A publication for alumni, parents, and friends of Father Gabriel Richard / Saint Thomas High School
LegacieFalsl 2019 2018 – 2019 Annual Report contained within
Graduation 2019 Celebrating 150 graduates in the 150th year From Our President
Dear Friends and Alumni of St. Thomas/FGR,
I’m grateful to be able to present to you the 2018-2019 Annual Report of Father Gabriel Richard High School (FGR) in this Fall Edition of Legacies. We are very proud of the advances we have made as a school community during this 150th anniversary year. In these pages you will find the achievements of our students and faculty and how we continue to make a difference in Ann Arbor, Southeast Michigan and, most importantly, in the lives of our young people. In one of its more poignant documents, the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education stated: “From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she ought to have an impression of entering a new environment.” Nowhere is that more true than FGR as we commence the 2019-2020 academic year: new paint in the hallways, new display cases, a new statue of Fr. Gabriel Richard himself; a new strategic Board of Trustees (2018-2019) plan that will serve as a roadmap for the next five years; and, most importantly, teachers- Michael Coghlan ’83, Chair -both veteran and new--who are committed to an education that addresses the whole Patrick Hoban, Vice Chair person. It is a promise and a prayer that we commit ourselves to preparing our students Kathy Grisdela, Secretary for life in this world and, more importantly, for the life of the world to come. Enjoy seeing this glimpse of the great things that are going on at FGR! Join with us John M. DeJak, President, ex officio in ensuring that the next generation of students can be part of this great tradition. Thank Steve Alexandrowski you for your friendship and support! Dr. William Chavey Rev. James Conlon Cheers and prayers, as ever, Thomas Falahee, Esq. John M. DeJak President Rev. Richard Lobert, ex officio Thomas S. Monaghan ’55 Celebrating 150 Years of Grads Andrew Shmina Dr. Mukasa Emmanuel Ssemakula From Our Principal Lisa Vasconi Rev. Brendan Walsh Dear St. Thomas/FGR Community,
School Administration Greetings and thank you for reading Legacies magazine, John M. DeJak, President including our 2018 – 2019 Annual Report. It was an exceptional year at FGR, which began with the 150th Anniversary Mass at St. Christopher Dotson, Principal Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and concluded with 150 Janie Herrera, Assistant Principal graduates walking across the stage at Hill Auditorium. Our final Meghan Buckler, Dean of Students drama performance, The Drowsy Chaperone, wowed audiences and our band program Rev. Richard Lobert, Chaplain concluded the school year with an outstanding rendition of Amparito Roca. Our hallways were lined with creative and inspiring artwork and we continuously pursued academic excellence in the classroom as our AP Exam scores regularly placed us far above state Production Team averages. Editor Throughout the year we had countless parent volunteers offer support to ensure Julie Frank FGR’s many initiatives were successful. These include, but are not limited to: Mexico Contributing Writers Mission Trip, Annual Auction, Wine Auction, Faith in Flint, providing hospitality at school functions, assisting with coverage at dances, and at athletic events and drama John M. DeJak performances. Many also provided valuable feedback and insights which informed our Julie Frank strategic planning process. We are very thankful for their generosity and appreciate their Michael McClelland commitment to our school. Photography God bless you all and please continue to pray for our student body, our alumni, and Ryan Charles Photography the entire FGR community. Julie Frank In Christ, Ann Heiser Christopher Dotson Rebound Photo Principal Celebrating 150 Years of Grads
Our 150th Anniversary year culminated in the Commencement Exercises of the class of 2019 on May 23, 2019 at Hill Auditorium. During Commencement Exercises, several students offered reflections on their experiences at Father Gabriel Richard High School. Excerpted here is a portion of the speech delivered by Rebecca DiMaria ’19.
“I challenge each and every one of us to put our Catholic education to use and to be “bucket-fillers.” We need to pay forward this blessing by being the kind of person who causes other people to be better having known us. We have to be the kind of people who cause other people to walk away from us feeling happier and more fulfilled than before. We should pay compliments to people, give of our time and talents, be optimistic and hopeful. Instead of bringing people down with our negativity, let’s go out of our way to make someone feel loved and fulfilled. That’s what Jesus did, and He is calling each one of us here to do the same. We should continue to glorify God with our knowledge and the gifts He has given us. This world is going to try to break us down every chance it gets, so we need to be strong and continue to allow our lights to shine for the rest of the world to see. There will be situations in our futures when this will not be easy to do, but we have been blessed with the grace and foresight to make a difference by spreading joy wherever we go.” 1 Honoring Academic Excellence
Bishop Kelly Award Winner Gabriel Garbarz. The Bishop Class of 2019 Top Scholars: These students maintained a Kelly Award is chosen by the faculty and presented annually cumulative GPA above 4.0 for their entire high school careers. to the senior who best exemplifies the qualities of leadership, Left to right: Stephanie Vuylsteke, Mary Claire Zauel, Julia citizenship, service and scholastic achievement. Tenbusch, Lily Pattee, Rebecca DiMaria, Michelle DePriest, Gabriel Garbarz, Ember Larson, Aaron Picard, Viviana Geron, Ryan Tokarz
Michelle DePriest was awarded the Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit Julia Tenbusch and Rachel Eggenberger received the Anhut Family Ypsilanti Rotary Scholarship
The 150 members of the class have matriculated to these colleges and universities:
Albion College Kellogg Community College The College of Wooster Ave Maria University Kent State University University of Dallas Benedictine College Lansing Community College University of Dayton Bowling Green State University Lawrence Technological University University of Detroit Mercy Calhoun Community College Loyola University Chicago University of Illinois at Calvin University Madonna University Urbana-Champaign Central Michigan University Miami University Ohio University of Michigan Christendom College Michigan State University University of Pittsburgh Cleary University Northern Michigan University University of Washington Duke University Oakland University University of Wyoming Eastern Michigan University Pennsylvania State University Washtenaw Community College Edgewood College Saint Joseph’s College Wayne State University Franciscan University of Steubenville Saint Louis University West Virginia Wesleyan College Grand Canyon University Saint Michael’s College Western Michigan University Grand Valley State University Schoolcraft College Xavier University Hillsdale College Tarrant County Junior College Hope College Texas A&M University
2 FALL 2019 Honoring Academic Excellence Alumna Honored for Her Heart of Service Mrs. Claudia (Niemann) Hopper ’80 capable: the self-offering totality of love; the strength that is capable of bearing the greatest sorrows; limitless fidelity and tireless devotion to work; the ability to combine penetrating intuition with words of support and encouragement.” (St. John Paul II, Redemptoris Mater). This is Claudia Hopper and we are tremendously grateful.
The Niemann Family and FGR
Claudia’s fondness for FGR is a bit of a family legacy. Claudia is the youngest of seven children, all of whom attended St. Thomas/Father Gabriel Richard High School in the 1970s and 80s. When the school first took on Stadium Cleanup as a fundraiser, the Niemanns were there. Mrs. Niemann served on the school board. Claudia has had six nieces and If there is any example of love and at school: logistics for student retreats, nephews matriculate through FGR, selflessness for her alma mater and her ironing the linens for the altar to make a which helped her stay connected with students it is Mrs. Hopper. Coming as fitting place for our Lord’s sacrifice, and the school even before her son, Cole ’19, she does from the venerable Niemann always being willing to chaperone any became a student. Staying connected to family—fixtures in Ann Arbor and at student event. To the question, “what FGR is a family affair. Claudia’s father, the University of Michigan—she has words best describe Mrs. Hopper, the Dr. Walter Niemann, has attended dedicated countless hours to supporting answers are self-evident: hard-working, every one of our 16 Dramalums Catholic education in Ann Arbor; not selfless, magnanimous, indispensable. productions, even before he had a only to FGR, but also to Huron Valley But perhaps the best descriptor grandchild perform in the shows. Catholic School. You may have seen and the most important is: great mom. For her own part, Claudia loves her assisting in the LRC, helping out at While words fail to truly encompass the FGR community. She has enjoyed the annual fall auction, moderating the all that Mrs. Hopper does as a mother, helping with Campus Ministry and the library and media center on Wednesdays, we think these words of Pope St. Drama Club and getting to know the and doing everything but act for the John Paul II are a fitting tribute: students and developing relationships Drama Club and in support of drama In the light of Mary, the Church with the staff. She is grateful that she productions. A woman of faith, she has sees in the face of women the reflection has the flexibility in her schedule to also taken on the sometimes mundane of a beauty which mirrors the loftiest be able to spend time at FGR and we tasks in support of Campus Ministry sentiments of which the human heart is are grateful to her for her dedication. 3 Artistic Excellence
Kate Estey ’19 loved to draw from specific and defined details. Kate’s latest the moment she first held a crayon. As a medium to explore has been digital art kid, her hands were constantly filled with and she loves to share her art through glitter, paint, markers, and glue, but in stickers, birthday cards, posters and middle school, art became a companion, whatever else catches her imagination and an outlet for stress relief, and a friend. allows her to show others how much they Over the course of high school at FGR, are loved. Kate devoted her time to art classes in This fall, Kate has continued her and out of school, giving her a strong studies in art and design at the University foundation and understanding of the of Michigan’s Penny W. Stamps School of basics of art and allowing her imagination Art & Design. She currently plans to use and execution to develop. Kate especially her skills to become a graphic designer, enjoyed the Advanced Studio Art 2D class but looks forward to seeing where that she took at FGR. She loved the freedom goes as she progresses through college. to explore, make mistakes, and try Wherever her art takes her, Kate is something new or difficult that the class steadfast in the knowledge that her talent offered. As a crowning achievement of her comes from God and that she must give high school art studies, Kate’s AP portfolio glory back to God in all that she does. earned the highest possible score of 5. Kate notes, “In my art, I am able to reflect Kate’s favorite art media are ink pens the Creator as I create and imagine my art. and markers, which allow her to create How cool is that!”
4 FALL 2019 Performing All Year Long ... Much Ado About Nothing, October 2018
Much Ado About Santa, December 2018
Artistic Excellence The Drowsy Chaperone, April 2019
Madrigals The Madrilums perform Concert in June throughout the brings alumni year at concerts, of the Madrigals district, state together with and national current students competitions, for a fun at various performance in churches, support of the and even at program. weddings of alumni. 5 Discipleship on Display In School, On Retreat, In the World
Intentional Discipleship is a key component to an FGR education. Students, faculty, and staff focus on growing in faith - both intellectually and spiritually - Authors Dan Keating and Tom Nash ’80 spoke to theology classes, sharing personal worshipping together, insights about faith with seniors. and putting faith into action through service to our school, community, and world. An emphasis on Catholic Social Teaching and a desire to see Christ in everyone is at the heart of our program. All-school Rosary honored Our Blessed Mother in the month of May
6 FALL 2019 Several FGR students (and an alumnus) served Habitat for Our Kairos Retreat Leaders are seniors who work hard to provide Humanity in Cleveland with St. John Neumann Parish of an excellent experience for their junior peers. Canton this past summer.
Families take time after cleaning U of M Stadium to worship together.
The school-wide day of service, Special Olympics Field Day, is widely heralded as one of the favorite days of the school year. Students demonstrate leadership, compassion, and organizational skills through planning and execution of the day.
7 Sportsmanship Shines
Alex Winnie ’19 Father Carey Award Winner Morgan Heavener ’19 Father Carey Award Winner
Women’s Golf qualified for States in fall of 2018
Our Women’s Soccer team won the District Championship Men’s Golf qualified for States in spring 2019
8 FALL 2019 Sportsmanship Shines
Girls’ Basketball played in the District Finals The FGR Dance team traveled to Nationals in Orlando, Florida.
Leave Your Mark on Father Gabriel Richard High School!
FGR and its Athletics Boosters invite Now is your opportunity to leave your mark! You can you to help transform a prominent purchase personalized bricks that will be incorporated into the plaza when it is built in the spring of 2020. corner of our campus into a Personalized, engraved bricks are a great way to honor a handsome, engraved brick paver special person, a team, family members, or groups. plaza. These bricks are laser-engraved and enjoy a lifetime warranty. Each $100 donation entitles you to one 4” by Together, we are taking on the challenging patch at the 8” brick with three lines of text of up to 20 characters southeast corner of the athletics field. This location each. For $250, one can select a special 8” by 8” square receives a great deal of foot traffic as athletes make paver with six lines of text. their way from the school building to the field. It is virtually impossible to make grass grow there or to keep Please visit our custom paver plaza website provided by it looking good. The solution is a tiered paver plaza Brick Markers USA at: http://www.brickmarkersusa. with aesthetic accents designed around the specific com/donors/fgr.html features of the location. Many thanks to award-winning This site can also be conveniently accessed under the Brianna Carrier at Visionary Landscaping for her help Giving tab on the school website at fgrhs.org. in rendering a plan for this project!
Before After
9 2019 Vehicle Raffle
FGR 2018 -2019 Annual Report
Win a brand-new vehicle (up to $38,000) from Dan Hall’s Pinckney Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram or $30,000 cash!
Tickets are $100 each. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold.
Drawing will be held at the school on December 20, 2019 at 11:00 am Visit: fgrhs.org/car-raffle/ to purchase your ticket in support of Father Gabriel Richard High School.
10 FALL 2019 FGR 2018-2019 Annual Report
The 2018-19 fiscal year was one of remains from the construction of the annual fundraising efforts of the 2019 Vehicle Raffle many important accomplishments new campus in 2001 through 2003. school. FGR has five main areas in the finances of Father Gabriel At that time, close to $15 million was of annual fundraising. The largest Richard High School. borrowed to help finance the move event has traditionally been the fall to Whitehall Drive. Over the years, Dinner Auction. It is now joined • Refinanced the school’s more than half of the debt has been by the spring Wine Auction, which $6.7 million debt. paid off, but the remaining balance, completed its fourth successful year • Achieved maximum participation held by the Bank of Ann Arbor and in 2019. Both of these fun evenings in the Ann Arbor Area Community carrying an interest rate of 4.5%, had outstanding attendance and Foundation’s Stern Non-Profit matured in the fall of 2018. FGR results this year. In fact, attendance Endowment Challenge (see page 14). engaged Coughlin and Company, Inc. at the Wine Auction was up over • Coordinated several capital of Denver, a prominent investment 40% from 2018 and the event SOLD improvement projects including banker for Catholic institutions, to OUT! The third fundraising mainstay dramatic upgrades in the help present the school’s debt to new for FGR is Stadium Cleanup. FGR sound systems for the chapel space investors. After a thorough national has been cleaning Michigan Stadium and the athletics field. search, Key Government Finance, a after Wolverine home football games • Re-launched the annual unit of Key Bank, came forward with for over 40 years. This remarkable FGR vehicle raffle. the best offer, a ten-year refinancing community effort generates close to FGR 2018 -2019 Annual Report • Achieved record-high with a rate of 3.78%. FGR and a $100,000 for the school each year. cash-from-operations for group of eight other working parties The fourth and fifth pillars of support the second year in a row. closed the deal on December 18, are the annual appeal and the newly 2018. Our new financing arrangement relaunched vehicle raffle. FGR is The largest single effort and will save the school over $45,000 immensely grateful for the energy, “win” was a successful refinancing of interest expense per year and the commitment, and the generosity of the school’s $6.7 million provide a decade of stability. of the entire community in making bond. Many people in the FGR FGR’s strong financial performance all of these efforts so successful community are unaware that the in 2018-19 is due in large part to year after year. THANK YOU! school carries a large debt that record-high achievement in the core FGR Balance Sheet FGR Revenue FGR Expense June 30, 2019 2018-19 2018-19 $6,866,000 $6,717,000 ASSETS Cash ...... 475,054 Deposits - Diocese of Lansing ...... 2,211,137 Accounts Receivable ...... 100,696 Facilities & Equip. - Net of Dep...... 11,894,421
Total Assets ...... $ 14,681,307
LIABILITIES Pre-paid Fees and Tuition ...... 422,793 Funds Held - Student Orgs. / Athletics ...... 358,605 Other Liabilities ...... 24,047 Long-Term Bond...... 6,670,000 - Total Liabilities ...... 7,475,445 Tuition and Fees Salaries and Benefits Advancement/Fundraising Bond Interest Expense Total Capital ...... 7,205,862 Athletic Revenue & Fundraising Other Expenses
Interest Earned and Other Facilities, Utilities, Supplies Total Liabilities & Capital ...... $ 14,681,307 Depreciation Athletics 11 Donors 2018 – 2019 Mr. and Mrs. Steven Cupcheck Mr. and Mrs. Glen Heiser Mr. and Mrs. Kevin O’Dea Mr. Jonathan Daley Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Helms Mr. and Mrs. David O’Hanian St. Francis of Assisi Parish Mrs. Mary Jo Davis Mr. and Mrs. Rolando Herrera Mr. and Mrs. John Olszewski Diocese of Lansing Mr. and Mrs. David Decker Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Higgins Mr. Patrick J. O’Neill ’67 St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Mr. and Mrs. Dennis DeFelice Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hoban Mr. and Mrs. Chris Ongena Northwestern Mutual Foundation Mr. John Dehlin Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Hoeft Mr and Mrs. Steve Opiteck National Financial Services LLC Mr. and Mrs. John DeJak Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hoeppner Mr. and Mrs. Steven J. Ossakow Tooth Town Pediatric Dentistry Mr. and Mrs. Tony DeKroub Mr. and Mrs. Ian Hogan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ostrowski Embassy Hotel of Ann Arbor Inc Mr. Richard Denay Mr. and Mrs. Albert Holder Mr. John A. O’Sullivan GEM Asset Management, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Denoyer Mr. Andrew Hopper and Mrs. Claudia Mr. Paul O’Sullivan and Mrs. Sue A. Ave Maria School of Law Mr. and Mrs. Chris DePerro (Niemann) ’80 Hopper (Hines) ’61 O’Sullivan Ave Maria University Mr. and Mrs. Roy Deutschmann Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Horvath Mr. and Mrs. David Ottenwess Abbvie, Inc. Mr. Henry Dieterich Mr. and Mrs. Alan Hufnagel Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Otterman Anchor Bay Counseling and Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Dietrich Ms. Darlene Imus Mr. and Mrs. Jim Palka Psychological Services LLC Mr. and Mrs. David DiFranco Mr. and Mrs. David Jacques Ms. Pat Parin ’65 Pies, Inc. Patti Dobbs Mr. and Mrs. Karl Jennings Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Patton Edward & Schaefer Orthodontics Mr. and Mrs. Charles Domen Mr. and Mrs. James Jetton Mr. and Mrs. Dave Peralta Kent B. Joscelyn Revocable Trust, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Donahue, Jr. Mr. Jerome Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Perrier Kent B. Joscelyn, Trustee Mr. Francis Donahue III ’79 and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Gus Kandah Ms. Cheryl Perry Anne E. Eisele Revocable Trust, Anne Catherine (Fox) ‘81 Donahue Mr. Edward Karls and Dr. Marci Mr. David Perry E. Eisele, Trustee Mr. and Mrs. Murtha V. Donovan III Lesperance Mr. Gary L. Perrydore Celanese Foundation Dr. Richard and Mrs. Jane Dorr Mr. and Mrs. Sean Karn Mr. and Mrs. Steve Pintar MGD Holdings LLC Mr. and Mrs. Tom Driscoll ’71 Mr. and Mrs. Brian Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Plagens Bank of Ann Arbor Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dylewski Mr. Terrance Keys and Mrs. Sharon Mr. and Mrs. Michael Policella Patricia Sinn Fink Trust Agreement Mr. Jack East and Dr. Mary Kub-East Ragland-Keys Mr. and Mrs. George Pomey Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Abdullah Mr. Joseph East ’08 Mr. and Mrs. James Kimmet Mr. and Mrs. William O. Pressprich Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Aiello Mr. Donald Eaton and Mrs. Clare Ms. Sheila Kinney Mr. Scott Pryor and Mrs. Deanna Mr. and Mrs. Steve Alexandrowski Canham-Eaton ’71 Mr. Derek Kirchner Sgambati Dr. and Mrs. Eugenius SBC Ang Mr. George T. Eaton Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kitz Prof. and Mrs. Philip Pucillo Mr. and Mrs. Matthew D. Anhut ’82 Ms. Laura Edwards Mr. and Mrs. John and Melissa Koenig Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pulick Mr. and Mrs. Charles Anhut ’74 Mr. and Mrs. Tom Falahee Mrs. Sandra Kortesoja Mrs. Pam Wright Purcell Mr. Murl and Mrs. Teresa (Soiderer) ‘85 Mr. and Mrs. Neil Falls Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kraus Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Purdy Babcock Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Falvey Mr. and Mrs. Richard Krolikowski Mr. Mike Ramker Ms. Rose Bailey Mr. and Mrs. Dan Ferrario Mr. Morgan LaPan and Mrs. Julie Ms. Ruth Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Barber Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ferris Juno-LaPan Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Redmond Mr. Dwayne Barker and Mrs. Maria Mr. and Mrs. David Filipe Mr. Bob LaRiche Mr. and Mrs. Paul Redpath ’84 Iacopelli- Barker IV Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Fischer Mr. and Mrs. David Lavasseur Mr. and Mrs. Mark Renfer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Benedetto Mr. and Mrs. David Fisher Dcn. and Mrs. David Lawrence Mr. Richard Richter Mr. Kevin Benson ’00 and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Fitzgerald Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Lawrence Trudy Ritter Lisabeth (Dockham) ‘01 Benson Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Flaherty Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Lelli Mr. and Mrs. Raymond C. Ritter ’72 Drs. Daniel and Lisa Benz Ms. Frances Ann Flory Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lemmer Mr. Joseph Ritter ’80 Mr. and Mrs. James Birchler Dcn. and Mrs. Daniel Foley Mr. and Mrs. Mike Leoni Mr. and Mrs. Dale Robert Mr. and Mrs. Brian Birks Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ford Mrs. Diane E. Lindwall ’52 Mr. and Mrs. Mike Roddy Mr. and Mrs. James P. Birmingham Mr. and Mrs. George Forrest Reverend Richard Lobert Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roelant Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bischoff Ms. Nancy C. Wheeler Ms. Marilyn Ludwig Mr. Peter Roeske Dr. and Mrs. David Blaha Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Frank Mr. and Mrs. Scott Madden Mr. Art and Mrs. Ann (Tramontin) ‘54 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bodalski Mrs. Lucy (Niemann) ’70 French Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Maloney Rogers Dr. and Mrs. Peter Bodary Mr. and Mrs. Carl Fulper Mr. and Mrs. James M. Maszatics Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Rollan Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Bogardus Mr. and Mrs. John Gainer Mr. John D. McCarty Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Rouhana Ms. Kathryn Bradley Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Gallagher Mr. and Mrs. Michael McClelland Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Rourke Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Breitner Mr. and Mrs. Robert Garypie Ms. Rebecca McFarlane Mr. and Mrs. Dave Rumler Ms. Barb Brown Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gawne ’81 Mr. and Mrs. David McGuire Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Rushing Mr. and Mrs. Al Bruck Mr. and Mrs. Richard Genthe Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McKeone ’83 Dr. and Mrs. Michael Sarosi Ms. Meghan Buckler Brent Gephart Ms. Joanne Larrow McMahon ’64 Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Schoenle Mr. Andrew Budd Drs. Stephen and Elisa Ghezzi Mr. Andrew McMillan Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schoenle Mr. and Mrs. Buonerba Ms. Mary Lou Gillard ’58 Mr. and Mrs. Mike McNally Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schultz Ms. Meg Burke Mr. and Mrs. Brian Gimotty Mr. Sean McNally Mr. and Mrs. George Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Tom Butman ’05 Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gragg Ms. Doris Melvin Mr. Robert Schwartz ’94 and Mrs. Ms. Paula J. Cagney Mr. and Mrs. Mark Greenwald Mr. and Mrs. Paul Messiter Michelle (Gephart) ‘93 Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Donald Canham, Jr. ’66 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gribble Mr. John Metzger Ms. Bonnie Shay Mr. Mark M. Carhart Mr. and Mrs. Richard Griffin Mr. and Mrs. David Mezger Mr. and Mrs. Noe Shelagh Ambassador and Mrs. Joseph Cella Mr. and Mrs. Todd Gross Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Miller Dr. and Mrs. Preston Shelton Mr. and Mrs. Dave Cesarini Mr. and Mrs. Tony Grover Mr. and Mrs. Tim Mitzel Mr. Paul Sherzer Mr. Michael F. Chase ’74 Dr. Cyril Grum and Ms. Cathy Strachan Mr. and Mrs. Grey Morris Mr. and Mrs. Andy Shmina Dr. and Mrs. William Chavey Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Gudejko Mr. Michael Mrozinski ’77 Mr. and Mrs. Rick Sinnott Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Chockley Ms. Theresa Guidobono Mr. William P. Mulka Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Sit Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Christopher Dcn. and Mrs. Dan Hall Mrs. Elizabeth (Austin) ’59 Murray Mr. Paul Skoglund Mr. and Mrs. Richard Clasby Mr. Rial Hamann Mr. and Mrs. James Murry Dcn. Wayne and Mrs. Carol (Ullrich) ‘75 Mr. Michael Coghlan ’83 and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hampo Mr. and Mrs. John Napiewocki Slomiany Suzanne (Rein) ‘83 Coghlan Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Hands Mr. and Mrs Allen J. Nesbitt Mrs. Wallyne Smail Mr. Ryan Conley Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hans Ms. Amy Nicholas Mr. and Mrs. Chris Smail ’87 Mr. and Mrs. Bob Conlin Mr. James Hathaway Dr. Walter Niemann Mr. and Mrs. Brian Smith Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Conlin ’01 Mr. and Mrs. Dale D. Hazard Mr. and Mrs. William Noble Dr. and Mrs. Manak Sood Mr. and Mrs. Travis Connelly Mr. and Mr. Fred Heegan Miss Eileen Noble Mr. and Mrs. James Spencer Mr. and Mrs. Brendan Cousino Dr and Mrs Joel Heidelbaugh Mr. and Mrs. Jim Norman Mr. and Mrs. David Sponseller Mr. and Mrs. Dale J. Craig Mr. John Heinrichs ’08 Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Oberdoerster Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Stowe
In producing this report, every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Please report any errors to the Office of Advancement at FGR at 734.662.0496 and accept our sincere apology.
12 FALL 2019 Donors cont’d. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sygar Mr. Joe Van Bonn Dr. and Mrs. David Williams Mr. Jack Takala and Ms. Jill McGinn Mr. and Mrs. Robert Vangieson Mr. Todd Winters Mr. and Mrs. Greg Sprys-Tellner Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Targett Mr. and Mrs. John K. Vasconi Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Winnie Mr. Gary and Mrs. Susan (Monaghan) Ms. Jean Teifer ’63 Mr. and Mrs. Paul Villa Mr. and Mrs. David Wojtanowski ‘83 Staub Mr. and Mrs. Matt Tice ’80 Mr. and Mrs. Randy Visintainer Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Wright ’82 Dr. and Mrs. Philip Stella Mr. and Mrs. William Tishkoff Dr. and Mrs. Mark Vogel Mr. and Mrs. Patrick C. Wright ’78 Mr. Chris Stemple Mr. and Mrs. David Traynor Mr. and Mrs. Ed Vuylsteke Mr. and Mrs. John M. Wright II ’77 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stevenson Mr. and Mrs. James Trouba Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wakefield Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Zakrzewski Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stier Mr. and Mrs. Steve Uram Mr. and Mrs. Darin Walsh Mrs. Catherine Zaleski Ms. Valerie S. Stone Mr. William Dawson and Mrs. Kristine Mr. and Mrs. Robert Weber Dr. and Mrs. Nathan Zauel Mr. and Mrs. Mike Swartz Valimont-Dawson Mr. and Mrs. Alan Wegienka Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ziolkowski Mr. and Mrs. Richard Swortzel Mr. Ryan and Mrs. Jaymi Valli Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Westemeier An Abundance of Volunteering The time and talent of our parents and volunteers are key to the success of Father Gabriel Richard High School. We are truly grateful to all who donate these precious commodities so generously.
Advancement Student Volunteers • Teacher Appreciation Kimberly Kennedy Lynne Zucks Booster Club President Volunteers for Lunch Karen Heinrichs Christy Nehro - Jeff Kaiser 2018-2019 Christopher Putlock ’20 • Freshman Welcome Miriam Everts Afnan Sweidan Maureen Brosnan Sophia Pucillo ’19 Night Kristi Fitzgerald Lisa Eaton Kim Covert Tami Arreguin George Spicer ’19 • Baccalaureate Angela Kalkofen Sheila Hoeft Karen DePriest Liz Arsenault Isabelle Frank ’19 Reception Christine To Veva Lashaway Lisa Eaton Teresa Babcock JP DeJak ’19 • Parent to Parent Used Lisa Plagens Raquel Clasby Sarah Falahee Cricket Bodary Jack Kanda Book Sale Claudia Hopper Sherri Turner Lisa Garypie Joan Ciarelli Grace Benz ’20 Margie Sauter Elisa Ghezzi Bob Garypie Ann DeJak Carolyn Bodary ’20 Lori Grover, President Lisa O’Hanian Amy Geoversallis Terri Dietrich Katlyn Villa ’20 Kristal Wioncek Cathy Donahue Kari Hands Cathy Donahue Juan Sancho ’19 Tammy Russo Beth-Ann Putlock Eucharistic Tabitha Hans Fran Donahue Anna Nalukwago ’19 Louise Smith Sarah LaFave Adoration Christy Hoban Lisa Filipe Rebecca Messiter ’18 Mary Perrydore Denise Polcyn Coordinators Dawn Johnson Marie Moore Patti Jaeger Veva Lashaway Dede Fuller Grace Alexandrowski ’19 Kara Chavey, Lori Grover Janice Wlodyga Jeff Lehkre Michael Fuller Kenny Lashaway ’21 Lisa Madden Tom Gawne Izzie Lashaway ’21 Theresa Lenhoff Tricia Lawrence Ramona Lelli Cheryl Gawne Anna Benz ’20 Sheryl Carvill Linda Wojtanowski Cassie McCarthy Sheila Hoeft Emma Purdy ’20 Kerri Cross Andrea Connelly Colleen McClorey Erica Labbe Moms Rosary Claudia Hopper Rob Smith ’19 Carolyn Palka Coordinator Marie Moore Barb Horvath Jack Smith ’22 Therese Redpath Julie Frank Sharon Nakpairat Patti Jaeger George White ’21 Candi Liske Kristyn Murry Kara Chavey Rose Peralta Veva Lashaway Julie Flaherty Kathy Ann Moilanen Linda Rollan Marie Lenhardt Patrice Deutchmann Sheri Tomajko Myranna Rorabacher Sally Mackinnon PTG Volunteers Julie Estey Tracy Post Dads in Prayer Michelle Rourke Katie McQueen Melissa Norko Jennifer Holody Coordinator Janna Schoenle Marie Moore Parent – Teacher Guild Susan Domen Christine O’Donohue Dave Stolarski Kitty Sinnott Lisa O’Hanian is an organization Suzanne Jurasek Karen and Paul Villa Erica Stowe Carolyn Palka which promotes Erika Heegan Kimberly Sanchez-Paul Ellen Wagner Cindy Pressprich a collaborative Tara Vandewarker Stacey Foley Athletics Wendy Winnie Antoinette Pucillo relationship between Joan Ciarelli Cricket Bodary Volunteers Pam Zauel Phil Pucillo the home and school Donita Hammerstein Cleo Ssemakula Lynne Zucks Theresa Redpath and works to support David Decker Susanne Yocum Thank you to the Sharon Ragland-Keys the academic, spiritual, Lisa DeFelice Celeste Greenwald many, many parents Our volunteers help our Sandra Richter physical, and creative Jeanne White Deb Hamann who dedicate their students thrive! Michelle Rourke development of each Sofia Forrest Susan Perrier time to supporting Jana Schoenle student with special Theresa Guidobono Bridget Martinez each athletic team Mickey Swortzel events such as: Claire Mueller Carolina Fulper behind the scenes AimeeTaylor-Uram • Fall Open House Christy Hoban Stephen Therrien with meals, banquets Janice Trouba • Curriculum Nights Barbara Ferris Theresa Canzano and numerous other Jim Trouba • Bishop’s Mass Kara Chavey Mickey Swortzel tasks. Jeanne White Reception Linda Schneider Jennifer Sprys-Tellner Janice Wlodyga • Lenten Lunches Kelly Coyle Jaymi Valli 13 A Winning Partnership
In the late summer of 2018, Father Gabriel Richard High commitment. Art Rogers received the FGR Heart of Service School was privileged to participate in the Stern Nonprofit Award in 2005 and both Art and Ann were inducted into the Endowment Challenge presented by the Ann Arbor Area FGR Hall of Fame in 2007. Community Foundation. This rare and remarkable opportunity 2. The “Father Gabriel Richard Endowment Fund” – This fund was made possible through the generosity of the late Helmut was established in 2009 by Jo and Earl Taylor to support the Stern, an Ann Arbor business luminary and giant of philanthropy ongoing work of FGR. who passed away in 2017 at the age of 97. Under the Stern The response of the FGR community to this Challenge Challenge, matching funds were made available for new gifts to was outstanding and new endowment contributions totaling existing funds at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. $100,000 were made. This generous response received the Father Gabriel Richard High School is fortunate to have two maximum match available from the Stern Challenge, $50,000. endowment funds at the AAACF: Both the Ann & Art Rogers Fund and the Father Gabriel Richard 1. The “Ann & Art Rogers Gabriel Richard High School Endowment Fund remain open for new contributions. Links to Scholarship Fund” - Established in 1998 by five siblings in honor them can be easily found on the Ann Arbor Area Community of their parents’ contributions to FGR. Ann and Art Rogers are Foundation website, aaacf.org. heroes of the FGR community for their decades of service and
14 FALL 2019 Ways to Support FGR
“For the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Our beloved school would not be able to survive were it not for the generosity of our donors and benefactors. Father Gabriel Richard High School (FGR) stands ready to work with you to identify the most beneficial means by which your gift can benefit the students of our school. In addition to giving a general donation to the school, you may choose to restrict your gift to a particular project, a special fund, or to honor a particular person.
No gift is too small! Every gift helps support our students and faculty and makes a truly great Catholic education possible for students and families in Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan. Gifts to FGR are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable by law (Federal Tax ID# 38-2169071).
We encourage you to consider the following options in making a gift to FGR:
• A Gift of Cash • Company Matching Gifts • Gifts of Securities/Common Stock • Memorials or Tributes • A Gift of Real Estate • Planned Giving
For more information on any of the preceding gift options, please contact Michael McClelland in the Advancement Office at 734.662.0496 Ext. 271 or [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your kindness and may the Lord reward you for your generosity!
15 Familiaris Consortio 2019: FGR Stares Down the Sex Abuse Crisis
In March 2019, FGR presented Al Kresta, FGR Parent and Chairman its second annual Familiaris Consortio and CEO of Ave Maria Radio. Tough Lecture. Co-sponsored by Ave Maria questions were asked and candid answers Radio, Emmaus Health, the Notre Dame were given. Club of Ann Arbor, and the Law Offices Rounding out the conference were of Jason Negri, this half-day conference three other talks: Sr. Elizabeth Ann included accomplished scholars and offered thoughts on what an ordinary individuals engaging the Ann Arbor Catholic’s response should be in “What community in conversation on issues is the Proper Response to The Abuse of importance to the family and greater been a tremendous resource for those Crisis.” FGR President John M. DeJak community. grappling with this issue. Her talk, “The focused on the spiritual aspects of the This year’s conference was entitled Sex Abuse Crisis as an Opportunity for crisis in “The Hidden Place Where Angels “Phoenix from the Ashes: The Sex Abuse Evangelization,” was not only a sobering Weep.” Finally, FGR Board Member and Crisis and the Future of the Catholic account of the past failure of the Church’s University of Michigan Professor Dr. Church.” The keynote speaker was hierarchy, but also a hopeful prescription Rusty Chavey provided a hopeful response internationally known scholar Professor for a renewal of the Church by a doubling and call to arms for the laity entitled Janet Smith, Emerita Edmund Cardinal down on fidelity to the Gospel. The “Reclamation!” Szoka Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart keynote address was followed up by a We encourage our readers to learn Seminary in Detroit. Dr. Smith’s work candid panel discussion featuring Dr. more and view a video of our students on analyzing the sexual abuse crisis in Smith, FGR Chair of Theology, Sr. and their reaction to the crisis at fgrhs.org/ the Catholic Church is nothing less than Elizabeth Ann O’Reilly, O.P., Fr. Chas resources. dispassionate and profound and she has Canoy of the Diocese of Lansing, and
16 FALL 2019 Remembering Bob Redies
graduates of St. Thomas High School, the High School in 1951, he served in the forerunner of FGR. Their contributions Army before joining his dad at R&B and those of the Edward F. Redies Machine. Bob and Betty Brown (Class Foundation, played some of the leading of 1950) were married in August of 1955 roles in building the present home of FGR and went on to have four sons and a on Whitehall Drive. We owe them a great daughter. When Ed died in 1974, Bob debt of gratitude! succeeded his father as President and Bob Redies was the scion of an Chairman of the Board at R&B. He enterprising Ann Arbor family. His father, remained in those roles until the company Edward, launched R&B Machine Tool was sold to Unova Corp. in 1998. At its Company in Saline, Michigan in 1942 height, R & B employed over 300 local to help meet the industrial production employees. demands of World War II. Edward’s In 1982, Bob established the colleague in the venture, Joseph Buhr, was Edward F. Redies Foundation in honor from a prominent manufacturing family of his father. Father Gabriel Richard that left its own mark of philanthropy High School is one of many, many in places like the University of Michigan organizations in and around Washtenaw and Ann Arbor’s Buhr Park. Edward County, and especially the City of Saline, As the 1990’s drew to a close, earned a reputation as a highly successful which benefited from its outstanding Father Gabriel Richard High School and magnanimous business leader. R&B philanthropy. The Saline Recreation enrollment was climbing toward 300 employed hundreds of people through Center came into being through a $1 and its home at St. Thomas the Apostle the ensuing decades and, as former Saline million lead gift from the foundation. Parish was bursting at the seams. The City Administrator James Levleit noted In addition, the foundation’s close school community had a dream of about Edward, “That guy kept everybody partnership with EHM Senior Solutions spacious, state-of-the-art facilities with working even in down times.” helped to fund that organization’s ample parking, easier regional access, and Edward Redies married Leta Fenner Memory Support Center, the Redies plenty of room to grow. As is usually and they made their home together in Center for Rehabilitation and Healthy the case, the realization of that dream Ann Arbor at 735 Fountain Street in the Living, and the Redies Outpatient would take a team of generous visionaries Water Hill neighborhood, just over a mile Therapy Center. with the ability to get things done. FGR west of St. Thomas Church and School. Bob Redies passed away on Monday, was blessed to have a number of such They had four children, Douglas (’50), May 6, 2019 at the age of 86. His wife, leaders in its alumni family. Among Bob (’51), Shirley (’53), and Donald. Betty, had preceded him into eternal life them were Robert (Bob) Redies and his After Bob graduated from St. Thomas on August 30, 2010. wife Elizabeth (“Betty” Brown), both
All are invited to join us for the annual Alumni Mass and dinner on Friday, November 29, 2019 at 6:00 pm in the chapel at FGR. Please check the St. Thomas/FGR Alumni Facebook Page for details.
17 NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Fr. Gabriel Richard High School ANN ARBOR, MI 4333 Whitehall Drive PERMIT NO. 376 Ann Arbor, MI 48105 734.662.0496 www.fgrhs.org
October 2019 Reconnect Would you like to hold a reunion at the school? Contact Amy Nicholas in the Upcoming Events: March 7, 2020 Advancement Office at advancement@ Familiaris Consortio Lecture at the fgrhs.org or 734-662-0496. November 9, 2019, 5:30 pm Michigan League 36th Annual Dinner Auction – “An We would love to hear from you! Visit Evening in Rome” at Marriott Eagle March 19 – 22, 2020 fgrhs.org/reconnect to share your current Crest Ypsilanti FGRHS Spring Musical West Side contact information and news to be Story at Whitmore Lake High School included in the Class Notes section November 29, 2019, 6:00 pm Auditorium of Legacies magazine and on the St. Alumni Mass and Dinner at FGR Thomas/FGR Alumni Facebook page. May 6, 2020, 7:00 pm December 11, 2019, 7:00 pm Spring Concert Christmas Concert and Winter Art FGR Mission Showcase at FGR May 21, 2020 Commencement at Hill Auditorium Father Gabriel Richard High School, a December 19 – 21, 2019, 7:30 pm Catholic school community, exists to FGRHS Drama Club presents an June 3, 2020, 7:00 pm build up the Body of Christ through original Christmas Play at FGR Madrilums Concert at FGR the intellectual and spiritual formation of its students. Rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, FGR cultivates in each student a sense of awe in response Class Notes to the beauty of truth. Strengthened 1991 2010 by the Sacraments, students are Christopher Pomey Melissa Shelcusky equipped to live at the service of Christopher is employed by Mortenson Melissa married Anthony Castro in October others through academic excellence, Construction Co. in management in their 2019. Sports division. He is married with four intentional discipleship, creativity and children and lives in Medina, Minnesota. sportsmanship.