ii The Irish Pride From Modern Chemistry to the Show “Modern Family”, Megan Ganz, HCC Class of 2002, is Living her Dream

In This Issue • Megan Ganz Writes for Modern Family • 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees • 2013 Bishops’ Award Winner • HCC Alum Receives WMU Achievement Award

A Magazine for Alumni & Friends of Gibbons Hall, St. Augustine, Msgr. O’Brien & Hackett Catholic Central April 2013 Join your fellow Alumni to give our students what they need to PLAY LIKE CHAMPIONS TODAY

The “Irish Champions” Program is a way for our community members to sponsor specific needs through a tax deductible gift to Hackett Catholic Central. We invite you to consider becoming an “Irish Champion” by supporting your school with any of the following:

•$125 = Updated desks for a classroom (need 20 desks)

•$250 = Modern, mobile study tables (need 30)

•$500 = Computers for lab (need 12 for 2013-14)

•$1,200 = iMac for communications class (3 for 2013-14)

•$3,000 = Security camera for parking lot (need 3)

•$12,000 = Renovated athletic training room $4,000 for carpet $4,000 for tile $4,000 equipment

•$200,000 = New boiler for the school

If you are interested in donating, please go to the Hackett website at www.hackettcc.org and look for “Irish Champions” under the Advancement tab. Megan Ganz, Class of 2002, Writer for “Modern Family”

Some people have trouble choos- The learning curve was quick. and lessons that I’ve learned on ing a career path, but Megan Megan said she was lucky enough the way, and I try to apply them Ganz, HCC Class of 2002, fig- to land a spot on the writing team to the characters in funny ways,” ured it out before she entered for Demetri Martin’s Comedy Cen- Megan said. high school. An acclaimed come- tral show and then about a year dy writer, Megan has entertained later, after creating a spec script Hollywood and Kalamazoo might Onion, Comedy Central, Commu- (an episode a writer composes be far apart in many ways, but nity, and now Modern Family fans for an existing TV show as part of Megan has fond memories of her since 2006. Megan kindly took her writing portfolio) for It’s Always high school years at Hackett and some time recently to give Irish Sunny in Philadelphia, she met credits her English classes and Pride a glimpse into her work. with major network execs, and was drama club experience for kin- hired for NBC’s Community. Today, dling her interest in both writing When Megan was 13 years old, she is part of the writing team cre- and comedy. Her love of writing her mom bought her a book of ating laughs for all the fans of Jay started with Ms. Luzenske’s Eng- articles from The Onion, the sa- Prichett and his extended crew on lish class. “She was a very dedi- tirical entertainment newspaper, ABC’s Modern Family. cated and passionate teacher and she was instantly hooked. “I who taught me how to have opin- realized I wanted to be an Onion And when you are a part of a show ions and argue them intelligently writer…The whole idea of mak- like Modern Family, there is no wor- -- a skill I took to my Comparative ing an intelligent argument or dry ry about feeling isolated. You won’t Literature class with Ms. Briggs news report that’s actually entirely find Megan alone in her office; rath- and probably drove her insane.” a joke was so appealing to me. It er, the writing staff is often together It was then a real passion for seemed challenging, and I loved at a table, talking for entire days to Megan and led her to major in the puzzle of it all,” Ganz said. develop story ideas, construct out- English at U-M. And by the time she graduated lines and scripts and work through from the University of Michigan edits and rewrites. Each episode So just where did her comedic in 2006, Megan was off to New is a collaboration of all the writers’ side come from? Megan’s dad York City to start what would be jokes and ideas. If you watch close- was a big influence and intro- a three-year stint at The Onion, ly, you might see some of Megan’s duced her to comedy at a young as an intern and eventually staff contributions in the Dunphy family. writer and associate editor. With the same sibling break- It was the switch from print to TV down (older that Megan really hadn’t consid- sister, younger ered too much before it actually brother and happened. “When I was younger, Megan), her I thought that the actors on a TV own family show wrote all their own lines. Or experiences I just didn’t think about it at all. provide her Hollywood seemed so far from some material Kalamazoo, Michigan, so I didn’t more so than spend that much time considering with previous that line of work,” she explained. shows. “But But after a radio program, This it’s very rare American Life, did a feature on the that I take a paper and on Megan, the United complete story Talent Agency called and Megan from my life. started to make the move—to tel- Usually it’s just evision and to the west coast. the emotions Continued on next page age. “He showed me Marx And, though Megan is careful brothers movies when I was not to look too far into the future, very young, and introduced me she hopes in the next few years to Mad Magazine, and SNL, to develop her own show or pos- and Letterman,” according to sibly even a movie. But first, she Ganz. “But my mother bought joked, “just thinking about doing me my first Onion book, so she that makes me so tired I think shares part of the blame too.” I’ll start with a nap and see how that goes.” Ganz’s primetime work has led to some pretty amazing mile- We wish Megan a good nap and stones: the first time she saw continued success. her name pop up on screen or the first time she went on set with one of her episodes and watched the actors read her Megan’s Career Snapshot words. For Megan, who is by 2002: Graduated from HCC all accounts endearingly hum- 2005: Interned at Mad Magazine ble about her achievements, 2006: Graduated with honors from University of Michigan these times serve as motiva- 2006-2009: The Onion--Intern, Staff Writer & Associate Editor tion: “I try to remember mo- 2009-2010: Comedy Central--Writer for Important Things with Demetri Martin ments like that whenever the 2010-2012: Community job gets hard or the hours get 2013-present: Modern Family long, as they often do.”

Athletic Hall of Fame 2013 21st Annual Kalamazoo Area Catholic Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Hackett Catholic Central High School is proud to announce the 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame In- ductees. The 2013 Inductees will be honored at the Hall of Fame Induction Dinner at Hackett Catholic Central H.S. on April 26, 2013. The 2014 Hall of Fame will be held at HCC on the last Friday of April at 6PM. Please send nominations to Mike Garvey at HCC by end of Oct. 2013.

Lowie van Staveren

A teacher and coach at HCC for 11 years, Lowie van Staveren’s impressive tenure included 14 regional championships and 19 KVA titles. He led 36 All-State ath- letes, coached seven teams that placed top 12 in the state and was nominated for Michigan Coach of the year five times. Lowie’s girls’ Cross Country team earned second place at the MHSAA Finals in 1996, and, during one of his highlight seasons in 1997, the girls’ Cross Country team won the state championship, was named Academic All-State and Lowie earned MITCA State Coach of the Year. He worked with the committee that raised funds and built the first track at Hackett. Coach van Staveren’s influence on HCC students went beyond athletics. He was involved with the Haiti project, traveling as a school representative five times, and was honored as the Southwest Michigan Diocesan Teacher of the Year.

4 Caitlin Bowman

Caitlin Bowman is the most decorated goalie in HCC Soccer history and perhaps the most decorated player. Her athletic talents also extended to the basketball court. A three-time All-Conference basketball player, Caitlin was named to the Hon- orable Mention All-State basketball team and honored as a Third Team All-State Student Athlete as well. From the beginning of her freshman year, Caitlin was the starting goalie on the Irish Soccer team. A four-time All-KVA athlete, she was also All-District, All-Region and First Team All-State four consecutive years. As a senior, Caitlin was selected as a member of the All-State Dream Team, was the HCC B’Nai Brith honoree and won the Rita Hane-Long Award. Caitlin took her talents to Albion College where she was named All-MIAA four years in a row and was twice named the team MVP. During her tenure at Albion, Caitlin’s team won two conference championships, and she was even honored as an outstanding player in the MIAA one year. George “Tyke” Jepson

A four-year varsity letter winner from 1982-1986, George Jepson is one of the most awarded hockey players in HCC history. George was team captain for two years, earned Honorable Mention All-State his junior year and All-City honors both his jun- ior and senior seasons. He was selected First Team All-State as a senior, leading his team to a SWMHSHL championship and a 21-1-1 record. George led the team in scoring with 79 points. He was chosen to compete in the Michigan Midget Elite Festival and attended the USA Hockey Midget Elite Camp in Colorado Springs, Colo- rado. George moved on from Hackett to play Division I Hockey at Kent State where he earned the Hockey Varsity Award from 1986-1989, Most Improved Player Award in 1987 and the Academic Athletic Excellence Award in 1988. In 1988, he attended on open tryout for the US Olympic Hockey Team. George used his talents to give back to the sport that gave so much to him and served as the head coach of the Ka- lamazoo Blades from 1994-2001. Compiling a 108-67-11 record, his teams won two league championships, and George was twice named coach of the year.

Wiley C. Boulding II

A graduate of the HCC Class of 1985, Wiley C. Boulding II earned six varsity letters—four in Track and two in Football. During his Hackett gridiron career, Boulding was on teams that combined for 15 wins in two years and were both run- ners-up and champions of the KVA. Wiley himself was an All-KVA and Honorable Mention All-State performer as a defensive back. As a sprinter on the Track team, Wiley was a standout. He captured six championship medals in KVA conference competitions. Additionally, Boulding was All-State, and in 1985 he sprinted his way to the fastest documented 100 Meter Dash in Class C history.

Arianne Christine Field

Arianne Field’s accomplishments in Cross Country and Track at HCC are numerous: She captured two KVA and two regional championships in Cross Country, and was an All-State performer both her junior and senior years, placing sixth and seventh at the MHSAA Finals respectively. She boasted 4 All-State performances in Track and earned two KVA and regional championship titles. Field was named MVP in Track two times. Arianne continued on to compete at the University of Michigan where her teams captured a collective nine Big Ten Championships in Cross Country and Track (indoor and outdoor seasons) and she earned the team captain spot. In 2007 the Wolverines placed as high as third during the outdoor championships. Arianne was also an Olympic Trials qualifier in the 3,000 meter steeplechase, placing 10th nation- ally in 2006. She continues to pursue competition and has completed marathons, placing third in the 2008 New York City Marathon.

5 The 2013 Bishops’ Award Established in honor of the past and current Bishops vancement director where she was part of the CSGK of the Diocese of Kalamazoo without whose leader- and Hackett School Boards as well as the Kalamazoo ship and vision Hackett Catholic Central would not Regional Catholic Schools Foundation. be in existence, the Bishops’ Award is presented each year to members of the HCC community who Regardless of the role—parents, boosters, board have embodied the spirit of volunteerism and car- members or benefactors—the focus of this dynam- ing. Since their arrival in Kalamazoo in the 1990s, ic duo has remained steadfast: to promote Catho- Karen and Mark Weishaar have worked diligent- lic schools and make them even better. The lasting ly to promote and support Catholic education and impact of the Weishaars’ efforts is evidenced by the causes in Kalamazoo and are the deserving 2013 recent facility up- recipients of this distinguished award. grades at Hackett Catholic Central, Mark’s many roles in support of Catholic education the ongoing work include school board president of both St. Augus- of the Kalamazoo tine and Hackett Catholic Central, finance chair for Regional Catholic Hackett, and co-founder of Project Hope at St. Au- Schools Founda- gustine. He was also a member of the Blue Ribbon tion and by their Committee and served on committees to renovate three sons, Alex, the HCC gymnasium and the football field. Mark’s Ben and Matt, all volunteer stints extended to coaching as well—for successful gradu- St. Augustine and Hackett basketball teams. He ates of HCC. continues to serve HCC today as a member of the Bannister Fund committee. Congratulations, Karen & Mark Karen’s involvement is equally vast. She served Weishaar, and as the first co-chair of St. Augustine’s Project Hope, thank you for a parent volunteer at St. Monica in many capaci- your dedication to ties, president of the HCC Athletic Boosters, auction Catholic educa- committee member, front office volunteer and team tion and Hackett parent for basketball and football. Karen formed the Catholic Central. committee charged with redoing the football prac- tice field and was a member of the gym renovation Congratulations, committee as well. She also served as CSGK’s ad- Mark and Karen Weishaar! Rebecca Sutton, HCC Class of 2008, Receives Outstanding Civil Engineering Student of the year Award

Rebecca Sutton, Hackett class of ‘08, currently a Civil Engineering student at Marquette University, Milwau- kee, WI. was the recipient of the Wisconsin Outstanding Civil Engineering Student of the Year Award 2012-2013 from the Wisconsin Chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers(ASCE).

Rebecca has been an active member of Marquette’s chapter of the ASCE and the captain of their chapter’s Steel Bridge Competition Team. She will graduate from Marquette University in May 2013.

6 Class Reunions Class of 1967

The Class of 1967 celebrated their 45th reunion on August 25, 2012 at the Park Club. Everyone had a great time.

The Hackett and O’Brien groups clebrate their reunions together. They feel there was never “them” and “us”. They feel they are the same class because they went to school together since grade school and remain good friends.

Class of 1964 - 50th Reunion Organization Meeting Snowbirds got together Febru- ary 24th at Patty (Postma) Far- rel’s under the guise of plan- ning the reunion. Great party. Plan on being in the Phoenix area next year the end of Feb- ruary or the first March and join us. Targeting July of 2014 for the Reunion. Dates and times yet to be finalized. Contact Bill Reetz at [email protected] or Sue Foster at tsfoster3606@ gmail.com

In the picture from left to right, Tim McGuire, Jim Milan, Sue (Borkenstein) Fetchero, Patty (Postma) Farrel, Joe Drake, Patricia (Ja- kovitch) Van Amburg, Tom Foster, Mary (Reisterer) Rogers, Sue (Scanlon) Foster, Bill Reetz and Mary (Howard) Briggs.

7 Class of 1972 Reaches Goal for Jan’s Fund

When the Class of 1972 began making plans for Fleckenstein’s efforts and those of her classmates their 40th in October 2012, they decided to make were successful. With donations from $20 to several it more than just a reunion. hundred dollars, nearly 30 members of the class par- ticipated and hit their $4,000 goal. Reunion planners, Pat Kamaneck Byrne, Mike Janssen and Denise Fleckenstein decided that, Jan’s idea for the scholarship fund was to help kids in addition to arranging events to renew friend- who wish to attend HCC but are unable to afford the tu- ships and relive high school memories with class- ition. The contribution from the Class of 1972 impacted mates, they would honor recently retired original five such students (from three families). With house- Hackett Catholic Central High School secretary, hold incomes of less than $40,000, these families were Mrs. Janice Boyle, through the scholarship fund doing all they could to provide this opportunity for their established in her name. “The planning commit- children, and, with a little help from the 1972 alumni, tee came together and thought after 40 years we they were able to do just that. could give something back to the school. We de- cided that to make a class gift in support of the Way to go, HCC Class of 1972! Jan Fund was in line with the values we learned long ago,” Fleckenstein said. “It felt right.”

Irish Class Reunion Information

Class of 1973 Don’t Miss Your Reunion! The Hackett Class of 1973 40th Reunion will Please keep the Alumni Office informed of a change take place on Saturday, June 29th. We’ll have of address. Contact the Irish Alumni Office: a golf outing from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 269-381-2646 or you can e-mail [email protected] either The Prairies or Ridgeview Golf Course. Mass will follow at 5:30 p.m. in the Hackett High We can help you get the word around. Ask us how! School chapel. Father Marty Solma (Bro. Marty when we were in school) will preside. Then we’ll Classes of 1938, 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008 gather at Webster’s from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. for drinks (CASH BAR), food, and fun. Music will Let the Irish Alumni Office help you announce and be provided by several classmates wishing to publicize you class reunion! show off their musical talent. It’s casual dress for everything (appropriate golfing attire required on the links.) No need for pre-reunion plastic surgery or dieting! Stay tuned to the Hack- ett website for more details! Go to the Hackett Class of 1964 Catholic Central High School homepage and click Alumni > Reunions & Events. Or follow is targeting July 2014 for thier 50th class our Facebook group—Hackett ‘73. Be on the reunion. Contact Bill Reetz at watch for an Evite in your in-box. [email protected] or Sue Foster at [email protected]

8 Memorials Alumni Jottings Please remember in your prayers the following recently deceased members of the Irish Alumni family. Charles Duross , ‘89 was honored with the Attorney Mike Barrett, 1955, passed away on March 14, 2013. General’s Award for Distinguished Service which is the second highest award for employee performance be- William Burke, 1938, passed away on October 31, stowed by the Department of Justice, for the investigation 2012. and prosecution of Congressman William Jefferson for corruption-related offenses. He was one of the lead pros- ecutors who tried Congressman Jefferson in the summer wife of Bill, mother Sally Brocato Castleberry, 1984, of 2009, a conviction that was just recently upheld by the of Joseph, ‘12 and Jimmy, ‘14, passed away on Janu- appellate court. ary 16, 2013.

Sherrie Coash, 1945, wife of Robert Coash, 1945. Brent King, ‘95 lives in Barneveld, WI and is a parish- Sherrie passed on August 11, 2012. ioner at St. Maria Goretti Parish in Madison. Brent has worked continuously for the Church in some capacity Margaret Currier, 1969, passed away on May 22, since his youth. Brent attended St. Augustine and gradu- 2012. ated from Hackett in 1995. After graduation from Kalam- azoo College in 1999 with a double major in business and religion, he began working for the Diocese of Kalamazoo, , passes away on August Francis L. Hammill, 1941 eventually becoming Director of Communications. In 13, 2012. 2006, Brent moved to Madison to take on the roles of Di- rector of Communications and Personal Assistant to the Joyce McLain Jean, 1949, passed on July 11, 2012. Bishop. Brent and his wife, Amy, have two small children.

Donna Kendzior, mother of Jenna, 2010 and Alyssa, Michelle Martin, ‘01, 2007, passed away on March 21, 2013. recently won an award for her work from the June Brady Maher, 1945, mother of Kathleen, Michigan Home based Joseph C, ‘72, Maureen, ‘72, Dennis, ‘74, Kevin, family services association. ‘77, and Patrick (Deceased). June passed away on October 24, 2012.

Theresa McGoff, 1977, sister of John, ‘68, Marian, ‘72, Kathleen, ‘74, and Christine, ‘75 and Thomas (deceased). Theresa passes away on November 17, 2012. Follow us on Twitter Dave Pratt, 1939, passed September 27, 2012. Hackett has a new presence on the social net- Barbara Hageman Secondi, ‘49, passed away on work of Twitter. If you are a Twitter subscriber, Sept. 23, 2012. please consider following us. The name is @ HackettCatholic. Following us on Twitter is a Steve Tyler, 1984, uncle of Robert Tyler, 2002 and great way to keep in touch with HCC. Julie Tyler, 2004. Steve passed on December 13, 2012. The Alumni Office would appreciate a phone call or e-mail if Ruth A. Wolf, 1946, passed away March 21, 2013, you would like to have the name of a deceased member of preceded in death by Richard D. Wolf, 1946. Mother your family in the next Shamrock. of John 1969, Kathy Rann 1973, Jean Matheny 1974, e-mail: [email protected] Thomas 1976, Nancy Fooy 1979, Mary Carter 1982.

9 There are many traditions at Hackett Catholic Central, but one that has continued to gather our friends, parents and supporters in droves for more than 25 years is the Hackett Catholic Central HS Shamrock Auction. The event was held on March 16 in Hackett’s gym to celebrate “all things Irish” and impact the mission and students of our school.

With nearly 300 attendees, the evening was a resounding success. Guests enjoyed differ- ent food stations and delectable desserts while bidding on over 200 silent auction items. The live auction then featured four premier tickets to a sold-out Justin Bieber concert in Chicago, tickets to the NCAA basketball tournament, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Bulls/Pistons games as well as two pass- es to the 2014 Masters practice round—and much more. Through the incredible generosity of sponsors, donors and patrons, the 2013 Shamrock Auction netted over $80,000 and proved to be one of our most significant yet.

Auction proceeds will be used to support our athletic pro- grams and fund needed upgrades throughout the building. As it has for so many years, the 2013 Shamrock Auction brought together HCC supporters and friends for a night of fun and fundraising. Many, many thanks go to co-chairs Barb Nitchman and Deidre Smith and their tremendous team of volunteers who made the event such a success.

Many students and teachers are involved with making the Auction a success. Above: Sarah Kate Derrington, Jordan Gravely, Emily Cabot and Ashley Moiat are all smiles volunteering at the auction. Top Left: Dan O’Brien, Brian Aldrich, Joe Amat, Brenden Garlick and Brennan Kilpatrick take a break from their duties to pose for a picture. Middle: Katy Briggs makes sure the bid tags are in order. Bottom: Luke Stull sends the basket around for final bids.

10 Jeanne Friedman, HCC Class of 1985, Receives WMU Alumni Achievement Award

Jeanne Deem Friedman, Class of 1985, was awarded the WMU Distinguished Alumni Award on October 6, 2012. She is the daughter of Tom and Judy Deem. Judy Deem taught third grade at St. Monica’s for many years.

Jeanne Friedman is a Latin teacher at Portage Northern High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree from WMU in 1992 and returned to earn a Master’s degree in Education Technology in 2004.

Friedman maintains 120-160 students in the Latin program. For the past twelve years, she has put her remarkable teaching abil- ity to good use in Portage’s International Baccalaureate Program. During that time, more that 100 students have passed the rigorous testing required to receive either an IB certificate in Latin or the full IB diploma using Latin as one of their language requirements.

When asked what she especially enjoys about teaching Latin, Friedman writes: “I love to watch students who think ‘Latin is dead’ realize daily that it comes to life when we speak English, enjoy architecture, dis- cuss politics, consider the military or pursue the study of Romance languages. Every day we reinforce that Latin is Not dead, but rather, immortal.”

Friedman is a native of Portage and lives with her husband, Mark, who is a WMU alumnus and an engineer at Humphrey Products, and their two children, Ben and Rosie.

Shamrock Auction 2013

Hard work and many volunteers transform the Hackett Gym into a spectacular place to have an auction/dinner dance. The auction is always around St. Patrick’s Day. Mark you calendars and plan to attend next years event. Alex Filiputti and Erin Clark are always happy to help where needed. In the background are the items donated for the silent auction. Thanks to everyone who made Shamrock Auction 2013 a success.

11 The Irish Pride Irish Alumni Office NON-PROFIT U S POSTAGE [email protected] PAID KALAMAZOO MI Hackett Catholic Central High School PERMIT # 77 1000 W. Kilgore Road Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008 Change Service Requested