A publication for alumni, parents, and friends of Father Gabriel Richard / Saint Thomas High School
Legacies2017–2018 Annual Report
In this issue: Graduation 2018 • Heart of Service Awards • Alumni Profile: Matthew Conlin ’01 From Our President
Dear Friends, It is a great pleasure to present you with the 2017-2018 Father Gabriel Richard High School Annual Report. As we celebrate our 150th Anniversary year, it is hard to believe that our school was founded when Blessed Pius IX was Pope-- the last temporal ruler of the Papal States; Andrew Johnson was President-- picking up the Board of Trustees (2017-2018) pieces of a fractured country after the Civil War; Queen Michael Coghlan ‘83, Chair Victoria was still ruling the British Empire; and the Dr. Stephen Rouhana, Vice Chair University of Michigan was ten years away from having a football team. We have Robert Roelant, Secretary much to be thankful for and we, indeed, stand on the shoulders of giants. John M. DeJak, President, ex officio Our students continue to enjoy success and FGR has a stellar reputation in the Steve Alexandrowski Ann Arbor community and Southeast Michigan. Our students are well-rounded: Kevin Benson ‘00 seeking academic greatness; athletic and artistic greatness; and spiritual greatness. James Birchler Half-measures are not for us and our supporters see this and invest. It is our conviction that this habitual vision of greatness for our students and our school will Dr. William Chavey guide us into the next 150 years! Please join us in this exciting vision! Rev. James Conlon Rev. Richard Lobert, ex officio With Gratitude, Thomas S. Monaghan ‘55 John M. DeJak Lisa Vasconi Rev. Brendan Walsh
School Administration From Our Principal John M. DeJak, President Christopher Dotson, Principal Janie Herrera, Assistant Principal Meghan Buckler, Dean of Students Dear FGR Community, Rev. Richard Lobert, Chaplain We are pleased to share with you the 2017-2018 Annual Report for Father Gabriel Richard High School. This past school year was a special one as our student body excelled in all capacities. In the classroom, graduating seniors earned an average composite score of 26.6 on the ACT (our highest score in recent memory) and 86% of FGR students who took the A.P. Exam earned a score of 3 or higher, which continued an upward trend Our Mission on this nationally recognized exam. Our student body accumulated thousands of Father Gabriel Richard High service hours in their local community and beyond, too. This ranged from Saturday School, a Catholic school trips with Faith in Flint to the weeklong Mexico Mission Trip where our students community, exists to build up displayed charity and kindness to those living and working in a Mexico City landfill. the Body of Christ through the Students won state championships in Forensics, earned numerous Catholic intellectual and spiritual formation League honors, and 11 student-athletes are continuing in their sport at the collegiate of its students. Rooted in the level. Student performers presented The Diary of Anne Frank, sang at Disney World, Catholic Intellectual Tradition, painted life size saint icons, which are now hanging in the Chapel, and our band FGR cultivates in each student program earned a level 2 at the Michigan State Band & Orchestra Festival. It was a remarkable year in all areas! a sense of awe in response to the The 2018-2019 school year is off to a great start and we are thankful for your beauty of truth. Strengthened continued support of our work in forming Disciples of Christ who are prepared to by the Sacraments, students are engage the world. equipped to live at the service of others through academic excellence, In Christ, intentional discipleship, creativity Christopher Dotson and sportsmanship. WWW.REBOUNDPHOTO.COM CREDIT: REBOUND PHOTO PHOTO COVER A CELEBRATION OF Excellence
Congratulations to the Class of 2018!
Class of 2018 by the numbers:
142graduates service11k hours performed recognized6 by National Merit cum34 laude honors Scholarship Corporation
magna30 cum laude honors summa25 cum laude honors student-athletes11 recruited to enter3 military service to play in college
1. 2. 3.
Honors Convocation, May 2018 | Senior Top Scholars (1) These students maintained cumulative GPAs above 4.0 throughout their high school careers. Forensics Excellence (2) Colleen Hammond ’18 won three straight state titles in her category. Serving Our Nation (3) Paul Villa ’18 accepted an ROTC Scholarship to attend Villanova University; John Blaney ’18 discerned a call to enlist; Andrew Putlock ’18 received a commission to the United States Air Force Academy. These three men were presented with special commemorative coins by FGR President John M. DeJak, who served on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army. 1 Hearts of Service
Three community members were honored for their examples of Intentional Discipleship. Their “above and beyond, without counting the cost” actions caught the attention of the members of the Class of 2018 who nominated them for the Heart of Service Award. Below are excerpts from speeches given in their honor at Commencement on May 24, 2018.
Tim and Shann Patton Fr. Satheesh Alphonse
A fighting spirit; wit and happiness that lights up a room; The love and respect that Fr. Satheesh has earned is based the tireless defense of those who cannot defend themselves; not only upon the services he provides for our students and kindness to all they have met; and humility before a merciful community, but also upon the joyful attitude with which he and gracious God--these characteristics define Tim and Shann provides them. Fr. Satheesh sets the best possible example Patton. Whether it is supporting a young woman in a crisis by serving with a joyful heart. He generously provides pregnancy and staring down the bullies that would seek to opportunity for our students to receive the Sacrament of snuff out the precious life underneath her heart, helping to Reconciliation and regularly concelebrates our All School create the possibility of a healthcare system that treats every Mass. Fr. Satheesh teaches our students how to serve through single human person as infinitely valuable, or using their events like the Mexico Mission trip, which he helped lead resources to create the best possible Catholic education for our this year. Students who served alongside him said they were young people in Ann Arbor, Tim and Shann have consistently, “honored to have witnessed his hard work, compassion, and humbly, and most generously used the many talents and gifts charity in Mexico.” Fr. Satheesh is an excellent example of one’s that God has given them to build up not only FGR, but growth in a personal relationship with God. Over the years, Ann Arbor, our country, and, yes, the world. We are grateful he has become a staple as a Kairos chaplin. His heartfelt talks to them for their service and for entrusting us with the and homilies inspire students to take off their masks and open education of their most precious gifts; their children. Tim and up about the troubles that they might be struggling with in Shann Patton have radiated tremendous joy and, for us, their their personal and faith lives. He instructs them to lay all their friendship is a foretaste of that eternal joy which, God willing, suffering at the altar of our Lord and Father. Fr. Satheesh is awaits us all in heaven. celebrated by our students as a mentor in faith and service.
2 2017–2018 ANNUAL REPORT Discipleship on Display Father Gabriel Richard High School Pro-Life Club marched for life in Washington, D.C.
Special Olympics, Sophomore Service, Faith in Flint, March for Life, Mexico Mission Trip, Stadium Clean-up: opportunities to put our faith into action, and to display our Intentional Discipleship.
Taking our commitment to serve into our community. The Class of 2020 logged 4,350 service hours to our surrounding community during their Sophomore Service theology class last year. The program, which was launched during the 2016-2017 school year, finds students helping in Catholic elementary schools, at ArborWoman or Huron Valley PACE, an assisted-living facility in Ypsilanti Township, to name just a few. While serving others, they all learn A special day in myriad ways. how to give of themselves. “You can see Special Olympics Field Day is one of the transition happen as the students go the best days of the year, according to out into the community and then come many, many students. Each year, the back into the classroom and talk about Our Faith in Flint is stronger than entire student body hosts the fun day for their experiences,” says Bradley Stalder, ever. An initiative of the Diocese of area special needs young adults. Teams the faculty advisor to the program. “It’s Lansing, the Faith in Flint efforts are of students usher participants around remarkable.” spearheaded at FGR by chaplain, Fr. and participate in various games and Richard Lobert with strong support from activities with their new friends. Despite Ms. Barb Brown. The response from the the overcast April day, the atmosphere FGR community is one of tremendous was festive. Matt Granzatto ’18 and generosity. Students and adults travel to Gabe Hoban ’18 spearheaded the Flint each week to visit with the poor in Special Olympics Field Day planning three neighborhoods, offering material efforts. The duo received the Blessed Pier support but more importantly friendly Giorgio Frassati Campus Ministry award faces, understanding smiles and a taste of for their work. God’s love for them. 3 Creativity for All to See
Don’t try to curb this enthusiasm. The Pro-Life Club supported the Mexico Mission Trip efforts by holding a “Curbside Coffee” Fundraiser, earning funds to donate to Mother Inez’s orphanage in Mexico City.
Taking our mission to Mexico. organization that leads missions to Since 2004, Father Gabriel Richard thirty-five different countries each year. students have been encountering Mrs. Herbeck finds the FGR students to Christ in the residents of Neza Landfill be “amazing kids; focused, mature and on the northern outskirts of Mexico ready to serve.” Since communication PHOTO CREDIT: MORGAN LAYNE ‘17 CREDIT: MORGAN LAYNE PHOTO City. The annual Mexico Mission is so vital to the mission, students must Trip affords students the opportunity have completed at least three years of A powerful procession. FGR to gain perspective and to practice Spanish studies to be considered for observed the Solemnity of the Most intentional discipleship by serving the trip. They prepare for the service Sacred Heart of Jesus with a joyful others. A parent of four FGR alumni, aspect of the trip by completing at procession from the chapel out to Debbie Herbeck, organizes the annual least 12 hours of service each year as the athletic field on the last day of trip through Renewal Ministries, an part of their education at FGR. the 2017-2018 school year.
4 2017–2018 ANNUAL REPORT Creativity for All to See
Musicians use their talents to spread Christmas cheer at the Annual Christmas Concert
Four theatrical performances, three concerts, several competitions and a very special service project provided many opportunities for our artists to use and develop their God-given talents all year through.
1. Dramalums kicked off the FGR Drama Club season with Into the Woods in August, performed at Washtenaw Community College. Alumni Benjamin Brown ‘13 and Robert Pressprich ’16 returned to join the cast of fellow alumni and current students in a unique theatrical experience for our 1. students and community. 2. In 3. honor of the 70th anniversary of The Diary of Anne Frank, the Drama Club took a serious turn in October, presenting the stage adaptation of the powerful and famous work. 3. The Original Christmas Play – The Worst Christmas Play Ever was written by the cast and performed at FGR. 4. Springtime found audiences enjoying a toe-
2. tapping treat of a whodunit with 4. Curtains: The Musical in April. 5 Art students participated in the Memory Project dedicated to bringing joy to Syrian children living in refugee camps. Participating FGR art students were each given a photograph of a child and that child’s favorite color. The artists then created a portrait to be sent to the child.
1. Choir qualified for States in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association District Festival. 2. Apria Moe ’20 and Helen Crossman ’21 received a Superior (highest) rating for their flute duet at the Michigan Band and School Orchestra Association’s State Solo and Ensemble Festival in March. 3. Madrigals Honors Choir qualified for States, earning a 113/120 for a Number One Rating at the Michigan School Vocal Music Association District Festival. At Festival Disney in Orlando, FL, in April, their
1. performance yielded BEST IN CLASS and the Silver award.
2. 3.
6 2017–2018 ANNUAL REPORT PHOTO COURTESY OF REBOUND PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO Bringing Faith to the Field
Varsity Football had the opportunity to play in the 2017 Prep Bowl appearance at Ford Field.
With 29 sports offering a total of 42 teams, our students have the opportunity to hone their athletic skills while practicing Christian sportsmanship-and the results are impressive.
1. The FGR Equestrian team was honored to appear at the State Championship show. 2. Men’s Soccer won the Catholic League in 2017 for the first time in school history. 3. FGR Varsity Baseball defeated South Lyon East 7-2, earning the title of District Champions. 4. Softball defeated 1. 2. Romulus to claim their first District title since 2003.
3. 4.
7 1.
1. Julia Kennedy ‘18 hit her 19th & 20th home runs, giving her the state record with a 4-year career total of 53 home runs. 2. Men’s 4x400 meter relay team placed third at States in the spring. They also crushed the former school 2. record by 3+ seconds with a time of 3:25.72. The relay team consisted of
Matthew Labbe ’18, Andrew Bonar 4. ’18, Andy Edwards ’18, and Charlie Falvey ’19. 3. Sarah Remilliard ’18 was named Mlive Girls Bowler of the Year. 4 & 5. The Men’s and Women’s Bowling teams earned 7 individual awards: All Catholic - Theresa Ignatoski ’18, Amber Stockinger ’18 & Ana Wong ’21, All League - Sarah Remillard ’18 & Jonny Westemeier ’18, All Academic 3. - Catherine Lawrence ’19 & Matthew 5. Higgins ’18.
At Father Gabriel Richard High School, student athletes go beyond the playing field to promote school Sportsmanship spirit and sportsmanship. Gabe Hoban ’18 detailed this in his Battle Council of the Fans submission available for viewing on YouTube.
8 2017–2018 ANNUAL REPORT Volunteer Efforts Abound 1.
1. Stadium Clean-up is a unique fundraising opportunity that not only provides much needed funding for the general operating budget and scholarships, but also provides students and families an opportunity to work together toward a common goal. These efforts have been coordinated by Mr. Gerald Bonar, Mrs. Cindy Pressprich, and a team of dedicated individuals and families for many years. We are grateful for their commitment to this valuable experience. 2. Student volunteers helped our Oktoberfest Dinner 2. Auction run smoothly last fall.
Advancement Michelle Rourke Student Kyle Bragg Mickey Swortzel • Baccalaureate Claudia Sala Liz Breitner Karen Walls Reception Volunteers for Jana Schoenle Volunteers for Maureen Brosnan Tom Westemeier • Parent to Parent 2017-2018 Doug Schultz Wine Auction Kim Covert Wendy Winnie Used Book Sale Mickey Swortzel (April, 2018) Dawn Cummings Janice Wlodyga- Tami Arreguin Aimee Taylor-Uram Karen DePriest Reynolds 2017 – 2018 Liz Arsenault Caroline Bodary ’20 Janice Trouba Gino Cousino ’21 Melissa Espinoza Theresa Zakerski PTG Officers: Joan Ciarelli Sheryl Carvill, President Jim Trouba JP DeJak ’19 Sarah Falahee Ann DeJak Kerri Cross, Treasurer Jeanne White Isabelle Frank ’19 Amy Georvassalis Parent – Terri Dietrich Lori Grover, Secretary Janice Wlodyga- Ignatius Ireeta ’20 Mary Griffith Cathy Donahue Teacher Guild Reynolds Jack Kandah ’21 Tricia Hampo Fran Donahue The PTG is an Jenna Lochriccio ’20 Tabitha Hans Lisa Filipe organization which Eucharistic Sophia Pucillo ’19 Sarah Henseler Julie Frank Student Auction promotes a collaborative Vincent Pucillo ’18 Kristine Hogan Adoration Cheryl Gawne Volunteers relationship between Andrew Putlock ’18 Mike Ignatoski Coordinator Tom Gawne (October 22, 2017) the home and school Christopher Putlock ’20 Dawn Johnson Claudia Hopper and works to support Maureen Galloway Grace Alexandrowski ’19 Emma Purdy ’19 Angie Kenyon Brian Kennedy the academic, spiritual, Grace Benz ’20 Molly Raftery ’19 Veva Lashaway Kim Kennedy physical, and creative Carolyn Bodary ’20 Ann Rushing ’19 Ramona Lellie Moms Rosary development of each Veva Lashaway JP DeJak ’19 Mark Rushing ’21 Bridget Martinez Coordinator Marie Lenhardt Jack Kandah ’21 Colleen McClorey student with special Lisa Madden events such as: Kara Chavey Izzie Lashaway ’21 Athletics Christy Nehro Lisa O’Hanian Kenny Lashaway ’21 Jody Nissan • Fall Open House Carolyn Palka Volunteers Rebecca Messiter ’18 Patricia O’Leary • Curriculum Nights Dads in Prayer Anne Perez Anna Nalukwago ’19 Thank you to the many, PJ O’Leary • Bishop’s Mass Cindy Pressprich Sophia Pucillo ’19 many parents who Katie Pintar Reception Coordinator Antoinette Pucillo Vincent Pucillo ’18 dedicate their time to Jousy Rollan • Lenten Lunches Dave Stolarski Phil Pucillo Andrew Putlock ’18 supporting each athletic Kate Schoenle • Teacher Appreciation Sharon Ragland-Keys Christopher Putlock ’20 team behind the scenes Lisa Simon Lunch Tim Randolph George Spicer ’19 with meals, banquets and Kitty Sinnot • Freshman Theresa Redpath Juan Sancho ’19 numerous other tasks. Erica Stowe Welcome Night Sandra Richter Katlyn Villa ’20 Thank you to all the parent and student volunteers who helped FGR in countless ways last year! 9 FGR Financials
5. Expand the role of finance in 18. This was primarily accomplished achieving the many goals of through higher fee revenue, curtailed the school. There are many initiatives administrative expense, and the generous under way and many accomplishments support of benefactors who led us to already secured. Some of the highlights achieve solid advancement results. The from 2017-2018 are as follows: school is on a firm financial footing to • Dramatically reduce the pursue its goals for the coming years. My name is Mike McClelland, school’s utility costs through and while I am approaching my alternative rate programs. one-year work anniversary with • Replace the artificial FGR, I am still relatively new to the athletic turf field. Mike McClelland joined the staff at FGR in school community. In November • Enable online advance ticket 2017 after serving for two years on the school’s 2017, I took the newly-created role sales for FGR events. Board of Trustees and as chair of the board’s of Chief Financial Officer. This • Implement greater financial Finance Committee. He brings over 25 years of role was added to the school’s reporting consistency and usefulness. corporate and consulting experience in banking, administrative staff for five purposes. • Streamline a number of financial finance, process management, and corporate management processes. strategy. His corporate career culminated in nine 1. Identify and implement process years with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. improvement opportunities. A long list of projects and initiatives will Mike received his BBA from University of 2. Support strategic planning bear fruit in the 2018-19 Fiscal Year. Michigan and, after several years in commercial initiatives and plan realization. banking, he earned an MBA with honors from 3. Provide capacity to complete major The 2017-2018 fiscal year was a pivotal the University of Chicago. Prior to joining FGR, ad hoc projects for the school. one for the school from a financial Mike taught management and finance at the 4. Strengthen budgeting, standpoint. A distressing loss of $108,000 Catholic University of America’s Busch School of controlling, treasury functions, in FY 2016-17 was turned around to Business in Washington, DC. Mike and his wife, and Board engagement. a net income of $197,000 in 2017- Karen, are the happy parents of six children. FGR Balance Sheet FGR Revenue FGR Expense June 30, 2018 2017-18 2017-18 $6,790,000 $6,592,000 ASSETS Cash - Checking...... 876,036 Deposits - Diocese of Lansing...... 2,172,337 Accounts Receivable...... 74,625 Facilities & Equip. - Net of Dep...... 11,766,022
Total Assets...... $ 14,889,020
LIABILITIES Pre-paid Fees and Tuition...... 523,249 Funds Held - Student Orgs. / Athletics...... 189,010 Other Liabilities...... 14,631 Long-Term Bond...... 6,785,000 - Total Liabilities...... 7,511,891 Tuition and Fees Salaries and Benefits Interest Earned and Other Net Income Total Capital...... 7,377,129 Athletic Revenue & Fundraising Bond Interest Expense
Advancement/Fundraising Other Expenses Total Liabilities & Capital...... $ 14,889,020 Facilities, Utilities, Supplies Depreciation Athletics 10 2017–2018 ANNUAL REPORT Donors 2017-2018
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Clasby ’80 Hopper Mr. and Mrs. Tim Randolph 1868 Society Mr. Daryl Clore and Ms. Carole Ireland Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hussain Mr. Douglas Relyea ’58 ($5,000 and above) Mr. and Mrs. Brendan Cousino Ms. Darlene Imus ’66 Mark and Richelle Renfer Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cross Ms. Jeanine Jahant Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Ressler Mr. and Mrs. Steve Alexandrowski Mr. Matthew and Mrs. Ann (Pressprich) Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jansen Mr. and Mrs. Jacob R. Richter ’52 Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Mary (Monaghan) ’03 Currie Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roelant ’81 Beagle Mr. and Mrs. Winfried Dahm Mr. and Mrs. James Jetton Mr. Charles Rohr ’48 Mr. and Mrs. Peter Benedetto Mr. and Mrs. Rahul Danak ’89 Mr. Kent B. Joscelyn Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Rollan Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Bonar Mr. and Mrs. Dennis DeFelice Mr. and Mrs. Gus Kandah Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rosenberger Mr. and Mrs. David Cesarini Mr. John Dehlin Mr. Edward Karls and Dr. Marci Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Rouhana Mr. and Mrs. Michael Coghlan ’83 Mr. Robert DeJack Lesperance Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ryan Mr. and Mrs. Carl Fulper Mr. and Mrs. John DeJak Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kawka Dr. and Mrs. Michael Sarosi Mr. and Mrs. Robert Geppner Mr. Richard DeLamielleure Mr. and Mrs. Terrance Keys Mr. and Mrs. Paul Savickas Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hoban Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Denoyer ’60 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kitz Mr. Howard Schafer Reverend Richard Lobert Mr. and Mrs. Matt Dent Ms. Carolyn Kitz Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Schriber Mr. and Mrs. Michael McNally Mr. and Mrs. Roy Deutschmann Mr. and Mrs. John Koenig Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Sisolak Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Monaghan ’55 Mr. and Mrs. Samar Dib Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Koral Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Slomiany Mr. and Mrs. Martin Murray Patti Dobbs Mrs. Sandra Kortesoja Mrs. Wallyne Smail Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Patton Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Domen Mr. and Mrs. Richard Krolikowski Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Smith Mr. and Mrs. William Pressprich Mr. and Mrs. Francis Donahue Mr. and Mrs. David LaVasseur Mr. and Mrs. James Spencer Prof. and Mrs. Philip Pucillo Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Doneth Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Lawrence Mr. and Mrs. David Sponseller Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schwartz ’94 Dr. Richard and Mrs. Jane Dorr Mr. and Mrs. Mark Macguidwin ’71 Dr. and Mrs. Mukasa Ssemakula Mr. and Mrs. Andy Shmina Mr. and Mrs. Chris Dotson Mr. and Mrs. Scott Madden Mr. Bradley and Mrs. Elizabeth Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Smith Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dylewski Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Maloney (Mitchell) ’10 Stalder Mrs. Mary Ann Soiderer Mr. and Mrs. James Edwards, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Manley Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stier Mr. and Mrs. Richard Swortzel Ms. Anne E. Eisele ’73 Mr. Doug Mans Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Stowe Mr. and Mrs. John K. Vasconi Ms. Caryl Beison Elder ’79 and Mr. Greg Mr. and Mrs. Fausto Martin Mr. and Mrs. Pete Stumpo Elder Mr. and Mrs. James Maszatics Mr. Brian M. Suomala ’61 Additional Mr. and Mrs. Alberto Elli Mr. and Mrs. Michael McClelland Mr. and Mrs. Richard Swortzel Benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Neil Falls Ms. LeeAnn McKeon Mr. and Mrs. Brian Thelen Mr. Dan Ferrario and Mrs. Katherine Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McKeone Mr. and Mrs. James F. Thurman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Adams (Heemstra) ’01 Ferrario Ms. Joanne McMahon ’64 Mr. and Mrs. William Tishkoff Mr. and Mrs. William Anhut Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ferris Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Memmer Mr. Steve Tokarz and Dr. Michelle Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Anstine Mr. Ricardo Fioramonte and Mrs. Rosana Mr. Walt Menard Tokarz Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Arsenault Fioramonte Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Messiter Mr. and Mrs. Jim Trouba Mr. Murl and Mrs. Teresa (Soiderer) ’85 Mr. and Mrs. Donald Fiorina Mr. and Mrs. David Mezger ’65 Ms. Victoria Barczak-Turner Babcock Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Flaherty Mr. Michael Mitchell and Dr. Kathryn Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Valli Ms. Rose Bailey Mr. Michael Fontana and Mrs. Darlene Kristoff Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Varblow Mr. Michael J. Bangert ’65 Ford-Fontana Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey J. Moe Mr. and Mrs. Paul Villa Mr. and Mrs. Mark Baravik Mr. and Mrs. George Forrest Mr. and Mrs. Brett Moon Dr. and Mrs. Mark Vogel Mr. Dwayne Barker and Mrs. Maria Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Frank Mr. and Mrs. Richard Moote Mr. and Mrs. Ed Vuylsteke Iacopelli- Barker IV Fr. Ed Fride Mr. Erik R. Moylan ’16 Dr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Wakefield Mrs. Alma Bennett Dr. Stephen Gainsley ’98 Mr. and Mrs.Robery Nagy Mr. and Mrs. Philip Walby Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Benson ’00 Mr. and Mrs. Alex Gibson Mark & Mary Anne Napolitano Alan Wegienka and Angeline Seow Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Best Mr. Richard Goldszer and Ms. Irene Grace Ms. Amy Nicholas Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wesley Mr. and Mrs. Jim Birchler Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Grady, Jr. Mrs. Chandra Montgomery Nicol ’82 Ms. Elizabeth Wesley ’12 Mr. and Mrs. James P. Birmingham ’69 Mr. and Mrs. Terrence Graham and Mr. Ewen Nicol Dr. and Mrs. David Williams Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bischoff Mr. and Mrs. Richard Griffin Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Niester Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Winnie Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Black Mr. and Mrs. Todd Gross Mr. and Mrs. William Noble Mr. and Mrs. Ian J. Wong Dr. and Mrs. David Blaha Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Grover Mr. and Mrs. James Norman Mr. and Mrs. John Wright Mr. and Mrs. George Blaha Dr. Cyril Grum and Ms. Cathy Strachan Mr. and Mrs. Tom Notwatzke Mr. and Mrs. Barton Yeary Ms. Danielle Bodalski ’93 Kevin and Dawn Gudejko Mr. and Mrs. Kevin O’Dea Mr. Robert Yopko and Mrs. Barbara Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Bogardus Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Hagerty Mr. and Mrs. David O’Hanian Jean Grant-Yopko Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bonifer Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Hands Dr. and Mrs. Al O’Neill ’72 Mr. and Mrs. Allan Young Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Breitner Mr. and Mrs. Andy Hans Mr. Patrick J. O’Neill ’67 Ms. Sarah Zick ’06 Mr. Gregory Broad Fr. Nathan Harburg ’98 Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Ostrowski Mr. and Mrs. John Zick Ms. Barbara Brown Ms. Alta Harrison ’57 Mrs. Ellen O’Sullivan ’55 Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ziolkowski Mr. and Mrs. David Buonerba Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Heegan Mr. and Mrs. James Palka New Eagle LLC Mr. and Mrs. John Burton Mr. and Mrs. Glen Heiser Mr. and Mrs. James Palm St. Francis of Assisi Parish Ms. Paula J. Cagney Mr. and Mrs. Rolando Herrera Ms. Pat Parin ’65 Northwestern Mutual Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Higgins Mr. and Mrs. John H. Patterson Abbvie, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Don (DC) Canham ’66 Mr. and Mrs. William Hinkson ’02 Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Peters Embassy Hotel of Ann Arbor Inc Mr. and Mrs. Maurice F. Carr ’62 Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hoeppner Mr. and Mrs. Roger Place Carol’s At Your Service, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Brian Carvill Dr. and Mrs. Brent K. Hollenbeck Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Plagens Renaissance Roofing, Inc. Mrs. Marion Chanko Deacon Gerald and Mrs. Fionnuala Mr. and Mrs. George Pomey In memory of Dr. and Mrs. William Chavey Holowicki Mr. Edward Priestap Mrs. Catherine (Murphy) ’44 Royce Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Chockley Mr. Andrew and Mrs. Claudia (Niemann) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pulick
In producing this report, every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Please report any errors to the Office of Advancement at FGR at 734.662.0496 and accept our sincere apology. 11 Alumni Profile: Matthew Conlin ‘01 An independent kid, Matt put his arm around his younger brother and assured him that everything would be ok. This moment was not lost on Ryan who, years later, recalled this moment in his wedding toast to Matt as the latter’s best man. The independence and confidence illustrated at such a young age have served Matt well as a successful businessman and entrepreneur, where he has exhibited both the independence and confidence to inspire others and see them succeed. As a kid growing up in Ann Arbor, Matt always had an independent streak. He recalls the fact that both of his parents worked which was—in many ways—a formative experience in causing him to develop an independence that would serve him well later in business. This independence was exhibited early when, upon his graduation from St. Francis, he was the only one of his close friends to attend FGR. “All my friends went to the public schools,” Conlin recalls, “I had to get out of my comfort zone and start from scratch at FGR. In many ways, my experience at FGR shaped who I am Confidently today as an independent person.” Matt soon acclimated to FGR and enjoyed playing golf, basketball and baseball. A spectacular diving catch in the outfield ended his baseball career prematurely Conlin in his freshman year, as he wound up with two broken wrists. The pain If there is an illustrative vignette for Matt paid off, however, as both hands were Conlin’s life to this point, it might be a time immobilized and he was excused from taking his final exams! when he was a young fourth grade student at He did well academically but, by St. Francis Catholic Elementary School in Ann the time of his junior year, math and Arbor. It was the beginning of the school year, science had become difficult. “I didn’t take my academics as seriously as I and his younger brother, Ryan, as an incoming ought to have during my time at FGR.” first grader, was very upset at having to leave his This realization toward the end of his parents for full-time school. high school career dissuaded him from applying to his beloved University of Michigan. As a kid growing up in
12 2017–2018 ANNUAL REPORT Ann Arbor whose father was a season manager position. She had previously ticket holder to Michigan athletics and worked for a television company and bled Maize and Blue, the thought of “I had to get out was recommended to Matt by friends going anywhere else was anathema. as someone who would fit well in this But, ever the independent realist, Matt of my comfort role. What Conlin didn’t realize was decided to apply out of state and was zone and start that this hire would have a meteoric given a scholarship to attend St. John’s rise in his personal life as well as University in New York City. from scratch subsequent business ventures. She He credits his success at St. John’s in became Mrs. Conlin and is now the large measure to his education at FGR. at FGR. In “boss’s boss!” “I have to give a nod to FGR and my In 2010, Conlin co-founded private Catholic education,” Conlin many ways, my Fluent with Ryan Schulke, with a said. “Compared to some of my fellow experience at vision to change the digital world students that I encountered, I was leaps through technology and advertising and bounds ahead.” Another experience FGR shaped who solutions. Responsible for sales, during his high school years that would marketing, and partner development help set the course for his future was I am today as strategies, Conlin led Fluent to his experience working for his father. an independent become the highest volume customer The business acumen that he received acquisition technology platform and as a result of doing some marketing person.” ad network in the nation. In this and other work during the summers, business, the services provided are prepared him well to navigate what customer acquisition and subscription would ultimately be a world of mergers services for publishers—a brokerage to and acquisitions and multi-million drive business. At the end of 2015, the dollar businesses. got the bug to begin their own business. firm was acquired by a publicly traded The ability to communicate Upon advice from an early advisor, company where it remained until with adults and the professionalism they decided to explore options in the its successful spin-out in early 2018. learned from his experience during tech advertising industry. Over the next Today, Fluent is an independently his high school years coupled with his few years, the pair would work their traded company on the NASDAQ independent streak were factors that regular nine-to-five jobs during the day, under the ticker FLNT, and has an led Conlin to decide to seek a job in then head home to their apartment incredible culture and great team with New York City instead of Ann Arbor. to research, read, and plan their own the median age of employees being 29. Having thrown his resume to the business late into the night. So how does one go up from here? winds, he landed his first job in a digital In 2007, Conlin and Schulke got the Well, Conlin did! In 2016, he and advertising firm in New York City with opportunity to launch the US operations Lauren welcomed a daughter, Paisley, a salary of $24,000/year; hardly enough of a UK tech firm. At 23 years old, with to their family and just this October, to survive in Gotham! So for the first six no experience managing others but with a son. months of that job he slept on a futon a knowledge of the industry and solid In many ways, Matt’s story has in his friend’s apartment. This friend, business acumen, Conlin was given come full circle. A confident and Ryan Schulke, would ultimately become carte blanche to get the business off the independent young man who inspired Conlin’s business partner. ground. He was given 6 months and $1 and gave confidence to a kid brother What began as a temporary living million dollars to do so. That year was back in Ann Arbor has continued arrangement in the big city, turned into probably the most pivotal in Conlin’s instilling confidence in his co-workers, a friendship and partnership that has young life as he made key decisions that investors, and partners. And now, produced an unbelievable company with would affect his life for years to come. perhaps with little Paisley and Matty, offices in the Financial District. Having One of the earliest hires that he made Jr., Conlin will begin to inspire a persuaded Schulke to come work at the during this timeframe was a young new generation of confident and same company, Conlin and his friend woman named Lauren for an account independent young people. 13 Fr. Gabriel Richard High School 4333 Whitehall Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48105 734.662.0496 www.fgrhs.org
2017–2018 Annual Report
Upcoming Events: Honoring of the 1974 Boys Basketball Team February 1, 2019 Familiaris Consortio Lecture Series Saturday, March 2, 2019 FGRHS Drama Club presents The Drowsy Chaperone April 4 - 7 and 11 – 14, 2019 Spring Concert Wednesday, May 1, 2019 7:00 pm Alumni Golf Outing coming June 2019
FGR Launches Familiaris Consortio Lecture Series On March 10, 2018, FGR hosted our inaugural Familiaris Consortio Lecture Series event, Life: Posted! Social Media and Its Impact on the Modern Family at the Michigan League. Keynote Speaker Ashley Fernandes, MD, PhD, Associate Director of the Center of Bioethics and Medical Humanities at The Ohio State University, joined other health professionals, educators, and clergy to help parents navigate the treacherous waters of social media. Dr. Fernandes’ talk was humorous and informative, while question and answer panels provided tips and suggestions on how to handle the challenges presented by modern technology to family life. Save the date for our next Familiaris Consortio Lecture on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Details to follow.