D219 Alumni news

published by the District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence for alumni of Niles East • Niles West • Niles North

Olympic Gold Medalist Bart Conner (W’76) and Longtime Niles West Coach John Burkel Officially Open the Athletic Training Center at West

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

• 2012 Distinguished Alumni

• Niles East Hall of Memories Invitation

• Reunion Information

• News about D219 Alumni

Niles West High School dedicated commemorative plaques at the new facility’s grand opening on September 2 to mark the contributions of both men to Niles West gymnastics history and overall athletic excellence. Conner, who scored a perfect 10 to win Olympic gold on the parallel bars at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and also took team gold with the U.S. men’s team, is the only male American gymnast to win gold medals at every level of national and international competition. Burkel taught and coached gymnastics at Niles West from 1963 to 1994; during that time, he coached numerous conference, regional, sectional and state champions.

Conner and Burkel support students in Niles Township who are in financial need by contributing to the D219 Education Foundation, and they encourage other alumni of Niles West, Niles East and Niles North to do the same. Please read their letters on page 4 to see how you can help. SPRING/SUMMER 2012 • Vol. 5 Issue 1 1 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org www.219foundation.org FOUNDATION UPDATE

Education Foundation is Helping D219 Students To Realize Their Dreams Since 2007, the

The District 219 Education Founda- to the Foundation to help these Foundation has tion for Excellence was formed with students. the following mission: to assist Niles Township High School District 219 Make checks payable to the granted over $120,000 students in need. About 3 out of District 219 Education Founda- every 10 D219 students qualify for tion for Excellence, c/o 7700 to D219 students the Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Gross Point Road, Skokie, program, a number that has grown 60077. To pay by credit card, go to dramatically since the Foundation was www.219foundation.org and fol- in need formed. Since 2007, the Foundation low the Donations link. has awarded more than $120,000 in Thank you for your support. All gifts are tax-deductible, as allowed by the law. grants in the form of graphing calcula- The District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence is a 501(c)(3) organization. tors, scholarships, college application fees, computer technology, transpor- tation fees, and other items. More P 2012 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI P recently, the Foundation has also We are pleased to honor the newest members of the been providing school supplies and D219 Distinguished Alumni breakfast bars for students in need.

District 219 Education Foundation Dr. Michael Ruchim Dennis Hu Chair Jeff Burman and other Founda- Niles North Class of 1972 Niles West Class of 2007 tion members meet with faculty and counselors at the high schools, ex- Dr. Michael Ruchim graduated in Dennis Hu attended Northwestern plaining how to apply for grants, and three years from the University of University, where in 2010, he created asking for new ways to help students. Michigan, and went on to the Univer- the first synthetic sample of strep- sity of Illinois Medical School where torubin B, a molecule that is found A recent beneficiary of the Founda- he graduated in 1979. He completed naturally, and has been shown to have tion is student Josh Lipschultz, a his internship and residency at the anticancer and immunosuppressive member of the STEM Scientific Inquiry University of Illinois Hospital. properties. He was awarded the presti- and Research class at Niles North. gious Winston Churchill Scholar award, Lipschultz was able to attend an inten- Dr. Ruchim joined the Louis A. Weiss and spent the year at the University sive science internship at Rice Univer- Hospital and served as the President of Cambridge, pursuing his Master’s in sity, with funding from the Founda- of the Medical Staff as well as Vice chemistry. tion. While attending Rice, Lipschultz President of Academic and Medical worked with mentors, gained valuable Affairs. He assumed these leader- This fall he will begin Ph.D. research experience working in the laborato- ship positions while teaching at the at Stanford University on a $200,000 ries, and made a life-altering decision University of . grant from the National Science Foun- to apply for acceptance at Rice. He dation. Hu will work on developing says, “If it weren’t for the grant from In 2006, Dr. Ruchim joined North- non-addictive super painkillers for use the Foundation, I wouldn’t have been western Memorial Hospital as the in surgery. able to attend the summer seminar. Associate Chief Medical Officer and And I wouldn’t be attending Rice in Asistant Dean for Clinical Affairs of To hear more from Hu, please use your the fall.” Lipschultz was awarded a full the Northwestern Feinberg School of smartphone or visit http://url.d219. scholarship at Rice. Medicine. org/nwalum-hu

There are many more D219 students Dr. Ruchim was named Father of the in need of basic educational items. Year in 2009 by the American Diabe- Please consider making a donation tes Association.

2 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org COME BACK TO NILES EAST Save the date of Saturday, September 15 7 pm to 9 pm 7701 N. Lincoln, Skokie Though Niles East is gone, it has never been forgotten. Join the District 219 Education Foundation for Excel- lence, the Skokie Historical Society and Oakton Community College at the grand opening of the Niles East Hall of Memories, at its permanent home at OCC, the former site of Niles East. Come to the celebration, view the Niles East trophies, plaques and displays, share your remembrances with other alumni, and make plans to include your memorabilia in the Niles East Hall of Memories. This is a fundraiser for the District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence, with all profits benefiting D219 students. Don’t miss out on the cel- ebration. Go to the website at www.219foundation.org to reserve your spot at the opening of the Niles East Hall of Memories. The price is $50 per person and includes appetizers, dessert and coffee/tea. A cash bar will be available. Stay true to the Gold and Blue by purchasing a Niles East Trojans T-shirt and adjustable cap. This is the of- ficial and only merchandise for the September 15 event. T-shirts are available in size M, L and XL. Each item is priced at $18. Order online at http://www.219foundation.org. Wear the official T-shirt to the celebration and you will receive a small gift. ...there’s only one real high school...And so we sing anew...We love you Gold and Blue!

3rd Annual Outing Raised $17,000 On June 20, 2011, 80 golfers joined the District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence at the Highland Park Country Club for a shotgun start of 18 holes of golf. The event raised almost $17,000. A big thank you to the major sponsors: American Heritage Protective Services, Legat Architects, Midwest Energy, Inc., Positive Connections Bus Company, GCA Education Services, IHC Construction and Scariano, Himes and Petrarca.

One hundred percent of the profits from this outing benefited D219 students.

The Return of Pizza Wars - Jet’s Pizza Strikes Back

In the continuing quest for pizza perfection, the Foundation held Pizza Wars 2 at Niles West. The call went out to local pizzerias in Niles Township and a daring dozen took up the dough challenge. In the end, a newcomer to Skokie, Jet’s Pizza, was the people’s choice. Over 450 people attended Pizza Wars 2. The Foundation would like to thank all of the participating pizzerias for contributing their tasty creations to the event, which raised more than $4,200. Thank you to DiCaputo’s, Domino’s, Edwardo’s, Gulliver’s, Jet’s, Lou Malnati’s, Nancy’s, Organic Life, Papa John’s, Pequod’s, Sarpino’s and Village Inn. Special thanks go to the students of Dance Marathon, who helped to publicize the event and worked at the event, as well as Ken Albert’s engineering class at Niles North; his students designed the pizza cutter trophy for the winning pizzeria. Join us January 17, 2013 for Pizza Wars 3. 3 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Spring/Summer 2012 3 ALUMNI GIVING BACK

Niles West gymnastics coach John Burkel and Olympian and Niles Bart Conner and the Niles West girls gymnastics team at the West alum Bart Conner attended the opening of the Niles West Niles West Athletic Training Center. Athletic Training Center.

Dear Indians, Wolves, Vikings, Trojans & Other Friends, Dear Niles Township High School Alumni & Friends,

During my 31 years teaching and coaching at Niles West, I When I was 10 years old, my elementary school gym teacher met thousands of young people and had the good fortune took me to Niles West to watch the high school gymnasts. I to coach hundreds of them in gymnastics. I was proud walked into the balcony of the gym, where they practiced, to help develop an athletic program that challenged our and when I saw all that wonderful equipment, I knew I was students to build sound minds and sound bodies so they home. could perform at their personal best—in the classroom as well as on the gymnastics equipment. Last fall, more than 40 years later, I was honored to help open the new Athletic Training Center, at the high school where Since retiring, I have stayed in close contact with Niles my gymnastics career blossomed. While I worked hard for my West via the annual John Burkel Gymnastics Invitational. accomplishments, I was also very lucky to have the opportu- I am thrilled to see that the school continues to offer nities to succeed. excellent academic programs and holds high standards for all students. But I am concerned about the fact that more During my visit to the school, it was brought to my attention and more students are facing financial difficulties and that more than 3 out of 10 students at Niles West, Niles North struggle to afford some of the things we always took for and Niles Central come from low-income families. Without granted: tools for learning, resources to prepare for col- additional resources, these students will not have the same lege, and in some cases, even a proper meal at home. opportunities as their more financially secure peers. This is where the District 219 Education Foundation is able to help. Fortunately, the District 219 Education Foundation has stepped in and is helping provide much-needed assistance During the 2011-2012 school year, the Foundation directors to these students. have awarded grants of more than $34,000 for such educa- tional essentials as computers, graphing calculators, college I have personally reached out to the alumni athletes and visit transportation, Advanced Placement test fees and schol- gymnasts with whom I am in contact to make contribu- arships. The directors carefully review each grant request to tions to the District 219 Education Foundation and have make sure that the academic needs of the most financially been very pleased with their response. Now, I urge you vulnerable students are met. also to support District 219 students who face financial need by sending a donation to the Foundation. Even a I have been fortunate to be able to give something back to small contribution will make an enormous difference to my school through the Education Foundation, and hope, as those students in need. a proud alumnus, you’ll consider doing the same. Donations such as yours go a long way to help the Foundation fulfill its Best regards, mission to give every student the basic academic tools to suc- ceed. Thank you!

John Burkel, Teacher and Coach, Bart Conner, Niles West Class of 1976 Niles East (1962-63)/Niles West (1963-94)

4 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Donations & Tributes

Thank you to the following individuals and groups for their generous contributions to the District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence (March 2011 to present). Donations help financially needy students improve their academic performance.

Tayyaba Ahmad Matthew Fahrenbacher Jasminka Jukic Bob Moir Joseph Serpico Ann Alegnani Joseph Feng (E’65) Kathie Kajmowicz Jacklyn Naughton Olga Shafran Sherry Jo Baehr Pamela Foerch Dana Kantor Josef Neumayer Andrew Sinclair Sarah Barney Lawrence Fogel Aby Karottu Daniel Newman Jennifer Sipiera Scott Baum Ellen Foley Amy Kaye Marika Nissan Samuel Smith Kathleen Brandes Edward Forkos (W’53) Andrew Klamm NN Winter Sports Esther Song Vanessa Brechling Katherine France Marcy Klayman Robert Nortillo Lia Sosa Hyun Briski Andy Gale (N’65) David Klingenberger Earl Nowak Heidi Splinter John Burkel Brent Garner Elizabeth Kolany NW Athletic Dept. Dr. Roger Stein Katherine Burkel Daniel Gin Richard Kolze NW Principals Breakfast Mitchell Stern Kathleen Buttitta Charles Graessle (W’66) Neil Koreman Eric Oddo Lisa Stone Christine Camel Sally Graham Hope Kracht Jessica Ogulnik Sarah Stucky Mary Carr Benjamin Grais Jerome Krueger (E’53) Kaine Osburn Lauren Stump Nicole Carrow Carla Green Cynthia Kukla Tapan Patel Jim Szczepaniak Sanlida Cheng GRC Wireless Jason Kuruvilla (N’00) Daniel Paxson Sarah Tipperreiter (W’94) Kate Choldin Rachel Gross Demian LaPointe Larissa Petrakis Hillary Tulley Brett Clish Marie Grunst Stephanie Lau Jerry Pope Barbara Tyler Michael Conroy Laurie Hall Evelyn Lauer Linda Poulsom Joyce Van Alstin Patricia Costigan Michael & Carol Halliburton Michele Lewis Charles Pratt John Vana Scott Dahlberg Anna Hamilton Martha Lietz Cynthia Protus-Edelstein Dale Vogler Richard Decoster Angie Hankes Lisa Litberg David Putrus Eileen Walvoord Joseph Deeney Barbara Harris Christine Lubarsky Yan Qian Michael Watanabe Lisa DeNapoli Christopher Hawker Guillermo Lupi Susan Ranft Matthew Weatherington Dana DesJardins Jean Hedstrom Karyn Malench Scott Reed Bonnie Weiberg Kathleen DiSanza Tina Helms Judith Eva Matz (W’63) John Rocco Monica Weitzel Margaret Donnelly IBM Corporation Thomas Meskel Daniel Rusk Matthew Wiemer Kirby Doonan Heather Ingraham John Metzler David Ruth Brad Wilson Ronald Dornseif Kristen Jackson Sheila Meyer Joyce Sacks Thomas Zera Lisa Dunham Bashar Jazrawi Lee Milano Jason Schmitt Lisa Edelson Andrew Johnson Timothy Miller Schools4Recycling Joseph Edwards Ankur Joshi Yvonne Miller Susan Schram

In honor of Niles West English Niles East Class of 1971 In recognition of Arnie Norris’ years of Department: service as a Niles North counselor: Sanlida Cheng “The Niles East Class of 1971 students were Julie Marks privileged to have an amazing education and In honor of Niles North English since graduation, many have been successful 260 families Department: in a wide variety of professional arenas. We contributed to the Foundation Dr. Roger Stein hope this donation will help other students to during student registration. We thank reach their potential and achieve whatever these families. In honor of Bernie Tennes: goals in life they desire.” Lisa Angell James & Mary Sullivan Platinum Sponsors Niles West Gymnastics Program and American Heritage Protective NW Class of 1970 reunion Continued Excellence: Services Unmi Song John Burkel Legat Architects Katherine Burkel Lloyd A. Fry Foundation Louis & Faye Torres Positive Connections Larry Metnick (W’64) Dance Marathon / School Chest Niles Township Class of 1956 Steven Rochell (W’67) Darrell Kerbel (W’77) Barbara Harris’ CIC English classes Matthew Samuelson Gold Sponsors Jill Burkel Sidoti McDonald Corporation GCA Education Services

On March 26, almost 80 District 219 students gave up a day of their spring break to go Send your story on college visits to Northern Illinois University and North Central College. Many of the ideas or submissions students on the trip were first generation students (they would be the first in their family for Seen and Heard to attend a college or university). Many do not have the resources to travel to visit college to Karyn Malench, campuses and this trip helps motivate them with their college search, familiarizes them [email protected] or with collegiate life, and provides them with opportunities to meet with admissions person- nel. The District 219 Education Foundation provided two coach buses for students to visit by using your smart the colleges. phone. 5 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Spring/Summer 2012 5 Upcoming Reunions Reunion Roundup Class of 1957 55th Reunion Reunion will be held August 24-26, 2012. Please contact Ron Korsan, [email protected].

Class of 1962 50th Reunion All classmates from 1962, when classes were split because Niles East and West became four-year schools. Reunion will be held June 29 through July 1. Contact Pat Fulkerson Larrabee at patlar- [email protected] or register at website: www. nilehi62.com.

Class of 1963 50th Reunion Niles East and Niles West invite you to the 50th reunion, to be held in late summer 2013. Go to www.nilehi63.com to stay informed or if you have a copy of the commencement program.

Class of 1965 Turns 65 Celebrate your 65th year with Niles East, Left: Niles North Class of 1971 alums include Jill (Perbohner) Moss, Wesley Sowers, North and West grads. This celebration will Ted Theophilos, Enid Rasenick-Koloski, Sandford Cohen, Marty Gartzman, and Kirk be held on August 11. More information at Robinson. www.65nilesreunion.com. 40th Year Cubby Hole Reunion at Niles North Niles East Class of 1972 The 40th reunion will be held on July 14, 2012. The Cubby Hole is a space at Niles North, between two sets of doors leading from what Please contact [email protected] was formerly Hall C, near the cafeteria, to the courtyard. In 1971, a group of about or Sheila Silver-Brown at 847/602-5650 or sps- 10 seniors made this their major “hangout” when they were not in class. On April 27, [email protected]. Niles East teachers contact Paul several of those congregants were talking about their futures and one of them said Festenstein at [email protected]. “we should get together in 10 years and see what we are doing.” The others immedi- ately agreed, and it was resolved that all the Cubby Holers would meet at that spot in Niles North Class of 1972 exactly 10 years. It was written on the back of a hall pass that one of the members was If you are interested in helping to plan the 40th carrying, and that has since been held as the most sacred document of the Cubby Hole reunion, or you would like to attend, contact Mark Stein at [email protected]. legacy. Every ten years, the Cubby Holers return to the place they pledged to meet, and this year, 40 years after making the vow, the hall pass was presented for viewing as Niles West Class of 1972 the group reunited once again to visit the Cubby Hole and tour Niles North. The group The 40 year reunion will be held on August 4. plans to reunite in 2021! Contact Liz Beck of Reunions Ltd. at 847/259- 1130 or [email protected]. The Cubby Hole group shared the following information: Jill is the school nurse in High- land Park, Wes is a community psychiatrist in Pittsburgh, PA, Ted is an attorney and CEO Niles North Class of 1977 of Engagement Health, Enid is an attorney and Director of HR at Wave Hill in New York The 35th reunion will be held on July 21. For City, Sandy is an attorney and counsel for the City of New York, Marty is an adminis- details go to www.nilesnorth1977.org. Email Lisa trator and math/science educator at the University of Chicago, Kirk is a construction Shinitzky Silverman or engineer and the CEO of the Robinson Co. in Seattle, WA. Michelle True at [email protected]

Niles North Class of 1982 Please send your reunion news to Rosamin Bhanpuri at [email protected] or If you are interested in participating in the call (847) 626-3959. Visit 219foundation.org for the latest reunions news. planning, or attending the reunion, contact Jill Kominsky Gelb at [email protected]. The event is schedule for November 10 at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire.

Niles West Class of 1982 The 30th reunion is soon approaching. Get all the details for the August 4 event by calling Liz Beck of Reunions Ltd. at 847/259-1130 or send an email to [email protected].

Niles West Class of 1992 (Above): The Niles North Class of 1966 at (Above): Donna Searing Krenzer and Mildred This event is planned for October 6. Contact Terri Homecoming festivities at Niles North. Bjurman Rathberger at the ‘56 reunion. Chaseley at [email protected]. 6 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org Matthew Lee Erlbach (W’01), a play- wright and contributor to The Huffington Post, writes and produces for Nickelode- on’s Nicktoons. His short film Roger the Chicken won Best Screenplay at the 2011 S e e n Houston Comedy Film Festival where he was also nominated for Best Actor. His play Eager to Lose, a burlesque farce in verse, will premiere at Ars Nova in July 2012. a n d Gabriel Friedman (W’09) received a grant from the Donald A. Strauss Public Service Scholarship Foundation to cre- ate a music mentoring program in the Pomona Valley. Friedman was inspired to create the music mentoring program Heard after learning that children show measur- fied development corporation providing Juni Park (N’10) was the winner of the able brain developments after as little as SBA 504 loans for businesses in Illinois. fourth annual Mario, Make Me a Model 10 music lessons. 2011 competition. George Kotsiopoulos (W’86) is on the Steve Gadlin (N’94) made an appearance panel of the hit show Fashion Police for Zoya Sirota (N’00) is working to spread on the January 27 episode of ABC’s Shark the E! Network. He critiques celeb fashion awareness regarding the Blue Star Banner Tank, to pitch his pet project, alongside Joan Rivers, Kelly Osbourne and through a unique volunteer opportunity. www.IwantToDrawACatForYou.com. Giuliana Rancic. A Blue Star Banner displayed in a window signifies that a family member in the Anton “Tony” German (W’04) is the Jerome Krueger (E’53) is enjoying the re- household is an active member in the founder of BayRu LLC, an e-commerce tired life in Green Bay, WI. He retired from United States Armed Forces. The aim of firm that allows Russian consumers to A.C. Nielsen as Manager of Systems and the project is to increase connections purchase products , similar to eBay and Programming after 35 years. He helped to among military families and revitalize a Amazon.com. The company is expected found the Green Bay Botanical Garden and great American tradition. Interested parties to reach $40 million in revenue this year. he and his wife are Senior Master Garden- are invited to contact Bluestarfamilypla- ers. He would like to get in contact with [email protected]. Lori (Shaffel) Goldstein (N’77) opened former classmates. her own employment law practice: Law Jack Spatafora (Social Studies Depart- Office of Lori A. Goldstein in Wilmette, IL. Rohina Malik (N’95) presented her one- ment Chair during the 1960s) is enjoying She was elected to the Board of Educa- woman show Unveiled for classes at Niles the pleasure of a second Niles East life! tion for . North. Malik’s show features the the After years of teaching history there and monologues of five Muslim women, in- elsewhere throughout Chicagoland, in his Mr. Joe, AKA Joe Goschy (E’56), shares spired by the events of September 11. The retirement he is still getting a chance to his favorite stories in the book Mr. Joe’s show premiered at the 16th Street Theater “teach,” now to even larger “classrooms.” Popcorn Memories. The title and the in Chicago, ran at Victory Gardens Theater He is a regular contributor to the op-ed cover were inspired by his granddaugh- in Chicago, Next Theatre in Evanston and pages of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun ter, who likened his stories to popcorn the Brava Theater Center in San Francisco. Times, the Pioneer Press newspapers, and filling up a bowl. The book is available on daily on the Niles East 61 Reunion blogsite. Amazon.com.

George Kontos (W’03), was promoted to Matthew A. Edelstein, CLU, ChFC the majors from Triple-A. The right-hand- ed pitcher was announced as a call-up for Personal Financial Representative the New York Yankees after a 4-4 record 34158 Lavender Circle with a 2.62 ERA in 40 appearances with Grayslake, IL 60030 the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Income Protection Phone: (847) 223-5034 Tom Koral (W’01) finished 47th out of Fax: (847) 231-3109 6,800 players at the 2011 World Series Insurance Planning of Poker in Las Vegas, the biggest poker E-mail: [email protected] Wealth Accumulation www.matthewedelstein.com tournament in the world. and Preservation Registered Representative Bill Kornit (W’85) was promoted to Vice Tax Advantaged Strategies The O.N. Equity Sales Company - Member FINRA/SIPC President of SomerCor 504, Inc., a certi- One Financial Way - Cincinnati, OH 45242 - (513)794-6794

7 District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence | www.219foundation.org District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence c/o 7700 Gross Point Road Non-Profit Skokie, IL 60077 Organization US Postage www.219foundation.org PAID Permit No. 353 Skokie, Illinois

District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence Board Jeff Burman, Chair, (E’74) Alyse Cohen Burman, Vice Chair Matthew Robins, Secretary (N’98) Ken Clinkman, Treasurer Keith Baker, Director (E’74) Mark Collins, Director Dr. Nanciann Gatta, Director, D219 Superintendent William Lee, Director David Putrus (W’97), Director Robert Silverman, Director (E’78), D219 Board President Tayyaba Ahmad (W’04), Director & Teacher, Niles West Ron Dornseif, Director & Teacher, Niles North Steffi Drucker, Director & Student, Niles North D219 alumni from Shure, Inc. attended Mona Munshi, Director & Student, Niles North a Powerful Partnership breakfast at Nanci Tuzzolino (W’81), Committee Member the school. Jim Szczepaniak, Staff Rosamin Bhanpuri, Staff Karyn Malench, Newsletter Layout and Design

Felicia Hirn in Barb Harris’ English School Chest/Dance Marathon is a class talks with North teacher Nils platinum8 District sponsor 219 Education of Foundation the Foundation. for Excellence | www.219foundation.orgPeterson. Plant sales raised about $800 for the Foundation.