“Together We Can Knock One out of the Park.”

The

Winter 2012 Where Marist Alumni Meet for News

“Together we can knock one out of the park.”

– Br. Patrick McNamara, fms President, Marist High School Letter From Brother Patrick Winter 2012 reunion&awards reunion&awards

02 Dear Marist Family, Letter From Brother Patrick Marist recently hosted its last Open House for the Class of 2016. More than 03 1,500 students visited the campus this year, and on this last chance before the 2012 Alumni BIG ENTRANCE TEST, I watched a Marist grad giving his child a tour. Reunion & Awards Trust me, nothing our Admissions folks, student ambas 03 sadors, friendly faculty of staff could say that would have 2012 Time & Eternity Honorees matched this tour. I watched as he reverently led his child into the chapel; 08 there were mentions of retreat days, religion teachers, and Together We Can Knock One Out of the Park private prayers. He walked proudly through the halls, want ing to straighten his tie in case an old nemesis was on guard. 10 Each classroom and lab called forth a special memory of a Marist Alumni: challenging course. When they reached the cafeteria and Excelling after Graduation the gym, once again, memories of performances, class and Reaching Their Goals mates, and even sounds and smells came rushing back and 12 gushing forth. With all of the choices for Catholic high Larry Malito's Farewell schools this alumnus, now father, shared his Marist pride and memories. The prospective student gladly put on the “red and white” 13 and later that week, joined more than six hundred students who applied to be 25 Years Later: Thousands of a part of the Class of 2016. Miles Away, Still Living Marist I invite you to the Marist High School Alumni Reunion & Award Celeb 14 ration on March 23 at Gaelic Park. This year, several of our award winners Marist High School Band Receives symbolize the true family spirit that is Marist. Year after year, they have been Awards at Chick-fil-A Bowl dedicated to provide the best for our Marist students; several are known for their extraordinary sacrifices and time given to our activities. All of them are 15 committed not just for today, but for tomorrow’s Marist High School. And, Marist High School Names Men’s be assured, our Marist Brothers’ ministry, which began in Chicago in 1963, and Women’s Lacrosse Coaches has not only been for our current students but for those not yet born. As 15 you see in so many of the daily events at Marist, we continue to make Jesus Bill Miller: A Big Catch known among young people for time and eternity. Thank you for your support and care towards Marist both to our annual fund and special projects. With your help, we have made great progress in Phase II of the Red and White Stadium Project. Your gifts make all the difference in providing great facilities for all of our students. If you’re in On the cover: the neighborhood, come by Marist on Champagnat Day, June 6, 2012, for Red & White Stadium Project: Phase II the Alumni Baseball game and Softball games. As we begin to plan for our Marist High School’s Baseball program 50th anniversary celebration during the 2013-2014 school year, there will with a state-of-the-art field and practice facility is in full swing. be more events for our Alumni and friends of Marist to attend. Mark your calendars especially for three events, September 9, 2013—the opening mass of our Fiftieth Anniversary, April 12, 2014, the Red and White Ball, and June 7, 2014, our Anniversary Closing Mass. As we move into Spring, I leave you in the hears of Jesus and Mary with blessings for you and your families.

Sincerely, Marist High School 4200 West 115th Street Chicago, Illinois 60655 Br. Patrick J. McNamara, fms www.marist.net President Time & Eternity Honorees reunion&awards reunion&awards

❱❱❱ Don’t Miss The 2012 2012 Alumni Reunion & Awards Time & Eternity Award Honorees Friday, March 23, 2012 Gaelic Park 6119 147th St. Oak Forest, IL Felix and Faith Germino

6:30 p.m. ust how many Germinos have walked (or Awards Ceremony will walk) the halls at Marist High School? Hall of Fame and Time & Eternity Award presentations will take place in the Be prepared – there are quite a few past, Tara Room. J present, and future Germinos, but rather than jump to a quick answer, it is probably best to 3 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. start at the beginning. Reunion & Alumni Gathering First there were two brothers, Thomas and The gathering will take place Wilford “Bill” Germino who graduated in 1971. in the Emerald Room. Three more Germino brothers followed: F. Joseph “Joseph,” who graduated in 1973, Gregory who Cost: graduated in 1975, and Kevin who graduated in 1980. $75 per person Cost includes three hour premium open That makes five Germinos, and while that’s a bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and buffet. fairly large number, it’s just a start. For the next group of Germinos – get ready to count on fingers and toes Hall of Fame – Bill sent his children, Kevin and Ryan, to Marist. The Hall of Fame Award is bestowed Not to be outdone, Tom sent Greg, Christine and upon a Marist alumnus who excelled as an athlete and was respected by the Matt. Kevin sent his children: Kevin, Joseph, Nicole, student body and faculty. Members of the and Lauren, and later this year, Mackenzie will coaching staff and those recognized for become a Redhawk, too. lifetime achievement are also inducted. That’s ten more Germinos, for a total of 15. (Full bios printed in the Fall 2011 issue.) Fifteen is a good number but there are still more Jim Pavesic - Lifetime Achievement Germinos to count. It seems that the five original Charlie Powers - Lifetime Achievement Germino boys also had two sisters, Faith and Jerry Pianto ‘87 - Football Mary, who might have attended Marist if that option Ray Blake ‘01 - Wrestling had been available to them. Unfortunately for Faith and Mary, Marist did not become a co-ed school until To RSVP to the event and 2002, but even if Mary could not attend Marist, she for more information, log onto sent her sons, Tim and Danny. www.maristinsider.net/reunion12 That’s two more Germinos for a grand total of 17 – and it all started with Faith and Felix Germino. >>

Winter 2012 Time & Eternity Honorees

out, she felt the boys were very well prepared academically, and in addition to academics, she felt her sons were given good values from Marist as well. “I think they were taught that a good way of living is to care for others,” Faith said. “They were taught you could make a contribution (to society) and it wasn’t all about making money.” Apparently the message of caring for others was not lost on the original five Germino brothers. Today, all five brothers work in the medical field. Tom is a dentist; Bill is a gerontologist and practices internal medicine; Joe is an oncologist and is a vice president with Bayer Drug; Gregory is a neph Felix and Faith Germino. rologist who was with Johns Hopkins, but is now an assistant director at the National Institute of Health, and Kevin is a pediatrician in private practice. Joe and Greg are on the East Coast, and the other brothers are here in Illinois. 4 “They all liked science and math,” Faith said << Faith said her five sons attended the school understatedly. She also reiterated her point that the because at the start, Tom and Bill made their education her sons received at Marist wasn’t all about choice for Marist, feeling they would be given academics. a good education. Their three brothers followed “I just think that the faculty seemed to care suit, and chose Marist as well. about their students. Our grandkids have all been Faith admitted that in the beginning, because very happy at Marist. I think the faculty cares, and she and her husband were originally from the East I think that means a lot,” Faith said. Coast, they wondered if a Marist education would Felix agreed with his wife. prepare the boys for college if they ultimately “I think they were given an excellent education,” wanted to attend school in the East. As it turned Felix said. “The relationship with the Marist Brothers gave a closer spirit of community, and taught that love is very important. “Marist developed the total person, and that’s The relationship very important, too,” Felix said. “Marist was good for their personal development.” with the Marist Brothers Faith and Felix Germino certainly give a good “ review of Marist, but a quick look at the Germino gave a closer spirit of numbers also gives the same message of confidence in Marist High School. After all, consider that first community, and taught there were five Germinos at Marist. Twelve more Germinos followed. that love is very important.” What do these statistics mean? It means that for the Germino family, there are 17 reasons to believe in the values and academics that Marist provides.

The Point Time & Eternity Honorees

Rob Figliulo

f Rob Figliulo’s life were displayed on a type of the “cool gadgets” is a complex world of customized “life compass,” it’s likely his direction headings software required by large companies. would read: family, business, service, and values. “I don’t write programs anymore, but when my I It’s also likely that he lives his life by traveling employees let me, I do like getting the chance to (so to speak) in all four of these directions at once. play with the latest and greatest gadgets that keep Why the focus on a compass? The focus is simply coming out. It’s as hard as ever to take what people because Rob believes that Marist teachers gave him a can imagine and make it work on a computer, tablet strong academic background, but he just as strongly or smart phone,” Rob said. believes in the “moral compass” lessons he learned at When he is not playing Marist as well. – well, working actually “It’s the moral compass that I remember,” Rob – with cool gadgets, Rob said. “It’s a question of how you treat people, and what helps run a business unit of do you expect to contribute to others in your life?” SPR – a company called The next question, then, is how does Rob manage “nAblement. In part, it is all four directions of his moral compass at one time? Rob’s involvement with In terms of his family, Rob married his high nAblement that sends him school sweetheart, the former Kim Febel, who off in the “service” and graduated from Mother McAuley High School in “values” direction on his 1972. If the name Febel rings a bell, it is because own moral compass. 5 three of her brothers attended Marist: Chuck (’70), “nAblement is a Bob (’76) and Joe, (’79). company that has four After Rob and Kim graduated in 1972, both went goals,” Rob said. “First, it to school in Minnesota. Kim attended the College of is to raise awareness about Saint Teresa and Rob graduated from Saint Mary’s employing people with University of Minnesota. The two married after they disabilities. There is a high earned their undergraduate degrees in 1976, and then degree of unemployment both went on to earn graduate degrees as well. Rob amongst the disabled – Rob Figliulo, Class of 1972. earned his MBA from the University of Chicago in 40% of people with dis 1987, and Kim earned her Masters of Nursing from abilities who want to work Oklahoma University in 1980. and are able to work are Along the way, Rob and Kim became proud not employed. parents of seven children: Katie, 34, Robyn, 33, “Second, the purpose is Michael, 31, Jacqueline, 28, Gina, 26, Joey, 25, and to recruit people to be IT professionals, and third is Matt, 23. They also have one six month old grand to train those people so that we meet the fourth goal, child, Charlotte “Charly” Stathis. which is to place the people in jobs with SPR, or In the business “direction,” on his personal with other client companies.” compass, Rob is the President and CEO of SPR Rob said that since starting nAblement in 2005, Companies, a business that he says “creates custom more than 55 people have been trained and placed in software out of thin air.” Rob admitted that part jobs. Another Marist graduate, Patrick Maher, ’77, is of his work means he gets to see all the “cool” the managing director of nAblement Services. gadgets before they come out to the general public. “Think of the lives that this affects” Robs says. “When I joined SPR in 1976, the company worked “We have taken tax takers to tax payers. These on large IBM mainframes. Now, mobile devices are at people become productive, happy employees that the forefront of all the software we develop. Behind all experience the glory of self-reliance. It’s a good start, >>

Winter 2012 Time & Eternity Honorees

It’s the << but we have so much more to do.” a board member for The work of the nAblement group was recently moral compass Misericordia Homes recognized by the Jewish Vocational Service in “ for disabled children that I remember. Chicago, and in 2010, Rob was honored to receive It’s a question and young adults in JVS’ “Business Leadership and Philanthropy Award”. Chicago where his In addition to the nAblement company, Rob spent of how you treat daughter Katie is a 10 years as a member of the Board of Trustees at Saint people, and what resident. Misericor Mary’s University of Minnesota, where he was also dia, in fact, named the board chair for two years, and in 2011, he received do you expect a wing of their new the Saint Mary’s Alumni Appreciation Award. to contribute to critical care facility Rob is also chair of the Saint Mary’s University others in your life.” in honor of Katie, of Minnesota Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial and in 2011, Rob was Studies. The Kabara Institute works to encourage recognized with the entrepreneurial spirit in students in the spirit of the auspicious title of Misericordia “Bum of the Year” Christian Brothers at the annual Misericordia Bums Golf Outing. Toward this end, Rob plans to visit Africa in “Back in 1972, I didn’t fully appreciate the January 2013, where he can help promote capitalism, values-based education I got from Marist. At the and thereby help create a better economic situation time, I was a headstrong guy in an all-boys high for Saint Mary’s students in Nairobi. school during a turbulent time in America. I Rob’s trip to Africa also includes a side trip so thought that my classmates and I had life figured that he and his three sons can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro out pretty well already. Who needed old-fashioned 6 together. lessons from Br. Patrick Cesstaro or Al Brazen, But that’s not all! Rob recently participated in much less a guy like Br. Vito Aresto? a fund raiser, called the Skyrise Challenge, where “We all did. he had to climb the 103 stories of Chicago’s Willis “Thankfully, in spite of ourselves, they drove Tower. He made the climb in less than half an hour, those lessons through our thick skulls with enough and in doing so, helped the Rehabilitation Institute discipline and focus that their values became an of Chicago. important part of our lives. Looking back, treat Rob is also a current member of the Board of ing others with respect and finding the God-given Directors for San Miguel Schools of Chicago, which dignity in every person makes for good business. serves students from Chicago’s inner city, and is also It gives your life purpose.”

Rich Keating

ich Keating, Marist class of 1987, has “I’d send my children to Marist in a heartbeat,” thrown down a challenge to Marist Rich said. High School. Before talking about Rich’s children, though, it R Rich has a second grade daughter, may be best to first go back and find out a tiny bit Caleigh, and because he and his family live in the more about him and his road to having three chil Lincoln Park area of Chicago, there isn’t an efficient dren, all of whom he would like to enroll at Marist. or easy way to commute to Marist. Rich therefore After graduating in 1987, Rich went on to Indiana (in a teasing way, with some seriousness!) is giving University in Bloomington. He graduated in 1991 Marist five and a half years to figure out a way that with a degree in business economics and public his daughter can easily travel to school. policy, and three days after graduation, he started

The Point Time & Eternity Honorees

working for AT&T. By August of that same year, Advanced Placement classes. The great thing about a however, Rich started law school at Chicago Kent school like Marist is that you can find your own niche. College of Law, and he doesn’t mince words for how “At Marist, it was “cool” to be expected to do well difficult it was to work during the day while attend – to handle yourself in the classroom. My impressions ing law school at night. today about Marist are very good. I’ll admit I was not “It was grueling,” he said. “My early 20s were pro on the school going not exactly fun. I worked during the day and took co-ed. I didn’t want stu anywhere from eight to 12 hours of classes a semester dents to lose the fraternity at night. I studied after class and all week-end.” I had with my classmates. Rich kept this grueling schedule, until 1995, “That said – I am when he left AT&T and began to study for the bar thrilled with how well exam, which he took in July. In a “just in case” fash the school has done (the ion, however, he also took the firefighter’s exam the co-ed transformation). very next day but his “just in case” wasn’t necessary. I’m impressed with the Rich passed the bar on the first try. alumni, the athletics, and Soon Rich was working for the Cook County the academics.” State’s Attorney office, where he worked for other Rich has stayed Marist grads: John G. Murphy, Kevin Michael involved with Marist since Sheehan, Jim Fitzgerald, and Matt Coughlin. his graduation, and was the By the year 2000, after a five year courtship, Rich chair for one of Marist’s married Caroline, and along the way, daughters capital campaigns. He also Caleigh, 8, Erin, 6, and Kiera, 3, were born. In 2004, has spent many years on 7 Rich left the state’s attorney office after nine years. the Hall of Fame selection Today, Rich is a partner in the law firm Swan committee. son, Martin & Bell, LLP. He practices in the health Rich explains his Rich Keating, Class of 1987. care industry, as well as the retail and hospitalization involvement to the school industry. His work keeps him very busy, but he now as a way of giving back to has time to stay involved in his children’s lives. the community that gave Toward that end, he was a founding member him so much. of the Oz Park Baseball Association, which was an “It’s paying back a debt effort made by Rich and other concerned parents to that I owe them and can provide an opportunity for children to play baseball. not really repay. I don’t At Marist, it Rich now works not only as a founding member, have to pay back to Marist, was “cool” to be but also as a board director, general counsel and but my involvement is a “ (perhaps most importantly) he works as a coach for down payment on what expected to do his daughters’ t-ball team. Just now, only Caleigh they gave me.” well – to handle and Erin are playing but soon enough Kiera will Rich is obviously grate yourself in the join her sisters. ful for the education and Now that Rich is a parent, he is not only values he was given by classroom.” enthusiastic about sports for his girls, but a Catholic Marist. If the school can education as well. now just figure out a solu “I got so much out of a Catholic education at tion to the commuting issue grade school and especially at Marist,” Rich said. for Caleigh, Erin, and Keira, the school will do one “Catholic schools reinforce what parents try to more thing for him: It will grant his wish to let his do at home. three daughters become Redhawks, just like their dad. “Marist was a place where achievement and “I always joke and say Marist has five and a half success were expected at any level – not just for years left to figure this out!” Rich said.

Winter 2012 Red & White Stadium Project: Phase II

Together We Can Knock One Out of the Park

ur long awaited plan to provide another example of the commitment and dedica Marist High School’s Baseball pro tion shown to our student body,” Tom Fabrizio, gram with a state-of-the-art field ‘98, Head Varsity Baseball Coach said. O and practice facility is in full swing. The new facility will include irrigation and Plans were designed to move baseball to the scoreboards. The school is hoping for support West field and create the school’s first baseball from its former baseball players, parents’ and complex. The plan calls for a state of the art other Marist fans to invest in this much needed varsity field to be built where the current fresh facility. Principal Larry Tucker, ‘79, commented, man field is located. The varsity field will have “As a school committed to excellence both in walk down dugouts, batting cages, storage, and the classroom and on the playing field, Marist additional mounds all contained in one area. expects its top-notch players to have a first-rate “Building this baseball complex is just field. We need your help.”

8 We are 40% of the way...

100%

80%

60%

40% Realization of a Dream “We are now in the home stretch of our Red and White Campaign. Having crossed the 40% threshold in donations for Phase II, the completion for our new baseball field and training facility is right on schedule. The support of the Marist family (alumni, parents, students and community) 20% is making this happen. What was once a vision is soon to be a reality.” – Brother Pat McNamara, fms, President

The Point Sponsorship ❱❱❱ Have you Opportunities supported your We have room for your name or Alma Mater your organization’s name on our

〉 this year? Acknowledgement Plaque: ❱ The 2011-12 Annual Fund – Donations to the Annual Fund will continue to provide technology Complex Naming Rights $250,000 (Smart Boards) for our teachers, Phase II enhance the music and drama Varsity Field $150,000 programs, and facilitate professional highlights development opportunities for Home Dugout $25,000 our excellent faculty. The fund New Varsity Field is more than halfway toward its Home Plate $20,000 goal of $150,000. Premier Facility for Recruiting Pitcher’s Mound $20,000 ❱ Our Financial Aid and Endow- ment Program – Gifts to financial Batting Cages 1st Base $15,000 aid are used to help a student in need now while donations to the endow- Walk Down Dugouts 2nd Base $15,000 ment are invested to secure our future. More than 1/3 of our students Warm-up 3rd Base $15,000 receive some form of financial aid Pitching Mounds assistance totaling $1.2 million in Shortstop $15,000 aid. Our ability to remain true to our mission of providing for the “least 9 Left Field $15,000 favored” will always be a priority. Center Field $15,000 Donations to help families during these difficult economic times are Right Field $15,000 increasingly needed. Visitor Dugout $10,000 ❱ As the article in this edition states, we continue to raise money for the Bullpens (each) $10,000 Red and White Stadium Project. As the 2011-2012 school year began, On Deck Circles (each) $10,000 we were happy to unveil our new football stadium. Now we begin Bleachers $5,000 Phase II of the campaign – Baseball! Although the varsity field is starting to take shape, we have just rounded first base in our fundraising efforts. If you played, watched or are just a baseball fan please join in and help us reach our goal.

Please consider making a gift to one or all of these important initiatives We need your help… any donation will be by sending in the attached response greatly appreciated. Please visit our website, envelope. You may also visit us at www.marist.net/development or contact Tom www.marist.net or contact the Inzinga `84, Executive Director of Development Development Office at (773) 881-5379. at 773-881-5379 to make a donation. Thank you for your consideration — No gift is too big or too small!

Winter 2012 Alumni News Marist Alumni:

Marist Alumnus Visits 1 Mr. Malito’s Class

Last December, Marist graduate, Jack Lawlor 10 Former Marist Band Member ’69, paid a visit to Larry Malito’s English classes. Enjoys Success at U of I The purpose of Jack’s visit was twofold. He came to Marist to see his friend and mentor, Larry Malito, and to discuss with the students, Lauren Bilotta ’11, former Marist Drum his trip to Washington D.C. In 1970, at the Major, has continued her passion for music as a height of the Viet Nam War, an 18 year old Jack member of the University of Illinois Marching Lawlor made the trip to Washington to observe Band. Lauren made the cut after summer try the largest anti-war rally in U.S. history. Jack outs. She is a member of the trumpet section. was not against the war, but he was not gung ho After the Big Ten regular season, she and her for it either. Like many of his contemporaries fellow U of I Band Members had the opportu during that time he was confused. He chroni nity to travel to San Francisco to perform at the cled his journey and observations and submitted Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl where the Fighting the story to the Chicago Tribune. The story was Illini defeated the UCLA Bruins 20-14. Lauren published in the Chicago Tribune Magazine on also made the U of I pep band which performs March 1, 1970. Jack was paid $300 for his article. at the Men’s and Women’s basketball games. During his return trip to Marist, he conveyed to Congratulations, Lauren! the students the wonderful freedoms afforded to us as Americans. However, he emphasized if you are not in agreement with the way things are in America, it is one’s responsibility to come up with a better idea. After Marist, Jack attended and received his BA and law degree from Northwestern University. He is a partner in the law firm SNR Denton. He has extensive experience in both zoning and real estate law.

The Point Alumni News

Excelling After Graduation Marist Alumni: and Reaching Their Goals

Member of First Coed Class 3 Gives Back to Marist

Marist graduate Kelly Cronin’06 describes Marist Graduate Earns Capital Marist as an environment she considered a 11 One Academic All-District Five second home. During her time at Marist Kelly First Team Accolades was a member of the golf, basketball, and soccer teams, a Marist Student Ambassador, and a National Honor Society Member. Nabal Jefferson ‘09, a junior at Northern After graduating from Marist, Kelly Illinois University, boasts a 3.91 grade point attended Marquette University as an Evans average in Accounting. He also just completed Scholar graduating in 2010 with a BSN. For a career year for the Huskies as a defensive the past year and a half she has been work lineman. The 6’1’’, 280-pound nose guard had ing at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois a career-high 28 tackles, including one and a in the Neonatal ICU. She finds her work in half tackles for a loss through 10 games this past the unit very rewarding and enjoys the bonds season. Highlights of the 2011 campaign for she has been able to build with the families. Jefferson include an interception against Kent As with many of our graduates, Kelly State where he returned the ball 25 yards for enjoys giving back to her alma mater. She his first career touchdown and a 38-20 victory currently is the assistant Marist Freshman over Arkansas State in the GoDaddy.com Bowl Girls’ Basketball B-Team Coach. The team in Mobile Alabama on January 8, 2012. Nabal boasts a 15-4 record. Kelly has also provided is the first Huskie to earn CoSIDA Academic guidance to a current Marist senior seeking a All-District honors since 2008. career in nursing. Kelly is looking forward to While a student at Marist, Nabal lettered in serving on the Endowment Golf Committee three sports, football, basketball, and track and which is planning the annual golf outing for field. He also was a Student Ambassador. We Monday, June 4, 2012 at Midlothian CC. are proud of you, Nabal!

Winter 2012 A Letter from Larry Malito

All The World’s a Stage, and All the Men and Women Merely Players

hakespeare once beach in the turquoise waters of the student leaders, and we start to say wrote a famous Gulf of Mexico, (water temperature good bye to you. passage which 89 degrees), and asked me to think On your graduation night you began, “All the about what has kept me here at march into the Marist gym to the world’s a stage, Marist for going on forty-seven years, refrains of “Pomp and Circum- S and all the men and to talk for a few minutes to the stance.” You and your families hear and women faculty and students at our beginning about your accomplishments among merely players; they have their exits of the school year masses about my which are the millions of dollars of and their entrances; and one man in reasons for staying here. scholarship money you have earned. his time plays many parts, his acts I thought about the secure job, You receive to much acclaim, your being seven ages. At first the infant, pretty good salary, wonderful col- diplomas, and then you saunter out mewling and puking in the nurse’s leagues who also become great into the night to toss your gradua- arms; then the whining school-boy, and life-long friends as well, the tion caps into the lighted air of the with his satchel, and shining morn- teacher’s schedule including the football field. Your four year sojourn ing face, creeping like snail unwilling well worn joke about the three best at Marist is over. to school.” reasons for teaching- June, July and So many students in forty-seven And then that’s when we teach- August. But by far, most of all it’s the years, so many memories, in the ers meet you, our students; let me kids; (you) students (now alumni) classroom, on the athletic field, the 12 repeat… “creeping like snail unwill- are the central reason. gym floor, on the stage: brilliant ingly to school.” So why do we We initially see you as a fresh- compositions-illuminating and excit- teachers teach, take on this glorious man, eager, perhaps a bit anxious ing, profound insight in response to burden, each of us facing every late and fearful. Quickly you morph into something in a Shakespeare play or summer one hundred and fifty or so sophomores (in case you didn’t a Shelley poem that I hadn’t seen new “shining morning faces?” know, that’s Greek for wise fools!) We before, many laughs about funny Shortly before the beginning of watch then as juniors, you prepare and some silly things in the class- the 2011-2012 school year, Mr. Tucker for your ACT’s, start to sort out your room, the winning point in the state called me, while my wife and I were choices for college, schedule your volleyball championship game, a last enjoying the last few lazy, hazy, senior electives, and suddenly or so minute basket, Friday home football crazy days of summer on Ft. Meyers it seems to us, you are seniors, our under the lights, virtuoso performances by gifted student actors, singers, and musicians, the rollicking After 47 years of dedicated service to Marist High School, senior prom when kids say as they our beloved Shakespearean expert will retire. Mr. Malito leave, “Drive safely, Mr. Malito”. has shared his wisdom, knowledge and love of teaching You always make us proud. You with countless young men and women during his time here at Marist and will be truly missed. make us laugh. Now and then you make us cry. You inspire us more Please join us on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 often than you know. You remind us at Gaelic Park to say, “Farewell” and “Thank You”. of what we were like when we were and will be followed by dinner. Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. young. You make us forget that we are Cost: $30/person. growing old. We’ll never forget you. To RSVP or for more information contact Mark Gervais As I begin to look back on my at 773-881-5366 or [email protected] or Pat Hennessy forty-seven years here, let me say, at 773-881-5323 or [email protected] “By God! It sure was worth it!” I’ll be

thanking you for the rest of my life.

The Point John Griffin ‘87

All The World’s a Stage, and 25 Years Later: All the Men and Women Merely Players Thousands of Miles Away, Still Living Marist

nterviewing Marist alumni John Griffin is a however. Academics played a part, too. tiny bit like playing a new game called “Marist had a reputation for being a more difficult “Gracious Baseball.” program,” John said. “I can tell I Lob a question to him about his accomplish you that the competition in sports ments during his time at Marist, and he catches “the was contagious, and there was ball,” and quickly tosses it back by complimenting his competition in the classroom, too.” peers, his teachers, or his wrestling team. The best The academic aspect of John’s part of playing Gracious Baseball with John is his Marist education paid off for him, sincerity. He sincerely shares his compliments, and however. After graduating from gives credit where he feels credit is due – as only a NIU in 1991, with a Bachelor of Gracious Baseball player will do. Science degree in communication, John, who graduated from Marist in 1987, was a he went on to Loyola University wrestler and a cross country runner, and was good of Chicago to earn his Master’s in enough to earn a wrestling scholarship to attend Business Administration. Today, Northern Illinois University. Don’t try to tell John John works as a senior vice presi John Griffin, Class of 1987. that a wrestling scholarship was a great accomplish dent in the San Francisco offices of ment, however. Aon Risk Solutions. “I was a very average wrestler who benefitted John accepted this position from being in a phenomenal wrestling program after working for more than 10 years at Aon’s 13 surrounded by extremely talented teammates and worldwide headquarters in Chicago. Now after phenomenal Coaches like Mark Gervais, Don living in San Francisco for eight years, John feels Stuckly and Marty Griffin. I practiced every day very much at home. with teammates who were “Eight years here – wow, it’s been a blink of the state champs, state place eye,” John said. “Northern California is gorgeous, winners or ranked highly in though. Everything you hear about it – the ocean, the state, and this only made I can tell Lake Tahoe, the mountains – is true. It’s gorgeous.” me better,” John said. you that the John shares his life in California with his wife John’s decision to come Kristi, whom he married in 1999, and their three competition“ to Marist after 8th grade was children: Kate, 9, who is in fourth grade, John John, not based on prior family in sports was 7, who is in second grade, and James, 3. Kate and members. John’s three older contagious, John John attend a Catholic school, as will James. brothers chose different Referring to the choice of sending his children to high schools, but John chose and there was a Catholic school, John referred to the importance Marist after touring the competition in of values, and talked about these values at Marist, school with Coach Brian particularly his experiences in Marist’s Senior O’Connor, who was a the classroom, Service Program. Marist football coach. too.” “It does come down to a tone and culture that I “Marist just had a great think a Catholic school has,” John said. “Some public feel,” John said. “Although I played football, baseball schools probably have better resources, but Marist is a and basketball in grammar school, I was small enter Catholic school first.” ing Marist so I went out for sports where I thought “I remember doing Senior Service when I was at I could succeed even though they were new to me: Marist,” John said. “It was a very big deal. Every day wrestling and cross country.” when I was a senior in high school, we went to the It wasn’t just sports that drew John to Marist, Crestwood Nursing Home to help with the elderly, the >>

Winter 2012 News Highlights

<< mentally handicapped, and the terminally ill. This really nephew, Ryan, and my cousins Patrick and Michael was a life changing experience to do this every day.” also attending Marist.” “That was Marist – I was at a school where it came John said Ryan, who graduated in 2001, was a down to family, discipline, excellence with academics, Block M recipient, as well as an Illinois State Scholar. and athletics. This tends to stick with you.” John said. He lettered in varsity golf for two years, and went on Today, in addition to working at Aon, John is an to graduate from the University of Illinois. He now is active volunteer in his home parish in California, an assistant vice president in Aon’s Chicago Financial working in the father’s ministry and the Knights Services Group, and spent a year in London working of Columbus. for Aon as well. John – the Gracious Baseball participant – sums Caitlin graduated from Marist in 2006, and also up his time at Marist with compliments for the school went on to get her degree from the University of and for the friends he made in high school. Illinois. Today she is a financial analyst on the invest “1987 was a magical time for the school - first in ments team supporting the Chief Operating Officer state in wrestling and also ranked 3rd in the coun of General Growth Properties try, state runner up in football, and tons of National “Both Ryan and Caitlin are doing great, living in Merit Scholars,” John said. “There were eight or nine Chicago and are very supportive of Marist and have wrestlers who all went on to Division I wrestling pro great memories. They are also both wicked smart and grams in college - some of my teammates went on to doing great at Aon and GGP. wrestle at Yale, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Illinois, “I’m really supportive of what Marist has done and Purdue, just to name a few. and they continue to produce great young men and “You mention Marist and you know the school women,” John said. – the Marist Brothers and the Marist family – have a Gracious Baseball – clearly John’s attitude for 14 great reputation in the state and nationally. It was nice Marist High School, for his many friends, and for to see my oldest Godchild and niece, Caitlin Griffin, his family make him someone who very nicely bats becoming the first girls graduating class at Marist, my 1,000, not only in Gracious Baseball, but also in life.

Marist High School Band Receives Awards at Chick-fil-A Bowl The Marist High School Band recently traveled Honorable Mention recognition for Chick-fil-A Parade to the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia. The band competition. The Chick-fil-A game was played on New placed first place in Field Show Competition – Division Year’s Eve and pitted the University of Virginia against 3 and overall Grand Champion where they com- Auburn University. The band’s director is Mr. Andrew peted against 10 other schools. They also received Creagh, a Marist graduate from the Class of 2004.

2011 Chick-fil-A Bowl Brightspark Events.

The Point News Highlights

Marist High School Names Men’s A Big Catch and Women’s Lacrosse Coaches ill Miller, class of 1992, thought he arist Principal, would go fishing on a cold January Larry Tucker Bday this year, but instead, he ended and Athletic up saving a man’s life. M Director, Bob Lim are proud to announce Marist High School will introduce lacrosse as a competitive high school club sport. The 2012 lacrosse team will com Back (left to right): Athletic Director, Bob Lim, pete on a junior varsity Assistant Athletic Director, Dan Higgins ’05, Photo courtesy of the Chicago Sun Times. Principal, Larry Tucker ‘79 level against neighboring Front (left to right): Women’s Lacrosse coach, Catholic Schools. Tryouts Bill, a Chicago firefighter, headed out to Kathleen Darmody Curran, Beth Richardson’ 14, will begin on March 1, Diversey Harbor in Lincoln Park one day to Nick Engel ’12, Men’s Lacrosse coach, relax and do a little fishing. He struck up a Sean Potempa ‘04 2012. Home games will be played on the Field Turf conversation with fellow fisherman Chuck of the newly constructed Marist Red and White Stadium. Wahtola, 67, and even shared a shad minnow The new men’s coach is Sean Potempa. Sean is a Marist gradu he caught, to help Chuck with his fishing. ate from the class of 2004. After Marist, he attended Western Illinois Some time later, when Bill was away from 15 University in Macomb, Illinois where he was a four year starter as a the dock, he heard his name being called. midfielder. He scored 23 goals, had 34 assists, and was a two-time Thinking Chuck needed help fighting a fish, all conference player. Sean is a physical education teacher at Ryder Bill returned to the dock, but when he did, Elementary Math and Science Special School in Chicago, Illinois. he didn’t see anyone. Instead, Bill discovered He currently resides in Tinley Park, Illinois. that Chuck had fallen into Lake Michigan, The new women’s coach is Kathleen Darmody Curran of the which was reported to be 33 degrees that Beverly neighborhood in Chi day. Bill said Chuck managed to float or cago, Illinois. Kathleen attended somehow swim to the doc and did a type of Northwestern University in Winter Athletic “back float” to hold on, but Bill could not pull Evanston, Illinois where she Highlights him out on his own. received her BA in Political Bill did, however, lie down on the dock, Science and History in 2005. Varisty girls basketball beats grab hold of Chuck, and call for help on Mother McAuley She was a member of the 2005 his cell phone. He then held on to Chuck NCAA Division I Women’s Varsity boys basketball beats and kept his head above water for 15 or 20 Lacrosse National Championship Br. Rice minutes until help arrived. As a result of Bill’s Team. Kathleen was a four year Boys varsity bowling wins efforts, Chuck was saved. starter and in 2005 a First Team Catholic league championship About a week afterwards, Chuck present- All Big Ten and Academic All ed a certificate of appreciation to Bill. The Boys varsity wrestling takes Big Ten. After her time at North first at Lincoln way east invite certificate thanked Bill for saving his life, and western, Kathleen pursued her referred to Bill as “My Favorite Fisherman – BS degree in nursing at Loyola Boys varsity basketball takes a Really Big Catch.” 3rd in prestigious Centralia, IL University in Chicago, Illinois. tournament over Christmas break In a television interview, Bill was modest She is currently an intensive about his rescue, and referred to his training care nurse at Advocate Trinity Boys hockey takes Winter as a firefighter, saying, “We’re there when Classic Cup vs. Br. Rice Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. you need us.” Girls varsity basketball takes 1st in Hillcrest Tournament over Christmas break

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Upcoming Events ❱❱ Update Us!

We want to stay connected with our alumni so, let us know what you are up to. Friday, March 23, 2012 Monday, June 4, 2012 Alumni Awards & Reunion Endowment Golf Outing In upcoming editions of The Point, we will Gaelic Park Midlothian Country Club begin to print Class Notes, but we need to know Awards Ceremony: 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact about your latest accomplishments and life events. Diane Snyder at 773-881-5377 or Reunion & Alumni Gathering: Have you moved? Do you have a new job? [email protected]. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Did you get married? Is there a new addition to your family? Let us know! Cost: $75 (includes three hour Wednesday, June 6, 2012 premium open bar, passed Alumni Baseball Game hors d’oeuvres and buffet) Marist High School Send stories, pictures and updated To RSVP or for more information, information to [email protected] For more information, please contact please visit the event website at Diane Snyder at 773-881-5377 or www.maristinsider.net/reunion12 [email protected].

Thursday, April 26, 2012 Monday, September 24, 2012 Alumni Career Night Dick Foy Alumni Golf Outing Marist Library Ridge Country Club 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For more information, please contact An evening of career guidance and Marty Wirtz at 773-881-5376 or the formation of Marist Alumni [email protected]. “Like” us on Facebook: Network System. Official Marist High School Alumni Community For more information, please contact Marty Wirtz at 773-881-5376 or [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter: MaristHSalumni

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