THE MAGAZINE FOR THE LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD COMMUNITY
SUMMER 2011
STONE by STONE Message from THE PRESIDENT
Dear Friends:
I am pleased to share with you this summer 2011 issue of Blakefield Magazine. In June, we celebrated the school’s 159th Commencement. Indeed, the class of 2011 has already shown that their legacy will live on in a number of ways, none more so perhaps than their commitment to a “class gift.” They have renewed this tradition by pledging $25,000 over the next five years to help support an incoming student in need of financial aid. Their generosity is a testament to the richness of their own Blakefield experience.
Additionally, they garnered approximately $11 million in scholarship offers. Our top 20 students will be attending: Boston College, College of William and Mary, Columbia University, Cornell University, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, United States Naval Academy, University of Maryland College Park, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Notre Dame, University of Pennsylvania, University of South Carolina and Virginia Tech.
If you have visited campus this year, you likely noticed the abundance of construction equipment and a workforce which has labored around the clock to complete the renovations and expansion of Wheeler Hall. A 60 foot expansion will accommodate an additional classroom on each floor and provide handicap access to the building. The entire building will receive electrical, plumbing, technology and HVAC upgrades which will transform our flagship academic building into a 21st century learning environment. Work is scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2011. Track our progress online at www.loyolablakefield.org/wheelerhall.
During the 2010 – 2011 academic year, the Board of Trustees took the first bold steps into the future of Loyola Blakefield as they prepare for the school’s next capital campaign. The entire Loyola Blakefield community is embarking upon a bold initiative whereby we seek financial security for the school and its faculty/staff, facilities modernization and the creation of an endowment that will provide scholarship, program development and facilities renewal. The end result of our efforts will be retirement of all debt, modernized campus facilities and the creation of a meaningful endowment. I look forward to sharing more details with you as our plans progress.
I would also like to recognize two members of our faculty who, after long and distinguished careers at Loyola, have decided to retire. We wish Ed Jones and Bob Moore all the best as they enjoy the next great chapter of their lives.
I am grateful for your generosity and blessed by our shared connection to Loyola Blakefield. On behalf of our Dons, faculty & staff and the Board of Trustees, thank you for all that you do to advance our mission. We hope to see you back at Blakefield soon!
Sincerely in Our Lord,
Rev. Thomas A, Pesci, S.J. President
2 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE TABLE OF CONTENTS
Featured Athlete: Student Reflection p. 5 Matt Jablonski ‘11 p. 10 Campus News p. 8
Matt Jablonski p. 10
Stone by Stone p. 12
Performing Arts p. 16
Classmates Hear the Call p. 20 Campus Ministry p. 22 Campus Ministry p. 22
Athletics p. 24
Class Notes p. 26
Graduation p. 6
Loyola Athletics p. 24
EDITOR: Robert J. Robinson, M.S., Director of Marketing & Communications CONTRIBUTORS: Joe Cordella, Director of Campus Ministry, Charles Donovan, Faculty, Chris Garretson, Faculty PHOTOGRAPHY: Rev. Joseph Michini, S.J. ‘59. Robert Robinson, Jerry Dzierwinski (JHA Photo Services), Ryan Vigus (R&R Photographics) DESIGN: Fay Cofrancesco PRINTING: Printing Images, Inc.
Summer 2011 3 Message from THE PRINCIPAL
On Sunday, June 5, Loyola Blakefield celebrated the 159th commencement exercises with the graduation of the class of 2011. Below is an excerpt from my address to the graduates.
There is a sacredness and a spirit about Loyola Blakefield that you do not truly understand until you are living in this community. Class of 2011, you contribute to this sacredness in the way you carry yourselves, care for one another, and put the needs of others before your own. I would put a Loyola Don against any student from any other school and have nothing but trust and faith that they will always represent their school as we would expect. As ambassadors of the Loyola mission, you have made us proud.
As a class and as individuals you have been on a pilgrimage of sorts over the past four years. Like Saint Ignatius, who set out for Jerusalem, you set out to find your place in this world. A pilgrimage is a journey to a place of significance in one’s life and for many, merely a resting place before continuing on. Today marks a stop along the way, that resting place, that place of significance. However, beginning tomorrow, you must set your sights on that next significant landmark.
Loyola has prepared you well for setting that course and embracing the challenges before you. You will be transitioning into a new world where there will be new faces and new challenges. I stand before you today to say that you are ready and we are willing to send you forward to do great things. Some of you will be travelling as far north as Fairbanks, Alaska and others as far west as Oregon and yet others into the deep south of Mississippi and Louisiana. What a gift for the Loyola community to have Dons in every corner of the country representing our mission to which you have so successfully contributed.
You will likely ask many questions of yourselves over the next few years about the direction in which you are travelling. Primary among those will be, “Am I on the right path?” According to Rev. James Martin, S.J. in his book The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, “If you are in accord with God’s presence within you, you will feel a sense of rightness, of peace, what Saint Ignatius called “consolation.” It is an indication that you’re on the right path.”
Although you will each travel on different paths, what we expect from you is that no matter where you are or with whom you interact that you serve as the leaders among your peers. The truth is, leadership takes courage, humility, and trust. Courage to challenge the world and humanity to strive for the MAGIS, humility to remain grounded, and trust in your abilities to lead others down a just and moral path. Congratulations class of 2011 and in the words of Saint Ignatius, “Go forth and set the world on fire.”
Peace,
Anthony I. Day, Principal
4 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE STUDENT REFLECTION ANDREW Q. STROMBERG ‘11
When I was asked to reflect on my seven years as a Don, I was daunted by the task of summarizing all of the great experiences I have had here at Blakefield. It is very difficult for me to put into words all that Loyola has taught me and how the relationships that I have made here have shaped me into the person I am today. Looking back, there have been three occasions during my time here at Loyola where I have stopped and realized that I was really involved in a special community. These three realizations came from my service trip to Bethlehem Farm, West Virginia, my senior varsity volleyball season, and my Kairos retreat. This past summer I journeyed with ten fellow Dons, Ms. Warfield, and Mr. Benway to Bethlehem Farm, West Virginia for a service trip. Although we were still allowed to have our cell phones and iPods during the five hour bus ride, we ended up playing “chat pack,” a cheesy ice breaker game and talking. I was not close friends with many of the other guys on the trip when we left Loyola, but over Kairos is something that I had heard about the course of a week, I learned more about all and had been waiting to go on since my of them than I had in three or sometimes six earliest days in middle school. I was excited to years of school. This trip opened my eyes to finally be able to go, and the retreat did not the incredible value of getting to know those disappoint. What made Kairos special for me around you because they can teach you so was the open environment for communication much. without judgment. Listening to other people This ear y I also had the amazing tell their stories, I learned more about myself opportunity to win a MIAA championship and how blessed we truly are at Loyola. in volleyball, but that’s not what affected me. As a note to underclassmen, just Volleyball is an extremely team-oriented sport, because these three events were a big part of and often it isn’t the team with the biggest forming my Loyola experience, it does not mean hitters that wins, rather the team that can that you need to win a varsity championship work together, communicate, and have fun on or wait to go on Kairos to experience all the the court. Over the course of our season, we love the Loyola community has to offer. One grew very close, which translated into better of Loyola’s most special and unique qualities is teamwork on the court. I can honestly say the fact that we have something for everyone. that I have never been closer with 11 other I encourage underclassmen to keep trying to guys. Whether it was singing Miley Cyrus and find an activity in which they thrive and to the Killers on the bus to away games or just pour their heart into it. hanging out in the locker room, we were always After seven wonderful years, I having fun. It was not our success or winning unfortunately must leave Loyola. I am excited record that made the season one of the best for the summer and for college in the fall, but experiences of my life, but the camaraderie and I sincerely hope that as I get ready to leave relationships that I had with my teammates. Loyola, the spirit of Loyola never leaves me.
Summer 2011 5 BLAKEFIELD COMMUNITY Celebrates 159 th Commencement
Graduates from the Class of 2011 will attend commitment to a “class gift.” They have renewed this distinguished colleges and universities across the tradition by pledging $25,000 over the next five years to country and the class was awarded a total of $11 help support an incoming student in need of financial million in scholarships. Indeed, the class of 2011 aid. Their generosity is a testament to the richness of has already shown that their legacy will live on in a their own Blakefield experience. number of ways, none more so perhaps than their
6 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE “My challenge to my fellow members of the class of 2011 is to carry on the feeling of being part of something greater than ourselves and, to strive for the grad at grad goals, always work for a better world, treat everyone with an accepting and open mind and carry on everything we have learned here to everywhere we go.”
Kevin M. Moran ‘11
Page 6 Photo: Brandon Young, Jerrod Ridgway, & Ryan Young
Above: Kevin Moran
Left: Dainon Johnson
Right: Michael Fortunato
Summer 2011 7 CAMPUS NEWS
BLAKEFIELD ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB WORKS TO RESTORE BAY The Loyola Blakefield Environmental Club proudly participated in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources “Bay Grasses in the Classes” program, which allows students to become educated about the environmental issues facing the Chesapeake Bay, as well as play an important role in improving the health of our water systems. During JUNIOR MOTHER-SON DAY the school year, students monitored the growth of their bay grass in the classroom and recently OF REFLECTION planted their grasses in the Hammerman Area of In May, more than 25 members of the class of Gunpowder Fall State Park. 2012, along with their mothers, participated in a Day of Reflection at Blakefield. The experience was facilitated by Mr. Joe Cordella, Mrs. Kathy Mathias, Fr. Joe Michini, S.J. ‘59, and Mr. John Weetenkamp ‘65.
8 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE JOHN STEWART ‘60 IS 2011 REV. Talent Tour 2011 JOSEPH M. KELLEY, S.J. MEDAL Beginning on Monday, June 6, 11 members of the class RECIPIENT of 2012 embarked upon the 2011 Talent Tour. Modeled after the U.S. Department of Defense goodwill tours, the The Loyola Blakefield Alumni Association recognized group travels to several sites throughout Maryland and in Mr. John M. Stewart ‘60 with the 2011 Reverend Philadelphia over the course of five days, including the Joseph M. Kelley S. J. Medal. The award, regarded as the Gallagher Center, Ridge Ruxton School, Blakehurst and highest form of recognition given to a Loyola graduate, DePaul Catholic School. The traveling variety show was honors an alumnus who is outstanding by reason of a hit in 2010 and this year’s version proved to be equally distinction gained in business or civic affairs. This person inspirational and entertaining. is recognized as a role model in his personal, family, and public life and thus serves as an example to the students and graduates of Loyola Blakefield.
TIMOTHY SULLIVAN ‘01 APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS In his new role, Tim joins the Office of Institutional Advancement and will work closely with alumni of all ages, focusing on reunion activities and outreach. After graduating from Loyola, Tim attended Princeton University where he completed a bachelor’s degree in English and subsequently earned a master’s degree from Middlebury College. In 2005, he began teaching English Above: Talent Tour in the Middle School at Loyola and in 2007, moved to Left: Timothy Sullivan the Upper School where he taught Religion to Freshmen and a Shakespeare elective for Seniors. During his tenure at Loyola, Tim has served as head coach for the ice hockey team as well as an assistant lacrosse coach.
FAREWELL TO RETIRING FACULTY
Two members of the Loyola Blakefield faculty who, after long and distinguished careers at Loyola, have decided to retire. We wish Ed Jones (left) and Bob Moore (right) all the best as they enjoy the next great chapter of their lives.
Summer 2011 9 FEATURED ATHLETE MATT JABLONSKI ‘11
Matt Jablonski grew up with a love of sports and tried his hand at basketball, soccer and as he grew older, even dabbled in track meets. However, his true passion still remained on the soccer field. When he entered his freshman year at Loyola, he made the Varsity soccer team and went on to play three years on the team. Another thing occurred during the fall of his freshman year, however. Matt ran his first cross country meet. “I was still entirely focused on soccer, but if I had a free weekend I would go to a meet, sometimes a day after playing in a soccer game,” said Jablonski. His running talent was immediately evident and Matt joined the Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field teams as well. Before he knew it, his times dipped to a point where he knew that running was certainly going to be a part of his future. “I came to the realization that I was a better runner than a soccer player and wanted to run in college and knew that I was not going to reach my full potential unless I focused on running full time,” said Jablonski.
So, during his junior year, Matt completed his final soccer season at Loyola and capped off the Fall of 2009 leading the Dons to a Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) championship in Cross Country. He was named Metro Runner of the Year, an All-American in the 1600 meter and quickly began shattering MIAA and school records in the 1600 and 3200 meters.
Of course, his performances began attracting the attention of universities across the country. Soon, Matt began visiting schools, but felt no strong connection until he went on an official recruiting visit to the University of Oregon, which boasts one of the most successful, and storied Cross Country and Track & Field programs in the world. “I visited Oregon and liked the team and coaching staff and thought that we could accomplish a lot together,” said Jablonski. On February 2, 2011, he signed his official commitment letter to attend Oregon and has one goal for his first cross country season. “I’d like to make top seven on the team and I know I have my work cut out for me,” said Jablonski.
As a senior, he led Loyola’s Cross Country team to a second MIAA Championship. “The first championship was really great, being only a junior and knowing that we still had a great team going into senior year., “ said Jablonski. “It made me and the rest of the team work harder to achieve our goal of winning back-to-
“What separates Matt from so many other outstanding athletes is that he possesses the mental confidence of few, even elite, athletes; every time he gets into a race, in his own mind, he knows he is going to win.” - Jose Albornoz, Cross Country Head Coach, Loyola Blakefield
1 0 FEATURED ATHLETE MATT JABLONSKI ‘11
back championships.” He also took part in several national invitational events and placed second in the indoor 1600 meter at the 2011 Millrose Games, second at the Arcadia Invitational in Southern California in the 3200 meter with a time of 8:50, one of the fastest times ever by an American high school runner. He capped off his year with a victory in the prestigious Penn Relays in the 1600 meter, winning a thrilling race by 0.01 seconds and finishing with in 4:10. “I had a plan going into the race but didn’t feel that I was at 100 percent that day. With 200 meters to go, I knew this was it,” said Jablonski. “At first, I wasn’t even trying to win. I came up and thought; maybe third, maybe second then before I knew it, I had won the race.”
Through his accomplishments, Matt has seen the value of hard work and the determination necessary to succeed. “Natural talent only takes you so far, to progress you need a good work ethic and be consistent with your training,” said Jablonski. “One of the great things about my sport is that you put a lot of work in and get the opportunity to see tangible Right Photo: Matt evidence of success, your times.” However, it’s the signs letter of intent intangibles that his coaches will say truly separate to attend University Matt from his peers. “What separates Matt from so many other outstanding athletes is that he possesses of Oregon. the mental confidence of few, even elite, athletes; every time he gets into a race, in his own mind, he knows he is going to win,” said Jose Albornoz, Head Coach of Loyola’s Cross Country team. “Perhaps most impressive about Matt, is that even with his level of confidence, he is a kind unassuming person, which makes him a very formidable opponent.”
Chris Cucuzzella, who has also coached Matt in Cross Country and Track, notes a strong work ethic and passion for his sport as the key ingredients to Matt’s success. “It has been a pleasure coaching Matt for four years. Not only is he incredibly talented, but he has a work ethic that has enabled him to achieve his national class rankings. His true love of running will serve him well in his career at Oregon and beyond.”
Summer 2011 1 1 STONE by STONE
Originally constructed over 75 years ago, Loyola Blakefield’s Wheeler Hall underwent renovation and expansion in 2011, delivering upgrades to the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology systems. The expansion includes an “end-cap” on the building’s north end, which will provide a new ADA compliant entrance, equipped with a four-story elevator, new internal stairwell and classroom space. The expansion and “transformation” of our flagship academic building ushers in a new era in Blakefield’s history. The building will be air-conditioned for the first time and will contain a state of the art language lab, writing center and audio/visual media center. Additionally, the Rev. Lloyd D. George, S.J. Lounge will be transformed into an updated meeting area with retractable seating and technology enhancements. The updates represent a bold step towards investing into the future of Loyola, while preserving the history and tradition of Wheeler Hall.
“I’m excited about all of the enhancements and the benefits that they’ll provide to our students and faculty as we continue to meet the needs of twenty-first century learners and educators.”
– Anthony Day, Principal
1 2 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE “While great efforts have been made to preserve the history and tradition of Wheeler Hall, one of the first things that visitors will notice is the infusion of technology into the classrooms. We’re creating a learning environment with ties to our past, but consistent with the needs of today’s learner.”
- Steve Morrill, Director of Technology.
“The Wheeler Hall project represents the first major step in creating a congruence between the nobility of our mission and the facilities and tools necessary to achieve it.”
– Rev. Thomas A. Pesci, S.J., President
Summer 2011 1 3 Check out: BLAKEFIELD on the Web
CAMPUS NEWS CAMPUS PHOTO GALLERY UPCOMING EVENTS READ AND SUBMIT CLASS NOTES & MORE
CHECK OUT WHEELER HALL RENOVATION PROGRESS AT:
www.loyolablakefield.org/wheelerhall Facebook: Loyola Blakefield
Twitter: twitter.com/loyoladons
1 4 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE Support the 2011 – 2012 LOYOLA FUND
Your support helps to advance our mission as the Loyola Blakefield Community embarks on a new chapter.
MAKE AN ONLINE GIFT TODAY AT WWW.LOYOLABLAKEFIELD.ORG/GIVE Blakefield Players Season in Review
“Death of a Salesman” pictured: Alex Johnson ‘11 as Biff Loman, Ben Cummings ‘11 as Wily Loman.
The Loyola Blakefield Players 2010 - 2011 season was a lot a multi-talented ensemble cast that performed in front of of fun and very rewarding for everyone involved. A total of projections created by Zach Mather ‘11, and Christopher 139 students participated in productions this year either on Murphy ‘05. This musical is Father Pesci’s favorite show, stage, or backstage. and it was an honor to present it here at Loyola for him. The final play was the modern masterpiece “Death ofa The musical this year was a heartfelt production of Salesman,” which was performed in the library with the “Children of Eden” by Steven Schwartz. This story was audience sitting on the stage with the actors. This inventive perfect for the Loyola community as it provided a tuneful staging gave the play an intimate feeling and made Ben retelling of chapters 1-9 in the Book of Genesis. Highlights Cummings ‘11, in an unforgettable performance as Willy from the show included Nick Mariano ‘11 as Father, and Loman, even more affecting for the audience.
1 6 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE FORENSICS Loyola Forensics had a busy and successful second half of the 2010-11 season. Local competition as well as invitationals at Columbia, Harvard, Scranton, Pennsbury, Lexington, Newark, and Southern Lehigh allowed us to develop new and returning talent following the graduation of 16 seniors in 2010. Manning ‘11, Kurt Imhoff ‘13, and A.J. Unitas ‘12 qualified for the National Forensic League Championship in Dallas. In March, Loyola earned its eighth consecutive Baltimore Connor Acle ‘11 was presented the District Student of Catholic Forensics League (BCFL) Championship. Team the Year Award, and he and Connor Manning ‘11 were captain Connor Acle ‘11 took 1st place in the individual recognized for achieving the highest rank of distinction in sweepstakes by sharing the Lincoln-Douglas debate title the National Forensic League. with his teammate Tom Cameron ‘12, winning impromptu speaking, and taking 6th place in student congress. Tom also In May, Tom Cameron ‘12 and Connor Acle ‘11 competed earned 4th place in student congress. Other outstanding at the Debate Tournament of Champions in Lexington, performances included: Liam Fowl ‘12 and John Hanley Kentucky (they were the first Lincoln-Douglas debaters ‘12 (semifinalists in policy debate), Connor Manning ‘11 since Joseph Hsu ‘06 to qualify). Michael Scheiner ‘12 (2nd place in oral interpretation and original oratory, 6th represented Loyola at the Extemp TOC at Northwestern, place in dramatic performance), Michael Scheiner ‘12 (2nd and Connor Manning ‘11, A.J. Unitas ‘12, and Kurt place in extemporaneous speaking), Jack Scaletta ‘14 (4th Imhoff ‘13 competed at the place in declamation), Aleks Jaunzemis ‘14 (6th place in Individual Events TOC in San declamation), and Kurt Imhoff ‘13 and A.J. Unitas ‘12 Antonio. (Connor finished in (champions in duo interpretation). Kurt also took 3rd place 2nd place in prose reading, in the individual sweepstakes, earning 4th place in oral and A.J. was a semifinalist interpretation, and 5th place in declamation and dramatic in original oratory). This trio performance; A.J. also earned 4th place in original oratory. also performed well at NCFL The above students as well as Timothy Neil ‘13, Ben Nationals, with Connor Cummings ‘11, Andrew Hynson ‘11, Elliot Queale ‘14, reaching the quarterfinals and Claude Hanley ‘14, qualified for National Catholic in oral interpretation of Forensics League (NCFL) Nationals in Washington, DC. literature, Kurt reaching the octafinals of the same In April, Loyola won its first Chesapeake District event, and A.J. reaching the Championship in many years, topping defending champion octafinals of original oratory. Walt Whitman High School. Tom Cameron ‘12, Connor The team wishes to thank its graduating seniors for their dedication and leadership, the Loyola administration, and all of the parent and volunteer judges and supporters who have been there for us. We look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in 2011-2012, and to hosting the NCFL Grand National Tournament over Memorial Day weekend!
Summer 2011 1 7 2011 Blue & Gold Auction
The 2011 Blue & Gold Auction, held on March 26th truly “Planted the Seeds of Success” at Loyola Blakefield! The Blue & Gold Auction, with presenting sponsorship support by Skye Hospitality, far surpassed all expectations with $350,000 in net revenues. Congratulations go to the entire Blue & Gold Auction Committee, chaired by Anita and Steve Smith ‘86, for their visionary leadership, creativity and hard work that made the event such a success. Special thanks go to Master of
1 8 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE Planting the Seeds of Success
Ceremonies Jamie Costello and Auctioneer Gino D’Anna for lending their very special talents to us. Loyola Blakefield would also like to thank the countless members of the Loyola community who participated in and supported the Auction in some way — whether by attending, bidding, purchasing a raffle share, donating an item, and volunteering your time, talent and treasure. Your efforts will ensure that our Dons will continue to blossom into Men-for-Others, and leaders in service to our community.
Summer 2011 1 9 CLASSMATES HEAR THE CALL…
Through nearly 50 years since graduating from Loyola Blakefield, three members of the class of 1962 have gone on to lead separate lives, pursue their various careers and become parents and grandparents. But one shared connection during that time has been their common call to serve in the diaconate ministry. “It’s a true calling,” said Charlie Hiebler ‘62, who has combined with Above Photo: Judge James Mann – Ordained classmates, Skip Comegna ‘62 and Jim Mann ‘62 to serve more in 1987. than 60 years within the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
They each felt the call in their own way and have found time amidst busy careers and family lives to give back in a way that is consistent with the values and teachings they received during their time at Loyola. “I have often said that everything I have done in life has helped prepare me for where I am today,” said Hiebler. Certainly my experience at Loyola gave me a firm foundation and instilled values that have been an important part of my life and my ministry.”
Hiebler recalls a visit from a priest that helped pave the way towards his vocation. He was working full time with the Boy Scouts of America, a job he held for 20 years, when a priest entered the Scout store to make a purchase. They discussed Hiebler’s parish involvement at Immaculate Heart of Mary and the priest asked if Hiebler had ever considered becoming a permanent deacon. In fact, he offered to get him the necessary application. “The materials never arrived in the mail,” recalls Hiebler. But the priest made a second visit and assured him that he would get the paperwork to him. “I got the 12 page application and hand-delivered it to the archdiocese offices in December of 1980,” said Hiebler. “I suppose my commitment was already there but my call came through another person which I think is key to Above Photo: Skip Comegna ‘62 – Ordained in getting people involved in vocations.” 2003.
2 0 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE THREE MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1962 BALANCE CAREER, FAMILY AND VOCATION
Above Photo: Charlie Hiebler ‘62 – Ordained in 1984.
For Comegna, who grew up in Edmonson Village and Comegna spent 40 years working with the National studied economics at Loyola University, the call came more Security Agency, all the while raising his sons, Michael ‘87 gradually. “When I got married, my wife and I were always and Timothy ‘89. Hiebler was also kept busy with three involved in church ministry ranging from confirmation kids and a career that began in teaching at two Archdiocese preparation to serving as Eucharistic ministers,” said of Baltimore schools. Currently he serves as assistant to Comegna. “Many priests and friends told me I should be a Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski and helps service parishes deacon and though it took a while to sink, I felt like I was from Anne Arundel to Howard and Garrett Counties. truly called. The balance, which they have each handled with grace, is a testament to the unwavering commitment necessary For Jim Mann, the call came in the midst of steady for their ministry. “I’ve enjoyed being able to serve people involvement in his parish with his wife. “The door began and knowing that in serving others I am really a vehicle to open in the 1970’s when my wife and I became more for Christ,” said Hiebler. “Part of our role is to reach out involved in ministry at our church,” said Mann. “That led to others and make Christ known through our lives and to openness to what God may want from me and I couldn’t example.” imagine life any other way.” For Mann, his ministry was not only a calling, but as he That these three classmates each took a separate path to says, a necessary part of his being. He was once working a the same ministry may not be as surprising as how they’ve late night and was visited by a Baltimore City Homicide managed to also balance a career and family. Mann, a father Detective who needed a warrant signed. They had a brief of nine (three sons attended Loyola: James ‘89, John ‘98 conversation and Mann shared that he was on his way and Luke ‘01) is a former trial lawyer and was appointed to an evening commitment at his parish. He sensed that to the District Court of Baltimore City by Governor Bob the Detective had something on his mind and before he Ehrlich in 2005. He cites his ministry as being one that has departed he looked at Mann and asked him how he was brought him closer to his family. “One of the greatest gifts able to do his job and more importantly, how he was able is to be able to minister to my families spiritual needs,” said to go from “this to that.” Mann recalls that the answer was Mann. “Whether it’s a baptism or a wedding, I am honored simple. “I could not do my job unless I have my ministry,” to help them celebrate these important life moments.” said Mann. “Seeing the darkness day in and day out is difficult, but it is in my ministry that I find hope amidst the hopelessness.”
Summer 2011 2 1 CAMPUS MINISTRY EVOLVES
In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius encourages the director of the retreat to allow “the Creator to deal directly with the creature, and the creature directly with JOE CORDELLA his Creator and Lord.” This directive is at the heart of what Campus Ministry is doing with its new programs Director of Campus Ministry and retreats. Since September 2010, Director of Campus This year, throughout the season of Lent, students were Ministry, Joe Cordella has been working to provide more led through a guided Examen in their community opportunities for students to reflect on their faith and homerooms at the beginning of the day. During this their relationship with God. “It is tempting to stand in prayer they were asked to consider where they had seen front of a group of our young men and try to tell them God in that week and to pray for God to “show me the what they should know about God or tell them the person you want me to be.” Another opportunity for answers to their questions,” said Cordella. “Rather, as personal growth was a new program started with the Ignatius would say, we need only to tell them where or help of several students called Dons Exploring Prayer or from whom they should be getting their answers.” DEP (pronounced “deep”). DEP’s motto this year was “growing deeper in our faith, together.” A small group of students met once a week with a faculty leader and were given opportunities to talk about their personal lives and to share about where they had seen God in their lives.
Another notable event this year was the Interfaith Service which was an opportunity for the student body to hear speakers from different faiths share their own beliefs about God. The speakers included members of the Catholic, Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. “The Interfaith Service was a great example of our community living out the Grad at Grad goals of being Open to Growth, Loving and Religious,” Cordella said. “The day provided both students and faculty an opportunity to reflect on their Many of the events organized by the Office of Campus own personal relationship with God.” Ministry have been notable successes for years. Students and alumni will no doubt fondly remember the Mass of the Holy Spirit in the Blakefield Hollow and Baccalaureate Mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady the Queen. Ask any of the participants of the Kairos retreat program and they will tell you that it is an experience that they will probably never forget. The challenge that Campus Ministry is addressing now is developing new programs that will engage students throughout their time at Loyola and challenge them to reflect on what they have done and envision where they would like to go.
2 2 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE The retreat program has also undergone a few changes as the themes for each grade’s retreat have been updated. The approach to the underclassman retreats has become more collaborative with many students and faculty being involved in their planning and implementation. This year the focus of the Sophomore Retreat was the Qualities of the Graduate at Graduation. Students heard talks on these qualities from faculty leaders and were given time to reflect on them and participate in small group discussions. “It took into consideration the age of the participants and matched the activities to the age, provided times for reflection, and posed thoughtful mission related questions,” said Terry Levering, one of the faculty leaders. “It even included just the right amount of play time to let the students blow off some energy. All the kids in my group seemed to get a lot out of it.”
Another new program this year was the Senior Movie Retreat, an optional overnight retreat offered to the seniors after their exams. About 20 seniors watched films and had discussions about some of the underlying spiritual themes behind the films. “The senior movie retreat allowed us to take a look at controversial issues in the world today in a more modern and teenage-friendly atmosphere,” said Joe INTERFAITH SERVICE Walsh ‘11. “We were each able to take whatever we wanted from the movie, whether it be more for Photo: (pictured in front) Fr. Tim entertainment, or for a deeper purpose.” Brown, S.J., Rabbi Ilyse Kramer, Joe Cordella (pictured in back) One of the goals of the Campus Ministry department will be to continue to develop programs Anthony Day, Ayman Nassar, that engage students in their relationship with God Pat Goodman and make them excited to be a part of. “I think that over time our programs will continue to take shape and grow,” said Cordella. “Just as I pray the hearts of our students will.”
2 3 Summer 2011 DON ATHLETICS
Led by Captains Collin Marshall ‘11, Ryan McCoy ‘11and Dave Rogers ‘11, this year’s Rugby Team narrowly missed getting into the Championship match. They learned the difficult lesson that success is not always measured by wins and losses, but by the effort put forth. With excellent seasons by the Junior Varsity and Freshmen/Sophomore teams, the future looks bright for the “Ruggerdons.”
TheOutdoor Track team completed a successful seasons, finishing 5th in the MIAA. Led by Senior All Metro runner Matt Jablonski, the team ran some of the best times in the area in the mile, 2-mile, 4x200m, 4x800m, and the pole vault. In the pole vault, Jamie Dubyoski ‘12 tied a school record with one of the top jumps in the metro area at 12’ 6”.
The Tennis team had another strong showing this spring, earning a 9-4 record in the MIAA and playing in the MIAA semifinals for the 9th time in the last 10 years. The Dons placed 4th out of 12 MIAA teams Captain Harrison Kunkel ‘11 led the team at #1 singles with a 9-4 record, and will be playing tennis for Loyola University next year. Steve Taylor ‘12 had a great season at #2 singles, and Grant Palmer ‘14 earned the best record on the team at #3 singles. Next year the outlook is bright as six of seven starters return.
Loyola’s Baseball team finished 16-16. After a tough and competitive MIAA regular season, the Dons found themselves in the playoffs as the 5th seed. With a win over St. Paul’s by a score of 6-3, the Dons then dropped a heartbreaker to number one seed Calvert Hall 6-5. The team was lead by First Team All-Metro and All-MIAA centerfielder A.J. Lardo ‘11 who will continue his baseball career at the University of Maryland; pitcher, Luke Sheehan ‘11, was also selected to the All-MIAA team.
The Swimming team had another successful season, winning the MIAA Swimming Championships, the National Catholic Swimming Championships and placed in the top three at the Eastern Swimming and Diving Championships. The team was led by both Alex Porter ‘11 and Oliver Bennett ‘11. Both were named High School All-American Swimmers. Alex in the 50 free (21.00) and the 100 free (45.52) (both school records) and Oliver Bennett in the 100 fly 50.08 (2nd fastest all-time at Loyola). 2 4 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE WINTER & SPRING SEASONS IN REVIEW
This year’sWrestling team finished with a 17-7 record and enjoyed victories over local rivals Gilman, Boys Latin, and Calvert Hall for the 6th straight year. The team placed eight wrestlers at the MIAA Championships and 6 at the Maryland Independent State Tournament, which included David Mohler ‘13 winning a state championship at 103 lbs.
The Basketball team came into the season as an inexperienced group with no returning starters and only two seniors on the team. Playing in the extremely competitive Baltimore Catholic League and MIAA “A” Conference, the team continued to improve throughout the season with hard work and determination. Several Dons were honored for their play this season. Dan Vigus ‘12 was selected to the All-BCL Second Team and was selected as an All-MIAA player while averaging almost 11 points per game.
TheIndoor Track team had a successful 2010-11 season. Matt Jablonski ‘11 placed second in the prestigious Millrose Games Mile and was ranked nationally in the mile and two mile. The team will miss its seniors, but a strong group of returning runners will keep the future bright for the Dons.
The Ice Hockey team had a season of close and competitive gamers. Led by Pat Ortenzio ‘11 and Patrick Franks ‘12, Alex Harwick ‘12 and Conor Dalton ‘12, the team battled hard and were able to win four games. The squad looks forward to success next year as they will only lose one senior player. With added experience, they’ll look to bounce back and improve upon the 2010-2011 record.
TheSquash team, led by Coach Joe Lacy, battled through their season while taking on some of the area’s toughest opponents. The team is graduating a strong group of seniors, but the future looks bright after a strong showing by this year’s J.V. squad.
This year’s Dons varsity Golf team began the season with a talented but inexperienced group of players. The squad was led by Marc Shepard ‘11, Sam Sweeney ‘11, Brendan Roddy ‘11, Sean Stanton 13, Ian Clark ‘13 and Jack Cahill ‘14. The prospects for next season look very good. With a strong core of three returning starters as well as some talented players from moving up from junior varsity, 2012 promises to be another fine year of Loyola Dons golf.
Summer 2011 2 5 CLASS NOTES
1958 Rev. Kenneth E. Meehan, S.J. ‘58 celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination on June 5, 2011. He continues into his 20th year at Gonzaga High in Washington, D.C., teaching Latin, Film Study, and coaching the school’s renowned Academic Quiz Bowl team.
1962 Eugene H. Ruckle ‘62 is Director of “Leading in the 21st Century”, a Corporate Leadership Development Program of the University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Business for “high potential leaders,” which he developed and owns. Above Photo: Members of the class of 1956, Paul Klein, Hugh Coyle, J. Norris Byrnes, Jack Lindung gathered in 1963 Naples, Florida for a golf outing. V. Jeffrey Evans ‘63 retired from the National Institutes of Health after 35 years of service as an extramural scientist. He During Summer 2011 he will move to a NATO assignment continues to reside in Arnold, Maryland. in Norway as a trainer for NATO strategic headquarters personnel. His wife, Kate, is a teacher at the International 1981 School in Norway attended by their children, Michael (11), Thomas P. Moore, ‘81 is working at City University of Matthew (9), and Meredith (4). New York - York College in New York City as a Journalism Professor. Moore was recently awarded a grant to research digital journalism by the City University of New York. Moore just started teaching at City University after 17 years at Bloomberg News Radio and TV in Manhattan. Moore lives in Brooklyn with his wife and three daughters. He still works part-time at CBS Radio Network as a writer, reporter and editor.
1987 Mark L. Gardner ‘87, recently joined Merkle, Inc. in Columbia, Maryland as a Senior Production Manager. In his new position, Mark oversees promotional and retention 1994 Direct Mail Campaigns for all sizes of commercial and non- John “Jamie” M. Myers ‘94 and his wife, Janine welcomed profit clients. Mark lives in Timonium with his wife Sharon their second child, Jessica Dorothy on May 4, 2011. (who attended his senior prom) and their four children, Zachary (13), Tristan (11), Katie (8) and Allie (7). Zac 1996 attended Loyola’s Middle School and will enter this fall as a Christopher J. Purpura ‘96 and his wife, Lindsay welcome freshman in the class of 2015. their second child, Helena Lucille Purpura was May 31, 2011. 1989 Christopher J. Hickey ‘89 recently graduated from the 1998 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Defense College in Matt W. Hart ‘98 and his wife, Danielle welcomed their first Rome, Italy and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the child, son Matthew Wayne Hart Jr., on December 23, 2010. U.S. Army’s Strategist career field. In Spring 2011 he served in Afghanistan as the Chief of Plans for a NATO headquarters 1999 responsible for developing the Afghan Army and Police. Brendan M. Jones ‘99 and his wife, Kate welcomed a son,
2 6 BLAKEFIELD MAGAZINE Liam Frederick Jones on April 16, 2011.
Christopher A. Snyder ‘99 and Kim Doyle-Snyder were married in June. Left to right: Tim Chizmar ‘99, Chris Snyder ‘99, Chris They currently reside Korpman ‘99, Justin Lazzeri ‘99, Chris Knott ‘99, Blake in Nottingham, Maryland with her children Emily and A.J. Morris ‘99, Mike Brown ‘99
2000 2003 Tore T. DeBella, II ‘03 received his Juris doctor from Wade H. Barnes ‘00 was named one of Maryland’s “Twenty the University of Virginia School of Law in May 2011. After in their 20’s” by The Daily Record. by The Daily Record taking the Virginia Bar Exam, tore will join the Washington, staff, honorees are chosen on the basis of professional D.C. office of Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP, where he will accomplishment, civic involvement and impact of practice with the Intellectual Property Group. achievement. The program celebrates the best and brightest 2008 under 30 who may have not earned their first million but Robert W. Toth ‘08 was named to the Dean’s List at the whose creativity and spirit are already contributing to a new university of Delaware with a GPA of 3.85 as a Pre-Med energy in Maryland. In May, he graduated from the Loyola Physics Major. He will graduate in May 202 and plans to go University, Executive MBA Fellows Program. to dental school.
Steele J. Stanwick (junior attack, University of Virginia) 2001 Eliot J. Grasso received the 2011 Tewaaraton Award, the pre-eminent ‘01 recently completed a lacrosse award, which is annually awarded to the NCAA Ph.D. in Musicology at the men’s and women’s lacrosse player of the year. In May, he University of Oregon helped lead the University of Virginia Cavaliers to a 9-7 School of Music and victory over the University of Maryland Terrapins. Stanwick Dance. was also named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team. IN MEMORIAM CURRENT/ PAST PARENT FRIEND STUDENT Dr. Edward M. Barczak, M.D. Dr. Fred J. Fisch Mr. Joseph T. Gorman Mr. James T. Benzing Mrs. Ann B. Haviland Mr. Francis V. Bugg CURRENT/ PAST GRANDPARENT ALUMNUS Mr. William R. Collier Mr. Edmund Comfort Mr. Jack Bishop Mr. Leo E. Keidel 1935 Mr. Frederick C. Deisher Dr. Leonard G. Hamberry M.D. 1936 Mrs. Marie Antoinette Comfort Mr. Blaise J. DeNittis Mrs. Edna E. Leonhardt Mr. Louis A. Koehler Jr. 1937 Mrs. Leonore Lipin Mr. Paul L. Millman 1937 Mrs. Mary Angela Lacy-Fetting Mr. James A. Gaffney Mrs. Ruth A. Phelan Mr. Eugene L. Miles Jr. 1939 Mr. Rayner M. Johnson Mr. Norbert Wagner 1939 Mr. Vincent D. Garvey Mr. Victor Giordani, Sr. Mr. Joseph M. Juras, Jr. Mr. John E. Boerner 1940 Mr. John Schissler Mr. Harold A. Molz 1941 Mr. Jeff Gross Mr. Clark Hudak, Sr. Mr. Walter E. Sibiski Mr. Eugene F. O’Conor 1942 Mr. Norbert Wagner Mr. Charles E. Ashley Jr. 1943 Mrs. Rose Kretzschmar Mr. Louis G. Miller 1945 Mr. Richard W. McJilton SPOUSE OF ALUMNUS Mr. Maurice P. Allen 1946 Mr. James D. McKim Jr. Mrs. Mildred Christ Rev. Joseph E. Henry S.J. 1947 Mrs. Joan C. Moag Mrs. Margaret Keene Eby Mr. W. David Marley 1947 Mr. John A. Moag Mrs. Mary C. Eyring Mr. George M. Kimmerlein 1948 Mr. Rowland A. Morrow Mrs. M. Patricia Hartley Mr. Joseph C. Farrell 1950 Mr. Philip J. Puente Mrs. Ann B. Haviland Mr. Edmund J. Fick 1950 Mr. Thomas W. Schmidt Mrs. Joan C. Moag Mr. John T. Hummell 1952 Mr. Frances Smith Mr. Richard P. Slifker 1953 Mr. James C. Strott, Jr. Mr. James J. O’Connor 1955 FORMER FACULTY AND STAFF Andrew A. Cuneo 1955 Rev. Joseph M. Alminde S.J. Mr. Stephen E. Toms 1971 Mr. Thomas K. Carey Sr. Mr. Jeffrey J. Topping 1986 Mr. William V. Ryan Summer 2011 2 7 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO.3233 P.O. BOX 6819 ● TOWSON MARYLAND 21285-6819 BALTIMORE, MD WWW.LOYOLABLAKEFIELD.ORG ● 800-337-DONS
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED