired to lead independent lives. nominated by her students after the 2017 competition. Andy Guest, Notre Dame’s head of school, helped facilitate LewAllen also serves as Notre Dame’s visual and performing the session due to his acquaintance with Dzialo as a parent and arts chair. fellow NDHS alum. (Guest graduated from NDHS in 1984.) “Last year, after the exhibits and ceremonies were over, I “I am excited for our students to gain these communication reached out to all students who had participated and asked if and team-building skills from such a unique perspective, but also they would complete a survey to nominate a teacher who went for their empathy for the blind,” Guest said. “It is good for stu- above and beyond — to help them, push them, mentor them, dents to experience life from the viewpoint of those who don’t and inspire them,” Armand said. “I figured it’s about time to have the good fortune of visual sight.” start recognizing teachers like Sandy who go that extra mile all the time.” NOTRE DAME STUDENTS COME OUT ON TOP AT REGIONAL Armand said that out of all the nominations that she re- CHOIR FEST ceived, the stories about LewAllen from her students touched Three students from Notre Dame’s upper division sang in a her the most. “Congratulations to her on this well-deserved regional Solo and Ensemble choir festival held Jan. 20 at Detroit honor!” Country Day School and came home with the top prize. “We’ve always worked hard to make sure the program is one All members of the school’s chamber choir, junior Rowland that students and teachers can all be proud of, and that there are Scheessele, senior Emily Macks and junior Grace Mersino each no barriers to enter for any student who wants to participate,” received a level-1 rating, which is the highest possible from Armand added. “However, I realize that if it wasn’t for dedi- such a competition. It gives the three of them the opportunity cated teachers like Sandy LewAllen, there would be no program to participate in the upcoming Michigan Youth Arts Festival, a at all.” state-wide competition. Scheessele said he's looking forward to competing in such a NOTRE DAME STUDENTS GO TO THE DOGS large group. Twenty-four students from Notre Dame’s upper division re- ceived a lesson in leadership last month courtesy of the Leader Please see IRISH News, page 18

14 IRISH SCHOOL NEWS ‘Time to pay it forward’ NDPMA family says their children have benefited from attending Notre Dame. Now they want to ensure that future students enjoy those same benefits and more. The 1,200 square-foot robotics lab and 850 square-foot adjoining classroom are key compo- nents to the new wing. Notre Dame’s robotics program has grown to encompass world-ranked programs at its lower, middle and upper divisions and the robotics center will complement the space currently provided through the school's on- going relationship with FIAT Chrysler, a sponsor of our robotics program since its inception. "The new greenhouse has been designed to be a powerful environmental education tool for Notre Dame students of all ages," said Fr. Leon Olszamowski, s.m., Pontiac Notre Dame's founder and its current corporate president. "The greenhouse also will provide students with the unique opportunity to explore hydroponic growing systems, which is a new way to develop The Seitzingers are generous contributors to the March on to Victory campaign for a new efficient food sources. Our students who study science, art, and technology wing. From left, Brad, Jill, Eli and Claire. natural and social science, math, language arts, n March 9 of last year, freshman — who are significant contributors visual arts and more will benefit from the green- Notre Dame Preparatory to the campaign. house and its garden-like setting." School and Marist Academy "Our children have benefited from the The many other unique opportunities that launched the public phase of school's current facilities, which have been Notre Dame has already provided to students its campaign to raise a total provided to us in part from donations that and their families are not lost on Jill Seitzinger, of $7.5 million for a new came before us," said Jill Seitzinger, who also who has been consistent in her assessment of the science, art and technology wing to be built on is a school trustee. "Now it’s our time to pay it school. Oits campus in Pontiac. forward." Notre Dame “is a phenomenal school and Dubbed the “March on to Victory” cam- The new 26,000-square-foot facility, which everyone here truly lives the mission,” she said paign, the public phase of the fundraising effort is well underway and on schedule, includes a when the campaign for the new wing was first was introduced at a special celebration to a one-story science, technology and arts build- announced. “Both our children are thriving not crowd of more than 700 who heard from school ing that has already been connected to both only academically, but as good Christian people and campaign officials and watched a special the current middle-school and upper-school and upright citizens. We are very happy with video presentation. wings. When it opens before school begins Notre Dame.” Notre Dame head of school Andy Guest in August, it will feature science laboratory Today, Seitzinger is equally effusive. said that since the launch of the campaign, facilities, collaborative learning classrooms, a "NDPMA has given our family an environ- more than $5.8 million has been pledged to robotics lab, a specially designed greenhouse, ment to meet many great kids and parents with date. “But we are working hard to close the gap and a fine arts studio. similar values as well as a top-notch education to between where we are today and the $7.5 mil- For the Seitzingers, even though Claire will Claire and Eli," she said. She also said that her lion goal. We want to secure as much as we can have graduated before the new facility opens kids are being brought up to be both responsible if not all of it before we open the facility ahead and Eli will be starting his second year in the and generous with their own money. of the 2018 school year.” upper school, they are thinking about the "We have taught our children that when Daron Gifford is the NDPMA board chair- many students who will benefit from it well budgeting money, five categories are impor- man and co-chair of the MOTV campaign. into the future. tant: save, spend, invest, tithe and donate," said “The big goal of this campaign, which is "We hope the new science, art and technol- Seitzinger, who noted that she and her husband the most ambitious in the school’s history, is to ogy wing will provide teachers with the space strive to be role models in those areas as well as in help our great school to maintain its educational they need to teach all of the programs that the volunteer work they do. "We participate and leadership not only for our current generation future students want and deserve," Jill Seitz- serve because nonprofits like NDPMA typi- of students, but also for many generations of inger said. "Also, the facility's robotics lab and cally need lots of help and we believe all parents students to come,” said Gifford, who also is an greenhouse are new and exciting ways to learn should play a role." alumni parent. and are steps ahead of most schools in this area. To learn more about the campaign, its impact Echoing Gifford are Jill and Brad Seitzinger We believe this will help keep NDPMA a top- on students and how to participate, please visit — parents of Claire, an NDP senior, and Eli, a ranked school." ndpma.org/marchontovictory. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE SEITZINGER FAMILY BY PROVIDED PHOTO

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 15 ALUM PROFILE Fun, faith and formation Alum and parish priest says Notre Dame Prep was both fun and profoundly influential in his journey to the priesthood.

wo-thousand-six Notre Dame said Hindelang. “He was involved in a lot NDPMA: So what have you been up to since Prep alum Fr. Dennis Strach, of things, well-rounded, compassionate and then? C.S.C., was ordained in 2016. well-liked by peers and teachers. And despite DS: I was assigned to St. Ignatius Martyr His ordination completed a the impersonations he did of many of us, he Catholic Church (Austin, Texas) in 2015, so journey to the priesthood that was talented and really funny. Without being my parishioners have known me as seminarian included a bachelor’s degree in showy about it, he seemed very much at ease Dennis, Deacon Dennis, and now Fr. Den- music from Oakland University and an M.Div putting his faith into action. And as a Holy nis! Our community is very active, with more Tdegree from the University of Notre Dame. Cross priest, Fr. Dennis is still that impressive, than 3,500 parishioners, two to four Masses Currently, he is the parochial vicar at St. Igna- down-to-earth, service-oriented and funny each day, and six Masses each weekend. All of tius Martyr Catholic Church in Austin, Texas. guy. It was good to see him grow over the our sacraments are celebrated in both English And while Strach’s journey to the Congre- years on his journey to something that has and Spanish (Thank you, Sra. Tessada!). We also have an elementary school (pre-k through eighth grade) with about 235 registered stu- dents. I minister as the associate pastor of the parish, although I just finished a brief five- month run as administrator (essentially “temporary pastor”) after our previous pastor, Fr. Bill Wack, C.S.C., was elected bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. I was asked to “hold down the fort” until our new pastor arrived. While challenging in many respects, this really gave me a sense of what it is like to be a full-time pastor, which is really an invaluable experience this early on in my priesthood. In addition to my regular duties as a parish priest, I have been assigned by my religious superiors to assist with secretarial tasks and music/liturgy preparations for our annual Congregational leadership meetings in Rome, where I travel each November. I also serve on a committee that advises the Bishop of Austin on Notre Dame alum Fr. Dennis Strach, C.S.C., ('06) is the parochial vicar at St. Ignatius Martyr decisions related to the formation of permanent Catholic Church in Austin, Texas. deacons for the diocese. gation of Holy Cross also included a profound- made him so happy.” There is always so much to do and no day ly influential four years at Notre Dame Prep, it Check out what Fr. Dennis said recently is ever the same. I love being a priest! actually began much earlier in his life. about that journey and how Notre Dame “I first thought about becoming a priest Prep figured so prominently along the way. NDPMA: How has your time at Notre Dame when I was in grade school,” said Strach. “I Prep informed your choice to become a priest? used to play Mass with Wonder Bread and NOTRE DAME: When and where were you Did you consider the priesthood back then? Juicy Juice. I made my mom listen to my ordained to the priesthood? DS: The time I spent at Notre Dame Prep homilies and I gave 'communion’ to our dog FR. DENNIS STRACH: I was ordained a was — hands down — critical in laying the because none of my friends wanted to play priest for the Congregation of Holy Cross on groundwork for my discernment and prayer, Mass with me.” April 2, 2016, at the Basilica of the Sacred and my eventual decision to become a priest. But Strach said the time he spent at Notre Heart on the campus of the University I first thought about becoming a priest when Dame Prep was, hands down, absolutely critical of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Ind.). The I was in grade school. I actually used to play in laying the groundwork for his discernment Congregation of Holy Cross is a religious Mass with Wonder Bread and Juicy Juice. I and prayer — and for his eventual decision to order that was founded in France (like the made my mom listen to my homilies and I become a priest. Marists) by Bl. Basil Moreau. After coming to gave “communion” to our dog because none Fr. Joe Hindelang, ND Prep’s principal, the United States, they founded a number of of my friends wanted to play Mass with me, I recalls Strach as a talented and faithful young apostolates, including the University of Notre guess. As a sophomore in high school, the de- man. Dame. Holy Cross also boasts one saint from sire to be a priest took root in a more profound “As a student, Dennis was impressive,” the order, St. (Brother) Andre Bessette. way and I began to explore what the life of a

16 IRISH PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FR. DENNIS STRACH '06 (NDP) DS: experiences since becomingapriest? encountered thusfarandperhapssomepositive NDPMA: What aboutanychallengesyou’ advice from otherswhoknow you well. your questionsoutonthetableandgetsome Itit withsomeoneyou trust. really helpstoget priesthood, Iwouldrecommend talkingabout (even briefly)a vocation to religious lifeor the priesthood. decision toeventually pursuethevocation to mentors atNDPlaidthegroundwork formy life. Theinfluenceofalltheseteachersand and introduced metotheconsecratedreligious me how topray, how todiscernGod’ Strasz, s.m.,bothtookintentionaltimetoteach to love. Fr. Joe Hindelang, s.m., andFr. Jim into thequestionofhow God wascallingme that followed, itledmetodelve more deeply their care formewassoprofound. In theyears they sawinmeandthewaysarticulated entirely responsive atthetime,goodness wanted metobe. While, I ’ it wasaboutmebecomingthepersonthatGod best. To them,itwasn’ ings, andtheypushedmetodomyabsolute - mygiftsandshortcom think), theyknew whoIwas(formostlygoodreasons,knew I faculty, staff,andfrom the Marist community. was thepersonalattentionIreceived from the and directive ofmyformationatNDP part the Mass. Lookingback,themostinfluential books aboutprayer, andlearningmore about — butIwastalkingtodifferent priests, reading volved inlotsofafter-schoolactivitiesandclubs high schooler—Ihadagirlfriendandwasin- besides Mass anyway?).But Iwaslikeanyother didpriestsdo priest actuallylookedlike(What If anyone reading thisever considered All ofmyteachers,even theadministration, People don ’ t know how to relate topriests; t just about my grades, t justaboutmygrades, ll admit, I was not ll admit,Iwasnot s will, s will, ve ve ness ofjoyful hopeatalltimesischallenging. Christ. To bepresent tothem and beawit- in themomentandexpectanencounter with looks like,theyjustseeyou infront ofthem — peopledon’ I wassayingaboutbeing“ a wedding rehearsal. Thisgoesbacktowhat with theirrelatives, thenturnaround anddo body ofsomeonewhohasjustdiedandvisit when Ihave togothehospitalbless Forspectrum. instance,itisreally difficult events are completelyonoppositeendsofthe be goingfrom onethingtoanotherwhenthe lenge more uniquetothepriesthoodwould a tensioninfindingbalance.Anotherchal- your life.So ofrun tend tosort there isalways out withfriends,exercise)can butministry is essential(prayer time,silence,timetohang simply unrealistic andunsustainable.Self-care always father meanstobeconstantlyavailable and priest) isawork/life balance. To be a spiritual ficulty forme(whichisn’ brings Jesus intothelivespeople. ofeveryday relational and contextthatspeaksgoodnews translating theGospel intoanapproachable, and preaching becauseIlove thechallengeof Above all,Ienjoy celebratingtheEucharist and allofthesethingsinaCatholiccontext. having beenmentored sowell atNDP…. being abletomentorstudents,especially families whohave lostaloved ones).Ienjoy room orscenesofaccidents,comforting (visits tothesick,visitsemergency tions) andmomentsofunimaginabletragedy riages, anniversaries, schooland athletic func- that inmomentsofgreat celebration(mar- encouragement andhope,Itypicallydo hearing theirstories.Ilove beingawitnessof way ofrelationship. Ilove meetingpeopleand developed now. Prep, those desires andjoys are justmore fully 2006 whenIgraduatedfrom Notre Dame muchthesamepersonIwasbackin very andbeauty.by truth In thoserespects, Iam ships andthatI’ people laugh,dumpingmyselfintorelation- loved bringingjoy topeople’ classmates wouldtellyou thatIhave always interesting thanitis.Anyofmyhighschool People wantittobewaymore complicatedor my lifeforothersasawitnesstoChrist’ “ let you dothat!?” football gameatabar, theysay, “ movie theaterorIwatchedaNotre Dame and yet whenItellpeoplethatwent tothe it’ they??” s really amusing to me! I am a normal dude s really amusingtome!Iamanormaldude In termsofchallenges,thebiggestdif- In thatsense,thebiggestjoys comeby “ on,” I ’ m just a guy who wants to give m justaguywhowantstogive and yet, in some sense, that is andyet, insomesense,thatis t know what your entire day m very driven and convicted driven andconvicted m very I mean, yeah…who is Imean,yeah…who is t unique to being a t uniquetobeinga on” s lives, making s lives, making all the time allthetime Wow, they s love. s love. holycrossusa.org. org andforhisreligious order, it’ Also, thewebsite forhisparishishttps://st-ignatius. contact him,[email protected]. NOTE: Strach saidthatifanyone wouldliketo you “ kept meafterclass,satdown andtheysaid, one ofthemabsolutelykickedmybutt!They various pointsduringmyacademiccareer, each pletely negative picture ofmyselfhere but,at time) —and,I’ were doingalessononpublicspeakingatthe (Spanish), andJohn Smith (literature, butwe tions withDavid Fazzini (choir),Ellen Tessada in mymindwithincredible detail—conversa- throughout mytimeatNDPthatIcanreplay and Fr. Jim). There were specificconversations (I already mentionedtheinfluenceof Fr. Joe stick inmymindasbeingpivotal insomeways tome…. because thisisimportant I ofsupposedtobea“ is sort the bestofitandhadagoodtime.Iknow this the waysthatwe were dysfunctional,we made in highschool.My classwaspretty close,andin DS: Ijustremember laughingalot!Ihadfun favorite classes, etc.,atNDP? NDPMA: Anyspecificmemories,funtimes, potential. and steermetoward the realization ofmyfull teachers forcaringenoughtopullmeaside language, andmusic!I’ public speaking,mycommandoftheSpanish hood —especiallysincemyvocation hingeson helped metoembracethecallpriest- they becameinmymindkeymomentsthat studies attheUniversity ofNotre Dame, and list incollege,theyprepped meforgraduate and gradschool.Theylandedmeonthedean’ ofmyacademiccareer intocollege trajectory ing back—thoseconversations changedthe what theywere sayingatthetimebut—look- so Idon’ Do it!” a leaderhere andtoknockthisoutofthepark. ’ Dennis, you are somuchbetterthanthework m going to take it in a different direction m goingtotakeitinadifferent direction ’ There are definitely specific memories that There are definitelyspecificmemoriesthat re turningout. You have thecapacitytobe I was by no means a horrible student, Iwasby nomeansahorriblestudent, t know that I completely appreciated t know thatIcompletelyappreciated m probably paintingacom- SPRING/SUMMER 201817 m so grateful to these m sogratefultothese fun question” s https://www. but but s NEWS, from page 14 Eagle Scout, the highest award given by the Boy Scouts of “I’m excited to get the chance to go to states,” he said. “I America. According to BSA, felt like the Country Day event went well and really helped me only about 4 percent of the with my singing ability. The judge was able to help me with my nearly three million scouts performance ability and some singing techniques.” nationwide earn Eagle Scout status. Hand is the 17th from Notre Dame Prep to receive Eagle Scout status and joins fel- low NDP students John Kenny, Austin Greif, Kevin Cragg and Kalan’s brother, Logan, as well as alums William Ballew, Anthony VanDieren, Logan Verheyen, Brennan Eagle, Tyler Obear, Ryan Flaherty, Ryan Dau, Erik Egner, Connor Verheyen, Jack Stouffer, Joe Lombardo and Peter Dondanville who have received such an honor. From left, Notre Dame junior Grace Mersino, senior Emily Macks and To date, Hand has completed 40 merit badges, camped 90 junior Rowland Scheessele received the highest possible score at a nights, hiked over 200 miles, completed 72 hours of service and recent Solo and Ensemble choir competition. has been an active mentor to the younger scouts of his troop. For his Eagle Scout project, Kalan Hand removed and For Mersino, it was about the improvements she’s made replaced an 8-foot high, 280 linear-foot fencing around The since last year. Giving Garden at St. Mary’s Retreat House in Oxford. The gar- “I had a wonderful time performing at S&E last Saturday,” den produces many vegetables for several local churches, senior she said. “It was nice to see the growth in my performance and centers and food pantries, so keeping garden “invaders” out is of receiving a level-I rating this year after a level-II rating last year. critical importance. I’m excited for the prospect of further growth in my singing Hand has been a scout for many years, beginning as a mem- abilities through this experience as well as with my vocal teacher ber of Cub Scout Pack 186 at St. Joseph School in Lake Orion. and singing throughout the year in the NDP choir program.” After receiving the Arrow of Light, he crossed over to Boy Scout Senior Macks said she s happy that her four-year choir career ’ Troop 128 based at St Mary’s In the Hills Episcopal Church, will end with the big competition. also in Lake Orion. With Troop 128, he’s held multiple leader- “It has been a wonderful journey participating in Solo and ship positions, including senior patrol leader, assistant senior pa- Ensemble through my years of high school here at NDP,” she trol leader, chaplain aide, quartermaster, troop guide and patrol said. “I’m excited to challenge myself and learn even more as I leader. go to states this year.” STRENGTH PROGRAM GETS STRONGER NOTRE DAME NAMES NEW BOYS GOLF COACH Legendary college football coach The athletic department of Notre Dame Tom Osborne (Nebraska) once Preparatory School and Marist Academy said, “Schools should hire qualified announced in January that Mike Erskine coaches who have been trained to has been named head coach of the boys develop athletes safely.” varsity golf team, effective immediately. At no other time in amateur and Erskine replaces Tom Gillis who left professional athletics has that state- Notre Dame to prepare for the PGA ment and the sentiment behind it Tour Champions competition. been more true than it is today with A 20-year veteran of coaching golf such a white-hot light shining on the at the high school level, Erskine was protection of athletes, especially in head coach of the varsity girls team at the area of concussions. Strength and conditioning coach Jake Siebert received Waterford Mott High School until 2016 and led the Mott boys Siebert is now in his fourth year team for 18 years, most recently in 2015. A 21-year teacher at certification as a registered at NDPMA. strength and condition- Mott (history, economics, government), he also has coached the Fortunately, at Notre Dame school’s boys and girls basketball teams. ing coach (RSCC) from the Preparatory School and Marist Acad- National Strength and Erskine holds a bachelor of arts degree from Oakland Uni- emy, all coaches have been trained versity and earned his teaching certificate at Eastern Michigan Conditioning Association in the recognition and in some (NSCA) University. cases the initial treatment of many common injuries sustained on the field, in the gym and on the ANOTHER NOTRE DAME STUDENT EARNS EAGLE SCOUT courts. RANK Also, perhaps most important is the fact that Notre Dame Notre Dame sophomore Kalan Hand has earned the rank of employs a full-time strength and conditioning coach, with Jake

18 IRISH Siebert ably filling that role currently for the school. Simpson and the Already a certified strength and conditioning specialist assassinations of (CSCS) with a B.A. in exercise science from Albion University President Kennedy and an M.S. in exercise science from Oakland University, Siebert and Martin Luther in December received his certification as a registered strength King, Jr., conduct- and conditioning coach (RSCC) from the National Strength and ed a special lecture Conditioning Association (NSCA). It’s the highest distinction at Notre Dame a strength coach can achieve and ensures strength coaches like on December 11. Siebert have adequate mentoring and experience to indepen- The event was dently design and implement individual and team conditioning sponsored by the programs. school s Pre-Med ’ Werner Spitz, a forensic pathologist recognized The new certification means Siebert joins a registry of Club, which cur- for his work on a number of high-profile cases, individuals who have demonstrated experience and knowledge rently has as its co- including the civil trial of O.J. Simpson and in the field of strength and conditioning to apply foundational presidents, seniors the assassinations of President Kennedy and knowledge to assess, motivate, educate, and train athletes for the Nicholas Foltenyi Martin Luther King, Jr., lectured at Notre Dame primary goal of safely improving sport performance. and Madelyn Mc- Prep on Dec. 11. Cullen. NOTRE DAME COACH HONORED FOR 1,400 WINS “Dr. Spitz is asked to give lectures regularly, and at the age In 2016, NDP’s of 91, he still conducts regular autopsies nationwide,” McCullen Betty Wroubel said. “In addition, he is in great demand by forensic pathology earned the organizations across the world to give lectures and speeches. It American Vol- is a great honor for NDP to host such a respected figure in the leyball Coaches medical world and we are very fortunate to have him visit us Association’s 2016 with such a busy schedule.” Victory Club According to McCullen, Spitz also assisted in the exhuma- Award for 1,300 tion of the body of Fr. Solanus Casey upon the request of the wins. There was Catholic Church for the purpose of extracting relics before his little doubt she’d beatification. hit the next mile- NDP’s Pre-Med Club meets regularly throughout each stone, 1,400 wins, month, depending on the number of speakers the club signs up At the 2017 AVCA Convention held in Kansas this season, and and when they are available. City, Missouri, last week, longtime NDP vol- she and her Irish “We are still working on getting the word out about the leyball coach Betty Wroubel, right, receives the volleyball team club and currently we have around 15 members,” McCullen AVCA 2017 AVCA Victory Club Award from AVCA did not disappoint said. “At our meetings, we discuss different areas of the medical executive director Kathy DeBoer for getting to as Notre Dame field and are hoping to teach members about different applica- 1,400 wins. helped their head tions of first aid. In addition to this, we are working on offering coach hit that service hours to students through volunteering associated with mark in early October after defeating Regina High School. hospitals.” In late December of 2017, at the American Volleyball Coaches Association Convention held in Kansas City, Missouri, NDP’s Weddings/Engagements Wroubel was formally presented the 2017 AVCA Victory Club Candace Shankin ’02 (NDP) married Forrest Becker at St. Award by AVCA executive director Kathy DeBoer for getting to Andrew in April 2017. Jared Shankin ('07), Kyle Shankin and 1,400 wins. Stephanie (Azoury) Shankin ('04), and Lisa Dabrowski ('02) Now, she’s looking at 1,500 likely very soon as the Irish, were members of the bridal party. which steamrolled through the 2017 season to win a Class B state championship — Wroubel’s third — and finished the Births season with a No. 8 national ranking, are well-positioned for a Annalisa Simmer de Gomez ‘03 (NDP) and her husband wel- repeat. comed Lilian Marie Gomez Simmer on August 5, 2017. Just ask Gabi Shilling. Andre Daher ’89 (NDHS) welcomed twins Ava and Andrew “I think this team can be amazing next year,” said NDP who were born March 31, 2017. They join big sister Casandra, senior Shilling, who was one of the team s major contribu- ’ 7 yrs. old, and Angela, 5 yrs. old. tors throughout this past season. “You have a lot of key players returning and a lot of good hitters. It really comes down to Alumni/staff/faculty rest in peace how hard they work, but they definitely will have the talent to repeat.” Don Carrier ’60 (NDHS) 8-1-17 Fingers crossed! John Sienkiewicz '62 (NDHS) 10-1-17 Dottie Carroll, faculty, worked in school cafeteria 10-10-17 WORLD-RENOWNED FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST WERNER SPITZ David Wolshon ’65 (NDHS) 11-1-17 LECTURES AT NOTRE DAME Matthew Swita ’98 (NDHS) son of Richard '66 (NDHS), Werner Spitz, a forensic pathologist recognized for his work on a number of high-profile cases, including the civil trial of O.J. Please see IRISH News, page 20

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 19 Alumni Notes & Info Notre Dame Prep: (NDP); Notre Dame High School: (NDHS); Pontiac Catholic: (PC); Oakland Catholic: (OC); St. Frederick: (SF); St. Michael: (SM)

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI my fellow '65 grads in 2015, but I had a good and physiology, and met her now husband, Katelyn Obear ’13 (NDP) I am working Thomas Edelmayer ’65 (NDHS) Hello to excuse - I was in Italy. Hopefully I can attend Scott Chase. She then went on to attend the in a service- and faith-based masters program all my fellow NDHS alumni! Dianna and I are the next reunion. University of Toledo College of Medicine. She through the University of Dayton called now back in the U.S. after living in Brescia, Douglas Jardine ’72 (NDHS) I have been is currently a third year resident in general Lalanne. We commit to serving in low-income Italy, for 18 months. Our son and daughter a professor of plant pathology at Kansas State surgery at the Detroit Medical Center and or under-resourced areas at Catholic schools have blessed us, respectively, with two each University for 33 years. I am a Fellow of the hopes to continue her career as a minimally for two years and live in community with other granddaughters and grandsons. I thought I was American Phytopathological Society. Our first invasive/bariatric surgeon in the metro Detroit teachers. I am currently living in Jackson, Mich., retiring in Aug. 2015 when, as I like to say, "An grandchild was born in June of 2017. area once residency finishes. When she isn't where I'm teaching 7th graders. Italian made me an offer I couldn't refuse." NOTRE DAME PREP ALUMNI working, she enjoys long-distance running, Eda Obermanns ’11 (NDP) Eda recently Seriously, no animals were injured during this Kathryn Woodstock ’07 (NDP) Upon traveling and cheering on MSU sports. graduated from the University of St. Andrews, event. Since then a lot has happened: I was graduating from graduate school at University Erica Saad ’07 (NDP) She is working at Scotland, where she received a master of awarded my 11th U.S. patent and two more of Detroit Mercy, I began a career on the Campbell Ewald on the Harley-Davidson letters in Early Modern History with distinction are currently applied for. Living in Brescia was marketing and public relations team at account. in the dissertation. wonderful - great food, people, sights to see, Children's Hospital of Michigan at the DMC, Alexander Stevens ’09 (NDP) After I Nick George ‘13 (NDP) I am excited to and fulfilling work. I'll retire at the end of working on our new hospital, the Children's graduated from Central Michigan University in announce that I have accepted a full-time March, working part-time for Gnutti Carlo (lots Hospital of Michigan in Troy. I always knew 2014, I worked in metro Detroit for two years. position with Oswald Companies as a client of irons in the fire!), and we'll move into a new that I wanted to work at an organization During that time, I completed a second degree service administrator with their property and Winnebago Diesel Pusher to live full-time while whose mission is supporting the health and in journalism at Oakland University. At the casualty team! Words cannot describe how we enjoy the wonders of this great country of well-being of children. I recently began a beginning of 2017, I moved to Washington, excited I am to get things started with such ours. Unfortunately, I missed catching up with new position at a nonprofit called Methodist D.C., and worked as a media relations intern an amazing company. That being said, I have Children's Home Society in Redford, Mich. We at the Cato Institute. I'm currently working as relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, to start my career are a residential treatment facility for boys a policy associate at the Institute for Energy in corporate insurance. Thank you to everyone We’d love to hear &ages, 6-19, who have been exposed to abuse Research and pursuing graduate work in who has supported me over the years, as from you! Send a note or neglect. I am the Director of Major Gifts but economics. I would not be in the position I am today transitioning into the chief development officer Phyllis Schacht ’96 (NDP) I would just without your help. I can’t wait to see what this to let us know what role on November 1. I love my job! like to update that I am very heathy! My liver next chapter in my life holds! you’re up to: e-mail Beth Kolin Karchon ’07 (NDP) Recently moved transplant was a total success! I have to thank Campbell at bcampbell@ out to Seattle, Wash., with my wife. Currently God, my family, friends and parishioners for operating my business isleBox.com for the third all the prayers and support. My new liver ndpma.org, or visit ndpma. consecutive year. will be three years old on Sept 21, 2018. I’m org/update. Anastasia (Annie) Stevens-Chase very blessed to be writing about it today. I no ’07 (NDP) Since graduating from NDP longer have Carolis Disease, which I was born in 2007, Annie attended Michigan State with and suffered from for many years. I am University, where she studied human biology living proof that the power of prayer really does work!

NEWS, from page 18 brother of Ryan '96 (NDHS), nephew of Michael '79 (NDHS) The Notre Dame Alumni Association 11-11-17 Joseph Ciolino ’77 (NDHS) brother of John ’79 (NDHS) publishes prayer requests on its website for and the late Anthony ’73 (NDHS) 11-24-17 alumni and family members who are in Jim Corte ’64 (NDHS) brother of Gary ’68 (NDHS) 12-8-17 need of prayer, including prayers for those Fr. Robert Graham, Marist father and staff member at NDHS 1-20-18 who have died and those who are sick. Robert Barnes ’68 (NDHS) brother of David ’71 (NDHS) If you would like to request that 1-25-18 Ronald Gaynor ’58 (NDHS) brother of Raymond ’58 someone be added to our prayer list, (NDHS), uncle of Mark ’83 (NDHS), Paul ’84 (NDHS) and please email Beth Campbell at John ’89 (NDHS) 1-26-18 Helen “Cosgrove” Gagel ’32 (SF) mother of Ann “Gagel” [email protected]. ’73 (PC) 1-31-18 Please be certain that the person(s) Vincent Pipia ’72 (NDHS) brother of Michael ’68 (NDHS) for whom you are requesting prayers has 2-15-18 approved that his/her name and prayer NOTE: For a complete list, see ndpma.org/prayers. May their request be published. We strive to respect souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. everyone's privacy and personal matters.

20 IRISH ALUM PROFILE Of singers, writers and running shoes Alum’s music career is fast off the blocks; she says Notre Dame pushed her intellectual boundaries far.

s a freshman on Vanderbilt University’s track team, Notre writing songs at around eight. Besides being in musicals at Notre Dame and Dame alum Sara Barron broke the university record in the performing at open mics around town while growing up, I wasn't really seri- mile with a 4:44.44. She went on to earn numerous SEC ous about music as a career until I started school at Vanderbilt. and NCAA honors “And like most 18-year-olds enter- for the Commo- ing university, I was faced with the big dores, including question: What did I want to do with being named to the conference my life?” academicA honor roll all four years in For Barron, though, music was a college. no-brainer, she said. Her running prowess, however, “So from then on, it was just began at Notre Dame Prep where about balancing my running career in she lettered all four years in track college at the same time I was learning and earned state championships in as much as I could about songwrit- the 800 and 1600-meter as a senior. ing, performing and the business of She also was named a High School music.” Heisman winner for the state of Michigan in 2011 and earned the VINYL, CDS AND STREAMING Catholic League’s Walt Bazylewicz Now she’s at a point where she has a Athlete of the Year Award in 2012. succinct body of work that she’d like But Barron’s prowess doesn’t end to share with the world. Her upcom- on the track. Not by any means. In ing album was recorded at a small fact, if the term renaissance women studio in Detroit with a producer she met through friends. She said it will was designed with a specific person Notre Dame alum Sara Barron ('12) performs at the Forge Formal at The in mind, it must’ve been this 2012 Underground (DIME) in September at a celebration of Detroit's golden be available on vinyl and CD for ini- NDP grad. age of modern jazz. tial release and then for streaming after a month or so. For more information, MUSIC PLUS WRITING check out www.saramariebarron.com. After finishing up at Vanderbilt in 2016, she set forth on a journey that To be sure, Barron is a busy and talented young lady, who with any luck explored her one main passion: music. But it wasn’t just about “making” will have a busy and prosperous career ahead of her. music. She’s also well aware that it will take more than just luck and talent: It “My degree at Vanderbilt actually was a self-designed interdisciplinary will take lots of hard work, which, she says, also was a significant factor in major I called ‘music, marketing and management,’” she said. “I had the op- getting her through high school and college. tion to create a well-rounded curriculum under the supervision of a professor “Running at Vanderbilt in my school (Arts & Sciences), and present it to the dean to approve as my was an amazing experience major. Though the process was tedious, it ended up being the perfect fit for and prepared me for nearly my long-term goals and interests.” every challenge life has to Currently, Barron has just finished her first album of songs that dropped offer,” she said. “It taught me in November. This comes during a very busy period for her that included how to deal with all kinds working for a bit in Portland, Ore., for Marmoset, a music-licensing agency of people, how to lead, and, where she interviewed artists and filmmakers and wrote blogs and features most importantly, how to about them for the company’s website. push through when things “I've always loved journalistic storytelling because it sort of comple- At Vanderbilt University, Barron broke get really, really hard. The ments my songwriting,” she said. “When I moved back to Detroit from the university record in the mile and women on my team have Oregon, in addition to music-making, I knew I wanted to continue writing went on to earn numerous SEC and become a family that I plan about music and arts, so I started pitching stories to the Metro Times, a NCAA honors for the Commodores. to have in my life forever. weekly tab based in Ferndale.” And the physical and mental Since then she’s had a number of bylines with the Metro Times as well strength I gained in the sport will hopefully stay with me forever.” as with The Odyssey and Filmmaking Stuff publications. She’s also in the Barron also had props for her high school experience. process of pitching to major national music publications, where she’s hoping “NDP was a very disciplined school,” she said. “It helped me learn how to land some nice assignments. to prioritize and always be punctual, lest I receive the dreaded 6 a.m. deten- Meanwhile, Barron continues to pursue her true aspiration, which for tion. In addition, teachers like Sra. Tessada and Ms. Derico taught me how her began when she was quite young. to push my intellectual boundaries and showed me that I can do anything I “I actually started singing very young, around the age of four,” she said. put my mind to, and I am very grateful for that.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SARA BARRON '12 (NDP) PROVIDED PHOTOS “I was classically trained in voice from ages eight to 14 and also started

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 21 ALUM PROFILE Prayer power Notre Dame alum says a preoccupation with prayer led to the priesthood and to administering his own parish in Michigan.

wo thousand Notre Dame alum Eric Fedewa had just graduated from Oakland University and was well on his way to a career in marketing. He had a good job in the automotive industry and he and his girlfriend Tof three years were discussing wedding plans. But at the same time he’d been noticing an ever-so slight “pull” in a decidedly different direction. “Around the last month of college, I had a ‘reconversion’ after a Mass when I was prayed with and began living my faith more fully — and also wanting to begin doing what Jesus wanted me to do,” Fedewa said. “A few months later, I was asked to pray about the priesthood by a parishioner at St. Lawrence Parish in Utica, which is the parish in which I grew up.” A long story shortened, all of that prayer and contemplation ultimately led Fedewa to the priesthood and to his current position as pastor of St. Basil the Great Parish in East- pointe, Mich. “During the time right after college, when I was working at the Volkswagen/Audi headquarters in Auburn Hills, my girlfriend started to take classes to become Catholic,” he said. “But she didn’t know I was praying about the priesthood until October of that year when she told me she felt like she was dating a priest. I had been reluctant to tell her because I feared it would break her faith, but now it was clearly out in the open!” Fedewa then spent nearly six months praying about his potential life switch in front of Jesus at the Cathedral of the Most Fr. Eric Fedewa, a 2000 graduate of Notre Dame, is pastor of St. Basil the Great parish in Blessed Sacrament after work, and he also Eastpointe, Mich. met regularly with the vocations director for ” “ the Archdiocese. program there, he said. That was the In June of that same year Fedewa found “By the end of January 2005, I decided moment I had to end my relationship with out he was accepted into the seminary, but to spend a weekend at Sacred Heart Major my girlfriend. Thankfully, she had a strong since he already had a degree, his time living Seminary in Detroit, which clinched it for sense from the Lord that this was coming. and studying in the seminary was estimated me. It was time to make the step and apply She subsequently was baptized, confirmed, to last about six years instead of the more for acceptance into the priestly formation and received her first Eucharist that spring typical eight. He said that during the semi- at an Easter Vigil Mass and chose my father nary years, each seminarian gets reviewed to be her godfather!” annually to find out whether or not he will

22 IRISH keep moving through the program, assuming that he wants to continue and that the team of formation priests feel each seminarian is still called to the priesthood. “From 2005 to 2007, I was living in the undergraduate residence in the seminary while getting a bachelor’s degree in philoso- phy,” he said. “Then I moved to the gradu- ate residence and after four more years of additionalAlum’s full-time academic classes as well as human, spiritualand professional and pastoral formation, I received ajourney master’s degree goes in Divinity from (theology) and a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB), Pontiacwhich is the Europeanthrough equivalent of a mas- Westter’s degree. Lafayette” to The STB degree is granted through the PontificalWaterloo University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy, after one completes a four- year comprehensive written and oral exam, which Fedewa passed with flying colors. He Performing marriage ceremonies is one of Fedewa's many ministries at St. Basil. was then ordained a priest on June 11, 2011, in the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacra- followed by three years as an associate pastor the priesthood, prayer still is most central ment by Archbishop Vigneron. at St. Hugo of the Hills in Bloomfield Hills. in his life, for without it, he said, he could Soon after his ordination, Fedewa began He also served as chaplain at Marian High become distant from the Lord, and then what an assignment as associate pastor at St. Anas- School during his time at St. Hugo. would he have to offer his parishioners? tasia in Troy, which lasted a couple of years, “I was then assigned as associate pastor of All challenges aside, however, Fedewa said the Guardian Angels parish in Clawson for there are many, many more positives about a little over a year, his vocation than negatives. and since Novem- “One of my favorite experiences since ber of 2017, I am becoming a priest is when a family invites me administrator and over for dinner,” he said. “That is when one pastor of St. Basil, can really see that the Church is most fully ex- having my own place pressed by both marriage and celibacy for the for the first time.” sake of the kingdom of heaven. While they Now, well past his seem so different, in actuality they need each college years and his other, because as the priest sees the sacrifices girlfriend, Fedewa a mother and father make for their children, said he’s very happy. they in turn see the sacrifices the priest makes “I would never for the sake of his spiritual children, to whom want to be anything he brings spiritual life through the Sacra- other than a priest, ments.” which is not just a Fedewa also recalls many positives from job, but an entire his Notre Dame Prep experience. way of life,” he said. “One of my favorite memories from “Of course, just like NDP was when, at the beginning of Fr. Joe’s it is sometimes for [Hindelang] church history class, he would people in a mar- inevitably have to say to Bill Holland and me: riage, there can be 'Eric and Bill…are you ready to begin class?!’ challenges to being That’s because Bill and I would no doubt be a priest. One of absorbed in blabbing together about whatever the most difficult topic mattered to us that day.” challenges for me is Fedewa said that to jump from that bab- deciding what must bling in high school to now being a priest take priority of my — where among other things he's listened to time, as the 'things’ I group confessions with the likes of Fr. Joe, Fr. can do are many but Leon and other priests — is quite amazing to the time to do them him. is short.” “Back in high school, I think I probably But Fedewa said never once thought that one day I would that just as it was serve as a priest alongside the ones I had at when he was seri- NDP!” Fedewa is with his mother after a recent banquet. ously contemplating

SPRING/SUMMERFALL/WINTER 2017-18 2018 23 ALUM PROFILE

Notre Dame alum Maria Pangori ('13) is spending a year working with women and children coming from abusive situations at Casa de Acogida (House of Shelter) in Ecuador. She graduated from John Carroll University in 2017.

Faith, family, goodness 2013 alum (with the help of her family) works in South America to assist victims of domestic violence.

24 IRISH PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE PANGORI FAMILY shares agoodhugwithfriends. hug. Maria'smother, Laura, de Acogida justneedagood the womenandchildren atCasa Maria Pangori sayssometimes try inEcuador asall-inclusive. try peace.” realize ishow muchthishasgiven mesuchan indescribableinner recognize Iencounter, theface ofChristineveryone butwhatIdidn’ before thisyearknew thatRostro starting de Cristo’ and neighborsthathave allowed metoseeGod’ said. “My wantstoshare heart some ofthemanysacred moments in Ecuador. believes she ’ sheisseeingChristineveryone truly weekends buildingrelationships withthosein her neighborhood,she HELP HAVEOPPORTUNITY TOBLESSED TO AN enced priortocomingtheshelterare unbelievably horrific.” cannot bemore proud ofMaria! She issocompassionateandloving.” person,puttingallprejudices anddoubtaside. the Christinevery We loving inourfaith,andwe are isimportant toeveryone calledtosee verse intheGospel ofMatthew reminds usthatbeingcharitableand said LauraPangori afterreturning toMichigan from Ecuador. “One sion forthepoor, impoverished andhomelesspeopleofoursociety,” Ecuador for young peopleoffaithintheUnited States. that provides in spiritual,educationalandministerialopportunities Ecuador. Maria works withRostro deCristo, aCatholicprogram inthecityofMonteministry Sinai, whichislocatedinsouthwest week helping duaghterMaria, whohasbeenimmersedinayear-long Laura anddadSteve) recently returned from Ecuador afterspendinga those inneed—wherever intheworldtheymightbe. Pangoris oftheirlives have tohelping dedicatedasignificantportion nity whoknow Maria andwhoknow herfamily. That’ who live as “women andmenforothers.” L Maria saidthatsheandherfellow volunteers lookattheirminis - “It isextremely difficulttoputthisexperienceintowords,” she For Maria, whospendsherweekdays working atCasaand her “There are many Bible verses explainingtheneedforcompas- Case inpoint:thePangori family(NDPseniorAnthony, mom The award isnosurprisetopeopleinthe Notre Dame commu- immersion experiences,liturgy, prayer andjustice through retreats, ing leadershipincampusministry seniors whohave provided consistentandoutstand- sity, earnedtheSchellAward, whichhonorsJCU Dame Prep and2017alumofJohn Carroll Univer- ast year, Maria Pangori, a2013graduateofNotre women andchildren have experi- said. “But thestoriesaboutwhat devastating realities,” LauraPangori other womenwhofacedsimilar esteem, andlistensupport build backtheirown strength and children tolearnbeautonomous, a safeplaceforthewomenandtheir “Thehousewhere Maria works is normalized andcommon. in Ecuador, thissituationisvery culture heavilysteepedinmachismo sexual abuse.Unfortunately, witha situations ofdomesticviolenceand extreme andeven life-threatening their children whoare escaping which isashelterforwomenand Casa deAcogida (House ofShelter), Ecuador, Maria Pangori works at ofheryear-long stayin Aspart s kingdom so alive. I s kingdomsoalive. I s worked with so far s worked withsofar s mission was to s missionwasto s because the s becausethe t children atCasa!” diapers andotherneedsforthe children atCasa. donationthatwillbeusedfor tank topsandalsoreceived amonetary our drive ahugesuccess.In twoweeks, we collectedmore than175 nations from allofouracquaintancesand fellow Notre Damers made do suchaclothingdrive forCasa,” anddo- Laurasaid.“Thesupport “We didn’ clothes. within theNDPMAcommunitytocollectwomenandchildren ’ and justtheclothesontheirback.” their possessionafterescapingtoCasa.Theyarrive withtheirchildren were toldthatthewomenandchildren have absolutely nothingin most immediateneedsofthewomenwere,” LauraPangori said.“We approval andMaria spoketotheowner ofCasatofindoutwhatthe handed, according tomomLaura. Ecuador lastmonth,thePangori familydidnotwanttogoempty- When planningtovisitMaria in TANKDRIVE TOP love them.” with them,learnfrom them,and with them,laughpray tocry has given metheopportunity who lives intheshelter. love womanandchild withevery children meal.” before every loud onthepatioandprayswithher from herabuserreads theBible out mother whowasburnedwithacid the gates.IseeGod intheway a unconditional love timeIenter every Maria added.“IseeGod inthechildren intomyarmswith whorun while sheiscleaningthedishes,andwithmostbeautifulsmile,” old daughterfrom theresult ofbeingraped,butwhodancessofreely in theirlove theyhave fortheirchildren. the womencanbeextremely hard, butIseeGod intheirstrength and “Hearing someofthemostunimaginable situationsandstoriesfrom one toplaywithordancewith,someonejustsitwith,” shesaid. Sinai, Ecuador. Steve and Anthony Pangori are withacoupleofnewfriendsinMonte “Much love andhappiness were delivered tothewomen and So thePangoris initiateda“tank topdrive” inMichigan and “I hadspokentotheexecutive director ofRostro deCristo for “I feeleternallyblessedthatGod She saidshehasdeeplyfallenin “I alsoseeGod inthewayofa17-year-old girl,whohasa3-year- “We are on,someonetohug,some- here tobeashouldercry t know whatresponse we wouldreceive whendecidingto

children atCasade Acogida. tank topsforthewomenand suitcases fullofdonated Ecuador lastmonthwith The Pangoris traveled to SPRING/SUMMER 201825 s ALUM PROFILE A stroke of bad luck and some great music Notre Dame alum who survived a devastating stroke continues to make music that inspires. He’s also writing a book about his near-death experience and how he’s come back strong despite some lingering physical limitations. n September 4, 2001, wise, but still he could not use his right arm the band toured last year. Notre Dame alum Tony at all let alone play bass guitar with it. But a “Spain is just gorgeous,” he said. “I’ve been DeNardo (’90) suffered a friend of the Muggs, Matt Smith, from the there six times now (five times with the Muggs) hemorrhagic stroke that band Outrageous Cherry, had an idea. Maybe and highly recommend this country to anyone nearly ended his life. He DeNardo could play his bass lines on a piano and everyone. The tour went just about how I was completely paralyzed keyboard with his left hand. expected a first tour to go. We lost money! But on his right side and un- So in early 2003, DeNardo decided it was we played our butts off and the crowds loved able to speak, which was devastating on many worth a shot and bought a Fender Rhodes it. Since then, I’ve tweaked the lineup a bit and Olevels, not the least of which was what it could Mark I piano to try and perform the same now Dude is starting to get around the Midwest have done to DeNardo’s burgeoning musical bass lines with one hand that he used to play in cities such as Chicago, Madison, Wisc., career with the increasingly popular Detroit with two hands on his guitar. After months Windsor, and Athens, Ohio, among others.” band at the time known as the Muggs. of grueling practice in California, DeNardo Dude’s first album is selling just alright, ac- But fellow 1990 Notre Dame alum Danny returned to Detroit, still unable to use his right cording to DeNardo. He says that’s because he’s Methric, who was the lead singer and guitar- arm but now ready to start rehearsing again not been able to promote it as hard as he’d like. ist for the Muggs, and drummer Matt Rost with his new instrument and one good hand. Which is a shame because the album sounds decided that the group would not continue After about a month of rehearsals together, the really good and because it’s also a touching until DeNardo, who played bass and sang in Muggs returned to the stage almost two years rendering of DeNardo’s health struggles since the band, was well enough to rejoin them. to the day after their last show together before his stroke and how he has overcome them. Meanwhile, DeNardo was undergo- Denardo’s stroke. ing intensive therapy both in Detroit and in Since then the Muggs have been one of ALBUM, BOOK DETAIL STRUGGLES California where his father lived. From January Detroit’s most successful bands, stringing “I wrote the album almost as a prayer,” he said. until June of 2003, he worked hard on his re- together a number of successful albums and “After my stroke, needless to say, I was a broken covery and kept in close contact with his buddy touring around the world. In addition, they man, full of sorrow and just trying to figure Methric. He also quickly were chosen in 2007 to appear on the FOX where my life was heading. I actually titled the found out that defi- TV national series, "The Next Great American album Kid Gloves to help me say, ‘Hey, when ance was absolutely Band,” and have earned numerous awards you listen, handle me with kid gloves. That was necessary in order to within both the Detroit and national rock some heavy stuff I went through!’ Many songs overcome the effects scenes. on the record deal with my struggles in the hos- of his stroke. pital, my near-death experiences, and the overall “I am Tony De- NOTRE DAME “DUDES” lamentation of what fate brought to me.” Nardo!” he remembers Currently, the Muggs are on temporary hiatus. He’s also been working on a book over this saying loudly and “We pushed so hard up until the end of 2015, past year that will explore those same health proudly back so we felt we needed to cleanse our songwrit- struggles as well as his musical career. then. “I am a ing palates and take a well-deserved break,” “It will basically be an autobiography about stroke survi- DeNardo said recently during an interview my stroke, the Muggs, Dude, and my own vor! I never with the Notre Dame Alumni Association. philosophies on how I was able to succeed after would have Not being one to just sit around, he has such a life-altering event,“ DeNardo said. “Even thought recently embarked on a new musical journey though I am relatively young now, still I think this could with a band called Dude, which features still I’ve lived such an interesting and — maybe I happen another Notre Dame alum, Stephen Garcia, can honestly say — a fairy-tale life, especially to me. from the Class of 1994, who also works by after my stroke. So I've been writing week in But now day as an attorney with an international law and week out now since the beginning of the what?!” firm. year.” He said, “Stephen is just too cool,” said DeNardo, We have little doubt that it will be an inspir- “Stroke who brought in Garcia to play rhythm guitar ing account of a truly inspiring alum. never had and sing harmony. “Dude is predicated on a greater two things: ‘guitarmonies’ and harmonies. NOTE: DeNardo occasionally plays in two adver- And I love playing with people who I can trust tribute bands in the Detroit area: Rattlesnake sary!” to get the song right. Stephen adds so much to Shake, which is a Peter Green-Fleetwood Mac DeNardo Dude and he and the rest of the band inspire (1967-1970) tribute band that also includes continued me to try and outdo even myself.” Danny Methric; and Mega Weedge, a WEEN to make In the summer of last year, DeNardo’s tribute band, which includes still more Notre positive Dude also released its first album, “Kid Dame alums, Andy Misuraca and Brian Shee- strides health- Gloves,” which was pressed in Spain, and han. perhaps not so coincidentally, which is where

26 IRISH PHOTO PROVIDED MICAELA COLONNA '12 (NDP) From NDPandMSUtoNBC cent presidential campaign season, and she had the opportunity to travel cent presidential totravel campaignseason,andshehad theopportunity summer, Iheadedbackup to NYC tointernfor Tom Brokaw." for longtimecorrespondent andanchorAndrea Mitchell. Thefollowing a semesterawayatMSUwhere Iinternedinthe Washington bureau up inNYC over asummer. The nextspring,Itraveled down toDCfor City and Washington, DC,"shesaid. "First, Iinterned with TODAY student atMSU. times cutspotsmyselffortheshow intheeditroom." the mornings,bookcrews for ourcorrespondents' live shots,andsome- governmental agencies,etc.,"shesaid."IalsoassistonDClive shotsin analysts, social-mediapostsfrom politicians, politicians orotherindustry transcriptionsof recent videosorphotosrelating tothesubject,interview just dependingontheday. etc., or theycouldconsistofanythingelsenon-DCrelated, Department, including the White House, CapitolHill, theSupreme theState Court, will needtowriteandeditthespot.Thespotscouldbepoliticallybased, consisting ofallthematerialthatNBCcorrespondent andproducer sive research packet ate acomprehen- and helpingtocre- gathering elements responsible for morning. She is on theshow each ments) thatair assist onspots(seg- assignments isto Colonna's daily office, among Washington, DC, working inNBC's for TODAY for somanyyears." that I've admired the correspondents ing rightalongside I'm innow, work- be intheposition ing dinner," shesaid."So needlesstosay, itfeelslikeanabsolutedream to morningduringbreakfast andNBCNightlyery News evening dur- every for NBC,noless—andspecificallyonthenetwork's TODAY Show. Michigan State University, sheisinfactworkingbusiness— inthenews graduating from Notre Dame Prep andadegree injournalismfrom she'donedayworkshe knew inthebusiness.Now, nearlysixyears after Notre DamealumandnewsjunkiegetskeypositiononTODAYNotre Showstaff. W Colonna's internship withMitchell actually wasduringthemostre- "I internedforNBCthree timeswhileincollege,bothNew York Colonna saidthathertenure atNBCactually beganwhilestilla "The materialIgatherforthesesegmentstypicallyincludesthe most As aresearcher "My familywasanNBCfamily, andIgrew upwatching TODAY ev- to actually understand the concept of news, to actuallyunderstandtheconceptofnews, She saidthatassoonshewasoldenough showsing news andregular programming. tuned inusually was tohome NBC, includ Colonna wasgrowing up, thetelevisionat hen 2012Notre Dame alumMicaela - during thenextpresidential campaignseasonin2020,ifpossible. House, CapitolHill, etc.Iwould alsoliketobeinvolved insomeway room, andmaybeeven producing foraspecificbeatlikethe White my waydown myown path,field-producing, cuttingspots intheedit Nightly News. But inthemeantime,I'mexcited tocontinuework be aseniorproducer orexecutive producer forashow like TODAY or to where theyare today," shesaid."IthinkultimatelyIwouldlove to producersmany successfulnews hadcompletelydifferent pathstoget business. news ist, shesaysitreally doesn'tmatter, aslongshegetstowork onthe is todatemybiggestandmostexciting accomplishment!" together. One daylater, onNBCNightly itwastheclosingstory News. It andassistedtheproducer andtheeditorinpiecingspot interviews ers," Colonnasaid."Once we returned toDC,Ihelpedtranscribe the Bette ontheplaneandseeingherinteractwithcustom- interviewing toBostonandbackinonemorning, camera crew andmyself—flew Washington, tothenightly DC,thispastfall,Colonnapitchedastory she doesgettowork onstoriesthatdon'tinvolve thegovernment. ington, DC." for NBCNightly News atArlingtonNational here in Cemetery Wash- recently went onashootwithLesterHolt andtheDCproducing team their anchorsandcorrespondents ondifferent shootsandsegments she said."In addition,at TODAY, Iwasabletowork withavariety of tions inCleveland andPhiladelphia withhimandhisproducing team," son, andIattendedtheRepublican andDemocratic National Conven- with hertoNew York onthedayofaDemocratic debateinBrooklyn. "I thinkaboutmyfuture alot,andIfind itsointeresting thatso As forwhatthefuture holdsforthisstill-young and successfuljournal- While working asaproduction assistantforNBCNightly News in While itappearsColonna's"beat"primarilyrevolves around politics, "My internshipwith Tom Brokaw alsowasduringthecampaignsea- SPRING/SUMMER 201827 SPRING/SUMMER 201727 ALUM PROFILE producer, correspondent, team —our where thewhole attend theshoot, to beable tunate enough in theworld. flight attendant the oldestactive and currently is lines for60years American Air- on whatisnow been serving Nash, whohas named Bette flight attendant 81-year-old team aboutan broadcast "I wasfor- " ALUM PROFILE Cars, chickens, the U.S. C ustoms and Notre Dame Attorney and Notre Dame alum works mostly in business law; discusses a 1963 U.S. tariff called the “Chicken Tax” that figured in a big case involving one of Detroit's Big 3 automakers. ob Hindelang is an attorney living and working in the ing all of its first generation cargo van models as passenger vehicles by Grosse Pointe area, not far from where he attended and including rear windows, rear seats and rear seat belts." graduated high school at Notre Dame (1964). He works Hindelang said the vehicles would arrive from Turkey in Baltimore, primarily on business law, including forming new business and were converted there back into cargo vans. He said the removed parts entities and all of the related work, which could involve were not shipped back to Turkey for reuse, but instead were shredded and the purchase of buildings or factories, international pur- recycled in Ohio. chases of machinery or products, the related banking and U. S. Customs "The conversion process cost the automaker hundreds of dollars per Bentry work, and income tax preparation and filings. van but saved them thousands in taxes on each," Hindelang said. This Lots of complicated projects on his resume and radar, for sure. scheme worked for several years — but federal regulators eventually caught But one that he likes to talk about fairly often involved one of De- on. In early 2013, the U.S. government forced the company to begin troit’s Big 3 automakers and the "Chicken Tax." Yes, the Chicken Tax. paying the full tariff. (Note: The second-generation cargo van in question, "In my dealings with U. S. Customs, I have worked on a number of which debuted for the 2014 model year, is no longer built in Turkey — issues, all of which have reinforced the proposition that if a company or but it’s still built overseas (in Spain), meaning the car company likely still corporation plans in advance, it can save money and make its imported pays that tax despite their original plan to avoid it indefinitely.) product more competitive in READY FOR ANY the U.S.," said Hindelang, COURTROOM who is the older brother of In addition to his customs NDP principal Fr. Joe Hin- work, which often has Hin- delang, s.m., a 1968 NDHS delang working in the United graduate. States Court of International "Years ago, one of the Trade, he is a Certified Public Big 3 was involved with an Accountant and has been interesting import involving formerly admitted to practice in the “Chicken Tax” under the United States Court of Ap- which vans imported into peals, the United States Court the U. S. as passenger vans of Veterans Appeals and the were subject to a 5-percent United States Supreme Court. rate of duty, but if vans were "My practice includes many imported as cargo vans, the interesting areas of accounting duty rate was 25 percent and law, which has been a really rate." rewarding way to practice law," said Hindelang, who has been DUTY BOUND Hindelang and his wife, Paula, have 16 grandchildren, the oldest of whom is 9 practicing as an attorney/CPA Hindelang said that the years old. based in the Grosse Pointe area creative solution they came since 1987. He was admitted up with was that the automaker would import the cargo vans from Turkey as a CPA in 1972, and as an attorney in 1975 shortly after earning his law as "passenger" vans equipped with seats and windows for passengers, plus degree from the University of Detroit Mercy law school. carpeting and seat belts. With such a long and storied career, Hindelang still credits his high "Upon arriving in the U. S. before clearing customs, the seats in the school for what he’s accomplished thus far. van were removed, the seat belts were removed, the carpet was removed "I attribute much of my professional and personal success to my and the windows were removed and replaced with metal panels, thus teachers and counselors at Notre Dame in Harper Woods," he said. "And effectively transforming the utility of the vehicle from a passenger van I think about many of them — and the wisdom they taught — with fond with a 5-percent duty rate to a cargo van with a duty rate of 25 percent," memories on a daily basis." Hindelang said. When he’s not in court or in his office, the 35-year resident of the Which brings us to the “Chicken Tax” reference. . . City of Grosse Pointe and his wife, Paula, a teacher at St. Paul on the Lake "The Chicken Tax is a 1963 tariff imposed by the United States during Catholic School in Grosse Pointe Farms, are kept very busy with their five the Johnson administration on potato starch, dextrin, brandy and light children — Marianne, Maureen, Michael, Matthew ’00 (NDHS) and trucks," Hindelang said. "It was a tit-for-tat response to tariffs imposed Mark ’01 (NDHS) — and 16 grandchildren, the oldest of whom is 9 back then by France and West Germany on U.S. chickens. The period years old. from 1961-1964 was actually known as the ‘Chicken War.’ So the car Bob Hindelang’s law office is at 18430 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Farms,

company took advantage of the provisions of the Chicken Tax by import- Mich., 48236 • [email protected] • 313-886-4450 • rlhindelang.com. HINDELANG BY ROBERT PROVIDED PHOTOS

28 IRISH Cars, chickens, the U.S. C ustoms and Notre Dame

Attorney Bob Hindelang graduated from Notre Dame in 1964. His four brothers also graduated from Notre Dame: NDP principal Fr. Joe Hindelang, s.m., ('68), Ron Hindelang ('59), Tom Hindelang ('61) and Mike Hindelang ('63). (Photo by John Martin)

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 29 ALUM PROFILE Storytelling alum is making movies in the Windy City

en Derico says that he’s doing what he loves for a living. knew in the Detroit area. I knew then that I had to find a way to get back And he credits his time at Notre Dame for giving him someday and experience that country even more. the head start necessary for not only a successful work- So as soon as I got home, I looked at which schools offered a study- ing career, but for getting him through college with abroad program in Madrid. Loyola University in Chicago was offering flying colors. a full-year exchange program at the Complutense University of Madrid, This 2007 ND Prep alum, who is making waves in a public research university located in Madrid and one of the oldest Chicago with his video production business, also said his classes at Notre universities in the world. It actually was through a partner program with DameB fostered both a real love for learning and the ability to be a story- a fellow Jesuit school, Marquette University in Milwaukee. So that was teller for those whose stories need to be told. it! I made my decision and packed up for Chicago. I would attend LU in Read below an interview the Notre Dame Alumni Association Chicago and then spend one year in Spain to learn everything I could. conducted with Derico from his studio in Chicago. It has been edited for clarity and space. So what was it like attending your first year of college in Chicago? You’ve been working for a while for yourself in Chicago in Arriving at LUC, I felt much more prepared for the academic challenges video production. How did you get to that point? Was it part of of a university class load than for the new life I was living in the nation’s a plan you hatched at Notre Dame Prep? third largest city. I spent my (late) mornings in class and my afternoons As my time at Notre Dame Prep wound down, I wasn’t really sure where exploring the city. I got involved with a bike club and soon began travers- I wanted to go or what I wanted to do next. I had applied to schools in ing the dozens of neighborhoods throughout the city on on two wheels. Michigan, Ohio and Chicago, and liked them all for different reasons. Meanwhile, at school, I was searching through a wide variety of But I didn’t have a very particular pull to any one school over the others. classes to try and figure out what major I wanted to pursue. Jumping My initial idea was to attend the linguists program at the University of from philosophy classes to political science, English literature, and even Michigan where I’d continue studying with some of my friends from classical guitar, I tried my best to use the full offering of liberal arts classes NDP. I had always enjoyed my Spanish and French classes at NDP, so available to me to help me find my “true calling.” it felt like a good move — especially so after traveling with the NDP I believe that my exposure at NDP to AP and Honors classes made AP Spanish class on a two-week-long trip to Spain, I realized I wanted the class load in college easier on me and helped free me up from being to learn more than just the language. I wanted to learn about different too concerned about passing classes and more about if the content of people and new places. In Spain during my NDP trip, I was able to try those classes would help me find what I was looking for. new food and see a culture and landscape very different from the one I Eventually, after a year at Loyola and working for the school paper, I BY BEN DERICO '07 (NDP) PROVIDED PHOTOS

30 IRISH Storytelling alum is making movies in the Windy City took an intro to photography class, and documenting my time abroad in or marketing. Madrid with a DSLR I had purchased before I left, I fell into the interna- But through a combination of luck and broken Spanish, I made my tional film program at LUC. A mixture of both theory and production, way through the interview and started the job. the major allowed me to learn the basic tools I needed to tell a story, just like we did at the paper, but with a visual lexicon, thanks to my photo What kind of work did you do for LAPIZ and how long did you classes. stay there? From there the rest is history. I finished my final year at Loyola mak- I spent my next two years organizing productions for radio, TV and the ing several documentaries around the city. After graduation, I began my web for clients like P&G, Allstate, Nintendo and the Mexican Board of quest to become a full-time filmmaker. Tourism. And as much as I enjoyed being close to the productions, the role of a producer in the agency world is more of a project manager than How did you actually get from college to eventually operating your own business in such a relatively short amount of time? I think if I had told myself 10 years ago when I graduated NDP that I would be running my own business, it would have not only sounded laughable to me, but also pretty strange. It’s not really something I set out to do. After graduating college, I wanted to take a gap year before getting right to work. So, naturally, I applied to become an English language teaching assistant in a public high school system in Spain. Then, in the fall of 2011, I moved back to Madrid and started working part time teaching English to Spanish kids between 12-18. But as much fun as I had with the students, I quickly realized that teaching wasn’t really for me.

So then what? How did you end up back in advertising and marketing? Luckily, I had met a woman in Chicago a year before who happened to be working at a media and design consultancy in Madrid. I sent her an email and asked if they were looking for any interns. She said they weren’t, but she said to come in anyway and they’d see if they could find something for me to do. I had never worked in an agency and my Span- a creative role. I desperately wanted a camera back in my hands. I wanted ish was still pretty shaky, but they said they had some part-time work I to edit the project, not just organize it. I also wanted to help write the could do and that I should come back on the following Monday to start. concepts. And I wanted to help tell stories like I had when I first started From that point forward, I taught in the morning, made a big Span- filmmaking back in college. ish lunch, took a quick siesta, and then headed in the afternoon to my So in March of 2014, I left Burnett and decided to try my hand at new job with the marketing team at a firm called The Cocktail, which is freelancing in Chicago as a videographer and producer. I reached out to where I really started to learn how to make videos, take photos and create small businesses and brands like I had two years before in Spain to see designs professionally. if they needed videos. I took anything I could get my hands on. Events, The projects I was working on were mainly for internal meetings weddings, case studies, you name it. Finally, that summer, I landed my or for the social-media channels of big brands in Spain like Kellogg’s, first “big” project with a start-up company called Belly. They were refresh- Heineken and Santander. I even got to make a promotional video for the ing their brand and website and needed all new photos and a bunch of tourism board of La Rioja, the Spanish wine region. At the same time, testimonial/commercial videos on their site to help sell their product. I worked on side projects, which involved creating ads for some of my From there I found another start-up, and another, and eventually began to friends and their cafes and small businesses. get bigger and bigger jobs myself — even some offers from agencies where I used to work. I took some projects with no pay, but those usually included When did you come back to the U.S.? an opportunity to travel or gain access to more work in the future. When my visa ran out at the end of 2012, I decided to leave Spain and head back to the U.S. to use the new skills I had acquired and try to find Did you find all of this extra work overwhelming for a one-man a job stateside. Plus, I had taken on a fair amount of student debt in operation? college and the salary I was making in Europe just wouldn’t be enough to Yes, because as I did work in Morocco, Spain, Cuba, Uganda, Ghana cover it. and Portugal, my portfolio had gotten much stronger and I didn’t have So I started looking for jobs in Chicago in film or video produc- to work for free or cheap anymore. And yes, I quickly realized I couldn’t tion after creating a show reel from all the projects I had created while do everything myself. So I began to get bigger budgets that would allow in Madrid. After a few weeks of searching, I got a call from a recruiter at more people to help me out in the field and in the studio. LAPIZ, the Hispanic division of Leo Burnett, the largest ad agency in Then, after two and a half years of freelancing, in the summer of Chicago and one of the largest in the U.S. 2017, I launched a proper production studio called Sidekick Video, The problem was that I knew nothing about advertising! I hadn’t even seen an episode of Mad Men, let alone consciously study advertising Please see WINDY CITY, page 34

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 31 ALUM PROFILE Motown missionary Strong work ethic and Notre Dame experience convinced alum of the importance of philanthropy for schools and students.

always knew he would finish his degree. "In 1995, I moved to California and spent the next three years working in the music and film business for my hero, Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown," Barker said. "Although the time was exciting, I never intended to stay out west. After three years, I moved back to De- troit, returned to work at the Motown Museum and went back to Wayne State University. This time, I actually wanted to be in school, so I took night classes and worked full time and finally received a bachelor's degree in marketing." After college, Barker thought it might be time to explore other possible careers, so he made the hard decision to leave the Motown Museum and seek new challenges. "I worked at The Roostertail in Detroit for seven years as their first director of marketing and events, and then transitioned to the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield where I worked in events and development for nearly 10

Notre Dame alum Paul Barker ('88), right, is with Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy during the time he worked for Gordy in Los Angeles. ike many if not most newly soon as I could, I transferred to Wayne State graduated high school students, University to attend classes with my friends, Notre Dame alum Paul Barker but still did not really know what I wanted to ('88) wasn't sure which career do with my life. Eventually, I chose to pursue path he should set foot on. But a marketing degree, but quickly became unlike most high school grads, disinterested and eventually stopped going to he ended up with one that involved rubbing school and started to work full time." Lelbows with the likes of Smokey Robinson, Full-time work was his best education, Michael Jackson and Berry Gordy. Barker said, and he started volunteering at Barker is with composer Sir Andrew Lloyd That's because once Barker found his the Motown Museum after Notre Dame. A Webber during a visit to the Motown Museum. footing, he began a progression of jobs in the year later, he became the museum's first paid nonprofit and entertainment industries that employee. He spent the next six years working years," he said. "The next few years were ones of had him ending up with his current position as full time. The experience of hands-on work further discovery with time spent at the Ameri- director of development and community activa- was the right fit for him at that time, but he can Red Cross, the Judson Center and Hospice tion at Detroit's Motown Museum. of Michigan — all in development with some "My love of music led me to volunteer at events management." the museum in 1989 when I was only 18," he And then — on his somewhat circuitous said. "I soon became their first paid employee career journey — he recently returned to the and spent 13 years working for Motown in one Motown Museum. capacity or another. I held many positions and "It feels like home once again," he said. at one time was responsible for a staff of 13 It's a home that continues to provide not before I even turned 30." only job satisfaction for Barker, but a real sense His work initially with Motown forced of accomplishment one gets from setting and Barker's post-secondary education into a hold reaching goals, he said. He's also happy he's after a brief stint at Macomb Community Col- been able to help provide satisfaction and re- lege. The three Pauls: Barker, at right, is with sources for others through his development and BARKER '88 (NDHS) PAUL PROVIDED PHOTOS "I attended Macomb and took general NDHS classmates Paul Kochekodan and Paul requirements until I chose a career," he said. "As Serra after graduation. Please see MOTOWN, page 34

32 IRISH SCHOOL NEWS

hen Mel 2) utilizing the faculty diversity into the Multicultural Alliance, said. “Upon my return to visit the Larsen, a for- committee (FDC) as mentors to which still exists today. I also have school recently, Mrs. Parker and mer principal support faculty in seeking/devel- to mention that Greg Simon, the crew appeared to have recruited and football oping multicultural teaching ma- school’s director of advancement, the largest pool of diversity in this coachW at Pontiac Catholic High terial and making their classroom was the staff member most respon- current year’s freshman class that School who went on to become discussions and activities more sible for making all of this happen. I had ever seen during my time at a Michigan state legislator, co- inclusive; and 3) engaging parents When he was a teacher here in the Notre Dame Prep.” sponsored a major civil rights bill in meaningful discussion around early days, Greg really was THE Parker said that during the in the early 1970s, he was told it would end his political career. His bill would finally pass in 1976 and it not only did not end his political career, the bill, called the Diversity takes center Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of Michigan, became the most important anti-discrimination law in Michigan that touched upon stage at Notre Dame fair housing, age discrimination and sex discrimination. Now 80 years old, Larson continues to serve others in the state and has said that that sense of service comes from his faith, undoubtedly reinforced during his own education at the University of Notre Dame and the time he spent at Pontiac Catholic. He also said that he now finds great joy in mentoring the next generation of civil rights leaders.

SETTING AND EXCEEDING BIG GOALS One member of that next generation perhaps is NDPMA’s Kala Parker, the school’s dean of creating a diversity action plan to pioneer for the school in its quest years following 1998, the popula- diversity and associate dean of move the school forward. for more diversity.” tion of the school and the number admissions — and a 2000 NDP Notre Dame’s upper division of diverse students actually has graduate. She’s an attorney and also offers a diversity scholarship, ‘LARGEST POOL OF ebbed and flowed. She said some can likely make a lot more money available to ninth through 11th DIVERSITY’ years were much better than oth- elsewhere, but instead has devoted graders in their first year at NDP. James Pillot, a 2016 graduate ers. her six-plus years on campus to the It is based on a student’s response of Notre Dame Prep currently “But as concerns grew over education of young people — and to the diversity statement in his or enrolled at Stanford University, the decrease in students from more importantly, the education her application for admission. The also commented on the diversity underrepresented populations, of a more diverse school commu- scholarship was launched in 2002 strides made at his alma mater. the faculty diversity council nity of young people. based on the recommendation of “When I first started at NDP continued to work to support A big goal for Parker over the student council at that time and when I graduated in 2016, multicultural education in the those years has been increasing and it was funded initially by some the diversity at the school still was classrooms,” Parker said. “And NDPMA’s student diversity to faculty payroll deductions as well lower than ideal,” he said. “In my this committee successfully at least 20 percent, which to her as a percentage of walkathon/raffle class year, I was the only black procured annual funding to sup- delight, according to recent num- proceeds. male, and in class years above or port the enrollment of diverse bers, is now at 22 percent. “The school’s commitment below me, there were usually less students and diversity resources.” She said the school has had a to diversity actually stems back to than 10 students of color,” which Parker said that the school’s three-prong approach to making 1998 when a group of students he said means Latino or black, by admissions department, along its community more inclusive: launched The Minority Caucus his definition. with its usual responsibilities of 1) developing student activities to provide a stronger voice for mi- “However, through the work enrollment, financial aid and highlighting current domestic and norities, an avenue for leadership, of Mrs. Parker and Mr. [Corey] scholarship disbursement, is global issues to widen their out- and to celebrate the cultures that Porterfield [also in admissions], I committed to the very important looks and to encourage valuing the existed within our school com- can see NDP taking tremendous charge of recruiting a diverse culture and perspectives of others; munity,” Parker said. “Over the steps forward in adding some student body. years, the group grew and matured color to the yearbook,” Pillot

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 33 WINDY CITY, from page 31 I also loved having the opportunity to get to know my whole class. Spending four years which allows me to create more work that helps with about 200 of the same kids, you really get tell stories, inform people and get important to know everyone. You figure out who they are messages out through video. and what they like. And that’s really neat in a So now that you’re doing well and, more small community because each individual has importantly, doing what you want to do, something interesting to offer. Whether that have you had a chance to look back and be learning to play the guitar with some of the ascertain what skills and/or experiences talented musicians in my class, watching a Euro- were most important or influential in pean soccer match with a school soccer player, getting you where you are today? or just hanging out with someone new during Irish Week, I really enjoyed that I could interact I’ve always loved learning, especially about and learn from so many different people. people. I think that’s at the core of why I do everything. Learning a new language lets you Okay, here’s the tough question: Did you speak to new people and hear their stories. have a favorite teacher? Learning to take a photo or craft a film gives I did have my mom as my English teacher you the opportunity to meet new people and twice, so if I say anyone else, I think I’d get in share their stories with others. It’s that desire to trouble. But I always loved my Spanish classes learn and to be around others that I’ve always with Sra. Tessada and my time in student coun- been drawn to. cil with Mr. Kator. I also think getting a good exposure to lots Notre Dame alum Ben Derico ('07) NDP is on set in his studio in Chicago. of different disciplines as both a high school Any other thoughts about your high and college student let me figure all of this out. school alma mater? Instead of being shoehorned into a career, I was Getting back to Notre Dame, is there I think NDP is a special place. I really do feel allowed to explore lots of different areas of study. anything you especially miss about that like it changed the course of my life and made Instead of trying to focus on one specific career time in your life? me into who I am. Being challenged to be a path, such as becoming a doctor, I was able to It’s really hard to pinpoint any one or two great student by both the faculty and my fellow realize that the area I was most interested in was things. Suffice it to say I had a wonderful high students helped me grow to love learning. I learning about other people and the stories they school experience. I was the VP of my class’s don’t think that’s something everyone every- have to tell. student council, a four-year member of the where is as privileged to have. NDP created Basically, I think that drive to learn has cross country and track teams, and I was in- avenues for me to become successful. It built a always been really important for me and moti- volved with a bunch of other clubs. I think it’s path for me to move forward and I grew to re- vated me to pursue what I’ve pursued so far in important for students to experience as much ally embrace the entire learning process. my life. as possible in high school.

MOTOWN, from page 32 tuition assistance in getting through a private, Mall," he said. "All of this work helped our Catholic education. situation immensely and gave me a strong fundraising work. "Attending Notre Dame prepared me for work ethic early on. For this reason, I send my "I would have to say that setting goals, success because it was an environment where contributions to NDPMA's annual fund via finding something you love to do and doing you had to work for what you wanted," he 'Mary’s Way.' A gift to Mary’s Way provides something that positively affects others has been said. "In my case, it was very literal. While I much-needed financial support to need-based what's inspired me," he said. "As mentioned was in high school, our family faced some real and merit-based scholarships for kids at Notre before, I didn’t know what I wanted to do or economic challenges and I had to work very Dame. This hits very close to home for me. what I wanted to be after Notre Dame, but I hard to help pay tuition. I worked three jobs "Kids need to think about tests and grades knew I wanted to finish college. And I knew at an average of 30 hours a week." and careers — not about how they are going to I wanted to love what I did for a living and I Some of those jobs actually were at Notre pay for class, lunch and books. If I can help that knew I wanted to leave this earth better than I Dame where he worked after school cleaning in even a little way, it means so much to me." found it. I took my love for music and found a the classrooms and place for myself in it and made a career out of it. bathrooms. An- I also made an impact raising money for those other was working for in need. From disaster victims in need of relief, NDHS maintenance to supporting children and adults with special If you have any questions about the manager Joe Pompeo needs. All the jobs I’ve ever had and excelled at Midwest Contract- Notre Dame Preparatory School and at were mission-based and encompassed these ing, where he helped principles. In the middle of all that work, I still Marist Academy's admissions process, set up and break down found time to get that degree. Another personal bingo in the gym and please contact the school’s office of goal and promise kept." cafeteria. Barker credits his time at Notre Dame High admissions at 248-373-1061 or "I also worked School for getting him where he is today. It also at the same time at [email protected]. convinced him about how important philan- Otto’s in Eastland thropy is for helping students who may need

2634 IRISH REUNIONS/EVENTS

CLASS REUNIONS

INTERESTED IN PLANNING A CLASS REUNION? NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL Contact Beth Campbell, Director of Alumni Relations at Class of 1958 Saturday, June 9, 2018 – Capital Banquet Center, 12350 31 [email protected] or (248) 373-2171 Ext. 3. Mile Rd., Washington, Mich. 48094 A reunion planning informational packet is available to you, and the alumni Family style dinner from 6 p.m. – midnight office can offer you help in getting started and throughout your planning $60.00 — Single process. We can provide you a class list with classmates' contact information, $120.00 — Couple and can print and mail your invitations, covering the postage. If interested in attending or for more information call, Bob Bendzinski — 586- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PLAN 2018 REUNIONS 293-3693 or Bill Vallee — 586-649-7501. If interested in a game of golf on NDP Class of 1998, 20 year Friday, June 8, contact Bill Vallee. NDP Class of 2003, 15 year PONTIAC CATHOLIC NDP Class of 2008, 10 year Class of 1969 50th reunion on Friday, September 21, 2019, at the Lafayette NDP Class of 2013, 5 year Grande in Pontiac, Mich. Contact Jerry Ball for more information at 248-229-5687. NDP Class of 1963, 55 year NDHS Class of 1978, 40 Year OAKLAND CATHOLIC NDHS Class of 1983, 35 year None scheduled at this time. NDHS Class of 1993, 25 year ST. FREDERICK NDHS Class of 1998, 20 year None scheduled at this time. NDHS Class of 2003, 15 year PC/OC all class years ending in 8 and 3 ST. MICHAEL None scheduled at this time. NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY SCHOOL

None scheduled at this time. NOTRE DAME UPCOMING EVENTS

BLESS THE BATS April 12 ALL softball and baseball alumni are invited back to check our newly renovated fields as they are blessed. Ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. with refreshments and free alumni gift. Both home softball and baseball games will begin immediately following the blessing. To RSVP, please email [email protected]. NOTRE DAME THEATRE PRESENTS 'TONY N’ TINA WEDDING' April 19-21 Notre Dame Theatre invites you to their first-ever dinner theatre by Artificial Intelligence conceived by Nancy Cassaro. Notre Dame Cafetorium April 19, 20 and 21 7 p.m. Pre-show starts at 6:30 p.m. One of the longest running shows in off-Broadway history, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding is one-of-a-kind entertainment – an immersive comedy show staged as an evening of nuptials for two Italian-American families. It invites the audience to actively participate in all festivities: everyone is a welcome guest at the ceremony and reception, there’s real food, a real wedding band, and real mingling with a cast of lovable characters. Seating will be limited for this show. Presale tickets on sale until Monday, April 16, at 4 p.m. Available at showtix4u.com NOTRE DAME UPPER DIVISION ART SHOW April 9-27 Art show runs from April 9-27, 2018, in the upper division. Reception April 23 at 6:30 p.m. BIG BAND DINNER DANCE May 19 Saturday, May 19, 2018, at LaFayette Grand, 1 Lafayette, Pontiac, Mich. Also featuring performances from jazz band alums. Ticket information will be available soon. Please contact Joe Martin, [email protected] for more information. 22ND ANNUAL GOLF OUTING June 4 Monday, June 4, 2018, at Pine Knob Golf Course in Clarkston. To register, bid on auction items or to become as sponsor, log onto www.ndpma.org/golfouting Sponsored by the NDPMA Booster Club. Proceeds to benefit NDPMA athletics. HOMECOMING 2018 October 12 Mark your calendar for October 12 for this year’s homecoming game and October 13 for the Alumni 5k Fun Run.

SPRING/SUMMER 2018 35