TOLLE LEGE! - 2017 Caritas Dinner Dance Couple of the Year Chuck '92 and Jen Volpentesta - St. Rita of Cascia High School
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
TOLLE LEGE!
The St. Rita of Cascia High School Magazine • Spring 2017
2017 Caritas Dinner Dance
Couple of the Year
Chuck ‘92 and Jen Volpentesta
TOLLE LEGE!
ADMINISTRATION
Head of School and CEO
Rev. Paul W. Galetto, O.S.A., Ph.D.
President, Director of Advancement
A Letter From Fr. Paul Galetto, O.S.A. A Letter From Ed Leiser and Director of Athletics
Michael Zunica, HON
Roshawn Russell ‘08 Winterfest
Named New Athletic Director
Winter Sports Wrap-Up Principal
Alumni News Brendan J. Conroy, HON
Student Exchange
Champions Will Be Made. Chairman of the Board
A Letter From Mike Zunica A Letter From Fr. Bernie Scianna Ernest J. Mrozek, ‘71
Caritas Update OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL
ADVANCEMENT
Director of Special Events and
Database Management
Sue Connolly
Graphic Design
Dan Duffy
Director of Alumni Relations/Grant Writer
Laura Fleck
Returning to our Roots
In this issue of Tolle Lege!, you will read all about many exciting changes, Director of Annual Appeal and Major Gifts
John Schmitt ‘84
enhancements and additions to the programs and facilities at St. Rita of Cascia
High School. But, make no mistake. Despite moving forward and making changes Director of Public Relations
to ensure that St. Rita has not only a sustainable, but thriving future, we have not Mike Swanson
lost sight of our mission and our core values of truth, unity and love. As we move
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
toward the future, we also return to our roots. In this transformative era in St. Rita
William Attea
history, you will see that we will no longer use the blue crest that you have come to James Brasher ‘71
recognize. We will be returning to the original seal of St. Rita High School, the Michael Clarke ‘75
symbols of which encompass the life of St. Rita of Cascia and the Augustinians. Paul Dachota ‘84
Rev. Bernard R. Danber, O.S.A. ‘68, Ex-officio
The Seal of St. Rita of Cascia High School Lawrence Doyle ‘68
• The central feature of the seal is the flaming heart of St. Augustine, always James Gagnard ‘64
burning with restlessness for God and our search for Truth. Mark Hacker ‘90
Thomas J. Healy ‘83
• The arrow depicts how our love for God can pierce the heart. Catharine Hennessy
• The book represents St. Augustine’s life-long quest for knowledge and his abiding David S. Howicz
love of Sacred Scripture. Nicholas LoMaglio ‘04
• The black leather belt is symbolic of the religious habit of the Order of Rev. Richie P. Mercado, O.S.A.
St. Augustine. Ernest J. Mrozek ‘71 (Chairman)
Donald Mrozek ‘65
• The miter and crosier represent Augustine the Bishop.
John O’Neill ‘79
• Tolle Lege, Tolle Lege! is Latin for “Take and read.” Augustine hears these words Stephen M. Schaller ‘83
during his conversion experience and interprets them as a message from God. He Edward Schmit ‘63
picks up the letters of St. Paul and reads a passage that puts his mind at rest. At V. Rev. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D. ‘83, Ex-officio
this point he resolves to dedicate his entire life to God. Charles A. Volpentesta ‘92
• The bees point to a time in St. Rita’s life when, as an infant, a swarm of bees flew J.J. Wilczewski ‘92
Andrew Y. Youpel
in and around her mouth but did not harm her in any way. A sign of the special
life that St. Rita would live. EMERITI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• The rose is the most recognizable symbol of St. Rita of Cascia. On her deathbed Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. ‘83
she asked for a rose. Being the middle of winter this was thought to be an (Chairman of the Board Emeritus)
impossible request but when her sisters looked in the snow-covered garden there Ronald M. Abramowicz ‘60
Anthony Colosimo ‘63
was a single rose blooming - a sign from God to Rita of His love for her. Dr. John Donahue
Michael J. McArdle ‘54
Tolle Lege! comes from the conversion scene in St. Augustine’s masterpiece of literature, Donald A. Petkus‘58
philosophy and theology, Confessions, written around 397. The phrase is Latin for “take up and Michael Schneider ‘46
read.” Augustine took up Paul’s letter to the Romans and read a passage which changed his life. Arthur R. Velasquez ‘56
A Letter From
Fr. Paul
Dear Alumni and Friends,
These are exciting days here at St. Rita. There are many new initiatives
that are taking place and transforming the education of our Ritamen; I would
like to tell you about two of them.
We are introducing a program called “Mini-mester”. This is a hands-on educational experience that lets students
step outside the classroom and experience the world. Some of the courses involve travel overseas or to other
states in our country; others are based here in Chicago or our local vicinity. There are many things that can’t be
learned from a textbook and that students can comprehend only by seeing, tasting, hearing or smelling them. We
will take a week of the academic year and allow students to choose the courses of their preference. Some of the
courses will happen over Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter break. Some courses might happen on weekends or
at night. The world is our classroom and we want the students to be engaged. If you can offer any learning
opportunities that you think the students would enjoy, please let us know and we will do our best to incorporate
them.
The second initiative is the Caritas Project. St. Rita is already known for its great social service program and this
is a logical evolution of that. All rising seniors (starting in their junior year) will undertake a project of at least 100
hours. This project must contribute to improving the community in which they live. It is not simply volunteering
at a food bank or homeless shelter. What these Ritamen need to do is come up with a solution to a problem and
then implement it. The Caritas Project teaches leadership and initiative and gives our students accomplishments
of which they can be very proud. This will be a game-changer for our school because it will let it be known that
St. Rita is part of the solution to the problems that plague our neighborhoods. In this area too, we invite you to
help by offering suggestions and help to our students. Together we can make the world a better place.
Thanks for all you do. I hope you have a blessed Easter and are able to celebrate new life with your family.
Sincerely,
Fr. Paul Galetto O.S.A., Ph.D.
Head of School and CEO
Roshawn Russell ‘08
Appointed St. Rita
Athletic Director
Fr. Paul Galetto, Ph.D., O.S.A, St. Rita’s Head of School
and CEO, has appointed Roshawn Russell, M.B.M., a 2008 St. Rita
alumnus, athletic director effective July 1, 2017. Russell will immediately
retain his position as assistant director of admissions and head sophomore
basketball coach while adding duties as assistant athletic director through
June 30, 2017. St. Rita President Mike Zunica (Hon.) will retain the athletic
director position until July 1, 2017, a position he has held since 2009.
Prior to becoming assistant admissions director at St. Rita in Sept. 2015, Russell earned his master of business
management degree at Fontbonne University. He also served as assistant men’s basketball coach, after two years
as a graduate assistant. Russell enjoyed a very successful playing career on the hardwood. He finished his career
with the North Park University Vikings ranked number one on the all-time free-throw-shooting charts both for
his career and for a single season. He shot a career-best 88 percent from the line over his career and shot a record
90 percent during his freshman year. He also ranks tenth all-time in total assists at North Park and scored 939
points over his four-year playing career. Russell is ranked seventh all-time at North Park for career three-point field
goals made with 117 and ranks eighth all-time in career three-point percentage with 38.5%. Russell graduated from
North Park University in the spring of 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.
Russell attended St. Rita where he enjoyed a stellar prep career. He was a four-year starter for the basketball team
and earned All-Chicago Catholic League Second Team honors as a junior and First Team as a senior as well as
All-Area honors from the Southtown Star. He was voted the team MVP his senior year and earned All-Tourna-
ment honors at the McGovern Classic. He averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals in leading the team to an
18-11 record his senior year. Russell also played in the Catholic League All-Star Game in the spring of 2008.
Fr. Galetto said, “St. Rita is in a very strong position. We understand the winning formula that makes our school
a sought-after choice for young men. Roshawn also understands our winning tradition, which emphasizes academ-
ics and athletics. He is ready to continue our legacy as we move confidently into a new era of building champion-
ship teams with student-athletes who succeed on the court, in the field or on the ice and in the classroom.
Roshawn’s status as an alumnus and as a championship athlete when combined with his youth and personality
make him a great choice for St. Rita.”
Zunica added, “It seems I have known Roshawn forever. His older brother Rashay came to St. Rita in the fall of
1999 when Roshawn was nine years old. Since that fall, 17 years ago, I have admired Roshawn and his family in
every aspect of their interaction at St. Rita. For me personally it is a great testimony to Catholic education to watch
Roshawn go from a little brother at St. Rita to a St. Rita student, coach, employee and now a member of our
administration as our athletic director.”
Alumni Events
YEARBOOK PICKUP PARTY
December 20, 2016
Members of the Class of 2016 kicked
off their college Christmas break by
returning to St. Rita for the Annual
Yearbook Pickup Party. Our most
recent graduates had pizza, met up with
old friends and checked out their
hot-off-the-press senior class yearbook.
YOUNG ALUMNI
REUNION
January 13, 2016
Young Alumni from the Classes
of 2012, 2007 and 2012 met old
friends and classmates at Sean’s
Rhino Bar for a Young Alumni
Reunion. Look for future
Young Alumni Events coming
this summer and fall!
50-YEAR REUNION PLANNING MEETING
The Class of 1967 representatives are busy contacting their classmates for their 50th reunion at the
All-Alumni Banquet to be held Friday, April 21 at St. Rita. They want to see a packed house with Ritamen
from all classes, so buy your ticket online today at stritahs.com or call (773) 925-5029.
A Message From
Mr. Ed Leiser,
Director of Admissions
On January 14, 2017, the St. Rita Admis- There are musicians,
sions and Administration teams—along with
dozens of coaches and staff—welcomed
athletes, future student
eighth graders from around the Chicagoland government leaders,
area to the annual St. Rita Entrance Exam.
chess team members,
The day is always exciting as future Ritamen
take their first step toward enrolling in the proud brotherhood and tradition that is and other talented,
St. Rita High School. This year’s test date was even more exciting as St. Rita hard-working
welcomed 245 young men to campus for the Entrance Exam—the highest
test-taking number in six years! A make-up exam was held a week later that yielded young men in the
13 additional testers, for a grand total of 258 hopeful Ritamen to make up the Class Class of 2021.
of 2021! It was an exciting couple of weeks as young men were filled with pride
and enthusiasm on their way towards becoming men of Truth, Unity and Love.
The eighth grade students came from 120 different grammar schools, at least 65 different zip codes, and over 40 cities,
including locations such as: Aurora, Bolingbrook, Manteno, Monee, New Lenox, Plainfield, Lockport, and many
other suburbs. The city of Chicago was well-represented from all corners, with students coming from Lincoln Park,
Garfield Ridge, Bridgeport, Beverly, Mt. Greenwood, Midway, and many other neighborhoods.
Many of St. Rita High School’s top feeder grammar schools were well-represented with strong numbers again this
year. Our highest feeder schools were St. Barnabas (10), Queen of Martyrs (8), Mark Sheridan Academy (7), St.
Daniel the Prophet (7), Sutherland (7), Central Middle School in Evergreen Park (6), Mt. Greenwood Elementary (6),
Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School and (6), St. Jane de Chantal (6). Other strong totals were seen at St. John Fisher,
St. Christina, Christ the King, St. Jerome and others.
There are musicians, athletes, future student government leaders, chess team members, and other talented, hard-work-
ing young men in the Class of 2021. We are all very excited to see how high they will fly over the next four years.
Registration and enrollment has already begun for the Class of 2021, and their first days will be here before we know it.
What is also encouraging is that nearly 70 young men have a St. Rita legacy connection, with their father, grandfather,
or brothers having graduated (or currently attending) St. Rita prior to their arrival. It shows that loyal Ritamen want
what’s best for their sons or grandsons - and that is a St. Rita High School education!
Welcome to the Class of 2021 and get ready for the best four years of your life. We welcome you to the 112-year
brotherhood and are excited for you to pave your own path to greatness!
Student Exchange
Did you know that Saint Rita offers a student
exchange program with other all-boys Augustinian schools
overseas? This past February, St. Rita had the pleasure of
welcoming five Argentinian boys and their principal for two
weeks. The boys were on summer break from Saint Martin de
Tours school in Buenos Aires. The five exchange students
were graciously hosted by five Saint Rita families. In June, the
five Saint Rita boys will stay in Buenos Aires, attend classes at Saint
Martin de Tours and see the sights while being hosted by their
new-found Argentinian friends.
In addition, another group of exchange students will be arriving from
Villanova College in Brisbane, Australia in March. The boys will also
stay for two weeks and be hosted by five other Saint Rita families. Saint
Rita students will in turn go to Brisbane, Australia for two weeks in May.
The moderator of the student exchange program, Mrs. Colleen Earley
stated, “It is a very unique program and has created lifetime friendships
around the world. It is the hope in the future to develop a faculty
exchange program between Saint Rita and these schools overseas.”
WINTERFEST
R
ST. RITA
HIGH SCHOOL
Family - that’s important at St. Rita. Around parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends all enjoyed a
lively evening, filled with dinner from 115 Bourbon
Winterfest time many of us are reminded that “Blood
Street Catering, open bar, live entertainment, and
makes you related, loyalty makes you family.” Loyalty is
old-fashioned St. Rita hospitality. They also were treated
a main ingredient in Winterfest’s success. What started
to each area of the school being transformed into
out as a “Friendraiser” thirteen years ago, has grown
creative entertainment centers, based on many of your
into the legendary mid-winter event that is one of the
favorite board games.
largest, most famous and outright fun parties on the
south side of Chicago. It’s all thanks to the loyalty (and
hard work) of the St. Rita High School Parents. Some
parents who were there for the first party are still
volunteering. Once people get involved, they keep
coming back, year after year, because of the fun they
have, friends they make, and because of their loyalty to
their sons’ school.
Planning for Winterfest XII started months ago, with
chairs Mike and Julie McDevitt (parents of Mike ’17
and Christopher ’20) running the event this year. The
Winterfest committee quickly decided on the theme
of "Family Game Night", based on classic board
games. Countless hours of behind-the-scenes work
went into making Winterfest 2016 a great success.
All the hard work of parents culminated on Satur-
day, January 28, 2017, as more than 900 St. Rita
Upon entrance, guests were greeted at the "Games Galore" Lobby. The McCar- thy center was decorated as the Mustang Toy Store where The Shy Lads kept the crowd entertained. The dining hall offered a great place to eat dinner with music by John Dublin, in a room based on Candyland. Drawing a large crowd, First Rico Quinn played and the band Rendition performed covers of every- one's favorite songs in the gym although it felt like you were actually in the game Monopoly. Outside the gym, dozens of raffle baskets and silent auction items were available to It's amazing how fast Winterfest night flies by after bid on as well as share-the-pot raffle tickets and Grand months of hard work and preparation; but Winterfest is Raffle tickets. As always a worthwhile guests moved down What started out as a “Friendraiser” thirteen years endeavor. Winterfest the Barrel of Mon- raises a significant keys and Hi-Ho ago, has grown into the legendary mid-winter event amount of money Cher ri-0!-themed that is one of the largest, most famous and outright that all goes to help hallway, they found keep St. Rita tuition the main office fun parties on the south side of Chicago. as affordable as lobby area was St. possible, technically Rita's version of Twister. Moving along, Winterfest making it a fundraiser; however, we strive to make sure attendees had to traverse the academic hallway with an the "Friendraiser" tradition and heritage of the event appropriate theme of Scrabble. In the Van Leuven keeps the St. Rita Family growing year after year, because Center, at the end of the academic hallway, no one could the St. Rita community truly is a family. miss the neighborhood favorite Larkin and Moran Broth- ers keeping the crowd entertained in The Game of Life-themed room. From there party-goers could head back to the gym, dining hall or McCarthy Center via the vending hallway that was decorated as Yahtzee. The Grand Raffle generated 759 ticket sales, producing the best odds for the $20,000 grand prize in three years! At approximately 11:30 p.m. many of the ticket buyers gathered in the gym making the large space filled with a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd. Fr. Tom McCarthy. O.S.A. '83 made his way to the stage and announced nine winning tickets, pulled by Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A. ‘83--one $20,000 grand prize winner and eight $1,000 winners. Shortly after, Rendition came back onstage to close the night out with a few more songs--including the favorite "I Got A Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas, that not surprisingly got many people back on the dance floor!
Winter Sports Wrap-Up The winter sports season was another success this year at St. Rita. Basketball, bowling, hockey, swimming, and wrestling all enjoyed both individual and team success in the 2016/2017 season.
BASKETBALL
Head Coach Gary De Cesare's “Running” Mustang Basketball team
started the season (6-7) and was looking at a rebuilding year in early
January. Then the seniors took control and led St. Rita to a successful
(19-11) season, including their third regional championship in the last
four years. The Mustangs then hosted the sectional where, as the #6
seed, they upset #3 seed Hyde Park on the road before upsetting the #2
seed Bogan Bengals at home, setting up the sectional championship
game against #1 seed and Class 3A favorite Morgan Park.
St. Rita raced out to a quick 8-0 lead against heavily favored Morgan
Park in front of a raucous “Mustang Maniac” crowd. The game was
tight throughout with each quarter ending with the teams within two O’Connor Makes History:
points of one another before Morgan Park pulled away late in the
fourth quarter. Wins 4th Individual State Title
On Saturday February 18th, St. Rita senior
Senior Rashaad Williams was named 1st team All-Catholic League Austin O’Connor became the 15th wrestler
while Senior Paul Kingsley and junior Jordan Matthews were named
in the 80-year history of IHSA wrestling to
All-Catholic League South section.
win four consecutive individual state cham-
BOWLING pionships, joining 2007 St. Rita graduate
The Varsity Bowling Team finished seventh place in the Catholic Albert White in the exclusive club.
League with the JV taking fifth place and subsequently winning the
O’Connor dominated the 152 lb. field
consolation bracket at the CCL Championship. Varsity Sophomore
Clifford Williams advanced to the sectional championship. finishing the job by beating Providence
Catholic junior Cole Smith 20-7 in the
HOCKEY championship match. O’Connor will leave
The “Skating” Mustangs led by Head Coach Brian Coleman ’98 had St. Rita as the most decorated wrestler in
another successful year (27-20-2-3) with a CCL record of (13-6-2-1) the school’s history having captured a total
finishing fourth in the always tough CCL. The Mustangs were ranked of 14 individual state championships in his
as high as fifth in the state on January 1. career, including nine straight with IKWF
titles factored in.
Leading scorers for the “Skating” Mustangs were sophomore Connor
McGrath (14G – 14A), senior Tanner Crites (14G – 12A) and senior O’Connor finished his high school career
Colan Fitzgerald (14G – 11A), who also was recognized as the top with a 181-4 record including 46-0 in his
defenseman in the Chicago Catholic League. senior season. He will continue his career
at Chapel Hill as a member of the North
SWIMMING Carolina Tar Heels wrestling team. With a
The “Swimming” Mustangs led by Head Coach Sigfredo Cruz enjoyed new coaching staff in place, the Tar Heels
their best season in recent memory recording big wins over St. Viator, are an up-and-coming program where
Morgan Park, DeLaSalle, and St. Patrick. The young Mustang swim- O’Connor will redshirt his freshman year
mers have a bright future ahead of them led by sophomore Robert
to get used to the style of wrestling at the
McDonald and freshmen Jake Kuska and Christopher Jiminez, who all
showed very well in the Catholic League meet. collegiate level.
O’Connor, who won titles at 106 (fresh-
WRESTLING man year), 132 (sophomore year), and 145
Three wrestlers advanced to the individual state championships in
(junior year), was introduced to wrestling
Champaign. Senior Austin O’Connor became the 15th wrestler in
Illinois state history to capture four individual state championships by by chance at a young age. Shortly after his
dominating the 152 pound bracket. Junior Tommy Russell placed sixth family purchased a car from a local dealer-
at 113 pounds and Senior Patrick Larkin qualified at 189 pounds. ship, O’Connor’s older brother was recruit-
The Mustangs were led by Head Coach Dan Manzella ’03 who will be ed by the salesman to give wrestling a go.
stepping down as head coach but will remain on staff as an assistant. O’Connor, as a four-year old, followed
2001 St. Rita graduate Mike Boyd will take over the reins. closely behind and the rest is, as they say,
history.Champions Will Be Made
The Capital Campaign
For St. Rita High School
It’s difficult for some institutions to maintain momentum after 112
successful years. Each year brings new challenges. However, it is up to us as
educators to recognize those challenges and meet the growing needs of our
students because, with each new class comes new life, more potential and
bigger dreams.
Over the past five years, we have followed a strategic plan to meet the needs of our students. Beginning with an
investment in our academic facilities, the science labs were renovated and the Van Leuven Family Research Center
was created. We also met the growing need for providing a place for friendship and gathering when we constructed
the McCarthy Student Center. Now, we are taking the time to bring the next level of our plan to life.
A new capital campaign effort, Champions Will Be Made will see us invest in our athletic facilities and grow our
endowment. Both of these initiatives will position St. Rita for long-term success, enhancing our competitive posi-
tion and providing for continued financial stability for years to come. This $5.25 million campaign will build upon
the investments in programs and infrastructure that have been made over the past five years. Our bold vision
includes a brand-new 5,200 sq. ft. athletic training facility, locker room improvements, gymnasium upgrades, and an
increase in endowment funding to support scholarship funds, faculty support and other priorities.Locker Room
Improvements
This is an amazing time for St. Rita! These investments will impact the daily This $5.25 million
lives of our students, faculty and staff, and allow St. Rita to teach, learn and
grow in innovative and exciting ways. We recognize that these positive changes campaign will build
are made possible only through the generous support of you - our alumni, upon the investments
parents, past parents, and friends. The strength of St. Rita lies within each Rita-
man and each generation of students benefits from those who came before. in programs and
On behalf of the students, faculty and staff of St. Rita, I thank you for your infrastructure that
past contributions and ask for your continued support as we work to make
St. Rita better and stronger than ever. have been made over
the past five years.
President and Director of Advancement
Michael J. Zunica HON
5,200 sq. ft. Athletic
Training Facilitycaritas
St. Rita of Cascia
28th Annual Valentine Dinner Dance
The inaugural St. Rita Valentine Dinner Dance
nity Service Award was presented to Jim Brasher ‘71.
The Crest of St. Augustine Award was earned by Dr.
began on a snowy night,--Feb. 15, 1990. Only 50 of the
Gerardo Grieco ‘72 and the Company of the Year was
100 registered guests were able to make their way
the law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP, with
through the snow-filled Chicago streets to the event.
former chairman Don Mrozek ‘65 accepting the award
on behalf of the organization.
How far we have come since that night 28 years ago!
Since its inception, Caritas Valentine Dinner Dance has
One of the highlights of the evening was remarks given
raised over $4.7 million for St. Rita High School.
by student speaker Louis Cox ‘18. Louis spoke about his
commitment to academics, his love for and support
This year’s event, held on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Loews
from his parents and how he expects his St. Rita educa-
Chicago Hotel in Streeterville, was another successful
tion to help him continue on to his goal of one day
event. Many first-time guests joined long-time attendees
becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
in forming a crowd of more than 400 members of the
St. Rita Family at the dinner dance. The event raised
Thank you to all the 28th Annual Caritas Valentine
$306,015 for scholarships and tuition assistance.
Dinner Dance committee members for your commit-
ment to the event and to St. Rita of Cascia High School.
This year’s award winners include Couple of the Year
Chuck ‘92 and Jen Volpentesta. The Tolle Lege Commu-
Fr. Paul Galetto, O.S.A, Fr. Bernie Mr. Bill Cook and family traveled all the way from Excelsior, Minnesota to
Scianna, O.S.A., and several other support St. Rita and enjoy the night's festivities.
Augustinians were present to celebrate
with guests and thank them for their
continued support of St. Rita High
School.TOLLE LEGE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
COUPLE OF THE YEAR
Jim Brasher ‘71
Chuck ’92 & Jen Volpentesta
CREST OF
ST. AUGUSTINE AWARD
Dr. Gerardo Grieco ‘72
ORGANIZATION
OF THE YEAR
Hinshaw & Culbertson
Don Mrozek ‘65A Letter From
Fr. Bernie Scianna
Dear Friends of the Augustinians:
The Midwest Augustinians, who have served at St. Rita High School
for over 100 years, will be holding their fifth Augustinian Gala on April 28
at the historic Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago. This annual event brings
together Augustinian friars with their benefactors, friends, and families to
celebrate and support the Order’s ministries. This year, we will honor four
individuals who have given exemplary service to the Order of St. Augus-
tine: Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A.; Fr. Jim Friedel, O.S.A.; and Augustinian
Affiliates Anne and Don Berschback. As you know, Fr. Tom is a Rita alum (Class of ’83); he served as chaplain at
St. Rita from 1994 to 2000, when he was appointed President, a position he held until 2012. Currently, Fr. Tom
serves as Director of Augustinian Vocations, and, together with the Holy Spirit, he has helped bring about a
renaissance of new vocations to our Order! Please consider joining us in our celebration through a donation,
sponsorship, or ad space in the gala program book. For more info please visit AugustinianGala.org.
The Augustinians in North America continue to see a steady number of new vocations, many of whom are coming
from nearby schools. St. Rita alum Bob Carroll, O.S.A., and St. Cajetan alum Br. Joe Roccasalva, O.S.A. now live at
our St. Augustine Friary in Hyde Park, where the rooms are filled to capacity with other friars completing their
theological studies.
Since 1962, the Midwest Province of the Augustinian Order has directed and funded the Augustinian Vicariate in
Northern Peru, where friars serve, educate, and deliver the Gospel to those in need. Recently, thanks to the strength
of native vocations and local financial support, the Augustinians in Peru have at last begun to make plans for inde-
pendence and self-governance. However, much work still needs to be done, and there are ways that the St. Rita High
School community can help. The Augustinians have begun construction of a new pre-K through 12th grade school
in Trujillo, Peru. If the school can be completed, not only will many more developing souls receive an Augustinian
education, but the additional tuition revenue will also offer a definitive step towards the independence of Peruvian
missions. Thank you to all of the St. Rita community for your previous mission collections to this cause. Let’s stand
in unity as we help spread Augustinian education across the world!
If you would like to receive more information and updates on the work of the Province, you can receive a compli-
mentary subscription to The Midwest Augustinian by contacting Mary Gal Carroll at 773-595-4008 or mary@mid-
westaugustinians.org.
Sincerely in Christ and St. Augustine,
Very Rev. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Prior Provincial of the Midwest AugustiniansSt. Rita Students Visit
Retired Augustinians
The ABC’s of Ritamen Class visited
retired Augustinians where they
shared dinner, conversation and a
fierce game of Scrabble!
The retirement home is located in Crowne Point IN.
Br. Jerome, Prior of the retirement home said it was a
fun-filled day.
Augustinian Gala
The Drake Hotel, Chicago ~ April 28, 2017
6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Join us in thanking one of this year’s honorees,
Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A.
Director of Vocations ~ President of St. Rita H.S. ‘00-’12
Individual Reservations at $300
Preferred Tables beginning at $3,500
Color Program Ads from $100 to $3,000
Multiple Sponsorship Opportunities!
Make a Tribute Donation for Fr. Tom!
Info at AugustinianGala.org
Call 773-595-4009
Email elizabeth@midwestaugustinians.orgIn Memoriam
The St. Rita of Cascia High School Office of Institutional Advancement has been notified of the following deaths of alumni,
family and friends. Sympathies are expressed to the family members and friends of the following:
Sr. Cecilia Adamich, Sister of Fr. Adamich Louis LaBella, Grandfather of Brendan Garrett ‘10
Sr. Thomas Agnes Sissy Larmon, Grandmother of John ‘05
George Basile, Husband of Karen Basile - Province Office Bryan Leach, Father of Cody ‘12 and Marley ‘18
Mary May Cloney, Grandmother of Brendan ‘11 Daniel Leahy ‘50
Mike Condon, Grandfather of Payton ‘18 Pascual Lopez, Grandfather of Giovanni Navarro ‘15
Carole Dangles, Grandmother of Ryan ‘19 John Marolda ‘59
Stan Dangles, Grandfather of Ryan ‘19 John McDonald ‘70
Margaret Dargan, Sister of John ‘90 Jack McGowan (HON), Father of John ‘78, Steve ‘81 and
Lucy Davalos, Sister of Ricardo ‘90 Mark ‘84, Grandfather of Steve ‘07, Drew ‘08, Matt ‘10, Ryan ‘11
and Jake ‘13
Robert Doe, Sr., Grandfather of Bro. Joe Roccasalva, O.S.A.
Laverne Millender, Mother of Alec ‘20
Mary Lou Donzelli, Wife of Joe ‘61 and Grandmother of
Joey Henze ‘17 and Michael Henze ‘19 Joseph Moore ‘76
John Mulchrone, Sr., Father of Bill ‘82 and Tom ‘84
Wallace Englehart ‘60
Marie Nash, Grandmother of SR Math Teacher Eileen Scaduto
Bob Fiore, Father of SR Baseball Coach Vince Fiore
Dr. Joseph Gallagher, Grandfather of John O'Sullivan ‘14 Anton Neu ‘48
and Joe O'Sullivan ‘15 and Kevin Duggan ‘13 Cornelius O’Sullivan, Grandfather of John ‘14 and Joe ‘15
Maya Gary, Cousin of Michael Harris ‘17 Fr. Bill Perez, O.S.A.
Gary Gleason, Father of Mike '86 and Grandfather of Tony Perusich ‘71
Anthony ‘12 Eileen Reidy, Past SR Staff Member, Mother of Brendan ‘70,
Joseph Godfryt, Uncle of Nick Martone ‘17 John ‘75 and Timothy ‘76
Fr. Dan Hartigan, O.S.A. Theodore Reise ‘46
George Higgins, Uncle of SR Assistant Principal Joe Partacz Terri Rossi, Grandmother of Chase Marshall ‘18
Chance Jackson, Son of Carlos ‘02 Carolyn Roy, Mother-in-Law of Rich Kurek ‘99
Greta Joyce, Mother of Joe Jackson ‘72, Kevin ‘78 and Kurt ‘85 Jane Ryan, Mother of St. Rita Science Teacher Maureen
Yiorgo Karnezis, Relative of Conlan Angus ‘20 Pangrazio, Grandmother of John Buckley ‘99 and
Steve Pangrazio ‘11
Martin Keenan, Father of Dan ‘68, Grandfather of David ‘96
and Daniel ‘03 Ed Sajewski, Father-in-Law of Tim Fitzgibbon ‘99
Jack Kelly, Former St. Rita Coach, Father of Tony ‘87 Lorraine Sansone Smerling, Aunt of Mike Scianna ‘81,
and Peter ‘93 Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A. ‘83, Tom Scianna ’84, Joe Scianna ‘91,
Chris Scianna ‘94
Marilyn Kilmartin, Mother of SR Staff Member Sharon Smolik,
Mother-in-Law of Scott Smolik ‘86, Grandmother of Scott Smolik William Sheehan ‘56
‘10, Jimmy Smolik ‘15 and Pat Downs ‘18 Grace Sink, Mother of Billy ‘16 and Danny ‘17
Russell Klatt ‘58 William Sink ‘61, Father of Jim ‘81 John ‘83, and Jeff ‘85,
Mark Komikiewicz ‘83 Grandfather of Billy ‘16 and Danny ‘17
Thomas Kordas ‘49, Father of Jim ‘91, Tom ‘75, Grandfather of Ruben Velazquez III ‘08, Son of Ruben Jr. ‘84 and
Marty ‘10 and Kevin ‘08 Brother of Ben ‘10
All attempts at accuracy for this list are made prior to publication. We apologize for any errors in listings or omissions. If there
is an error with a listing or an omission, please contact Mike Swanson, Director of Public Relations at 773-925-5020 or at
mswanson@stritahs.com.MAN OF THE YEAR LOYALTY AWARD
Jim Brasher ‘71 Jim Clark ‘67
Geoff DeTolve ‘67
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Bob Kellam ‘92
Henry Bianco ‘59 Brendan Lee ‘92
Tom Carroll ‘78
Dick Dolack ‘51 ATHLETIC AWARD
Larry Doyle ‘68 Tom Berry ‘67
Mike Flaherty ‘69
81ST ANNUAL Jeff Taylor ‘79
Guy Hollis ‘72
Tim McCarthy ‘85 HONOREE CLASSES
Jim O'Boye 1957, 1977,
Mike Opoka ‘61 1987, 1992,
(Posthumous) 1997, 2002
and 2007
HONORARY ALUMNUS
Mike Reynolds
FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017
$80 Per ticket includes dinner & open bar.
$100 Bonanza Ticket includes dinner, open bar & raffle ticket.
To purchase tickets contact the Alumni Office at 773.925.5029 or buy your tickets online at stritahs.com
See you soon!
1905 Guild – Planned Giving Society of St. Rita High School
The 1905 Guild honors alumni and friends who have committed to leaving a legacy
through their estate plans to assist the next generation of Ritamen. This honorary
society celebrates the traditions of St. Rita of Cascia High School and its legacy to the
future. It is comprised of generous benefactors (a sampling of who are listed) who
have provided for St. Rita in their estate plans in the way of a will, life income
agreement, charitable remainder trust, gift annuity, life insurance policy or remainder
interest in a residence or a farm – just to name a few.
By remembering us this way, friends of St. Rita are able to remain perpetual partners
with the school while also being involved in its contemporary work during their lifetimes. The 1905 Guild is named to
celebrate the year our tradition of excellence began on the southside of Chicago. That year, Fr. James F. Green, OSA,
brought the Augustinian core values of Truth, Unity and Love to 63rd and Oakley. During the 110 years since, over 24,000
men have benefited from these core values.
We honor and thank all those farsighted individuals who are a part of the 1905 Guild. We are grateful for their commit-
ment to the ideals of Augustinians and St. Rita High School’s mission of excellence that continues to thrive today. If you
have any questions, or would like to include St. Rita High School in your estate plans, please call Mike Zunica, HON,
Director of Institutional Advancement at (773) 925-5029.St. Rita of Cascia High School
7740 S. Western Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60620
Stay in touch with St. Rita.
FACEBOOK.COM/STRITAHS
@STRITAHS
WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/USER/STRITAHS1905
@STRITAHS
St. Rita 2017 Scholarship Golf Outing
Friday, July 21, 2017.
Gleneagles Country Club
13070 McCarthy Road • Lemont, Illinois 60439
SPONSORSHIP $150
$3,000 Diamond Sponsorship
$2,000 Dinner Sponsorship
Single Golfer
$1,500 Lunch Sponsorship
$1,500 19th Hole Sponsorship
$500 Platinum Sponsorship $600
$300 Sand Trap Sponsorship
$150 Hole Sponsorship Foursome
Register online at: www.stritahs.com
Contact the Office of Institutional Advancement
for more information 773-925-5029You can also read
