30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302

ALUMNEWS OF XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL MARCH 2010

16th Street Spotlight Alumni Hockey Game March 27, 2010 Alumnews Calendar D.C. Club Event Graduates in the Performing Arts March 30, 2010 Scholarship Reception April 13, 2010 Boston Alumni Reception April 15, 2010 XBC Spring Event April 21, 2010 Class-chair Cocktails April 27, 2010 Reunion Weekend Classes ending in 0 & 5! April 30 - May 1, 2010 Golf Outing May 18, 2010 Xavier grads in the performing arts (top to bottom), Tom DeGrezia ’00, In this Issue Jayce Bartok ’90, Steven Strait ’04 with mother, Jean, Ray Lustig ’90 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE and Vlad Wolynetz ’88.

Dear Sons and Friends of Xavier: 8 Turkey Bowl Victory Says it All! Mass of the Holy Spirit Tom O’Hara ’69 is at it again! We pulled the famous Xavier sports Sharing 3 Greetings from 16th Street where Xavier continues to be abuzz with activity. The St. Patrick’s aficionado away from his computer long enough for him to share Day Parade, the Military Ball, the start of the rugby season (and the limps, gashes and bruises a few pages on the exciting 2009 football season, capped off with the Xavier that accompany that start), mass and dinner commissioning our Holy Week CFX service trip a thrilling overtime Turkey Bowl victory against rival Fordham Prep! to Alabama, Lenten penance services and the sacrament of reconciliation, the winter sports Story banquet and tonight’s band concert all provide reminders of the talents and gifts of our 21 Coming of Age on the Silver Screen community and the many ways our students and faculty share these gifts with great gen- Steven Strait ’04 has had an exciting entrance into show business! erosity. St Irenaeus, the 2nd century bishop of Lyons, wrote “the glory of God is man fully The star of 10,000 B.C. (2008) can be seen in the newly released alive.” Xavier is blessed with over 1000 men and women—students, faculty and staff—fully film City Island (2009), and Steven recently told Alumnews that alive and engaged in this world. They live lives that indeed give glory to God. The same is he continues to bring with him the lessons he learned at Xavier. true of our alumni. We are happy to once again share their stories. You are reading on your computer the first electronic edition of Xavier’s Alumnews, the 24 Film…the Evolution! newest part of Xavier’s outreach to our alumni, parents and friends. Through the years our Vlad Wolynetz ’88, head of production at AMC, joins Mr. Vincent communication with the Xavier community has grown and evolved in a number of ways to Vargas, longtime Xavier faculty member, in a discussion on the meet emerging needs and take advantage of new technologies. From the letters of Fr. Joe history of film studies at Xavier. New changes to curriculum Latella, S.J. through newsletters and magazines and most recently via the weekly E-news, brought film study back into the classroom! Xavier continues to tell her story. The decision was made last spring to move from three print editions of Alumnews to two print and one electronic edition. The decision was motivated by a variety of concerns. Publishing Alumnews electronically saves paper and substantially reduces our costs. Each print edition from design through production and mailing is a $20,000 DEPARTMENTS expense. In addition to the cost savings, the electronic Alumnews allows for the development and presentation of stories in a variety of formats including the use of audio and video. We 1 President’s Message 15 New Faces at Xavier are excited about the possibilities. 2 From the 30 Class Notes 13 In the future, we anticipate publishing two print and one electronic edition each year, JROTC Fall Awards Ceremony Advancement Office 34 Mileposts in addition to the annual report. The electronic Alumnews nicely compliments the Xavier 3 News from the Quad E-news which is published each week classes are in session and periodically in the summer. Turkey Bowl Champions! The E-news is sent to all alumni, parents and friends, usually on Fridays. We are happy to have the opportunity to share that story with you in new and exciting ways. We welcome your feedback on this issue, our publication plans and all our communication with you. March 2010 Vol. 13 No. 1 Barbara Ciulla Advancement Office Manager Feedback can be address to Mr. Michael Benigno ’00, our director of communications, at XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL [email protected] or 212-924-7900 x.1435. Please feel free as well to contact me at Norma Piecyk [email protected] or 212-337-7538 about our publications or any other Xavier issue. John R. Raslowsky Administrative Assistant As I write, our Lenten journey is drawing to a close. Palm Sunday is near and will be President to the President and to the VP for Advancement followed by the Easter Triduum. It is a week commemorating the great mysteries of our faith Michael LiVigni leading to the joy of the resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is a week when we are reminded Headmaster Contributing Writers of Jesus’s humanity in His triumph on Palm Sunday, His meal with friends on Holy Thursday Tom O’Hara ‘69 Office of Advancement Mark A. Mongelluzzo, Esq. and His loneliness, betrayal, suffering and desperation on Good Friday. While we may at times and Alumni Relations Shane Lavin ’03 be challenged connecting to God, this week powerfully reminds us that God came to us— Joseph F. Gorski incarnate in our world—to connect to us: to know loneliness, to suffer and to confront sin. Vice President for Advancement Photography Loneliness, suffering and sin are experiences we all share. They are experiences the Church Michael L. Benigno ’00 and Alumni Relations 15 now bears in all her humanity. Mark A. Mongelluzzo, Esq. Alumnews, the Xavier High School Yet the suffering and even the death are not the end of the story. Resurrection dawns, Director of Annual and Planned Giving magazine, is published three times joy is real and Alleluia is heard once again. As it is true for Christ, so it is for us. This is the a year by Xavier High School. The CFX Acoustic Coffeehouse Michael L. Benigno ’00 greatest of stories we share at Xavier. Be assured of my prayers for you, your families, the Society of Jesus and the Church during Managing Editor of Alumnews Correspondence and address Director of Communications changes should be mailed to: these holy days. Please remember all of us at Xavier in yours. Shane Lavin ’03 Alumnews Director of Alumni Relations Managing Editor God’s blessings, Xavier High School Helene Strong 30 West 16th Street Parents’ Association Coordinator New York, NY 10011-6302 Or by email to [email protected] John R. Raslowsky President

30 MARCH 2010 — ALUMNEWS 1 The Mass of the Holy Spirit, September 11, 2009.

From the Advancement Office Xavier Takes On New Media!

As I write this column, it is the last could visit our website, read about hap- week in January and I am at 38,000 feet, penings at Xavier, learn about, register on my way to Arizona and Southern and pay for events on line, donate online California for three alumni receptions. as well as have extended discussion with When you read it, it will be March and other alumni. We have had some success spring will just be getting its start in in the past, but we are now dedicating New York. ourselves to improving our presence The theme of this spring Alumnews online and in other social media such is focused on the Performing Arts and as Facebook and perhaps even Twitter. several of our alumni who work in the To that end, we have restructured the field of acting, film production and screen- Advancement office to take advantage play writing. Hopefully you will find their of these technological advances. Mike JOE GORSKI stories compelling and the information Benigno ’00, who has been responsible Vice President about the latest comings and goings for the Alumnews since the summer of for Advancement at the school, as well as milestones and 2005, has been relieved of his alumni NewsNews fromfrom thethe changes in the lives of our graduates, relations responsibilities and, as director interesting and worthwhile. Perhaps, of communications, is now dedicated to however, a more important aspect of this improving Xavier’s presence in all media, issue demonstrates how the Advancement electronic and print. In his new position, IN BRIEF: Quad Office at Xavier continues its journey toward he will be responsible for press releases, greater technological productivity and the editing, design and publication of Xavier welcomed its 33rd toward a greener and more paperless Alumnews, as well as the Annual Report president, Mr. John Raslowsky! operation. Although our previous issues and our weekly E-newsletter which has Welcoming Xavier’s 33rd President of this magazine are available on line, this been redesigned over the last four months. Class chair program is On a day steeped in Xavier tradition, Mr. John revamped! Help us out! is the first issue to be designed, published All of this activity is to better communicate Raslowsky, the 33rd president of Xavier High School, and distributed as electronic media only. with each of our constituents, alumni, The XBC highlights Xavier’s was installed with a grand ceremony that took place For the past decade, we have attempted parents and friends and to save paper Service to the Nation… on the occasion of the Mass of the Holy Spirit, cele- to upgrade our publications, increasing and reduce expenses. brated on September 11, 2009. the breadth and depth of their content, To ensure our success in these efforts The Francis X. Leahy ’41 Alumni Service Award will recognize V. Rev. David Ciancimino, S.J. ’77, provincial of as well as the number of pages in each however, we need your help. We cannot outstanding alumni… the New York Province of the Society of Jesus, issue, and we have gone from a magazine provide proper communication between presided over the Mass along with a special extend- primarily black and white to a full-color, Xavier and you without your email address. JROTC Fall Awards recognize ed delegation of Jesuits from the New York Province, the achievements of cadets… glossy magazine. We have generally We are currently working hard to obtain and Mr. Raslowsky was presented with the College of published and mailed three issues a year email addresses for all our graduates, A Xavier freshman St. Francis Xavier Presidential Chain of Office, a gift of (plus an annual report), but as you are graduate parents and current parents and reflects on his first Maroon the Class of 2009. The chain, engraved with the well-aware, the costs of paper, designing, friends. Our database has a total of 15,000 and Blue Day… names of each prior Xavier president, is symbolic of publishing and mailing have been on the constituents from the above groups, but Justice Antonin Scalia ’53, the continuous line of fine leaders that have guided rise. At the same time, technological right now we only have about 6,000 active V. Rev. David Ciancimino, S.J. ’77 Philip Lacovara, Esq. ’60 Xavier since its first president, Fr. John Larkin, S.J., with Mr. Raslowsky advances in electronic media have given email addresses. I urge you to visit our on and Dave Anderson ’47 held office beginning in 1847. organizations (both for-profit and non- line community at www.xavierhsalumni.org speak at two New York As chair of Xavier’s board of trustees, Historical Society events… profit) the challenge and opportunity and register your email address and your Richard Nolan, Jr., Esq. ’83 publicly acknowledged to stay in contact with its constituents other contact information. Xavier Italian students Mr. Raslowsky’s presidency and bestowed up on him in a less expensive way. It is a new century and a new decade. are set to travel abroad… the authority and responsibility of office, granted by Xavier has made some forays into Enjoy this issue of our magazine and let’s the board. the use of electronic media. We began work together to improve communication Thanksgiving food drive shatters records! Mr. Nolan spoke highly of Mr. Raslowsky’s by introducing an online community in between us through embracing the tech- qualifications before the congregation, and in the fall of 2002. We wanted our communi- nology available to us. Thank you for your Beefsteak, Glover Fundraiser… a previous letter to alumni and supporters, wrote, cation to be more interactive and the cooperation and all that each of you do in and more! “We firmly believe that Jack is the leader Xavier information in our online alumni directory support of Xavier. needs to achieve even higher levels of performance to be more up to date. As a result, people and success as it seeks to prepare the young men of today and tomorrow for service to our country, Mr. Raslowsky with his family, (l.-r.) Sarah, our city, and our Catholic faith.” Rebecca, Rachel, Christian, and John

2 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 — ALUMNEWS 3 News from the Quad News from the Quad

Welcoming Xavier’s XBC focuses on 33rd President continued from pg. 3 Service to the Nation The Xavier Business Council held its fall networking and educational Fr. Ciancimino said, “Mr. Raslowsky’s event on Oct. 15th, focusing on Xavier’s Service to the Nation as four assuming the presidency at Xavier distinguished Xavier alumni who served the country in the armed brings us to a new and exciting time forces spoke before a gathered crowd in the Meditz Family Library/ in Xavier’s history, a time marked by Learning Center. both continuity with Xavier’s rich tradi- Lt. Col. Roy Campbell, Xavier’s senior army instructor, moderated tion and at the same time one marked the event, which featured Rear Admiral Thomas Steffens US Navy by exciting new opportunities. Jack (Ret.) ’65, Col. Ray Lustig USAF (Ret.) ’64, Major Ed McGoldrick US brings to his role as Xavier’s president Army Reserve ’91, and Major Vance Kuhner US Army Reserve ’90. a profound experience of Jesuit schools Together, in addition to stories about their Xavier experiences and and Ignatian leadership, based on his deployments, the graduates spoke about modern developments in years of involvement in the schools warfare, particularly in relation to extended media coverage in the age of the New York Province as a student, of the 24-hour news cycle. faculty member, and administrator.” The next XBC event will feature graduates in journalism, Fr. Ciancimino went on to express Mr. Raslowsky addressing the Xavier community following his installation as president including Mike Sheehan ’66 and Michael Gargiulo ’77, XBC panel, October 15, 2009 his gratitude for the laypeople that serve and is set for April 21st Questions? Email [email protected]. the Jesuit mission, and commented that lished, 25-year record of involvement Side. The beautiful cathedral proved an their presence is mutually beneficial: their in Jesuit education, having previously excellent host for the Xavier congregation, openness to Ignatian spirituality and served as a teacher, coach, and principal and many invited guests returned the Jesuit mission allows that mission at St. Peter’s Prep, and also as assistant to Xavier afterward for a lunch that a much wider scope than it would have for secondary and pre-secondary edu- welcomed Mr. Raslowsky. Alumni Service Award otherwise had, while the Society and cation, and assistant for lay faith forma- Attendees also included past and the lives of individual Jesuits have been tion, both in the New York Province. present board members, Mr. Raslowsky’s will Honor a Dedicated Alumnus broadened and enriched by their duties. Because of major renovation work wife, Sarah, and their four children, On Thursday evening October 8, 2009, made well over 6,000 phone calls over Prior to his presidency, Mr. Raslowsky taking place in the Church of St. Francis John, Christian, Rebecca, and Rachel. at the President’s Council dinner at the the course of this time: his melodious, served as superintendent of schools, in Xavier, the Mass was held at St. Paul the Union League Club, Xavier announced friendly voice beckoning all to come Hoboken, New Jersey. He has an estab- Apostle Church on Manhattan’s West the establishment of the Francis X. through for the Maroon and Blue. His Leahy ’41 Alumni Service Award to efforts have paid off—fiscal 2007, 2008 honor one of its most dedicated Sons. and 2009 were the three most successful The announcement was met with years for the Annual Fund. Support in all forms By Shane Lavin ’03 enthusiastic applause and gratitude Frank grew up in the Yorkville section Class Chair Program is Revamped to Mr. Frank Leahy ’41. The award will of Manhattan, where he was a parishioner be presented every year at the annual of St. Ignatius Loyola parish. He entered In an effort to increase communica- Over the past few months we have Reunion Gala to a Xavier alumnus Xavier in the fall of 1937 and remains tion between alumni and the school, the been evaluating the effectiveness of celebrating a reunion year, whose grateful for the Jesuit education he Mr. Raslowsky and Rich Nolan, Jr, Esq. ’83 advancement team has been working the position as it exists today and have voluntary service to Xavier epitomizes received here. As Frank has noted on with Mr. Leahy at the President’s Council dinner to revamp and reenergize the Class Chair begun to take the necessary steps to the dedication and enthusiasm more than one occasion, “The Jesuits were program. With renewed commitment make it more of a constructive source of Mr. Leahy. tough, but they cared a lot about us.” to the effort, we hope to enable our Class of frequent dialogue between alumni Frank Leahy’s dedication the past After graduating with the June class At the dinner, Frank accepted this Chairmen to coordinate a two-way flow and Xavier. We have been reaching few years to Xavier’s fundraising efforts of 1941, Frank worked for a short time honor with his usual grace and charm of information between alumni and the out to identify new Chairmen for those has been truly extraordinary. Not only before entering the United States Army and expressed gratitude for being school. It is our hope that Class Chairmen classes in need of one or more, and does Frank attend all 11 evenings of in early 1943. After the war, he was able recognized. He spoke briefly about will not only serve as messengers of the are enthusiastic as we look forward the alumni Phonathon in February and to take advantage of the G.I. Bill, receiving his time as a student on 16th Street school but that they also invite and to a better and more efficient effort in March each year, but, since fiscal 2007, a business degree from Fordham in 1951; and what Xavier has always meant encourage their classmates to share the coming year. We have already found he has also voluntarily dedicated an then followed a long, successful career to him. Indeed, for all of Frank’s hard news, attend events and keep connected new Chairmen for several classes but we additional two to three full-time weeks in textiles. Of course, as a true “Man work and diligence, this was a well- with one another and with the whole will continue our pursuit until we have in the Advancement Office in the spring, for Others” Frank has contributed to deserved honor. calling members of the Xavier family the Annual Fund every year since its Xavier community. found Chairmen for all of our classes! Stay tuned for the announcement to encourage them to contribute to inception in fiscal 1983 and, in the of the inaugural recipient(s) of the the Annual Fund or to remind them to past three years, as a member of the If you’re interested in becoming a Class Chair please contact Shane Lavin ’03 Francis X. Leahy ’41 Alumni Service Award in the next issue of Alumnews. at [email protected]. fulfill an outstanding pledge. Frank has President’s Council.

4 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 5 News from the Quad News from the Quad Fall Awards Highlight the Regiment’s Best Maroon and Blue Day The annual fall awards ceremony for have been here at Xavier, you have the Xavier JROTC regiment took place on trumped all expectations. The motivation The highlight of the school year! December 6th, recognizing cadets that and initiative shown by the Class of 2013 were receiving promotions and honor- reassures me that the future of the ing those who achieved outstanding Regiment is bright.” Freshman Malik Horton ’13 reflects Mr. Ben Suro with leadership and academic distinctions. Cdt. Col. Taub went on to encourage on the excitement of Maroon and Blue Day. Mrs. Margaret Gonzalez The entire regiment, as well as family young cadets to get involved in life On Friday September 25, 2009, Xavier students members and guests, gathered in the at Xavier to the fullest extent possible, came prepared for the highlight of the year: Maroon Xavier gymnasium, hearing remarks from whether as part of any of the regimental and Blue Day. Students from the junior and freshman both Mr. Michael LiVigni, headmaster, sub-groups or in other facets of the classes represented the blue team and squared off and Mr. John Raslowsky, president, Xavier experience. against the seniors and sophomores, who proudly before being addressed by Lt. Col. Roy Lt. Col. Campbell recalled a number represented maroon. Despite maroon’s first victory ever Campbell, senior army instructor, of different images from the past few (I was on the blue team!), it was quite an enjoyable day and Cdt. Col. Kevin Taub ’09 months that summed up some of the for all who participated. The Xavier Regiment is enjoying its best accomplishments of regimental From early in the morning, each side was quite highest enrollment since the military participants, spanning the range of years determined to capture glory. From the loudness Mr. Raslowsky program went optional in 1972, due from freshman to senior. getting dunked competitions, to rooting their teams on in tug-of-war, largely to a revitalized freshman orien- “The Regiment is growing disciplined in the dunk-tank! the teams showed their Xavier pride throughout the tation program that allows all new cadets leaders of character who take their day. The maroon team was determined to go home to experience a wider breadth of military virtues garnered from JROTC and infuse with their first victory in three years, and life at Xavier. Speaking to the freshmen sports, clubs, and Campus Ministry with despite their victory in the end, the highlight cadets gathered, Cdt. Col. Taub said, these values,” Lt. Col. Campbell said. of the day came at the end of the festivities, “You are what makes this ceremony “Cadets are clearly not one-dimensional when junior Adam Salazar absolutely stole the very special. If the officers are the brains, students. We could tell a story about show with his amazing rendition of Journey’s the non-commissioned officers are the leadership growth for every cadet in “Don’t Stop Believin’” in the karaoke contest. muscle; you are the backbone of the the Regiment, their courage, shared He performed well enough to cause the Regiment. In the few short months you sacrifice, and selflessness.” Cadets being promoted to CDT/PVT or CDT/PFC judges to stand up and wave their hands behind him as he continued to sing, hitting every note with perfect pitch. Overall, as an incoming freshman, I had heard a great deal about Maroon and Blue Day, Xavier’s academic and extracurricular and true to my expectations, it was an incredibly THE 2010 ANNUAL FUND ambitions surpass the resources provided exciting event. I think I can speak for all of Xavier through tuition revenue and endowment when I say that this will definitely be one of the income. Currently, a gap of $2,500 per highlights of the 2009-2010 school year. A Michael Jackson tribute student exists between tuition and fees during the Xavier-Idol contest charged and the actual cost of education. The success of the Annual Fund allows Xavier to fill this gap and to continue its tradition of excellence by offering our students endless possibilities. Over 2,400 people have generously donated $1,325,000 in cash and pledges to the 2010 Xavier Annual Fund—the goal is $1,950,000. Every gift counts and makes a difference in the lives of our current students.

If you have not already done so, contribute to the Annual Fund today by visiting www.xavierhsalumni.org/annualfund. Or, call the Advancement office at (212) 924-7900, ext. 1581.

6 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 7 News from the Quad News from the Quad

Captain Pat Coleman leads the way against Hayes

Men Chris Mattina faces a tough Xaverian Defense Jonny Clark fights for yards against Cardinal Hayes

him seemed daunting. His 2008 Knights four games, including all three losses. wilderness. The Knights returned to 16th had finished 8-3 and won the regular- Coach Stevens and his staff would Street late on a Friday afternoon, and For All season Catholic High School Football have to build a new team for 2009 and by early Saturday morning they were Seasons League AA-Division title but had dropped they were going to have to do it quickly, back on the road to Westchester, where By Tom O’Hara ’69 their last two games: a 42-38 thriller to because the Knights’ first four games they scrimmaged three high schools, [email protected] AAA-Division Holy Trinity in the playoff were against the four toughest teams one after the other. If you can keep your head when all about you semi-finals and a televised 41-28 loss on their schedule. Sunday was a day of rest—the Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; to AAA-Division Fordham Prep at Perhaps it was divine intervention. only one of the entire pre-season. On If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, Coffey Field on Thanksgiving Day. Maybe the Almighty is a Xavier fan. God Monday—Labor Day—Coach Stevens But make allowance for their doubting too…. hen head coach Chris Famous Seamus Kelly ’09, the knows, the Single Wing is nearly as old summoned his players and coaches Stevens ’83 addressed greatest running back in the 127-year as Creation itself. In what could only back to work. Four days later, on If you can meet with triumph and disaster his Xavier Football family history of Xavier Football and the heart be called a case of deus ex Wayback September 11th, The Team Formerly And treat those two imposters just the same…. W at their annual awards breakfast this of Coach Stevens’s record-shattering Machina, one piece of the puzzle fell Known as the Kaydets… and then the Or watch the things you gave your life to broken January, he told the players and their single-wing blitzkrieg, was bound for unexpectedly into place when Queens Bruins… opened their 2009 campaign And stoop and build ‘em up with worn out tools; parents about a trip he and his longtime Berkeley and 24-time national collegiate rival Christ the King decided to cut costs before the home crowd at Aviator Field. line coach Brian McMahon made to rugby champion University of California. by laying off junior faculty, including its Despite all their hard work, the season If you can make one heap of all your winnings Chicago three years ago to learn the Departing 16th Street with The Famous well-regarded head football coach. Word did not start well for the 16th Street Kids. And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, secrets of high school coach Mike Rude, One were nearly all of the battle-hard- reached Coach Stevens and by the end Chris Stevens could have gone outside And lose, and start again at your beginnings nationally-recognized wizard of the ened linemen who had convoyed him of June, Coach Kevin Kelly had found a the CHSFL and scheduled St. Patsy of And never breath a word about your loss; venerable Single Wing. through opposing defenses like so new home on 16th Street. the Tomato Cans for the sure opening During one break from their lessons, many panzers. With one move, Chris had secured night win, as many of his fellow coaches If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew said Coach Stevens, the three discussed On defense, the Knights had just one of the CHSFL’s best defensive minds. chose to do. He decided instead that his To serve your turn long after they are gone, their chosen profession. “Coach Rude three starters returning from a unit that Xavier’s own longtime defensive sage young team would have their baptism And so hold on when there’s nothing in you made the point that some years you had given up an average of 26 points Bill Pazske was hobbled with severely of fire sooner rather than later and Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”; may go 10-1, and other years you may and 311 yards per game—295 points arthritic knees and Coach Kelly’s arrival scheduled Xaverian, an AAA-Division go 3-8, but what people don’t realize is and 3,423 yards total—and which ranked would allow him to assume a more playoff semi-finalist in 2008. The New ….If you can fill the unforgiving minute that sometimes you do the best coach- 16th in the 21-team Catholic High School sedentary role—sort of a football York Post, taking note of their size With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run— ing you’ve ever done in those 3-8 years Football League. Opposing coaches could Don Zimmer to Chris Stevens’ Joe Torre. and speed and their multiple offensive Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, and end up winning three games that not stop the Amazing Fantastic Gridiron When the team reconvened in mid- weapons, including two consensus And—which is more—you’ll be a Man my son! you probably should not have won.” Wayback Machine in 2008, but they August, there was a hard week of daily Division I college prospects, ranked the When Coach Stevens gathered his could outscore it. Xavier’s D-Men— five-hour practices on the hot, dusty Clippers No. 7 in its preseason poll of —IF, by Rudyard Kipling troops at their pre-season mini-camp aggressive, hard-hitting but inconsis- plains of Red Hook, followed by a week- all New York City high schools. The five in Red Hook last June, the task facing tent—had allowed 40-plus points in long training camp in the Pennsylvania sportswriters handicapping the game for

8 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 9 News from the Quad News from the Quad

Coach Kevin Kelly rallying the troops The Knights in wild celebration at the Turkey Bowl! Captain John Gearity wins Turkey Bowl MVP honors “Perhaps it was divine intervention. Maybe the Almighty is a Xavier fan. God knows, the Single Wing is nearly as old as Creation itself. ”

The Post and The New York Daily News defeats at the hands of Holy Trinity and designed to make full use of the and players must, in their darkest in 2007. Coach Kelly’s defense quietly feet from the opening kickoff to the were unanimous: Xaverian would triumph. Fordham Prep in 2008, the Knights were Division I college prospects on their moments, have secretly asked themselves. became the best in the entire CHSFL. final whistle. The final score was 28-6 Xaverian but mired in their longest winless streak roster, and a large and quick defense As fans and alumni well know, the And Coach McMahon rebuilt the offen- Tallying up the victories from this it was even worse than that. Captain since losing five games at the end of to whom the Single Wing was not the 127-year history of Xavier Football has sive and defensive lines. Over the next year’s season, having now won seven and two-time Xavier Athlete of the Year the 2005 season and the start of the enigma it had been the previous year. not been a chronicle of unbroken success. four weeks, Xavier outscored St. Peter’s games three seasons in a row brought Sean Carley ’10 had gone down with 2006 campaign. To ensure maximum fan support, Far from it. And if these Knights were (Staten Island), Bishop Ford, Cardinal about a milestone for Coach Stevens and a knee injury early in the second half. Their backs to the wall, the 16th Hayes made this game their Homecoming, going to unravel under the unrelenting Spellman and Christ the King 150-25 company—this is the winningest three He had been able to hobble off the field Street Kids rallied to shut out St. John and the Cardinal supporters turned out grind of daily commutes, demanding to finish 5-3 (5-2 within the division) years in Xavier football history, with under his own steam, so his coaches and the Baptist 26-0 in week three. The in force. Xavier stumbled out of the gate, academics and late practices on distant and reach the AA-Division playoffs a record of 25-8. Also, Xavier has won teammates were stunned when they victory—Xavier’s first regular-season recovered and battled back, but the Brooklyn fields punctuated by defeat for a second straight year. seven-plus games only seven times in learned that the three-sport athlete win over its longtime nemesis in years— lethal Cardinal offense, which seemed each weekend, now was the time. After losing 21-14 in the playoff 127 years. We’ve now done that three (football, basketball and rugby) was was especially satisfying because it came able to score at anytime from anywhere Well, they didn’t unravel. The 16th quarter-finals to traditional AAA-Division years in a row! finished for the season. Sean, who had at Cougar Field in West Islip, Long Island, on the field, was too much for the Street Kids had been blooded but not power Mount St. Michael, a game that Regretfully, there is not enough played a key role in the Knights’ 2008 before a raucous Baptist crowd egged Knights. Hayes 26, Xavier 13. broken. The experience they gained from was televised on MSG Varsity network, space here to record all the memorable championship run at tight end, was also on by the most obnoxious P.A. announcer With half the regular season gone, their defeats was hard earned, but it was the Knights bounced back to defeat moments and players from the 2009 anchoring one end of the defensive the Knights had heard since their epic the Knights were struggling at 1-3 experience nonetheless, and as the AA-A Division champion Stepinac in the season. You are heartily encouraged to line. Xavier’s few veteran linemen had playoff victory against AAA-Division and the Xavier Gridironmen and their philosopher said, that which does not kill CHSFL Bowl Game. That contest featured go to the Xavier Football section of the become even fewer. Monsignor Farrell on Staten Island coaches had arrived at the proverbial you makes you stronger. This was the yet another thrilling Xavier comeback Xavier website, where you will find all Inexperience, inconsistency and the previous year. moment of truth. The defense seemed moment for the seniors to step up and as the 16th Street Kids rallied in the mud the scores and game statistics, numerous penalties on offense continued to plague The elation of Xavier and its fans little changed from 2008: hard-hitting, lead, and now they showed why they and the blood to score two touchdowns articles from the New York media, terrific Xavier at Aviator Field the following was short-lived, however. The following aggressive, intermittently brilliant, won more football games in their four in the final two minutes and win 14-6. action photos, and even some random Friday night when Stevens’ men fell Friday night found the 16th Street Road too often inconsistent. years at Xavier than any class before On Thanksgiving Day, the 2009 scribblings from something called The to Archbishop Stepinac 22-7. This loss Warriors up in the Bronx at New York On offense, the Amazing, Fantastic them. Above all, the players and coaches Knights closed out the season at Aviator Xavier Football and Rugby Alumni News. was especially hard to take because Maritime College. The opponent was Gridiron Wayback Machine was sputter- never lost faith in themselves. Field. There would be no title banners Here’s to the 2009 Xavier Football the Knights entered the fourth quarter Cardinal Hayes and the lads from Regis ing. Had the Single Wing’s better days The Amazing, Fantastic Gridiron this year, but this team secured their own Knights. Thanks for the memories, men! trailing just 3-0 before the roof fell in. Philbin’s alma mater were looking for come and gone from 16th Street along Wayback Machine roared back to life special place in Xavier football legend Xavier had been 13-1 in their Jamaica revenge after their record-breaking with Famous Seamus, the last of Stevens’ as Coach Stevens reconstituted the Four when they defeated AAA-Division playoff If you would like to receive that Bay stronghold over the past three sea- 86-42 loss to the Knights in 2008. The Four Horsemen? It was a question that (More) Horsemen and returned to the team and archrival Fordham Prep 35-27 last publication via e-mail—it’s sons, and now they had dropped two Cardinals had retooled and reloaded, many outside the football program were rushing-by-committee running attack in a thrilling overtime win that had the free!—please e-mail Tom O’Hara ’69 in a row. Including their season-ending with a new spread passing offense asking out loud, and one that the coaches that had served the Knights so well large crowd of Xavier faithful on their at [email protected].

10 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 11 ALUMNEWS —MARCH 2009 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 11 News from the Quad News from the Quad

Italian Exchange Program Xavier students with exchange participants. Justice Antonin Scalia ’53, Dave Anderson ’47, Philip Lacovara, Esq. ’60 Jesuit Students from Around the World Exchange students from the Istituto Excursions included walking tours Speak at the New York Historical Society Leone XIII school in Milan, Italy, spent of Greenwich Village and the Lower ten days with Xavier juniors and seniors East Side, as well as trips to Ellis Island, set to travel abroad in April. The ten the United Nations and Central Park. In exchange students arrived with two addition, the group traveled to colonial faculty moderators on November 27th, Massachusetts to visit the Norman kicking off what would be ten days Rockwell Museum, in Stockbridge. of class shadowing, as well as cultural “I think the students really enjoyed excursions in New York and the New their visit, and it was a good opportunity England area. for them to learn about some of the The Istituto Leone XIII is a Jesuit differences between the American school school founded in 1893, and the program system and the Italian school system,” is a shining example of the intercon- said Mrs. Enrica Klarberg, Xavier foreign nectivity of Jesuit institutions even across language teacher and organizer of the international boundaries. The guests program. “Our guys are really looking were hosted by ten Xavier students forward to their trip in April.” currently studying Italian, and the ten In October 2008, a group of students young men, plus chaperones, will travel from the Kongholm Gymnasium, in to Milan in April to stay with the students Denmark, visited Xavier to study the they hosted here in New York. American electoral process. Xavier Philip Lacovara, Esq. ’60 with Xavier guests The Xavier delegation poses with Dave Anderson ’47 students in an A.P. government class followed with a trip to Denmark this Ice skating in Central Park Delegations from Xavier recently attended two exciting events that brought past spring. prominent Xavier grads before audiences at the New York Historical Society. The Supreme Court Justice, On Feb. 4th, Justice Antonin Scalia ’53 and Philip Lacovara, Esq. ’60 participated in the NYHS’s reenactment of Ex parte Milligan, part of the historical society’s year- Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, The food drive in the Xavier Commons long focus on Lincoln in New York. In 1864 Lambdin Milligan was arrested for his Thanksgiving and lawyer spoke at two alleged involvement in a conspiracy to free Confederate soldiers from Union prison camps. Sentenced to death for treason by a military commission, Milligan subsequently Food Drive recent events. challenged the commission’s jurisdiction in a petition for a writ of habeas corpus. Justice Scalia, associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, presided Breaks all previous records at the reenactment, while Lacovara, currently senior counsel at Mayer Brown JSM, The Xavier community participated argued on behalf of the government that Milligan’s arrest and trial before the military in a massive food drive this past tribunal was legal, justifiable and the correct course of action. November, pooling together its The presentations and commentary from the bench were always learned and resources to make a substantial often humorous and insightful. The assembled audience enjoyed seeing history impact on local hunger. in action and clearly appreciated the work of counsel and the court. For Xavier, the annual food drive One week later, on Feb. 9th, in an evening of humor, conversation and camaraderie, is more than just charity during the Dave Anderson ’47, Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist and author, holiday season; it is also a way to raise joined football great Frank Gifford, Tony Morante, of the New York Yankees organi- awareness among our community zation, and boxing writer Bert Sugar in a panel discussion to share and compare of the injustice of hunger in our city, their memories of the classic game dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” country, and world. The 1958 football championship game between the Giants and the Colts marked “We collected 5,484 items of Prayer for Generosity, we hope ‘to give the first time a championship game had ever been broadcasted on a national level. food, reaching 91% of our goal,” said “Whether you think it was a good game or not, it was probably the most impor- and not to count the cost.’” Food collected in previous years: Mr. Joseph Petriello, director of Ignatian The Xavier food brings in more food tant,” Mr. Anderson said. In the end, the nation watched with rapt attention, and the Service Programs. “Our dress down 2007 3,694 items “DE-fense” chant, new as of only a few years before, was thrown into the spotlight to the Church of St. Francis Xavier food day brought in an additional $1,741. pantry than any other event throughout 2008 5,441 items for the first time. As a direct result of the game that day, Mr. Anderson pointed out, As a community of faith called to be the entire year. 2009 5,484 items the American Football League was founded a year later and the sport never looked in solidarity with the poor and hungry, back. As Bert Sugar stated, “It added a sport, is what it added. What it took away we serve others with a deep awareness was your Sunday afternoon, which your wife had before!” of our Jesuit mission and Ignatian iden- Watch the “Xavier Food Drive.” tity. In the words of St. Ignatius Loyola’s

12 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 13 News from the Quad News from the Quad

Were You There? This Season’s Alumni Events… Young Alumni Reception Young grads gathered for lunch in the Commons before attending Xavier alumni and supporters gathered at three West Coast alumni receptions in January, offering grads and guests the Turkey Bowl football rally, Nov. 25, 2009.

the chance to meet President Jack Raslowsky. Thanks to all those who helped make the winter receptions special!

Los Angeles Jan. 28, 2010 (l.-r.) Bob Hubbard ’69, Dante Manzi ’55, Kathy Hubbard, Eddie Cullen ’05, Santiago Armstrong ’73, Kevin Pickles ’59, Bob Fitzpatrick ’56, Charlie Cuccinello ’70, Jack Raslowsky, Ed Daily ’80, Mary Fitzpatrick, Bob Traica ’71, and Joe Gorski.

Turkey Bowl Football Game San Diego Jan. 27, 2010 (kneeling l.–r.) Ken Poggenburg ’52 and Lou Cumming ’56

(standing l.–r.) Cathy Spatuzzi, Mike Saptuzzi ’73, Dave Harrison ’76, Sheila Poggenburg, Pete Gaskin ’62, Jack Raslowsky, Elisabeth Jensen, Bernard Jensen ’37, Jack McDermott ’56, Bernard Jensen ’37 and and Frank Tirelli ’70. Frank Tirelli ’70 at the Mr. McKinney was at hand to greet some of the hundreds of alumni San Diego reception Cadets at the Turkey Bowl! gathered at Aviator Field

Lt. Col. Roy Campbell with Mr. Raslowsky with alumni on his first D.C. Reception! Maj. Paul Castells US Army ’77 D.C. Phoenix December 2, 2009 Jan. 26, 2010 (l.-r.) Joe Gorski, Ken Zask ’53, Michael Cobian ’98, Jim O’Byrne ’83, Shelly O’Byrne, Hank Miller ’53, Andreas Andrea ’99, and Jack Raslowsky.

14 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 15 News from the Quad

Xavier Pride Peaks In January

Xavier was packed to the The Xavier gym was filled with rafters with supporters at two hundreds of people from every part major events in just a single of Mike’s life, from his fellow Sons of January weekend that Xavier and friends from SUNY Albany brought in literally hundreds and Pace Law School, to former of alumni and guests who lifeguards from his neighborhood, gathered for causes near and Rockaway Beach. Artwork from a vintage Xavier promotional poster. dear to their hearts. “It seemed like all of Rockaway On Fri., Jan. 22nd, a record- was there,” Adam Lynch ’97, Mike’s setting crowd attended the annual classmate and co-founder of the Friends Beefsteak Dinner, a fun, all-you-can-eat of Mike Glover, wrote after the event. event that has been a Xavier tradition— “If you had witnessed the gym full of and a New York tradition—for many years. people, the food and the large bar, you “This year’s Beefsteak dinner was might think that it took an incredible another great success,” said Mr. Shane amount of work and time to produce Lavin ’03, director of alumni relations. such an event. The truth is that Mike “We had 347 alumni and friends from had so many friends and left such the classes of 1946 through 2006 joining an enduring legacy that he made us for fun, fellowship and, of course, beef. it incredibly easy for us.” We had a number of great raffle prizes Adam went on: “The events and our big winner of the night was of September 11th and the deaths Joe Hutton ’98, who walked away with of his close friends, including Charlie the $2,240 prize from the 50/50 raffle. Heeran ’96, had a profound effect It was a great opportunity for alums on Mike and he gave up his law school to reconnect with each other as well studies to join the Marines because he The Lcpl. Michael Glover Scholarship Fundraiser, as some of their former teachers wanted to help. He volunteered to be Jan. 23, 2010 and administrators.” deployed to Iraq even though he was New Faces at Xavier “It’s a great way to reconnect with not ordered to because he did not want There are always new faces here at Xavier! Alumnews alumni,” Ryan Woerner ’06 said at the his unit to be there with out him. When began profiling new staff members in the February 2008 event. “It’s good because everybody’s you have a man who gave so much to issue, and the initial piece received lots of positive so busy with their daily schedules— so many people, and who made such it’s a good way to get back, to meet an impression, all we had to do was feedback—even from our current students! up and enjoy some good beefsteak.” put the pieces together. The willingness The faculty and staff at Xavier have the most contact The next day, Xavier was transformed that people display to help and donate, into the setting for another event that either monetarily or with auction items, with our students, and it is important for our alumni to be has proven to be very special to many— is astounding.” introduced to them. Learn more about five new members the 3rd Annual LCpl. Mike Glover ’97 The LCpl. Michael Glover ’97 scholar- of the Xavier community. Scholarship Fundraiser that has honored ship is nearing its goal and every bit of the memory of Mike, who was tragically support helps. Donations can be made killed while on patrol with the U.S. Marines online through the Glover website and in Fallujah, Iraq, on August 16, 2006. are fully tax deductible, as they are made directly to Xavier.

Visit www.friendsofmikeglover.com, where you can also purchase T-shirts, bumper stickers and bracelets for a small donation. You may also donate through the Xavier website at www.xavierhs.org.

The Beefsteak Dinner, Jan. 22, 2010

16 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 — ALUMNEWS 17 …280 more new faces!

Mr. Dennis Baker, S.J. Kelly Kull Shane Lavin ’03 Alicia Psillos Josh Stager History Mathematics Director of Alumni Relations Mathematics Science and Technology Hometown: Niagara Falls, New York Hometown: Middle Village, Queens Hometown: Jackson Heights, Queens Hometown: Plainview, New York Hometown: Boring, Oregon (for real—zip code 97330) High School you graduated from: High School you graduated from: High School you graduated from: Xavier High School you graduated from: Canisius High School Christ the King RHS Our Lady of Mercy Academy High School you graduated from: College(s) you graduated from Sam Barlow High School The afternoon of March 3rd College(s) you graduated from College(s) you graduated from and degree: College of the Holy Cross, College(s) you graduated from marked the beginning of the newest and degree: Fordham University, and degree: St. Francis College, AB in French & Political Science and degree: Manhattan College, College(s) you graduated from generation of Xavier students, as BA in History; Niagara University, BS in Mathematics BS in Math Education and degree: Oregon State University, Favorite TV show: Lost more than 280 young men registered MS in Criminal Justice Administration; BS in Physics, Oregon State University, Favorite TV show: Numb3rs Favorite TV show: Friends as members of the Class of 2014. Favorite food: Fordham University, MA in Philosophy MS in Science Education, The event was a joyous occasion Favorite food: Anything grilled Raclette (the meal, not the cheese) Favorite food: Pizza and anything Favorite TV show: SportsCenter Favorite TV show: Star Trek (all series) for the students and their families, on the BBQ with cheese Best book you’ve ever read: and many, like Jordan Berka ’14 Favorite Book: Flowers for Algernon Favorite food: Pizza Best book you’ve ever read: Tough to put a finger on the best Thing that annoys you most: took the opportunity to pick up some by Daniel Keyes Tuesdays with Morrie ever—maybe Everything is Illuminated People that are rude with no manners! Best book you’ve ever read: exciting Xavier clothes to wear during Favorite food: Seafood by Jonathan Safran Foer, but the best A Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley Thing that annoys you most: What type of music do you listen to? the last of his 8th grade days. I’ve read in the past year or so is What type of music do you listen to? People without manners I like any type of music What type of music do you listen to? “When I came for Knight for Netherland by Joseph O’Neill All types. Beethoven, Biggie, Chesney, Anything that was written before a Day, I really liked the attitude of What type of music do you listen to? Something you can’t live without: the Stones... Thing that annoys you most: Picky eating I was born everyone here,” said Jordan. “I liked Pop, rock, hip-hop Cheese—just kidding! My family how the teachers really helped the Something you can’t live without: God What type of music do you listen to? and friends Something you can’t live without: Something you can’t live without: students, and I also liked all the Indie, alternative, post-punk, ambient My wife Favorite summer activity: The beach My son Favorite spot in NYC: Many, but if I had buildings and sights in the city, electronic, post-rock and shoegaze (with 50+ SPF) to pick, Van Cordlandt Park Favorite spot in NYC: Inwood Hill Park and how it’s always moving.” Favorite spot in NYC: Upper East Side Something you can’t live without: After an initial look at the Worst job that you’ve ever had: Favorite summer activity: Favorite summer activity: Favorite summer activity: Beach volleyball My iPhone. Class of 2014, it’s clear that Xavier US Postal Service Mailman Going to the beach and traveling Walking in the evening continues to attract some of New (I wasn’t very good at it) Worst job that you’ve ever had: Favorite spot in NYC: Gantry Plaza State Worst job that you’ve ever had: Worst job that you’ve ever had: York City’s brightest and hardest- I worked at a children’s party place Park, in Long Island City—great view Hidden talent: I’m a decent cook CVS when I was in high school— Working for a crooked working young men. Many of the and had to dress as Woody from Favorite summer activity: I quit after 2 days house-painting company incoming freshmen live in Brooklyn, Do you collect anything? I still have Toy Story Traveling abroad somewhere new Manhattan, and Queen. There also all of my old baseball cards from Hidden talent: I love to draw and paint Hidden talent: Hidden talent: I love to tap dance. continues to be a growing number the 80s at my parents’ house Worst job that you’ve ever had: I can look good in a mullet Do you collect anything? of students from Staten Island and Habit you’re trying to break: Through college as a doorman Habit you’re trying to break: Rosary beads from different countries Do you collect anything? a healthy number of students from Biting my nails and porter at a luxury Park Avenue Lagging behind on emails and Not purposely the Bronx and New Jersey. apartment building—it really wasn’t Habit you’re trying to break: Rushing phone calls to family and friends What you do the minute you get home: Habit you’re trying to break: The Admissions Committee Collapse on the couch! a bad job, but my duties often included What you do the minute you get home: What you do the minute you get home: Diet Coke was especially selective this year, cleaning up after dogs, collecting Shower and get into sweats Since I live at Xavier, technically I work Favorite movie: A Few Good Men as the school has been at full enroll- trash and mopping Favorite movie: Life is Beautiful from home. I like the commute. Favorite movie: A League of Their Own ment for some time, with a record Do you collect anything: Refrigerator Favorite Quote: number of applicants: over 1,300! Favorite movie: The Big Lebowski Favorite Quote: magnets from each city I visit “It’s the perfect plan... “Those who chose to attend Xavier “Behind every passion is someone Favorite Quote: nothing could go wrong!” have a great four years of intellectual, Habit you’re trying to break: with the courage to try.” “Half the lies they tell about me Drinking soda physical, and spiritual development aren’t true.”—Yogi Berra in front of them” said Mr. Benjamin Favorite movie: Trainspotting Hamm, director of admissions. or The Thin Red Line

18 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 — ALUMNEWS 19 By Michael L. Benigno ’00 Coming of age on the Silver Screen

Born and raised in Manhattan, Steven Strait ’04 at an early age entered the world of modeling

and made his stage debut in a musical at Village Community School—all before he ever walked

through the doors on 16th Street. He escaped a saber-toothed tiger in 10,000 B.C. (2008), was thrown

through a barn fighting a warlock in The Covenant (2006) and can be seen in a lead role with

Andy Garcia in City Island (2009).

Steven Strait’s status as the only student Strait said that his time at Xavier was walking around the Xavier halls with flowing, extremely positive, and that he was particu- curly locks of hair, may have, for a short larly grateful for the support he received time, been a point of envy for his classmates. from teachers and administration on the But it didn’t take long for the word to occasions he had to miss school. get out: the image of this tall, baby-faced “I think, more than anything, what Xavier Manhattan-born kid you sat next to in class provided for me was the self-discipline that could be seen, among other places, at the you need to be successful in the arts,” he mall, pasted on a large wall inside the said. “Acting inherently doesn’t have much Abercrombie & Fitch store. structure. There are no rules or boundaries, Strait’s classmates knew his story as and it’s all very ambiguous. Xavier taught just a simple matter of fact: his hair length me to build that structure for myself and was for professional reasons and came with to stay focused not just on my particular expressed permission from the dean of job, but also on the project itself. Xavier’s students and the headmaster—but he the place that I really learned that, and wasn’t the kind of young man to boast. it has served me incredibly well.” In fact, in February of his freshman year, Steven’s schedule was very busy, just before the start of English class, Strait between classes at Stella Adler School slinked down low in his chair, embarrassed for Acting, modeling and being in a band but smiling, suspicious ever since he walked with a group of friends. After his Xavier 16th Street into the classroom and saw a television cart graduation, it wasn’t long before some and VCR set up in Mrs. Gonzalez’s classroom. remarkably appropriate roles seemed Gonzalez—still one of Strait’s favorite to gravitate toward him. teachers today—pressed play on the VCR After initially moving to California and and there was Steven in his TV debut, from snagging a role in the Disney film Sky High Spotlight an episode of Third Watch that had aired (2005), Steven’s talent as both an actor the night before. and a musician (and even his long hair) Steven and his Xavier classmates was put to good use in Undiscovered (2005), watched as he was portrayed reenacting when he played a New York musician who a character’s years-ago love affair with moves to the West Coast and struggles to live a friend’s sister. amidst the dangers of new fame. Steven “It was very embarrassing, but even did his own singing for the film. Mrs. Gonzalez was so sweet about it, In The Covenant (2006), Steven plays and she was very supportive of me,” lead character Caleb Danvers, a student at Strait recalled recently. “It was almost a prestigious New England private school a love scene though!” that, Steven said, had elements of his time

20 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 21 PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

10,000 B.C. (2008) A prehistoric epic that follows a young mammoth hunter on a dangerous quest to secure the future of his tribe.

Steven Strait with his mother, Jean, at the premier of City Island A younger Steven with Xavier classmates Getting a (rare) haircut!

at Xavier—the uniforms, the camaraderie Steven enjoyed the other-worldiness work with such a high amount of computer among fellow characters. Steven and three of the plotline, and the action was a unique generated imagery,” he said. “I really had other young actors, including Chace opportunity, but he couldn’t even see what to learn to use my imagination in a specific Crawford, play four teenage descendents was coming next. way to make all of those things real to me. of a secret 17th century sect of witches who In the prehistoric epic tale 10,000 B.C. You have to react like your life is in danger, face off against a banished fifth member (2008) Steven spent over a year living and and initially it was a major challenge. But who surfaces and threatens to destroy filming in New Zealand, South Africa and once you get used to it—it’s a strange frame the secrecy of the group. Namibia. Directed by Roland Emerick, who of mind to be in, really—then anything is City Island (2009) Strait’s character is the Mustang-driving, also wrote and directed big-budget films possible because you’re projecting what A funny and smart family tale popular, but responsible leader of the pack such as Independence Day (1996) and The your mindset needs to be in that moment. about the secrets of the past catching and the film is filled with compelling special Day After Tomorrow (2004), B.C. is centered It definitely allowed me to grow as an actor.” up with the lies of a modern-day effects and dramatic fight scenes that allowed upon Steven’s character, D’Leh, as he leads As Steven continues his acting career, mystery family. him to dive straight into some rather a group of warriors to rescue the love of he is excited about what kind of new, unconventional working conditions. his life, Evolet, played by Camilla Belle. adventurous experiences will come his For a movie-ending brawl between the B.C. was yet another extremely physical way. But, he said, he hasn’t taken any part rogue descendant, a computerized cable role for Steven, and he said he does not of his successful start for granted. system developed by Cirque du Soleil was know exactly why he is drawn to such “I’ve been incredibly fortunate, there’s used in order to allow realistic 360-degree active parts, but he suspects that it may no question about it. I feel extremely action while actors defied gravity and flew have something to do with the fact that blessed that I’ve been able to fulfill that into the air after bone-shattering blows. A his mother, Jean, had been a karate teacher piece of who I am through my work, and, month-and-a-half before those scenes were during his youth. In one recognizable scene really, I don’t define success as a number, set to be filmed, the mechanism was set up from B.C., Steven comes face to face with or in terms of money or fame. I think that inside a warehouse near Montreal while the a saber-toothed tiger that, he said, wasn’t has nothing to do with what success is actors became acquainted with the system quite as scary in real life. for me. Being able to do what you love The Covenant (2006) and learned to control their bodies while During filming, Steven, in full D’Leh is being pretty successful in my mind.” Four young men with supernatural being harnessed and hoisted off the ground. costume, had to recite lines in a simulated Look for Steven in City Island, which won ancestry battle it out with a long-lost “Three guys controlled the rig, and it took environment, and oftentimes animals like the Tribeca Film Festival’s Audience Award. jealous fifth power that was thought a long time to get used to it because once the tiger were really just represented by a City Island opened March 19th in theaters. to have died off. they started it, it was already programmed, few yard sticks and tennis balls that provided so you were along for the ride if something focal points before digital effects were Steven Strait lives in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Lynn Collins. went wrong,” Strait said. “We went through added to compose the actual animal. a lot of flexibility training to control the It was a different kind of acting, and one movement of our bodies while we were that stretched his skills to a new level. being moved around.” “It was definitely an adjustment to

22 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 23 Film… the Evolution! APPETIZER

Mr. Vincent Vargas, Xavier’s own veteran Spanish teacher and long-time Film Club moderator Vargas: The founding of the Film Club back Wolynetz: Some of the silent films we and his former student, AMC Head of Production Vlad Wolynetz ’88 who oversees the award- in the late 1980s was an important event showed sometimes barely had pictures! in the lives of many Xavier students who Vargas: But honestly, the soundtracks were winning shows Mad Men and Breaking Bad, get together for dinner and conversation about have gone on to work in show business. so bad sometimes that I remember I often Many alumni have told me, over the years, all things film as Xavier High School unveils a new film course senior elective. turned the volume down and I made you that it was their first exposure to a world guys watch the films completely silent. of film that they did not know existed. Wolynetz: It was the burgeoning era of Wolynetz: It was back in 1986. VHS, and I was really happy that Film Club Film Club started just as the Xavier came along when it did. I was thrilled to film course disappeared. PRE-PRANDIAL have been at one of the initial meetings Vargas: Even though everybody was and to have stayed with it for my last two showing 16mm films in those days, as you years at Xavier. The school was filled with Mr. Vincent Vargas: I’m sure you’ll I would say that a couple of times a year mentioned earlier, I remember that we were these 22-inch TV sets and VCRs on carts. remember that when you entered Xavier as somebody would show something on film really adventurous and initially showed all The picture was very small and often the a freshman, there was a film course available and inevitably the film would break. The the films we studied in the then-new VHS VCRs had “tracking” issues, if anyone even to upperclassmen, but by the time you were science department was big on showing format that was rapidly catching on. remembers what that is. ready to take it that film course was history. 16mm documentaries of how the egg Wolynetz: Yes, and since my family had Vargas: The funny thing was that after is fertilized, and that sort of thing. Vlad Wolynetz: My impression of the been early adopters of the technology making great strides in showing films course was that they screened films up in Vargas: Well, one of the reasons why I’m I wound up providing many of the tapes on VHS we ended up going back and room 5L6. There was an old three-lens video resurrecting these old memories is that the that were played in the first sessions showing films on rented 16mm film. projector unit hooked to a very primitive class that suddenly disappeared when you of Film Club. Wolynetz: Watching films on a little 3/4 inch U-matic recorder. Now and then came in as a freshman is very much back Vargas: Yes, in versions that now nobody television set on a cart obviously some of our teachers, mostly our English at Xavier. This year I am teaching a course would dare show. These were not the best had its limitations. teachers, took the class up there to show called “Elements of Cinema” and one of quality. Some of the silent movies we us a movie. I remember seeing Julius Caesar the things that it is doing is reviving the showed did not even have soundtracks. there. The colors were never right, and tradition of film study that was here in this one lens was always out of focus. school when you came in. I would say it picks up where the old course left off Vargas : Technology was not that over twenty years ago. friendly toward films in those days. Wolynetz: I think it’s a very smart addition Wolynetz: Xavier was filled with a number PROJECT SPOTLIGHT to the curriculum. of now long-lost cultural artifacts. We had film strip projectors, which along with their Vargas: The wonderful thing about it is that Mad Men Breaking Bad audio cassette and LP companions would with today’s technology showing a film in The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning A drama about a high school BEEP you into the next slide. And on special a classroom setting is a very rewarding and series set in the 1960s at a New York chemistry teacher who suffers occasions the 16mm projectors would stress-free experience for the teacher. During ad agency, focusing on the mysterious from a terrible mid-life crisis and come out and somebody would run an your student days, showing any type of film but talented executive, Don Draper. eventually turns to a life of crime. actual motion picture. was always treacherous for any instructor. Season three encores air Sundays Sundays 10p.m./9 central on AMC. Technology, or the lack thereof, always Vargas: Xavier owned a 16mm reduction at midnight/11 central on AMC; seemed to get the better of us. These days of A Man for all Seasons. season four airs later in the year. technology is very much on the side of the Wolynetz: I remember that vividly: it was teachers and not against us. a condensed version of an instructional film called Selected Excerpts of Paul Scofield. It was a beaten up old print from the 1970s.

24 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 25 MAIN COURSE

Vargas: So, getting back to the present, Wolynetz: Well, look, I can vividly remember we’ve done a complete circle. Now that feeling that when the film course disappeared I am teaching a film course we are back from Xavier. As a student, it totally left a huge See the faces projecting movies once more, but this void in the school’s curriculum. Media mat- time using the latest technology available, tered back then and, if anything, its study including Blu-Ray DVDs. The technology today has become far more imperative in of Xavier in the Arts that’s around now is perfect for running the 21st century. this kind of film study course. Vargas: Well, it’s back now! And I have to Wolynetz: What must be fun about teach- tell you: the whole idea of a film course is a Meet with Tom Degrezia ’00, ing a class like “Elements of Cinema” is that pretty rare commodity in high schools these it is a combination of a history course, an days. Film courses just don’t appear in every Jayce Bartok ’90 and Ray Lustig ’90 “I think [film] archeology course, a philosophy course, high school curriculum. Therefore it is so a technical grammar course, a literature important for Xavier to have this discipline, course, and an art course. And underneath and it puts us way ahead of the game of is an essential it all, you have psychology, you have theology, other high schools. Look, every waking hour RAY LUSTIG ’90 you have whole worlds that are brought up we are bombarded by the media with film from the context of the films themselves. and cinematic technique. It is important to understand how, why and with what Current Work: music, minimalism, pop, electronica, jazz, Vargas: And don’t forget the language course of we are being bombarded. Two commissions for chamber orchestra folk, cabaret, etc. And I never know where aspect. My point of departure for this course pieces—one that incorporates the existing my next inspiration will come from, so I try from its original inception and planning Wolynetz: I think it is an essential course fragments of a lost cantata from J.S. Bach. guard against being labeled too restrictively. to the everyday classroom teaching of it of study for young people. You’re quite right: Also, an opera-theater work based on the This is a challenge, but it’s also where the study for is language. Which makes sense because at a minimum you are being marketed to story of one of medical history’s greatest excitement comes from.” I am primarily a language teacher, and I am every minute of every day. You can’t walk heroes, Ignaz Semmelweis. Finally, film score interested in how we communicate. When down the street or a hallway inside of a Look For: work on a short film by animator, brother, preparing this course I made a point of building without being “sold” to. The basis • Performances of his new work with the young people.” John Lustig ’00. underlining the fact that today’s young of that kind of artistic manipulation is found Metropolis Ensemble and American audiences do not like, enjoy, or understand in cinema because that’s where it all started. Previously: Opera Projects Vlad Wolynetz ’88 old classic films not because they are old, You are cued to be moved or intrigued or Ray’s orchestral composition, “UNSTUCK,” • A collaboration with composer Joe Carrano but because they lack the basic tools to repelled or angered or emboldened by that inspired by Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse on a score for the A.D. Calvo indie film understand the language in which the grammar and technique, whether in a film Five and memories of his grandparents’ The Melancholy Fantastic film was written. or in an ad. In order to make sense of it all struggles with dementia, won ASCAP’s • “Unstuck” will be released this year on you really have to be able to read it, to inter- top prize for orchestral works, was premiered Wolynetz: And you don’t just mean Albany Records with the Bowling Green pret it, and think about it critically which by the Juilliard Symphony in Lincoln Center’s the world language of the country Philharmonia is what we were taught to do at Xavier. The Alice Tully Hall. in which the film was produced. exploitation of wish fulfillment is something Ray’s Advice: Vargas: I mean the visual language that we delve into all the time on Mad Men, so Lustig’s composition, Images from “As an artist, one of the biggest challenges gives the film its unique look and structure: I’ve grown very familiar with many of the a Sunken City, inspired by time spent is in learning to accept rejection and keep a visual language that is on a very different techniques used to sell things to people. in post-Katrina New Orleans, also moving on. Artists tend to be sensitive plane from the language used in films today. I do think that a course that teaches you premiered at Alice Tully Hall. people, so even one rejection can be Ultimately, I feel that the aim of the course the discipline to dissect those things in crippling. But even the most successful is to train the students to become good your mind and to separate what’s hyperbole Commissions from the New York City Ballet’s artists get rejections all the time. Stay “readers” of film so that, in the end, they from reality is absolutely essential at a school Choreographic Institute, Yass Hakoshima positive and your successes will soon can all become film literate. like ours and is a necessary component to Movement Theater, and other dance groups. grow and proliferate.” a complete 21st century education. Challenges: Little-known fact: “Trying to avoid being categorized too nar- “Before going to graduate school in rowly. At Xavier I learned to avoid simplistic composition, I worked in molecular biology categorizations, to keep an open and active at Columbia University and Massachusetts mind, to explore. As a composer, I’m interested Hospital, where I published papers on in the spaces between styles and genres. My cell division.” music has elements of symphonic classic

26 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 27 The Xavier High School

JAYCE (WILCHUSKY) BARTOK ’90 26th Annual Golf Outing

Current Work: Biggest challenge: In the upcoming film Coming Up Roses, “Writing, acting, and co-producing The Cake Eaters. Westchester Hills Golf Club Packages Jayce plays a drug dealer in 1980’s New It was the hardest thing I’ve done, a big risk, but one Maroon Package - $1,700 Hampshire. “It’s a sweet indie film about that pushed me forward as an actor, writer, and May 18, 2010 Includes 1 Foursome, 1 Tee Sponsorship, and a mom and her teenage daughter trying filmmaker. I was extremely nervous going into the an acknowledgement in our Annual Report to make a go of it.” process, being that it was the first screenplay I had 9:30 a.m. Registration 10:30 a.m. Brunch Buffet/Driving Range Golf - $350 written. In general, the biggest obstacles in the arts Includes 1 golfer, Brunch, Gifts, Snacks & Beverages Prior Work: 12:00 p.m. Shotgun Start arrive everyday, but I can’t think of an occupation on the course, Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and Dinner. • FILM more rewarding.” 4:30 p.m. Putting Contest Finals Suburbia, Spiderman, The Station Agent, 4:50 p.m. JBC Final Round for $50,000 Look for: Sponsorship Opportunities and Cop Out 5:15 p.m. Cocktail Reception and hors d’oeuvres Jayce’s new screenplay, Red River, a true crime Event Sponsor - $5,000 • TV 6:15 p.m. Dinner/ Awards/ Raffles Includes a Foursome, recognition signs naming the tournament drama about a normal family in the Midwest that Law and Order, OZ, numerous TV movies. (The Your Business Name 25th Annual Xavier Golf Outing), shockingly appear to be connected to the death • THEATER Register online: a Jesuit Sponsorship, and an acknowledgement in our of a young college student in the Mississippi River. Tournament Program and Annual Report. Made In Poland at 59E59 www.xavierhsalumni.org/golf10 Jayce’s advice: • WRITER Dinner Sponsor - $3,000 “These days, you can’t just be an actor, you have The Cake Eaters, dir. Mary Stuart Masterson, Includes 2 golfers, a recognition sign at the tournament and an to diversify—do commercials, voice-overs, write, starring Kristen Stewart acknowledgement in our Tournament Program and Annual Report. act, direct, develop projects for yourself and your • DIRECTOR friends for the web....really be a visionary in terms Brunch Sponsor - $2,500 Altered By Elvis (doc.) of getting noticed and creating opportunities.” Includes 2 golfers, a sign at the tournament and an acknowledgement in our Tournament Program Little-known fact: and Annual Report. Jayce Bartok is the voice of the Sundance Channel. Cart Sponsor- $2,000 Includes 1 golfer and an acknowledgement TOM DEGREZIA ’00 in our Tournament Program and Annual Report. Sponsor a Jesuit - $350 Current Work: Look for: Adds a Jesuit golfer to the outing and includes an Tom can’t release too much info on his newest Look for Sympathy for the Devil to hopefully acknowledgement in our Tournament Program and Annual Report. project, but it’s a political, horror, thriller film. be released. Golf Shirt Sponsor - $3,000 “The coolest detail I can give you is that it will Tom’s advice: Talk about advertisement, your Company Logo will be printed be shot in 3D.” He is also working on a science “Make sure this is what you truly want in your life. on all the Golf Shirts, a recognition sign will be posted, and an fiction novel that spans the course of 20 years You have to not only love this field, but you also acknowledgement will appear in our Tournament Program & and four books called The Legend of Jimmy Hoax. have to crave it with every ounce of you soul. I’m Annual Report. Foursome also included. Prior Work: not talking about fame, because if that’s what Hole/Tee Sponsor - $400 “A script doctor,” Tom says. “Script work and you want, I don’t really recommend diving head Includes 1 tee sign and an acknowledgement in our Annual Report. editing. I have worked on some scripts that first into this line of work. There are heartbreak I’ve gone into production with and others and tough years that come along with making Your participation and support in the auctions, raffles, and sponsor- that I have done revisions on.” the choice to be in the arts. However, if you love ships greatly contributes to the growth of financial assistance His most recent film, Xtacy, won three awards it and you work hard, you can find very reward- programs so that we can continue to serve a diverse student body! at the New York Independent Film Festival, Best ing years ahead of you. You’ll get hundreds of Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Picture. “no’s” before you get a “yes.” The “no’s” hurt, but they only make the “yes” that much sweeter.” Name: ______Class of: ______Biggest challenge: ORLANDO VACATION RAFFLE A 3-day vacation getaway for two people with deluxe “I’d like to believe that I have no shortage of good Address: ______accommodations at the Ginn Reunion Resort & Spa ideas, however, the two biggest challenges I face in Orlando, Florida, or Hammock Beach Resort Phone: ______Email: ______as a filmmaker are completing a screenplay that in Palm, Coast, Florida. ■ I feel passionate enough about to move forward Enclosed is my check made payable to Xavier High School for $______with, and then raising the money. The fundraising ■ Please charge my credit card. is no walk in the park, and due to the state that (Winner need not be present; ■ Mastercard Card # ______our country is in at the moment, low budget indie $50 you will be notified by Xavier) ■ Visa films are the first to suffer outside of Hollywood.” per ticket Expiration ______www.xavierhsalumni.org/golfraffle10 Please return Joe Gorski, Vice President for Advancement this form to: Xavier High School 30 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011-6302 28 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 SAVE THE DATE! The Performing Arts at Xavier Today Friday, November 5, 2010 ACOUSTIC COFFEEHOUSE Since 2004, the Xavier Acoustic Coffeehouse COURSE GUIDE has been a venue to highlight student and faculty bands and musicians, bringing the Xavier Foundations of Acting 101 Xavier High School community together for good music, good A theater course designed coffee, and good times. On Friday, December to provide students with the 4th, more than 200 students, family members building blocks for truthful, and guests watched a great line-up of student creative, and spontaneous— HALL OF FAME DINNER bands as they performed in the Commons ‘moment to moment’ acting. gymnasium, raising $5,500 to benefit the upcoming round of Companions of St. Francis Film Acting Technique Xavier service trips. The second Acoustic Film and theatre terminology 1 Coffeehouse took place March 13, 2010. (intention, motivation, relation- Watch “Scenes from the Acoustic ship, obstacles) is introduced Coffeehouse” shot on Dec. 4th through various individual and in the Xavier Commons. group exercises. Parts of scenes and monolouges are video-taped XAVIER DRAMATICS with playback critiques an Each year, it is tradition for the Xavier Dramatics essential part of class time. Rev. Vincent L. Biagi, S.J. ’67 Arthur D. Cashin, Jr. ’59 Thomas A. Conniff, Esq. ’52 Hon. John R. Countryman ’50 Society to put on a winter drama and a spring Moviemaking and musical production. This year, productions Hon. John R. Countryman ’50 Editing with Final Cut Pro included “Epic Proportions” and “Grease.” In Served at various posts in the Middle Basics of pre-production, addition, the XDS presents a student-directed East, lastly as the Ambassador to production, and post-production. freshman production. the Sultanate of Oman. He is an Students are prepared to take 2 active participant at Xavier’s Career Check out “Grease” at Xavier April, 16th. the Apple Level One FCP6 Pro Day for juniors. certification test. Students will CHORUS plan, produce, edit, and screen Rev. Robert Lauder ’52 A choral group gives students and faculty their own short films at the Rev. Robert Lauder ’52 Msgr. Arthur J. Scanlan 1900 John W. Spollen, Esq. ’62 Ordained in 1960 as a priest, alike the opportunity to perform regularly end of the year. he is currently teaching philosophy at school Masses and special events. at St. John’s University. Has written The Elements of Cinema Rev. Vincent L. Biagi, S.J. ’67 for The Tablet for forty years and BAND Students watch and discuss the Assistant for Secondary and contributes to America Magazine. Several student musical groups, including a jazz greatest movies of all time and Pre-secondary Education and Lay ensemble and a marching band use Xavier’s learn the various components Place Formation; former Xavier teacher Msgr. Arthur J. Scanlan 1900 ever-improving band room. In the past school that make up the language of PIER SIXTY and Regis High School principal. Member of the faculty at Dunwoodie, year, students have been able to use the digital film. Over the course of the year, at Chelsea Piers then Rector from 1931 to1940. In recording room to monitor their progress over working industry professionals New York, NY 10011 Arthur D. Cashin, Jr. ’59 3 1940, established St. Helena’s parish, time and improve their skills. such as writers, producers, and Director of Floor Operations for UBS then a grammar school, academic directors will visit the class to at the New York Stock Exchange and commercial high schools. FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS guest lecture. Time and regular commentator on CNBC. Set for May 21st, a colorful night celebrating the RECEPTION John W. Spollen, Esq. ’62 arts at Xavier, hosted by Fine Arts department A.P. Studio Art 6:00 - 7:00 pm Thomas A. Conniff, Esq. ’52 Former member of the Xavier chair Mrs. Denise Iacovone, showcasing student A college-level course focused Xavier Board of Trustees multiple Board of Trustees and Advancement artwork, poetry readings, dramatic and choral on building students’ personal DINNER terms, Chairman 2005-2208; Committee Chair; dedicated and performances; senior student artwork auction. artistic voice and personal 7:00 pm counselor to educational institutions devoted service to many institutions, theme, based on stringent including Fordham University, the NY Province, and his parish. College Board guidelines. St. Francis College, College of 1 CFX Coffeehouse, Dec. 4, 2009 New Rochelle. 2 “Epic Proportions” 3 Mass of the Holy Spirit 4 4 The Xavier Blue Night band performs at Colgate-Palmolive headquarters.

30 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 — ALUMNEWS 31 Class Notes Class Notes

1940 1949 1955 Come to your 70th John Hauss has published a book of Come to your 55th CLASS REUNION collected memoirs, Taking the Conn and CLASS REUNION on May 1, 2010! Nicking the Con, about his experiences on May 1, 2010! as a naval officer during the Korean War Eugene Bozzo celebrated his 70th 1941 and his long career as an FBI agent. birthday with family in Italy. John Bob Walsh ’41 sent us a photo John O’Neill is the proud father Gallagher was named “Director wearing the Xavier sweatshirt he of five and grandfather of 17. of the Year” by the Board of Police picked up while attending Xavier’s Reserves of Suffolk County. Ron Lofaro Westchester Reception on Nov. 5th! 1950 co-authored a paper on aviation psy- Come to your th 1942 60 chology and presented the paper at CLASS REUNION the 2009 International Symposium on Donald Dawkins was awarded on May 1, 2010! the Legion of Merit by the President Aviation Psychology. After working Richard Byrnes teaches art since the age of 16, Frank Spera of France for his service to the country at the Studio Ceraveux in France. in 1944. John Maloney was ordained retired in April 2009 at the age of 71. Dr. Greg Scotten ’59 was recently elected District Commander of the a permanent deacon and was selected to 1951 3200-member District 22 of the United States Power Squadrons. The district 1956 is home to the 18 Florida Gulf Coast squadrons. Attending the induction receive communion from Pope Benedict Charles Cavanagh, Gerard Lawrence, Kevin Donohue attended Jerry Faye’s ceremony were Past District Commander Fred Adame ’56 and Past Squadron in May 2009 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. and Chester Klimuszko ’50 vacationed 70th birthday party this past summer. Commander George Martin ’50. Pictured above (l.-r.): Greg Scotten ’59, together with their wives at the Somerset Fred Adame ’56, and George Martin ’50 1945 Members of the class of 1956 gathered Resort in the Turks and Cancion Islands. for their 5th Annual Christmas Party. Come to your 65th Michael Fitzgerald was recognized Attendee Nelson Deusebio writes: 1959 CLASS REUNION as Catholic Doctor of the Year and on May 1, 2010! “It’s a rather doubtful that any other Albert Rosa co-authored the sixth was recently presented with the World Samuel Falvo reports that he scored class in Xavier’s long and proud history edition of a textbook about circuits Difference Award by the Mission Doctors a hole-in-one at the Eglin Airbase golf can make this exclusive claim.” Frank and published a chapter in the Association. In addition to running his course and that he had dinner with Perroni ’56 recently wrote to Xavier to Handbook of Engineering Fundamentals. gastroenterology practice, Michael serves classmate, Jack McGoldrick. share the good news about his company, Greg Scotten was elected District as a volunteer physician at a clinic for Independent Energy, LLC, which has Commander of the 3200-member the uninsured on Syracuse’s north side, 1946 patented and will commercialize a novel District 22 of the United States Power and has trained Haitian doctors to James J. O’Connor enjoys traveling, lectromagnetic Generator/Motor, the Squadrons. Charles Vega is the proud combat the country’s poverty. fishing and playing with his “Power 6 Generator” for clean electrical grandfather of five! grandchildren and great-grandchildren 1952 power in homes, vehicles, offices, and in his retirement. 1960 William McCaughney and wife Arline medical facilities. To learn more, visit www.independentenergyllc.com. Come to your 50th 1947 celebrated their 50th wedding anniver- CLASS REUNION Francis Galdi and wife Lee joined sary in November. Francis Notaro and 1958 on April 30-May 1, 2010! classmate Harold Brauner and wife wife Marie celebrated their 10th year as Thomas Hoar has authored two John Cavallaro retired from his Betty for Christmas dinner. volunteers for the Habitat for Humanity textbooks about taxation and business: position as CEO of HELP/PSI, a health in Newburgh, NY. Francis would love Tax Aspects of Business Transactions— organization for HIV/AIDS substance 1948 to hear from old timers from the a First Course Test Item File (1999) abuse patients. John will soon be The family of Len Abbot writes: class of ’52 at 845-565-7345. and Test Book to Accompany College ordained a full-time deacon in Florida. “please pray for Len. His love of Accounting (1991). Thomas Malone Xavier was always on his mind.” 1953 retired after a career in corporate IT 1962 Daniel Fitzgerald recently published Mark Delaney was sworn in as and proprietorship of Sea Cliff Paint William Grubb recently entertained a novel entitled Donovan’s Dilemma. Commissioner of Comal County (Texas) & Hardware. classmates Tom Callahan and George Tom Kennedy writes that he is where he will supervise the fire depart- Dean. Rocco Iacovone’s latest CD enjoying his retirement years ment and emergency services. John A. release of original jazz made it to #18 square-dancing and fishing Spizziri is eagerly awaiting the birth nationally on the college charts. You in Idaho. of his third great-grandson, Anthony can hear samples of his music on his Xavier Quinn. website roccojohnmusic.com.

32 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 — ALUMNEWS 33 1963 1968 1980 1988 Ernest Dewald was appointed to Frank D’Elia is a managing partner of Come to your 30th Frank J. Luongo has been recalled the dental assistant National Board Test Associates in Urology (PA). John Walsh CLASS REUNION to the Navy and will be deployed Construction to formulate a nationwide created Walsh Management, which on May 1, 2010! to Mexico City. examination for expanded function assists organizations by providing Michael Corso works for the Quaglia dental assistants. Thomas Lyndon support services and training classes. Institute for Student Aspirations, a 1990 is practicing law in Washington D.C. non-profit dedicated to improving the Come to your 20th and keeps in touch with classmates 1969 learning environment for all students. CLASS REUNION on May 1, 2010! Frank Herrmann, William Porter, Thomas Murphy lives in Wellesley, MA, 1983 Francis Creighton returned to Capitol and John Mahon (Thomas and John is married and has two boys. Daniel James M. Karpowich earned his Hill as Chief of Staff for Congressman are brothers-in-law). John Mahon Sczepanski rejoices at the Xavier Doctorate of Education from Seton Chris Murphy of Connecticut. Jayce was ordained permanent deacon Thanksgiving Day victory over Fordham. Hall University in August 2009. Bartok’s screenwriting film debut, for the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT. 1970 Jim McEleney was promoted The Cake Eaters is now available on 1964 Come to your 40th to CEO of Bank of New York Mellon DVD. Raymond Lustig III, doctoral Jack Marotta attended the CLASS REUNION (India) and has relocated to Pune, India. candidate at the Juliard School, on April 30-May 1, 2010! On the weekend of Jan. 15th, Giancarlo Rindone ’09 and Stephen Chiaia met with Mrs. Grace Christening of Richard Monahan’s Vincente Murrell works as an attorney received the prestigious American Lamour, her son Hank Lamour ’82, and Eric Klein ’87 to watch Klein’s son perform at a gymnastics third grandchild. 1971 for the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp, Academy of Arts and Letters’ Charles competition at West Point. Giancarlo and Stephen joined Mrs. Lamour for a tour and dinner. Ives Fellowship. “We had a delightful evening and I was very proud of our Xavier men,” Mrs. Lamour wrote. 1965 Robert Hynes is working with the 1984 Federal Housing Finance Agency Come to your 45th James Curley works for Wachovia/ 1991 CLASS REUNION on the housing crisis in the D.C. area. Wells Fargo in Charlotte, NC. Joseph Degliuomini returned from 2003 2007 on April 30-May 1, 2010! a 12-month deployment to Iraq and Timothy Callahan is teaching English Nick Hendra played in two NCAA 1975 1985 Robert Abbene was named to will be moving to Tampa this summer and studying Mandarin in Shanghai. Basketball tournaments in 2008 Come to your 35th Come to your th Computerworld’s Premier 100 IT CLASS REUNION 25 for an assignment to Special Operations David del Cuadro graduated from and 2009 for American University. Leaders for 2010. Recently retired, CLASS REUNION Command for a Joint Assignment. ranger training in the summer of 2009, Maxime Sinal recently traveled on May 1, 2010! on April 30-May 1, 2010! Glen McComb married Marry Anne and is now stationed in the aviation to Tijuana, Mexico, to work with John Muller is an attending Jesse Mojica serves as Director of 1995 Hartman in October 2009. anesthesiologist at the Hospital unit at Fort Flood. Peter Faherty Esperanza International through Educational Policy under the Bronx Come to your 15th is a law clerk in the Employment Law Long Island University: C.W. Post. 1966 for Special Surgery in New York Borough President. CLASS REUNION and the proud parent of three. Department of Tully Rincky PLLC. Max spent a week working with 11 Alfred Ashford was appointed on May 1, 2010! 1986 other volunteers to restore hope by Senior Associate Dean for the Columbia John C. Giordano returned from a 2005 1976 Robert Suarez graduated from the helping build a foundation for one University Medical Center Affiliation at year’s deployment in Kuwait and has Come to your Mike Butler, the superintendent Thomas Cooley Law School in January 5th home and a roof for another. Harlem Hospital Center. Ed DeSimone relocated to Fort Meade in Maryland. of Corporate Human Resources 2010 and received a letter of recom- CLASS REUNION is in his 20th year on the Pharmacy on April 30th, 2010! 2009 at Cablevision, recently celebrated mendation from Gen. David Petraeus 1998 Faculty in Creighton University and William Lembo is proudly serving Peter Kouretsos is a freshman his 25th wedding anniversary with for a position as General Counsel for Charles Petz is married was designated Fellow of the American his country in Afghanistan with the at Loyola University of Maryland. wife Ginny. Colonel T.J. Farrell the Department of Homeland Security. with a one-year-old daughter. Pharmacists Association in March 2008. is on his second tour of combat 82nd Airborne Division. R.J Peterson Conrad Tridente keeps busy in his in Kuwait as the Division Chief 1987 1999 graduated from the Catholic University retirement by umpiring and refereeing for the Third Army G-36 Directorate. Bart Daudelin took a position as Robert McGee works for the of America in 2009 and is teaching over 200 baseball and basketball games business representative for backstage Department of Defense and coaches high school in Long Branch, NJ. per year. 1977 workers on Broadway and other live football for a local high school. Reid Muller is a cardiologist at SJH 1967 theater shows with the I.A.T.S.E. Local 764. Cardiology in Liverpool, NY. Anthony Joseph Sheehan married in August 2000 Correction Robert Kresofsky recently celebrated Sarro is the president of a medical 2008 with classmate, Christopher Come to your 10th A Classnote published in the July/August 2009 issue of Alumnews misspelled his 60th birthday with his wife and some billing services and systems firm Timpone serving as groomsman CLASS REUNION the name of a 2005 graduate. The note should have read: Carl Muraco classmates. Robert Loffredo is a proud on May 1, 2010! called Medical Practice Innovations. and brother, John ’83, serving graduated from Saint Joseph’s University. grandfather! Bill Strasser was appointed Jared Marinos is a captain with the at best man. Director of the Saddle River Valley Bank 1978 U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division and is based in Saddle River, NJ. Fr. David Berolotti serves at the stationed in Afghanistan for 13 months. combined parish of All Saints/Our Lady of Montserrate and at Woodhull Hospital in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

34 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 MARCH 2010 — ALUMNEWS 35 Mileposts Mileposts

IN MEMORIAM Rev. Thomas Lavelle ’43, a Maryknoll but did not practice religion regularly. He also DEATHS priest, died July 17, 2009. The middle child conducted catechism classes and organized Family Friends of nine, Fr. Lavelle once told the Alumnews nightly prayer meetings. George J. Brecht, Helen Pellino, Daisy Atherton, father of Gregory ’83, mother of Glenn ’67 and Barry ’68, mother of SFC Wayne Atherton, that he insisted on entering the Maryknoll In all, Fr. Lavelle would continue his work October 27, 2009 December 12, 2009 December 24, 2009 seminary because he knew there was more in Mexico at Dzidzantun, near the northern Joseph P. Cristiano, Roseann Lyons Piekarz, Janet Conway, of a guarantee that he would be assigned tip of the peninsula, supervising a high school father of Robert ’96, daughter of Thomas Lyons ’51, mother-in-law of Denise Conway, to foreign missionary work. After a brief stint and middle school. In 1992, he was appointed February 23, 2009 September 8, 2008 Xavier staff, January 29, 2010 in the U.S. Army at the close of World War II, the Superior of Maryknoll’s missions in Mexico. Diane Farinacci-Murray, Anthony Polito, William Crist, he began work in Tihosuco, Mexico, serving In all, he spent 50 years of service in Mexico wife of Kip Murray ’73, father of Anthony ’88, father-in-law of Gerard Walker, a ten-year-old parish of about 10,000 people and, though he said he would have chosen September 19, 2009 January 6, 2008 Xavier faculty, October 20, 2009 for the next ten years, working as pastor to live out the rest of his life living where he Theresa Furey, Helen M. Sullivan, Ceil Hoebermann, for three. served, in illness he lived in St. Theresa’s Hall, mother of Matthew ’07, mother-in-law of Michael Ford ’63, mother-in-law of Dcn. Vincent September 24, 2009 December 27, 2009 Laurato, former Xavier faculty, Fr. Lavelle eventually learned to speak in Ossining, New York, in the company and care Florence Galligan, Olive F. Swensen, June 30, 2009 the local Mayan dialect, and in interviews with of fellow Maryknollers, just down the road mother of Christopher ’81 wife of Christopher ’39, Rev. Robert G. Lynch, S.J., Maryknoll staff members, he often reflected from the seminary where his journey began. and James ’84, May 18, 2008 former Xavier faculty, the joys he found in immersing himself in November 6, 2009 Susan Toohill, October 20, 2009 the colorful native culture. On weekly trips Roland Gunther, sister-in-law of Daniel Denihan ’65, Alice McNally, to the outskirts of the Yucatan Peninsula, he father of John ’94, February 3, 2010 mother of Kitty, mentored parishioners that had been baptized December 2, 2009 Mary Catherine Williamson, former Xavier faculty, Mary Joan Keegan, mother of Paul ’57, October 19, 2009 mother of Edward ’79 August 28, 2009 Rev. John Scully, S.J., February 22, 2010 Fredric Wolff III, former Xavier faculty, Barbara LoMenzo, son of Fredric ’56, August 18, 2009 wife of Roger ’60, August 14, 2009 DEATHS December 26, 2009 Charles W. Wood, Alumni Ricardo Lopez, father of Vincent ’00, Maurice R. Roche, Jr. ’44, Anthony B. Bini ’55, April 27, 2007 James Fitzpatrick ’34, son of Louis ’49, July 21, 2009 May 11, 2009 January 19, 2009 Alfred Bianco ’57, June 5, 2009 October 21, 2009 Celeste A. Yacovone, Edward B. Andrews ’45, June 8, 2009 Peter P. Lucchio ’35, February 24, 2009 Martin J. Callaghan, Jr. ’57, June 28, 2009 Ann T. McGrorey, wife of Joseph ’71, Rev. Charles R. Malle ’36, Charles G. Herrmann ’45, James C. Foley ’57, January 25, 2010 wife of John ’36, July 1, 2009 September 26, 2008 August 30, 2009 Anthony Tardio ’57, February 1, 2010 September 26, 2008 John J. Young, John J. Paret ’36, August 29, 2006 James Mallin ’45, August 19, 2008 Francis J. Morison, Esq. ’58, John McShane, father of John ’77, Louis Adimando ’38, William S. Nutley ’45, February 15, 2010 son of Owen ’29, Christopher ’79 and Peter ’83, December 27, 2009 December 29, 2009 Edward W. Gotti ’59, August 25, 2009 January 6, 2010 August 31, 2008 Rev. James F. Coleman ’39, May 31, 2003 Edward M. Lenard ’48, January 3, 2009 Daniel T. Brigham ’61, April 17, 2009 Mary Manning Naimoli, Helen Zic, John R. Smith ’39, September 16, 2006 William Bolger ’49, October 8, 2009 Joseph M. Coyle ’61, wife of John ’36, mother of Walter ’81, October 26, 2008 John M. Morio ’40, May 21, 2009 Lucky Linton ’49, June 15, 2009 September 13, 2009 March 21, 2008 William P. Joyce ’41, May 8, 2008 Eugene J. Brennan ’49, October 8, 2009 William C. Christman ’62, September 18, 2008 Harry C. de Venoge ’42, John W. Halloran ’51, BIRTHS WEDDINGS November 12, 2009 December 24, 2008 Michael J. Vitale ’66, Luke Anthony Angerame, Alexi and Justin Hammel, Deborah Ellis and Douglas LeVien ’90, Xavier Riccobono ’42, July 21, 2004 Louis Anthony Perrone ’51, December 18, 2009 August 21, 2009 December 4, 2008 August 8, 2009 Felix R. Suarez ’42, September 10, 2009 June 17, 2009 Joseph Francis Hourigan ’68, Lisa and Paul Angerame ’78 Valerie Dube and Patricia Stell and Joseph W. Fleck ’52, November 9, 2009 Rev. Thomas LaVelle ’43, July 17, 2009 Eric C. Zoller ’51, December 5, 2009 Caitlin Grace Brennan, William Hammel ’88 September 5, 2009 Thomas J. McCormack ’44, William H. Casey ’52, August 28, 2008 Jay Politi ’68, January 17, 2010 October 5, 2009 Connor Mullen, September 23, 2006 John A. Lawler ’52, September 16, 2009 Carlos M. Alvarez ’79, Katie and George C. Brennan ’89 June 14, 2009 December 16, 2009 Rev. Joseph A. Novak, S.J. ’44 , Richard T. Myers ’52, June 24, 2008 Olivia Creighton, Jeanne Holly and Greg Mullen ’88 January 10, 2010 Victor J. Palace ’53, June 2, 2009 Alan Beckermeister ’88, June 29, 2009 Justin John Polito, November 26, 2009 Julia and John Creighton ’96 September 12, 2006 Patricia and Anthony Polito ’88

36 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010 37 Want to stay plugged into the latest from 16th street? Make Xavier’s exciting E-newsletter part of your week!

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WE HEAR YOU! What’s New for 2010? Ways You Can Make a Lasting Difference Since Xavier launched its weekly It's an extraordinarily uncertain time—tax wise, that is. This You may have noticed that many of the truly good things E-newsletter in December 2009, is the first year in decades that American tax law repealed in this world are a result of people opening their hearts. the school has been bombarded the federal estate tax. As of Jan. 1, 2010, federal estate taxes This generosity is often a thank you for assistance received with great feedback from alumni are repealed for any deaths that occur during this calendar in the past, an expression of compassion for a mission that and friends who have let us know year, regardless of the size of that person’s estate. While that touched someone’s heart or the result of witnessing the they’ve made the E-news part sounds like a good thing for everyone, it could actually be inspiring story of someone in need. of their weekly routine! a double-edged sword. The E-news is published every Your options for giving are almost as abundant as your Friday during the school year, and New for 2010: Convert Your IRA reasons for giving—and we appreciate any support includes all the latest highlights The year 2010 offers a great opportunity if you have an IRA. you have to offer. from 16th Street—academic news, Any amount you withdraw from an IRA is typically taxable JROTC highlights, sports accomplish- income to you, so being able to have a Roth IRA that you ments, service work and more! can access tax-free is a great advantage to you. A Roth IRA Also, plenty of news from the wide allows you to take funds from the plan income tax–free network of Xavier graduates and if you meet certain conditions, and you never have to photos from alumni events. take mandatory withdrawals during your lifetime. When To read these articles, please go to: converting, you'll have to pay income tax on the IRA amount If you don’t get the E-news you convert, but you can pay half the taxes in 2011 and half www.xavierhsalumni.org already, send your email in 2012. If your IRA is currently worth less than what it used Then click on “Planned Giving Advice” to [email protected], to be, perhaps due to a market decline, it may be an oppor- and come along for the ride beginning this week. tune time to convert to a Roth. If it is worth less when you For more information please contact us: convert it, you'll pay tax on a smaller amount. Take this opportunity to expand your philanthropic desires by making Joseph Gorski 212.924.7900 ext. 1539 a tax-deductible gift to Xavier High School to help offset or [email protected] the taxes generated by the Roth conversion. Mark A. Mongelluzzo, Esq. 212.924.7900 ext. 1436 or [email protected]

38 ALUMNEWS — MARCH 2010