the raider - summer 2012 issue

RaiderThe 2012A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI, STUDENTS, PARENTS & FRIENDS OF REGIS JESUIT

SUMMER ISSUE

Missy Franklin ’13 and her OlyMpic Quest

Bubbling with Excitement

alsO in this issue:• HistoryoftheServiceProgram• Year-in-Review• AlumniinthePros• RaidersReunionYearbookCollage

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summer 2012 T h e r a i d e r

president:Rev.PhilipG.Steele,SJ’66principals:JeffreyM.Howard’88–BoysDivision

GretchenM.Kessler–GirlsDivisionVice president:RickSullivanchief Financial Officer:CarolMendlikdirector of advancement: JulieAlcorn

director of communications:CharisseBroderickKing

contributors:JulieAlcornMikeBuckley’63ErinCassidy-CernanecAdamDawkins’98KellyDohertyElisabethDuranJeffreyHoward’88MarisaLaRouche’12BreeHoyt-LewisGretchenKesslerJohnKosloskyJonKrausPaulMalsam’83PaulMiller’04KathleenMortonCharlieSaulinoColinSt.John’01PhilipG.Steele,SJ’66RickSullivanCourtneyOakes, The Aurora Sentinel

design:TaCitoDesign,Inc.printing:UniqueLitho,Inc.

Printedonenvironmentallyfriendlypaperusingsustainableproductionmethods.

On the cOVerMissyFranklin’13swimsthebackstrokeanddreamsofmakinghercountryproudattheLondonOlympics.PhotocourtesyofMikeComer,ProSwimVisuals.

schOOl neWsMessagefromthePresident............................................................................ 3GoldenGirl:MissyFranklin’sOlympicHopes................................................ 4ReflectionsonFreshmanRetreat.................................................................... 6Deeds,NotWords:HistoryoftheServiceProgram.................................... 7WeavingtheTapestry:TheRJDiversityProgram........................................ 8LARK2012:AnEnchantedEvening............................................................... 10LeadershipTransitionontheBoardandintheBoysDivision.................. 112011-12Year-in-Review................................................................................... 12Classof2012CollegesandUniversities....................................................... 12WinterandSpringSportsWrapUp.............................................................. 13

the aluMni raiderAlumniinthePros............................................................................................ 14FromtheArchives:ReunionClassesYearbookPhotoMontage.............. 16ClassNotes....................................................................................................... 17Faculty&StaffNotes...................................................................................... 20WhereAreTheyNow–TomRobinson’64.................................................. 21

cOMMunity neWsRaiderJourneys............................................................................................... 22InMemoriam..................................................................................................... 23UpcomingEvents............................................................................ BackCover

The RaiderandAlumni RaiderarepublishedbyRegisJesuitHighSchooltwiceayear[summerandwinter].Yourcomments,opinions,inquiriesaboutthemagazine,RegisJesuitHighSchool,itsprogramsorcommunitymembersincludingalumniarewelcometocommunications@regisjesuit.com.Storyideasandsubmissionsarewelcomeaswell.

RegisJesuitHighSchooladmitsstudentsofanyrace,color,nationalandethnicorigintoalltherights,privileges,programsandactivitiesgenerallyaccordedormadeavailabletostudentsattheschool.Itdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,nationalandethnicorigininadministrationofitseducationalpolicies,admissionspolicies,scholarshipandloanprograms,andathleticandotherschool-administeredprograms.

Table of Contents

Final 02.28.10

Regis Jesuit High School,a Catholic educational community,

affirms the uniqueness and dignity of individuals,inspires the pursuit of excellence,

fosters faith and a commitment to service and justice,and strives to develop a connection to the world community.

Mission Statement

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T h e r a i d e r summer 2012

Message from the PresidentWith this issue’s focus on RJ athletes, past and present, it seems timely to reflect a bit on the current state of athletics at Regis Jesuit. Our teams have enjoyed extraordinary success in the past few years. Whenever I am congratulated for this success, I smile a secret ironic smile. After all, I grew up in a family of artists, not athletes. My own feeble athletic career ended with freshman track. One day I simply decided, “This is no fun. I’m not doing it anymore.” I drifted into speech, newspaper, sodality, senior prefecting—all of which did a pretty good job preparing me for my future!

Generations of athletes have also felt that sports prepared them well for the future. Many things have changed in the world of high school athletics, but certain core values endure. Aside from the obvious benefit of physical development, sports help young people learn leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship and integrity. Individuals and teams are encouraged to push beyond what they think are their limits, and when they do so there is a great sense of accomplishment. The bonds formed on a special team can last a lifetime. Athletes learn to deal with setbacks, injuries, disappointments; seniors find themselves replaced by sophomores—how humiliating! Competitive teams are a unique source of enjoyment, spirit and pride for the entire school community.

At times it feels as if these rather simple values are threatened by the increasingly complex world of high school athletics today. The sheer number of sports available to kids is a great thing, allowing participation by many more students than in the “old days.” But that reality puts pressure on school resources. Huge numbers of coaches are needed, most of whom are out-of-building. The old days of a Guy Gibbs ’47 coaching a different sport every season—and doing it well!—are long past. So are the days of a random Jesuit scholastic coaching a sport with which he is totally unfamiliar. One Jesuit recalls coaching cross-country by shouting over and over, “Run faster!”

But the biggest changes have been brought about by the reality of early specialization. Fewer and fewer athletes play more than one sport. Club teams provide year-round programs—at a cost, of course; the money involved (equipment, uniforms, out-of-town trips, etc.) is another of the big changes. The reality of athletic specialization is often accompanied by heightened parental expectations for their children’s present and future athletic success. The skyrocketing cost of college has only served to increase the stakes; an athletic scholarship is like winning the lottery!

While it is tempting to yearn for a simpler time—sandlot baseball and pick-up basketball with no parents in sight—the current culture is what it is, and we have to work with it. But a place like Regis Jesuit is positioned to help students and families find the right balance. Strong academic programs and clear eligibility requirements help keep kids focused on the right priorities. More coaches on staff help assure that our kids are known not just for their athletic abilities and that our athletic programs operate with the same values as the rest of the school. Retreats, service and leadership opportunities are built into school time, thus ensuring that every student will have a well-rounded high school experience. And as for me, I am spending many waking hours raising money for our new performing arts facilities—the missing link on a campus with fine academic and athletic facilities. You will hear more about that in the fall. In the meantime – Go Raiders!

In Christ,

Rev. Philip G. Steele, SJ ’66

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Golden GirlBy cOlin st. JOhn ’01

Missy Franklin ’13 is a superstar. By now, almost everyone knows that. But it’s not just her athletic prowess that makes it so. It’s not just what The Washington Post called a “body built for speed” or what The New York Times plainly explains of the upcoming Olympic Trials: “Franklin will be a favorite to make the team for the London Games.” Sure, her swimming skills have thrust her into the national spotlight. But, it’s her personality that will keep that light shining for years to come.

By all accounts, Franklin is an open-armed wunderkind—her 6’4” wingspan is used as much for hugging her pals as swimming laps—the type of person who is happy to talk to anyone about most anything. And, it’s true. (Oftentimes, Franklin even takes her gregariousness to the Internet, retweeting any and all well-wishing requests to her 8,000-plus Twitter followers.) Walking down the halls of Regis Jesuit’s Girls Division, Franklin talks about the Grand Prix in Indianapolis she has just returned from (“It’s a place to figure out where you are and what you need to work on”) before joking that the reporter—who is decidedly not from a large, national publication—can have all the time he needs for questions.

That’s a most generous offer from the swamped teen, akin to Tim Tebow granting an open-ended interview to a local rag. (Franklin, by the way, frequently Tebowed over this past year—underwater.) When asked what a “crazy day” is like for her, Franklin puts it all out there. At 4:00 am, she wakes. From 5:00 until 6:30, she works out at Lifetime Fitness. Only then does she head to classes at Regis Jesuit. Once that portion of the day is finished—and it should be noted that what makes up the lion’s share of almost any other teen’s life seems like a blip on Franklin’s day-to-day radar—she hits the weight room at Steadman Hawkins for an hour. Then, it’s on to her two-hour-long

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Colorado Stars practice at Grandview High School. She gets home around 8:00 pm. As Franklin semi-laments in a bubbly fashion that most would have trouble mustering, “Then I have all of my homework.” She smiles and laughs.

That’s just her way; she takes all of the hassles and burdens that come with being a serious, competitive athlete in stride. Sitting in an office near a lower level hallway, she says, “With everything that’s going on, there can be so much pressure. I try to make it one of my biggest goals to just be a normal teenager and be a 17 year-old girl.” That’s a lot to ask, the heaviness of the moment stacking up steadily around her as the days get crossed off the calendar. The Olympic Trials begin June 25 in Omaha with 1,800 participants competing for 26 U.S. team spots. But, Franklin thinks it’s all about perspective, noting, “Being able to come to Regis Jesuit and [just be a teen] has helped so much. Being able to go to football games and prom, it keeps me grounded. It keeps me a teenager and it keeps me having fun with everything that I’m doing.”

Missy Franklin’s love for Regis Jesuit has been merely a footnote in the national press. But, it’s real and it’s vocal. “I love it. I honestly do,” she says of her too soon-to-be alma mater. “It’s so nice to still be able to come to school and have this whole school of sisters,” she continues, using language that might be a little bit different from many Regis Jesuit grads of the past, yet basically familiar. Of the co-divisional model, she chimes in, “Even though I don’t get to see my brothers every day, they’re still right across the way. I still get to see them and spend time with them. And I feel like it also makes it special when we do get to see them.” She finishes her statements of adoration with a sentiment that no doubt resonates with years of messy-haired, single-gender students in North Denver and Aurora: “I love being able to roll out of bed on those mornings where you’re like, ‘I do not want to shower.’ And it really doesn’t matter. Just having those days when you’re so comfortable.”

Aside from the Olympics and the distinct possibility of being a household name across the United States, Franklin is looking forward to something many other high school juniors are: college. Franklin has famously eschewed turning pro and the riches that would surely go with it to swim not only for Regis Jesuit, but also for the lucky university that lands her. Being coy, she lists the names of many swimming powerhouses that include Georgia, UC-Berkeley, Florida and USC. She’s had the advantage of getting to know many of the coaches; Berkeley’s head coach, Teri McKeever, will helm the U.S. team in London. Franklin isn’t sure if she will swim for Regis Jesuit next year; only time—and this upcoming summer—will tell. And even though Regis Jesuit obviously means so much

to her, she has some other things on her mind.

track Missy’s journey to trials and the games on

our special Missy Watch page of the website:

www.regisjesuit.com/MissyFranklin

red & White Goes for GoldMissyFranklinmightbethemarqueenameforRegisJesuitstudentsandgradsgunningforLondon,butthereareafewotherathletesgivingittheirbestshot.

ClarkSmith’13–Thejuniorswimmingstand-outhasqualifiedfortheverysametrialsinOmahathatFranklinhas.Smithwillbecoastinginthewaterforthe100-and200-meterfreestyleeventsaswellasthe100-and200-meterbutterfly.

HennesseyStuart’14–StuartroundsoutthetrioofcurrentRaiderswimmersheadingtoOlympictrialsbyqualifyingthispastMarchinboththe100-and200-meterbackstroke.

JunHanKim’08–Kim,whosettheColoradostaterecordinthe100-meterindividualmedley,tooktimeofffromhisstudiesatDruryUniversitytofocusonmakingtheSouthKoreanOlympicswimteam.Hewonthe200IMattheSouthKoreanindividualmeet,buthistimewasjustshortofthatneededforLondon.

LaceyHenderson’07–Henderson,whograduatedfromDUayearagowhereshealsowasacheerleader,hasqualifiedtorepresenttheU.S.attheParalympicsinLondoninthe100-meterdash.

Photos courtesy of USA Swimming and NBCOlympics.com

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Freshman Retreat igniting the Bonds of lifelong relationships

Trevor Williams ’15 has noticed the difference the retreat makes. “After Freshman Retreat you could see the difference in how much closer we were as a class. And it made the juniors and seniors more relatable, too. They gave us hints on how to survive the stresses of high school,” he said.

“The leaders were always there for you. Now when we see them in the hallways you’re not scared of them. You know they are on your side,” Nick Tyrone ’15 added.

“It’s kind of like having a big brother. They look out for you,” Augie Givan ’15 said of the upperclassmen.

“I got a lot closer to my classmates,” Katherine Woodford ’15 related. “The leaders were awesome. You could tell they put their heart and soul into it.”

“Freshman Retreat provides an opportunity to understand what people are going through in their lives,” Kyle Yeager ’15 of the Girls Division said.

Sajit Kabadi, who directs the boys retreat, sees the powerful work and the impact it can have on the students. “It gives them an opportunity to officially become the class of 2015 and start to embody the ‘Grad at Grad.’ The juniors and seniors model that for them. They build a community and a brotherhood that encompasses the presence of God and Jesuit ideals,” Kabadi explains. “It gives the younger students the ability to pay that forward in the years to come.”

Girls retreat director, Patrick Kelleher, sees the experience as an important cornerstone for building the sequence of the RJ retreat program. “Freshman Retreat focuses on friendship, faith and fun. The middle of the year is a good time to step back and focus on each other. It is a good way to get them excited about their faith and ready for their other retreats,” Kelleher says.

In both Divisions, the impact is immediate and lasting. Kelleher may have said it best, “There were freshmen I knew before the retreat who didn’t know how they belonged or they felt timid about getting involved. But during the retreat, I saw many smiles on the way out the door every night.”

Adam Dawkins ’98 was member of the team who first brought Freshman Retreat to Regis Jesuit back in 2008 based on a model used at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City. He teaches English and is the Student Journalism Program Moderator in both Divisions.

Each year, the freshman classes spend three days exploring their personal relationship with Christ, learning about the Jesuit tradition, and deepening relationships with their classmates.

The retreat, which takes place in January each year in the respective Division, is entirely designed, planned and executed by a core team of junior and senior leaders. Additionally, sophomore “grounds crew” members orchestrate the behind-the-scenes work, and teachers and parents also play a role. In all, the resulting Freshman Retreat is the collaborative effort of more than 600 people.

“The retreat helps the freshmen to become men and women with and for others. You become more open and have the feeling that someone is there for you,” core team leader Marco Capraro ’13 said. Marco benefited from the retreat his freshman year, so he decided to lead. He was excited albeit a little nervous about leading a small group of freshmen for three days. “At the beginning everyone was really quiet,” he said. “Now, they come to me when they are having problems.”

Girls Division core team leader Alexsi Russell ’13 saw similar benefits. “The small groups are really given the chance to build a strong bond with one another. By the end of the retreat, girls have become friends with some classmates they did not expect to be friends with,” she said.

At its core, Freshman Retreat is about relationships. Team leader Kaley Cohen ’13 reflects, “Many of the freshmen grew in their relationship with God and experience how he is the ultimate best friend. They also begin to understand how important it is to love everyone. We are all sisters.”

Taking some time to reflect during the retreat

Working together as teams helps to form the bonds of brotherhood

By adaM daWkins ‘98

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Deeds, Not Wordsregis Jesuit’s ever-evolving commitment to service

In the 90s, then Principal Rick Sullivan reduced the time spent in January Service Projects from three weeks to two, but expanded the program to juniors as well as seniors. Sullivan also hired the first person on staff with the title of Service Director to coordinate the program.

As the Girls Division came online in 2003, Principal Gretchen Kessler and Pastoral Director Patty McCulloch wanted the first freshmen and sophomores to have a service component to their education from the very beginning; thus, service hours were required of underclassmen for the first time. Opportunities for service immersion trips to Belize and elsewhere were expanded. Alignment of service requirements and opportunities between the Divisions occurred about three years ago. Current Boys Division Service Director, Nick Fagnant ’02 says the program is now designed to center on the “‘for Others’ piece of our motto the first two years and switch to the ‘with Others’ aspect for junior and senior year.”

The Service Program continues its evolution even today. This year, the school formally introduced a service component for faculty as part of their in-service days. Kristen Kraus, Girls Division Service Director hopes that service will continue be ingrained as an interdisciplinary part of the school’s overall curriculum, while acknowledging that doing so is challenging in a college prep environment. “We are committed to educating the whole person – body, mind and spirit – and our faculty is dedicated to finding the balance between the rigor demanded by our academic program and the affective benefits the Service Program offers,” she says.

The latest development in the Service Program is the RJ Day for Others – an opportunity for ALL members of the community of Regis Jesuit to come together to serve – planned for Saturday, September 8, 2012. Learn more about it and how you can get involved at www.regisjesuit.com/day-for-others.

Members of the Boys Division Spring Break service trip with some of their new Nicaraguan friends

“Love should be manifest more in deeds than in words,” St. Ignatius wrote in the Spiritual Exercises. Though focused on education, Ignatius called his companions not to get lost in intellectual pursuits but to remain rooted in the reality of human life, and set forth a principle for service that Jesuit schools continue to embrace. Regis Jesuit High School’s focus on service reveals a commitment that, even while not always clearly documented, has evolved with the changing needs of the world in which the school has operated.

In the early days, service was an aspect of the school’s sodalities, student groups committed to promoting prayerful devotion and charity. The 1947 yearbook states, “The sodalist’s example of good behavior, and his active participation in Catholic action is an inspiration to others to follow in the true path of Christ.” In that year, the sodalities focused their efforts on serving at Mercy Hospital and the Mullen Home for the Aged.

The sodalities experienced their heyday in the 50s under the direction of Fr. McGloin, SJ. While not mandatory, there was broad student participation. In the wake of the changes Vatican II brought to the Church in the 60s, the work of the sodalities transitioned to other student groups and activities like the Regis Christian Life Community (RCLC) that still operates today.

The 70s saw Jesuit high schools commit to service in a new way as it became part of the curriculum. Mini-courses were introduced at Regis Jesuit for all students, offering more intensive study of a subject in the two, and later three, weeks following Christmas Break. After a few years the mini-course for seniors became their time for Service Projects out in the community.

The program continued to evolve in the 80s. Paul Malsam ’83 recalls taking a semester-long class called Peace and Justice taught by Fr. Jim Burshek, SJ. “We would go to our service sites every other day and thus have contact with them for about four to five months and really get to know the people well,” he remembers.

Students and chaperones from the Girls Division pose on the stairs they helped construct as part of their service trip to the Gulf Coast in January

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Commitment to the formation a community that truly embodies the aspects of the Graduate at Graduation requires an affirming recognition of the unique contributions individuals from a variety of backgrounds bring to an inclusive community. Stated simply, the role diversity plays in the educational experience is a critical one, and one to which Regis Jesuit pays increasing heed with each passing year.

Regis Jesuit’s diversity initiatives enhance the life of the school, contributing to an environment that respects and nurtures the recognition of human dignity. Along with providing quality education, the motivation to reach out to people of every part of the world is fundamental to the Regis Jesuit tradition. “My education at Regis Jesuit went far and beyond what was taught in the classroom,” said Rok Kopp ’04. “I was given the opportunity of worldly exposure through, most notably, service trips to Jamaica and service projects at homeless shelters and lower income schools.” Kopp continued, emphasizing, “What also shouldn’t be overlooked is the values learned from the initial culture shock of being in a confined area with 800 other dudes. All of these experiences were vital in making me who I am today.” Age, gender, cultures, ethnicities, economic situations, physical capabilities, sexual orientation, religion and other human differences contribute to the uniqueness and vigor of the Regis Jesuit experience.

Diversity was first formally recognized as a priority during the 1993-1994 school year, when a diversity committee was created. The purpose was to better prepare students for the realities of an increasingly multi-cultural world. In 1998-1999, a Diversity Director position was created. Since its inception, the Diversity Office has sought to “broaden the definition so that people understand that diversity simply does not equal black and white but encompasses so much more,” according to Christina Vela, current Boys Division Diversity Director. “I think we’ve worked hard to focus on the need of incorporating diversity into the daily curriculum. It’s important

Weaving the Tapestrythe importance of diversity at regis Jesuitpaul Miller ’04

for both students and teachers to recognize that diversity is not a separate category but something that is a part of all the different conversations that we have.”

Even with more intentional exposure to diversity as part of the everyday experience at Regis Jesuit, first-hand understanding of being a so-called ‘diverse’ student offers a unique perspective. As a Latino student commuting from West Denver, Ken Herrera ’99 shared, “I was in for a fairly big shock when I arrived. As someone who wasn’t the typical RJHS student, I can say that it was, at times, isolating to feel as though I served as a representative of the various communities from which I sprang.” Herrera noted that although being an envoy wasn’t a burden, the goal of a diverse environment should nurture sufficient diversity so that everyone can revel in and learn from the difference. “In my opinion, Regis Jesuit has a ways to go in that department, but I’m glad to know that there is a focus on it and I will do my best to continue to advocate for those changes.” Despite the obstacles, Herrera doesn’t feel his overall high school experience was adversely affected. “By the time I’d left, my interactions at Regis had prepared me exceedingly well for the transition to college where I would continue to operate well beyond the world that I had come from. The Regis Jesuit experience was invaluable for me in the sense that it helped me hit the ground running when I got to college in terms of both academic and social preparedness; I haven’t looked back since.”

Toes start tapping when the Irish dancers start stepping

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Some alumni have argued that with the move from North Denver, the school lost some of its vital roots. “The core of [the school] changed since the move,” said an alum from 1961. “Today, Regis Jesuit is a suburban, wealthy, white kid school that lacks the values and diversity that it had back when I attended.” But things are not as simple as they might appear.

According to Vela, the current percentage of students of color has grown from 11% to 18% in the past decade, which the same or higher than that of most other Jesuit high schools across the country. Though decidedly fewer students come to the school from North Denver, Vela observes that the area also has a different population now than it did back when Regis Jesuit was there. Current President, Rev. Philip G. Steele, SJ ’66 noted, “There is a lot more money around today than when many of us (North Denver alumni) were going to school. This reality would be impacting Regis Jesuit even if it had remained at 50th and Lowell.” Fr. Steele went on to say that those who were on the scene in the late 1980s were convinced that the school would have perished if it remained where it was, though we will never know for certain.

Parent of a 90s alumnus and renowned teacher Tim Newton, who moved with the school from the North Denver campus, disputes the premise that the move adversely impacted diversity. “Just go look at all those class pictures that we have hanging up—there aren’t any more students of color than we have now—actually, there were less back then. We have more ethnic diversity now.”

Whether Regis Jesuit is situated in North Denver, Aurora or Timbuktu, a change in location shouldn’t mean a change its Jesuit mission. Without a doubt, the school has evolved since its North Denver days, but as Herrera so aptly stated, “it doesn’t matter too much to me how Regis Jesuit has changed, the focus should remain on what Regis Jesuit is doing to prepare its students to succeed in the future.”

The perception that Regis Jesuit is a “rich kid’s school” also lacks substance. As Fr. Steele explains, “It certainly is, on all levels, a wealthier school than its North Denver roots, in both its resources and in some of its families, but there is great

importance that comes with that.” He notes that this year $2.1 million in tuition assistance was awarded to more than 325 young men and women who otherwise would not have been able to attend. For more than one in four Regis Jesuit students, the full cost of tuition is out of their reach, which is what makes tuition assistance so vital both to the students helped by it, as well as to the overall diversity of the student body. “Diversity itself ought to have two goals,” said Herrera, “Preparing students for the varied environments they will face in adulthood, and providing opportunity to those who might not typically have access to the resources Regis Jesuit has to offer.” Seamlessly integrating both of Herrera’s goals into the fabric of the community will ultimately ensure a more sound diversity program.

Regis Jesuit’s focus on diversity is more concentrated now than ever. As the school continues to evolve, the community as a whole—alumni, parents, students, faculty, friends—must “press the institution for the change that we would like to see it make, as well as assist in providing the resources necessary to do so,” said Herrera. This joint effort is what, ultimately, will sustain the rich tapestry of people and backgrounds and experiences that forms the school and molds the students to be Men and Women with and for Others.

Mohak Singh’12 thrills the crowd with his performance of a traditional Sikh dance as part of the school’s annual Diversity Conference, which celebrates the cultural heritage students bring to Regis Jesuit

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of Regis Jesuit. As Fr. Steele wrote in his blog the week after LARK (www.regisjesuit.com/manofsteele), “I want to extend my heartiest thanks to the entire RJ community for making this possible. To raise nearly a half million dollars in a single evening is an awesome testament to the generosity and commitment of our parents (current and past), alumni, faculty, staff, Trustees, Regents and friends.”

Look for the full financial report on LARK 2012 in the Annual Report this fall, and be sure to mark your calendars for April 27, 2013 as we celebrate LARK’s 40th anniversary next year!

lark 2012a night of enchantment in Beautiful italy

Bella It alia

More than 650 guests were transported to the streets of Rome, Venice and Tuscany at LARK 2012~Bella Italia. Regis Jesuit’s premier dinner auction was held in April and netted nearly $470,000 –a record-breaking amount– for operational expenses and tuition assistance. Chaired by Denise and Mike Petko under the direction of Bree Hoyt-Lewis, the committees worked tirelessly to prepare an evening that captured the rustic charm and romantic spirit of Italy.

Guests enjoyed amazing food provided by Kevin and Mary McNicholas’ Continental “Divine” Catering and imbibed on beverages sponsored by Brown-Forman, Coors and Libations Wine & Spirits, while perusing scores of silent auction items, buying grab bags, Pig Roast tickets and chances at a diamond cross necklace or having their picture taken at the photo booth. The silent auction and special sales featured electronic bidding for the first time with great results.

Jim Benemann of CBS4 returned as the evening’s emcee, and Gary Corbett brought his fast-talking skills back to the Live Auction for the third year in a row. The Live Auction featured new attention-grabbers, such as a puppy and a week’s stay at a private Hawaiian residence, as well as traditional favorites like the Jesuit Summer BBQ and Fr. Dave Wayne’s handcrafted grandfather clock. This year’s special appeal was for the Regis Jesuit iPad Pilot Program (RJiP3) launching next year. About $75,000 was raised for that venture. Learn more at www.regisjesuit.com/RJIP3.

The mood in the dining hall (the Guy Gibbs ’47 Gymnasium transformed into a Venetian palace) was energetic and fun, especially after the crowd saw RJ president Fr. Phil Steele, SJ ’66 rap the lyrics to “All I Do is Win” at the end of a video produced by Cooper Cohen ’12 and Allie Petko ’13 to kick off the Live Auction. (See www.regisjesuit.com/fr-steele-wins.) And win is what LARK 2012 did for the whole community

OKTOBERFESTS E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 0 1 2

T O U R N A M E N T8th Annual

plan to join us as we

raise ’em high for regis Jesuit!at the 8th annual Fall classic golf tournament on september 5, 2012 at sanctuary.

sponsorship opportunities available now!

Visit www.regisjesuit.com/thefallclassic to secure yours today!

LARK 2012 Chair Denise Petko with son, Mike ‘10 posing for the photo booth

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regis Jesuit Welcomes new Board chair, next Bd principal

Change is in the air as John Sheridan ’76 assumes the chairmanship of the Regis Jesuit High School Board of Trustees and Alan Carruthers becomes the next Boys Division principal.

Two very different paths bring them to their positions. Sheridan, an oil executive born and raised in Denver with two Raider children (Kristen ’09 and Ryan ’12), might never really have left the school. Indeed, after decades working with Denver charities such as Samaritan House Shelter and Men-for-the-Cure Foundation, he served as a member of the Capital Projects Committee of the Board starting in 2006 before becoming a Trustee in 2009. His areas of expertise include capital projects—handy timing for a school about to break ground on a new building, among other improvements.

“As chair, I really feel I’m the chief volunteer. There is no ego or personal agenda with this position,” Sheridan says. “[Outgoing chair] Mike Reidy ’72 is a great leader, which is clear when you realize we are well-positioned to hit our capital campaign target of $20 million.”

In contrast, Carruthers comes to Regis Jesuit by way of St. Paul’s Jesuit High School in Winnipeg, Canada. A student molded by Jesuit education, he nevertheless surprised himself with his career path. “I never wanted to be a teacher,” he says. “Everyone in my family is a teacher. I wanted to be a lawyer. I got into law school and realized it was not the right thing for me.”

After completing his education and while coaching high school football in Winnipeg, Carruthers realized his true calling was mentoring young people. A Jesuit priest he was close to broke the news to him. “He told me you’re really a teacher—you’re just in denial. And he was right.”

Carruthers says he is grateful to Jeff Howard ’88, who left his position in administration at the Girls Division to serve as acting principal. “Motivated and passionate administrative leadership is not easy to find and the Boys Division’s loss is the Girls Division’s gain.”

He’s bracing for the inevitable ribbing Canadians in America encounter. “Yes, I’ve heard all the stories. That there will never be another snow day because Canadian winters are so much harder–that kind of stuff.”

Not to mention that arbiter of all things teenage boy: the animated show South Park and its “Blame Canada” meme, he notes. But forewarned is forearmed. “Kids are kids everywhere,” he says. “Canada and the U.S. share similar cultures on many levels, but with subtle differences.” Carruthers counts on his prior experience teaching in the U.S. at Rockhurst Jesuit in Kansas City and his American-born wife to ease the cultural transition.

“I’m not coming in with grandiose plans. Regis Jesuit is stable and happy,” he says. “I intend to come in with a managerial state of mind rather than a drastic change state of mind.”Sheridan’s outlook is similar. Some things—good things—haven’t changed, but are as true today as when he was a student in the 70s.

“The commitment of the teachers to students hasn’t wavered. It’s the same. It’s still a quality education taught by teachers who really care.”

John Sheridan ’76

Alan Carruthers with his wife, Lucia

12


year in review 2011-12Scholarships* & Signings

*We list only the names of Regis Jesuit students who receive

national level or full-ride scholarships. Annually,

Regis Jesuit students receive numerous

competitive monetary awards totaling tens of

millions of dollars in academic scholarships.

Every effort has been made to record accurately

those who have been awarded scholarships or

have signed to play sports in college. We sincerely

regret any errors or omissions.

Appointment to the United States Naval AcademyBen Fry ’12 and Christine Yunjeong La ’12

Boettcher ScholarshipMarisa LaRouche ’12, Colorado School of Mines

Daniels Fund Scholarship Nnaoma Agwu ’12, Santa Clara University

National Hispanic Scholars Catherine Heckman ’12, Duke University

Marilis Dugas ’12, Wellesley College

National Merit FinalistNick Willenbrock’12, University of Virginia

Abilene Christian University

Adams State CollegeAmerican UniversityArizona State UniversityThe Art Institute of

ColoradoAuburn UniversityAugustana CollegeAzusa Pacific UniversityBaylor UniversityBelmont Abbey CollegeBenedictine CollegeBoston CollegeBoston UniversityBowdoin CollegeBowling Green State

UniversityBrown UniversityBucknell UniversityCalifornia Polytechnic

State University at San Luis Obispo

California State University at Channel Islands

Carroll College (Montana)

Carthage CollegeCatholic University of

AmericaChapman UniversityClemson UniversityCoe CollegeCollege of CharlestonCollege of Saint BenedictCollege of the Holy CrossCollege of William and

MaryCollege of WoosterColorado Christian

UniversityColorado CollegeColorado Mesa

UniversityColorado School of

Mines

2012 Graduates of regis Jesuit high school plan on matriculating to the following colleges, universities or special programs:

Colorado State UniversityColorado State University

PuebloConcordia University -

SewardConcordia University

WisconsinCornell UniversityCreighton UniversityDartmouth CollegeDenison UniversityDePaul UniversityDickinson CollegeDominican University of

CaliforniaDrexel UniversityDuke UniversityEckerd CollegeElon UniversityEmbry-Riddle

Aeronautical University Endicott CollegeFairfield UniversityFlorida State UniversityFordham UniversityFort Lewis CollegeFranciscan University of

SteubenvilleGeorgetown UniversityGeorgia Institute of

TechnologyGonzaga UniversityGrand Canyon UniversityHamline UniversityHampshire CollegeHartwick CollegeHigh Point University Hobart and William

Smith CollegesIndiana University

BloomingtonJames Madison

UniversityJohn Carroll UniversityJohnson & Wales

UniversityJuniata College

Kansas City Art InstituteKorea UniversityLewis & Clark CollegeLouisiana State

UniversityLoyola Marymount

UniversityLoyola University -

ChicagoLoyola University -

MarylandLoyola University - New

OrleansMarquette UniversityMcMurry UniversityMetropolitan State

College of DenverMiami University -

OxfordMiddlebury CollegeMontana State University

- BozemanMontserrat College of ArtMount Holyoke CollegeNew Mexico Military

InstituteNew York UniversityNorth Dakota State

UniversityNortheastern UniversityNorthern Arizona

UniversityNorthwestern UniversityNorwich UniversityOhio State UniversityOregon Institute of

TechnologyOregon State UniversityPacific Lutheran

UniversityPennsylvania State

University - University Park

Platt College - San DiegoProvidence CollegePurchase CollegePurdue University

Regis UniversityRensselaer Polytechnic

InstituteRice UniversityRochester Institute of

TechnologyRockhurst UniversityRollins CollegeRose-Hulman Institute of

TechnologyRutgers, the State

University of New Jersey at New Brunswick

Sacred Heart UniversitySaint Louis UniversitySaint Mary’s CollegeSaint Mary’s College of

CaliforniaSalve Regina UniversitySamford UniversitySan Diego State

UniversitySanta Clara UniversityScottsdale Community

CollegeSeattle Pacific UniversitySeattle UniversitySeton Hall UniversityThe Society of JesusSouthern Methodist

UniversitySt. Catherine University

at St. PaulStanford UniversityStetson UniversityStonehill CollegeTexas A&M UniversityTexas Christian

UniversityUnited States Air Force

AcademyUnited States MarinesUnited States Merchant

Marine AcademyUnited States Naval

Academy

United States NavyUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of California -

BerkeleyUniversity of California -

Santa BarbaraUniversity of Colorado at

BoulderUniversity of Colorado at

Colorado SpringsUniversity of Colorado at

DenverUniversity of DallasUniversity of DenverUniversity of EvansvilleUniversity of FloridaUniversity of IowaUniversity of KansasUniversity of KentuckyUniversity of LouisvilleUniversity of MarylandUniversity of

Massachusetts - AmherstUniversity of MiamiUniversity of MichiganUniversity of Minnesota -

Twin CitiesUniversity of MississippiUniversity of Missouri -

ColumbiaUniversity of Montana -

MissoulaUniversity of Nebraska -

LincolnUniversity of North

DakotaUniversity of Northern

ColoradoUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of OklahomaUniversity of OregonUniversity of PortlandUniversity of Puget

SoundUniversity of Redlands University of Richmond

University of San DiegoUniversity of San

FranciscoUniversity of Sioux FallsUniversity of South

CarolinaUniversity of Southern

CaliforniaUniversity of St. ThomasUniversity of TampaUniversity of Tennessee -

KnoxvilleUniversity of Texas -

AustinUniversity of UtahUniversity of VermontUniversity of VirginiaUniversity of WashingtonUniversity of Wisconsin -

MadisonUniversity of Wisconsin -

WhitewaterUniversity of WyomingValparaiso UniversityVanderbilt UniversityVillanova UniversityVirginia Wesleyan

CollegeWake Forest UniversityWashington University in

St. LouisWebster UniversityWellesley CollegeWestern State College of

ColoradoWestminster CollegeWhitworth UniversityWillamette UniversityWilliam Jewell CollegeWittenberg UniversityWofford CollegeXavier University

Taylor Alexander - equestrian, Texas Christian UniversityPeter Bayer - baseball, University of Richmond Dylan Conner - lacrosse, Sacred Heart UniversityJohn Crowley - wrestling, Colorado School of MinesMichael Cruciotti - football, University of Sioux FallsMarquelle Dent - basketball, University of Wyoming Sandy Fisher - football, Concordia UniversityBenjamin Fry - swimming, United States Naval Academy Elizabeth Ginley - volleyball, Whitworth UniversityKevin Greenberg - lacrosse, Sacred Heart UniversityJanae Hall - volleyball, Kansas UniversityCatherine Heckman - basketball, Duke UniversityEric Herringer - football, University of St. ThomasVictoria Jewell - volleyball, Webster UniversityKathleen Kershisnik - golf, University of Wyoming Luke Leathers - lacrosse, United States Air ForceGustav Lundquist - golf, University of LouisvilleEmily Mauser - cross country, Creighton UniversityMeghan McGann - lacrosse, Sacred Heart UniversityEthan Miller - lacrosse, Adams State CollegeJaclynn Miller - volleyball, Colorado Christian UniversityJamie Revels - basketball, William and Mary UniversityTanner Sampson - basketball, Elon UniversityKyle Sarazin - track, Augustana CollegeTanner Scales - lacrosse, University of VirginiaEdward Scheuber - baseball, William Jewell CollegeSarah Schmid - volleyball, Rutgers UniversityEmily Smith - lacrosse, Penn State UniversityMichaela Smith - volleyball, Metro State Lauren Stoeckle - swimming, University of MissouriElizabeth Svisco - volleyball, Montana State UniversityDrake Thenell - football, Colorado School of MinesLauren Troksa - cheerleading, University of Colorado at BoulderEmma Unoski - volleyball, Rockhurst University

Nnaoma Agwu

Marisa LaRouche

13


BOys diVisiOnWINTERBasketballUnfortunately for the Raiders, their unprecedented drive for a four-peat fell short. After a promising regular season, where they finished 11-0 in conference, the Raiders were ousted in the first round of the tournament by the Poudre Impalas. The future remains bright however as they return Josh Perkins ’14, who was one of Colorado’s top players as a sophomore. Regis Jesuit will also be introduced to Vaughn Samson ’15 and Bryan Staerkel ’15.

HockeyWith less than two minutes remaining in the state championship game and the score tied at two, junior Conner Wigton ’13 received a pass from team captain Ryan Wagner ’13 and found himself alone inside the blue line. Moments later, a favorable Raider crowd at the University of Denver’s Magness Arena erupted in cheers as Wigton fired a laser past the Ralston Valley goalie that gave Regis Jesuit its third title in five seasons. The Raiders then went on to Nationals, where they went 6-0 and brought home the USA Hockey National Championship crown. Wagner ’13 had a sensational tournament, scoring eight goals, including a hat trick in the championship game, and dishing out five dimes.

WrestlingRegis Jesuit says goodbye to John Crowley ’12 who leaves behind an insurmountable legacy. Crowley finished his senior year campaign a perfect 43-0 (145-11 four-year record) and is the first wrester in Regis Jesuit history to win three state championships. Reflecting on his four-year career, where Crowley posted a 145-11 record, in an Aurora Sentinel interview, Crowley said “It feels great and I’m glad it is finally here; I never saw this coming my freshman year, but I wanted it real bad. It’s a dream come true.” Crowley joins B.J. Sanchez ’94, Corey Sanchez ’89 and John Hooper ’07 on the Mount Rushmore of Regis Jesuit wrestlers.

SPRINGBaseballComing off their first state championship since 1988, the young Raiders appeared to be in a rebuilding year. Former Colorado Rockies shortstop and first year head coach Walt Weiss had other ideas. After dropping three of their first four games, the Raiders rattled off 11 straight victories and finished atop the Continental League. In the end, the Raiders fell just short, falling to the eventual champions, Cherry Creek, in the semi-final game.

LacrosseLosing the bulk of their starters from last year’s first-ever state championship team, no one truly expected the Raiders to compete for another title. However, behind the leadership of renowned coach Jim Soran and the defensive prowess of future Virginia Cavalier, Tanner Scales ’12, the Raiders made a championship push before falling short in the state semi-finals. Swim and DiveA dynasty unlike any other—Regis Jesuit won its 17th championship in the past 18 seasons. And they did so in convincing fashion behind Clark Smith ’13, who won his third consecutive 100-yard butterfly championship, Ben Fry ’12, who defended his title in the 50 freestyle and freshmen diver, Kyle Goodwin ’15.

Track and FieldThe Raider boys finished in the top 20 at state and had numerous individual achievements including Joe Petrow ’12, 12th in the open 800-meter run, Jordan Hatfield ’14, sixth in pole vault, Patrick Mosley ‘12, fifth in the triple jump and Eystin Salum ’12, ninth in the long jump.

VolleyballBoys volleyball continued their dominance as a club team by winning their third consecutive state championship for the Raiders.

Girls diVisiOn WINTERBasketballLed by future Wyoming Cowboy, Marquelle Dent ’12 and Duke Blue Devil, Katie Heckman ’12, the Raiders looked primed to compete for their second-ever state championship. After finishing conference play 10-1, Regis Jesuit entered the state tournament as a #1 seed. Unfortunately, a late fourth quarter rally by Monarch in the Final Four denied the Raiders an opportunity to play in the state championship game for the fourth time in five seasons. The Raiders return two of their top three scorers in Justine Hall ’14 and Diani Akigbogun ’14 next season.

Poms and CheerAfter a fifth place finish at the Continental League championships, captains Lauren Troksa ’12 and Christine La ’12 led the Raiders to a top 15 finish at state. The defending state champion Poms team earned the second place trophy at the State Spirit tournament on December 10, 2011. The spirit stick will be passed down to five juniors next year who will look to lead Regis Jesuit to their second state championship.

Swim and DiveHaving graduated the majority of last year’s state championship team, Regis Jesuit didn’t quite have enough firepower to defend their title. Led by Olympic hopeful Missy Franklin ’13, the Raiders finished in third place at state. Franklin shined, breaking the national high school record in the 200-yard freestyle. Taylor Wilson ’15 and Sydney Cutler ’15, along with Lindsay Kriz ’13, Carla Meli ’13 and Marielle Renehan ’13 gained valuable experience.

SPRINGGolfBehind the leadership and play of Kathleen Kershisnik ’12, the Raiders crushed their competition, winning their second 4A state championship in the past three years. Kershisnik nearly won her own individual state title but fell just short in a sudden-death playoff.

LacrosseThe Raiders jumped out to their best start in program history, winning 12 in a row. Led by Erin Sungelo ’13 and experienced goalie Emi Smith ’12, the Raiders dominated their Continental League competition. After receiving a first round bye, the fourth seeded Raiders advanced to the quarter-finals where their impressive run came to an end. Look for this young Raider squad to make a state title run in the coming seasons.

SoccerHead coach Will Cropper’s ’98 squad fielded a lot of young talent that featured Olivia Knox ’14 and Meghan Kilkenney ’13. Showing flashes of success, the young Raiders look to make some serious noise in the coming years.

Tennis After finishing second in state last year, the Raiders continued their momentum into this season, finishing second at regionals, sending six of seven positions to the state tournament. Behind, Haley Chirico’s ’15 third-place finish at state, the Raiders finished fifth at the 4A girls state tournament.

Track and FieldThe girls had a solid season led by Mia Holland ’12, who finished fifth at state in the 200-meter dash and ninth in the 100. Holland’s invaluable leadership will pay dividends for the young Raider squad in the coming years.

Winter & Spring SportsWrapUp

all photos this page courtesy of courtney Oakes, The Aurora Sentinel

14summer 2012 T h e a l u m n i r a i d e r

RaiderAlumniAlumni 2012SUMMER ISSUE

If there has to be one, pinnacle moment for excellence in Regis Jesuit alumni athletics, perhaps this is it: In the 1976 NFL Pro Bowl, Mike Boryla ’69 quarterbacked the NFC to a win with two late-game touchdown passes. As of late, the Pro Bowl has been an exposition of little more than going-through-the-motions. But, it used to mean something and Boryla dominated when it counted. He had played football at Stanford after attending Regis Jesuit and joined the Philadelphia Eagles from 1974 until 1976 and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1978. There are, certainly, new waves of Regis Jesuit athletes ready to grab the proverbial baton, but it’s one that wouldn’t be handed off if not for those who came before.

Mike Boryla wouldn’t have been in that game if not, of course, for his father, Vince. An active and generous Catholic in the Denver community, he’s something of a living legend on the Front Range. When Boryla was “in the service,” he was transferred to what he calls, when reached by phone, “Lowry Field.” Once he was in Denver, he left an indelible mark on the Nuggets as the team’s general manager. (He had already played and coached for the New York Knicks and won a gold medal with the U.S. basketball team at the 1948 Olympics which were, as they are this year, held in London.) But, whether he knew it at the time or not, Boryla—who didn’t attend Regis Jesuit—would greatly impact the school as the patriarch of a family of athletes and, in many ways, the patriarch of a larger family of professional athletes who attended Regis Jesuit.

Jesuit high schools and universities have long had traditions of athletic accomplishment, with an emphasis on physical education as part of teaching to the whole person. (There are even anecdotes and hard evidence of Jesuit priests learning new sports and teaching them to their students. The Iroquois almost certainly taught Canadian and Northeastern Jesuits lacrosse; Regis Jesuit has them, in no small part, to thank for a championship season last year.)

Pro-Raidered a look at alumni in the pros By cOlin st. JOhn ’01

And in the development of that “whole person,” there’s also a further diversity in the chosen sports of Regis Jesuit’s pro athletes. Sure, there are grads besides Boryla who have gone pro in football. John Matthews ’04 is one. After playing for the Raiders, Matthews headed to the University of San Diego before signing with the Indianapolis Colts in 2009. The wide receiver was on their practice squad until he was claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010, ultimately playing in three games. He has just re-signed with the San Francisco 49ers for the 2012 season. Saying his four years at Regis Jesuit were “the four best of my life,” Matthews also has a never-give-up attitude that might—in a very Michael Jordan-esque way—stem from not making the top freshman squad: “We had about 90 kids try out, and I ended up playing on the freshman B team since there were no cuts,” Matthews says. “We all wanted it so badly, and I think we enjoyed sharing the struggle to try to make ourselves better players every year. We’d lift weights at six in the morning, go to class, and then go run track after school. It was demanding, but I think it built a lot of character.”

Butch Lewis ’06 has been forced to develop a similar hard-scrabble spirit, being picked up and dropped by the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad a couple of times. The offensive lineman is currently part of the Minnesota Vikings organization.

It’s, of course, not just football players who struggle to attain status in professional sports. The other football—soccer—is no, ahem, walk in the park. After transferring from the University of Tampa to West Virginia University, Aaron Pitchkolan ’01 was drafted by FC Dallas in 2005. He spent four years there before being traded to the San Jose Earthquakes, where he played one year. The past two seasons he’s spent playing in the NASL, which Pitchkolan terms “the second division of U.S. soccer.” He went on to tell us, “There’s

15T h e a l u m n i r a i d e r summer 2012

a Regis Jesuit link, even in professional soccer. There are a couple other players in the MLS that I have come across in my career that also went to Regis Jesuit: Brian Mullan, Roger Espinoza and Mark Lisi, and even though most of us went to Regis Jesuit at different times we all knew who the grads were in the league.” Mullan ’97 plays for our own Colorado Rapids (and is one of only two players to have won the MLS Cup five times), Espinoza ’05 kicks for Sporting Kansas City (as well as the Honduran national team) and Mark Lisi ’97 was a midfielder for DC United and the New York Red Bulls (then MetroStars) until his retirement in 2006.

The chance for a big league opportunity is not lost on Regis Jesuit grads across the board. Tim Gradoville ’98 was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2002, after playing baseball at Creighton University. He played in the minors as a catcher for six years before retiring.

Despite some hiccups, Tyler Toner ’01 has maintained a 13-3-1 record in mixed martial arts. He has fought for the WEC, Ring of Fire and the holy grail of them all, UFC. His first fight took place in a cramped school gym in North Platte, Neb. in July of 2005, and he’s come a long way since then, often being placed high on cards at the cavernous 1stBank Center in Broomfield. Despite a boxing background, Toner has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for years. Citing favorite Regis Jesuit teachers like Fr. Jim Burshek, SJ and Chris Walsweer now gives Toner a different perspective as he teaches, too — Muay Thai and children’s classes at Easton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Boulder, where he has trained since 2003 while a student at the University of Colorado. When compared to the athletes and general all-stars that have graced his high school, Toner summates, “There are some tough guys that have walked the halls of Regis Jesuit. I’m not sure if I’m ready to claim a title among them just yet.”

Aaron Pitchkolan ‘01 readies his legs for dominance

Tyler Toner ‘01 lays into an unlucky foe

Relive the fun and excitement again!July 20-21, 2012More information: www.regisjesuit.com/reunion 2012

RAIDERSREUNION

of the Classes of 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002

and Golden Grads!

revised 12.17.09


Class Notes1960s

The third Wednesday of every month, 15 to 20 alumni from the class of 1961 meet at Park Hill Golf Course for lunch. Contact Colin St. John ’01 at [email protected] for more information.

Congratulations to Stephen “Mike” Fattor ’62, who was named Glenwood Springs Citizen of the Year this past January at the annual Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association ball. Read more about Fattor at www.regisjesuit.com/alumniinthenews.

Glenn Churchill ’69 accepted a position as a home mortgage loan officer with Bank of America. Grandpa Churchill and his wife Lindy have two children and two fantastic grandchildren.

1970s

Richard Smith ’76 is currently on his third combat tour to the Middle East with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kabul Area Office. Smith supervises 30 civilian engineers responsible for over 70 projects valued at over $700M in support of the Afghan National Security Forces.

1980s

Derek Passarelli ’81 and his family were the first Coloradans to receive the highly-sought after electronic car, the Nissan Leaf. Derek and his wife Stephanie have three children, Maya, 9, Zoe, 7, and Caleb, 4.

For the past six seasons, Kyle Speller ’89 has been electrifying Pepsi Center crowds as the public address announcer for the Denver Nuggets. Speller wears many hats as he is a father of twin sons and a daughter, the assistant pastor of Emmanuel Christian Center, a supervisor at Comcast and a commercial voiceover man. Read more about Speller at www.regisjesuit.com/alumniinthenews.

1990s

Victor Valks ’93 has completed a master’s in business administration at Regis University, where he earned the Harvey D. Rothenberg Scholarship for leadership. Victor graduated during the university’s December 2011 commencement ceremony.

Livingston Keithley ’94 has been named a partner at his law firm of Kelly, Stacy & Rita LLC. He is a trial attorney who will continue to focus on commercial litigation for companies concerning contract disputes, management disputes and employment issues. He lives in Denver with his wife and two children. Keithley was named to Denver Business Journal’s “Forty under 40.”

Javier Sandoval ’94 was promoted to a state general agent for American Income Life in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

John Busselmaier ’95 and his wife, Candace, welcomed twins, Andrew William and Liesl Theresa, on April 4, 2012 in Denver. Candace is a math teacher in the Boys Division.

Congratulations to current RJ music teacher and alum, Bernie Sauer ’97, on being selected as the Bill Thompson Band Director of the Year by the Colorado Honor Band!

Tommy Haffey ’98 set the Guinness World Record for the largest coin pyramid. Watch his cool story at www.regisjesuit.com/alumniinthenews.

Foreshadowing his years post-Regis Jesuit, Sean Williams ’99 cited Vegetius as one of his senior year quotes, “Let him who desires peace prepare for war.” Williams is currently in his tenth year serving our country overseas. He is the commanding officer of Company A, responsible for 132 Marines in his unit. Currently, he and his squadron are responsible for training the Afghan border patrol to keep out the Taliban crossing over from Pakistan, tracking down IEDs and finding Taliban hideouts, munitions, etc. According to his mother Candy, “Sean loves being a Marine.”

Churchill ‘69

Class of 1961 lunchers

Speller ‘89 Williams ‘99 with local Afghan children


Class NotesJason Hisaw ’98 was married on January 14 to Ariana Milling. Hisaw is the advanced sommelier for Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas.

Aidan Leonard ’98 and his wife, Leah, recently returned to the United States from Tanzania where Aidan worked as a lawyer in the international criminal court tribunal prosecuting cases against criminals of the Rwandan genocide, and Leah helped launch a school. They are currently living in New York City.

JP Maxfield ’99, founder of Waste Farmers, was named to Denver Business Journal’s “Forty under 40.”

2000s

Andrew M. Long ’00 married Katelyn Eustis on March 26, 2011 in St. Louis. Brady Lowdermilk ’00, Nicholas Taggart Long ’94, Phillip Long ’92 and Fritz Long ’90 were groomsmen and Anne Etling, current teacher in the Boys Division math department, was a bridesmaid. Former Regis Jesuit president Fr. Walter Sidney, SJ was also a part of the ceremony. Andrew and Katelyn are currently teaching in St. Louis.

Stan Baldwin ’01 graduated in 2010 from the University of Colorado Denver with a master’s degree in education. Baldwin is now teaching high school science in Hooper Bay, Alaska and credits his vocation to the late Mr. Joe Lechuga ’82 and other teachers at RJHS.

Daniel Murray ’01 wed Caitlin Quander at the Ritz-Carlton in Denver on January 14, 2012. His wedding party included his father, Dan ’74, and brothers Michael ’03, Joseph ’05 and Patrick.

Patrick Nixon ’01 joined Our Lady of Loreto Parish as a part-time youth minister. He will lead the formation of their middle-school youth. After graduating from Gonzaga University in 2005, Patrick volunteered with the Fabretto Children’s Foundation in Nicaragua where he taught English and music to children. Upon returning from Nicaragua, he moved to San Diego as a parish youth minister. The tug of Colorado pulled though and he moved home, starting his own travel company, Live Out Loud Travel. Most recently he has been a presenter with Rachel’s Challenge, traveling the country to speak to middle and high school-aged students and share the story of Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the Columbine High School tragedy.

Ronny O’Dwyer, SJ ’01 is receiving the prestigious Rev. Ron Windmueller, SJ, Ignatian Educator Award, also known as “Teacher of the Year,” presented annually at the brunch preceding the commencement exercises at DeSmet Jesuit High School in St. Louis. This is an honor bestowed upon any teacher and voted upon only by the graduating senior class.

R.J. Tuchscherer ’01 was married to Dana Huffman on August 13, 2011 in Spokane, Wash. The marriage took place at St. Aloysius Church on Gonzaga University’s campus, where the couple met and attended college.

Danny Brennan ’04 dropped to a knee and proposed to college sweetheart, Brittany Hanley. Fortunately, she agreed and they are set to be married on September 9, 2012 at Sanctuary in Castle Rock.

During his time at Regis Jesuit, Charles Hillig, Jr. ’04 served on the student council all four years, including being voted class president in 2003 and student body vice president in 2004. He also starred as both a cross-country and track athlete. He now has his sights set on qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Team this June. A few of his athletic achievements include a course record, first-place finish at the Quad Cities Half Marathon, a third-place finish at the USATF CO 10k and a first-place finish at

the Colfax Half Marathon.

Sporting Kansas City midfielder, Roger Espinoza ’05, was named spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City. In an interview by Kristi Hutchison of BHBS, Espinoza said “I’ve been part of Big Brothers Big Sisters for one year already. Mentoring my Little (referencing his Little brother Ethan) has been amazing. Now I feel like I can help a lot more and I want to become even more active with Big Brothers Big Sisters. I hope I can inspire others to become involved with this great organization.”

Andrew Long ‘00 & Co.

Stan “the Man” Baldwin ‘01

braves the Alaskan tundra

Hillig ‘04

The Murray Family celebrates the nuptials of Caitlin and Daniel ‘01


Class NotesPatrick Pratt ’05 received his bachelor of arts degree in International Studies from the University of Colorado Denver in 2010 and currently works for the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce as the executive assistant to the CEO. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys playing volleyball, listening to live music and watching and performing stand-up comedy.

After a year teaching in the Girls Division, Bobby Hannum ’06 and his wife and fellow alum Margie (Janiczek) Hannum ’07 are moving to New York to pursue new career possibilities and advanced studies.

Stephanie DePrez ’07 and Chrissy Murphy ’07 have both taken the Jesuit mission of education to heart as they have become teachers. Stephanie is a high school theology and music teacher at Xavier Prep in Southern California, and Chrissy is teaching fifth grade at St. Marks Charter School on the west side of Chicago.

Leslie Gauntt ’07 is serving a year in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Juneau, Alaska. She is working at an art studio with adults who have developmental disabilities.

Emily Glenn ’08 is the first RJ alumna to be a part of the Alum Service Corps program. Listen to Emily discuss her experience at DeSmet Jesuit High School in St. Louis by visiting www.regisjesuit.com/alumniinthenews. She will return to her alma mater next year to teach science in the Girls Division.

Jessica Noelle Hollar ’08 graduated in December 2011 from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, with a concentration in criminology/criminal justice. She completed her degree in three and a half years, including a summer study abroad in Prague. Jessica interned at a variety of agencies during her college years, including a metro-area police

department (working on a research project focused on police impersonators), the Arapahoe County pre-trial office and the Fort Collins Parole Office. She was active in the CSU chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta (National Sociology Honor Society) and was blessed to receive numerous scholarships during college from criminal justice-related organizations. She has returned to the Denver area and hopes to begin work in her field, starting with positions that

support the parole system. Jessica also plans to begin work on her graduate degree in criminology at Regis University in the fall. She continues to pursue her love of writing as time permits.

Jun Han Kim ’08 took a hiatus from his college education at Drury University to compete for a spot on his home country of South Korea’s 2012 Olympic swim team. Unfortunately, Kim’s time fell just shy of the mark to secure him a trip to London this summer.

Alex Williams ’08 and Stephanie Vogel ’08, business students at Gonzaga University, were selected to meet with Warren Buffet this past fall. Mr. Buffet took Alex, Stephanie and a handful of other selected students from across the country out to lunch and doled out lessons on life.

Marissa Pledger ’09 and Steven Lowy ’09 just completed the Semester at Sea Spring 2012 Voyage. They traveled to 11 different countries and 14 different ports, gaining global experience and education truly unique to this program. Steven and Marissa are both incredibly grateful for the education, service learning experiences and supportive community of Regis Jesuit High School for preparing them in so many ways for this transformative experience abroad.

Diana Rolniak ’09 is back on the University of Utah basketball court after overcoming a brain tumor. Read more about her incredible journey at www.regisjesuit.com/alumniinthenews.

Alexandra Jewell ’10 established a women’s club rugby program (beginning last year) at her school, California Maritime Academy. The Athletic Department notified her that, due to the program’s success, rugby will become a school-sanctioned Division II sport in the fall. The women’s rugby club was the largest women’s club the school has ever had in their history. This is all due to her falling in love with the sport at Regis Jesuit. In addition, four different California universities have asked to speak with her about how she started the program so that they can use it as a potential model at their schools too, or, at the very least, to start a women’s club program.

Next summer, Mike Petko ’10 will be making the Journey of Hope, which is a 67-day, 4,000 mile bike ride benefiting Push America, a non-profit organization that supports people with mental and physical disabilities.

Hollar ‘08

Pledger ‘09 and Lowy ‘09 on deck


Faculty & Staff NotesBaby BoomletCandace Busselmaier, Boys Division math teacher, and husband, John ’95, welcomed twins Andrew William and Liesl Theresa on April 4, 2012.

Boys Division science teacher, Dustin Dvorak and his wife, Mary Ellen, welcomed baby girl, Bailey Fay, on May 10, 2012.

tied the knotGirls Division athletic trainer, Lindsay Adcock, married Armando Casas, Jr. on April 20, 2012 in Lafayette, Colo.

Moving OnGirls Division French teacher, Kinsley Alexander, is moving on to new adventures.

Anna Andresian, Latin teacher in the Boys Division, will be teaching at the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. Before that she will spend five weeks in Rome as a spoken Latin instructor in a program run by the Paideia Institute.

After more than 16 years, Boys Division librarian and service coordinator, Susan Capen, is leaving the school and will marry Kip Clayton on August 4, 2012, after which she will move to join her husband in Philadelphia. Susan was given the John Francis Regis Service Award at graduation this year for her years of dedication to Regis Jesuit.

Girls Division social studies teacher, Kati Dorais, will return to the full-time work of motherhood, caring for new son Jackson, born March 30, 2012, and her other children.

Adam Colombo, Boys Division math teacher, is moving to Tucson, Ariz. to teach math and coach track at Catalina Foothills High School.

Boys Division theology teacher, Lindsay Fitzpatrick, and Girls Division social studies teacher, Patrick Kelleher, who were engaged over Christmas break in 2011, are moving to Washington D.C. where he will start a graduate program in history at Catholic University and she will teach at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory. They will marry in January 2013 in her hometown of Austin, Tex.

In this feature of The Raider, we list milestone occasions, awards or events for members of the faculty and staff.

Don Gavato, Girls Division math teacher, will be moving to Pueblo to help care for his father.

After a year teaching in the Girls Division, Bobby Hannum ’06 is moving to New York with his wife and fellow alum Margie (Janiczek) Hannum ’07 to pursue new career possibilities and advanced studies.

Girls Division Counselor, Megan Sturgeon, is moving back to Ohio to be closer to her family.

Mr. Harold Martin announced his second retirement from Regis Jesuit this spring. He came out of retirement when asked to teach physics in the Girls Division as a long-term sub in 2006. He decided to stay on after deep self-reflection and feeling guided back to the RJ community by

God, reporting “What kept me at Regis is what keeps all of us here—the knowledge that we are serving a higher and greater purpose.” Retired again, Mr. Martin plans to travel, play the guitar and spend time with his wife, Loretta, and family.

“I was blessed to have had Mr. Martin for Honors Physics last year, and can attest that his passion for teaching made my Regis Jesuit experience all the more wonderful. Mr. Martin will be missed dearly, and we wish him luck in all he does.”

By Marisa LaRouche’12, Boettcher Scholar who will study Electrical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines


Faculty & Staff Noteshonors and awardsLindsay Adcock was honored in March by the Denver Nuggets as one of three winners in their Excellence in High School Athletic Training awards program, entitling her to $1500 scholarship for post-secondary education and $1000 for the athletic training department.

LaRae Onorato received the teacher appreciation award from the Grandview Congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Gable Prach ’12 nominated her for her commitment to students.

Bernie Sauer ’97 was named the Bill Thompson Band Director of the Year by the Colorado Honor Band and was presented the award at their Spring Concert on Sunday, May 20, 2012.

Where are they now? Tom Robinson ’64Tom Robinson ’64 is one of those names – alongside Rudy Brada, Ralph Taylor and countless others – that just says “Regis Jesuit.” Robinson began teaching and coaching at RJHS in 1969 and was on staff until 2000; he had a profound effect on generations of Regis Jesuit grads. We caught up with him to find out what he’s been up to since then.

Robinson has been working at the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) as one of five Assistant Commissioners. He’s been charged with handling officials, sportsmanship and golf. As Robinson puts it, “Over the past 12 years, I’ve given a trophy or two to the Raiders.” Most recently, it was the state championship trophy for boys swimming.

For those wondering if Mr. Robinson is still active in refereeing, the collegiate level still keeps him busy. While you won’t catch him on the field for a Buffs football game, he is a replay official with the CFO West, which handles games from the Big 12, Mountain West and Southland. Since 2003, Robinson has been stopping games for further review. As he explains, “It’s pressure-filled but addictive.”

On the home front, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance – helmed by Tom’s wife – is in its 42nd season and boasts a schedule that includes her choreographed version of Romeo and Juliet, which has premiered with the Colorado Symphony. The Robinsons’ son, Malik ’92, and his wife, Vianey, have a two-year-old girl, Ximalma. Tom and Cleo are “doting grandparents.”

Have a favorite teacher or staff member

from your time at Regis Jesuit that you

would like to know about?

Send a ‘Where Are They Now?’

request to the Alumni Office

([email protected]) and

we’ll do our best to track them down.


Raider Journeys

To submit a photo for inclusion in Raider Journeys, send your picture(s) [resolution of 300 dpi or better – standard for most digital cameras and smart phones] to [email protected]. Learn more about the kinds of photos we are looking for at www.regisjesuit.com/raiderjourneys.

A recurring feature in The Raider, where we share photos from members of the globetrotting community of Regis Jesuit. Here are submissions since the last issue. In future issues, we want to fill this page, so get one of your countless RJ t-shirts out of the bottom drawer, grab your Raider red, pack your suitcases and start snapping! Even the cabs

show their Raider pride

Caleb Bowen ’14, center wore his RJ shirt every chance he got (instead of a bright pink one) while he was on a mission trip with his church Lord of the Hills

On a college visit to ASU, Chase Bertinelli ’13 sports his letter jacket

Garrett Cochran ’12, with brother, Chandler ’15, revealing his college choice (so no Raider wear, but still Jesuit!)

The youngest member of the Haus of Kraus, Samuel, shows his Raider pride while out on a walk with big brother Joseph and mom (and GD Service Director), Kristen

Members of the Girls Division as they prepare to depart for their Spring Break trip to Spain where they explored Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid

Duncan McPhee ’99 deployed in the Asian theater


In MemoriamScott Alter ’88

Dottie Baker, sister of Judy Weaver (BD Assistant to the Dean)

Pat Berger ’57

Charles E. Bostdorff, father of Ken Bostdorff (BD Assistant Principal)

Huey Brown, father of Charlotte Jackson (BD Nurse) and grandfather of Spencer ’08, Eric ’10, Elizabeth ’12 and Stephen ’15 Jackson

Gary Buckely ’54

John Castellano ’56

James Crennen, father of Christopher ’68, Michael ’70, Thomas ’74 and Joe ’80 Crennen

Myron DeFrancia ’35, father of James ’59, Edward ’70, Kenneth ’73 and Daniel ’76 DeFrancia

Reginald J. “RJ” Demps ’09

Dominick Doyle ’13, brother of Donovan ’15 and Alexandra ’15 Doyle

Dr. Mike Fenoglio, father of Zach ’07 and Melissa ’10 Fenoglio

Lucy Irene Fencl, mother of Deborah Bushnell (BD Counselor)

Douglas Futz, father of Mikyla ’08 and Rory ’11 Futz

Michael Golden ’49

Randolph Green ’97, brother of John Green ’95

Mildred Keeley, wife of Joseph Keely ’50, mother of Michael ’76 and James ’83 Keeley and grandmother of Ben Mattick ’14

Virginia Fox Kittleson, mother of Blair Kittleson ’62, mother-in-law of Dennis Floyd ’59 and grandmother of Blair ’91, Peter ’93 and Kevin ’96 Kittleson

Rev. Gerhardt B. Lehmkuhl, SJ (faculy member in the 1960s)

Charles Lugton ’42

John P. “Phil” Mahoney ’44, brother of Daniel ’46, Thomas ’55 and William ’61 Mahoney, father of Patrick ’69 and Paul ’73 Mahoney, grandfather of Ryan ’13 and Alexandra ’15 Mahoney

Matthew Malyak ’09

Jack Marsh ’62

Timothy May ’50, brother of Thomas May ’50

Mark McAtee, father of Kevin ’04 and Colin ’06 McAtee

Charles A. “Chuck” McFadden, Jr. ’50

Bernie McMenamy ’47

The entire community of Regis Jesuit extends its sincere sympathy to the family and friends of loved ones who have died recently. The following are remembered in our prayers:

Elizabeth Messenger, mother of Frank ’60 and Thomas ’65 Messenger

George E. Nassraway, father of George Nassraway ’97

Scott Perriman ’84

Douglas Pimple ’72, brother of Ken Pimple ’79

Joseph R. Plank ’48

George J. Reinert ’35, father of Martin Reinert ’67

Mary Rotola, mother of Rev. Albert C. Rotola, SJ ’54

Dwight T. Shea ’41

Margaret J. “Peg” Sofia, friend and benefactor of Regis Jesuit

Joseph M. Spaulding, Jr. ’42

Michael Stein, brother of Rich Stein ’61

Ryan Patrick Sullivan ’03

Sr. Ann Sullivan, sister of Rev. Robert L. Sullivan, SJ ’54 (GD Chaplain)

Lois Tasset, wife of John H. Tasset ’49

Acel Teeples, father of Ben Teeples (Facilities Manager)

Joe Yelenick ’35, brother of John Yelenick ’40

Wehavealsobeeninformedrecentlyofthedeathsofthefollowingalumniandextendoursympathiesandprayerstotheirlovedones.

Raymond J. Connell ’48 Leo McCloskey ’41J. Paul Davis ’41 John Harris ’31John B. Davoren ’44 Thomas Nevin ’26Charles Haley ’36 Toby Potter ’69Bernard M. Murray ’48

The names recorded in this section represent those made known to us between October 15, 2011 to May 15, 2012. Any passings after that date will be listed in the winter 2012 issue.

We make every effort to account accurately for the passing of any alumnus/a, student, faculty or staff member as well as that of any of their parents, spouses or siblings. If we are aware of other relationships the deceased had to members of our community, we do our best to list them as well. We also share news of the deaths of all members of our extended community on the In Memoriam page of our website (www.regisjesuit.com/inmemoriam).We sincerely regret any oversights or errors that may occur.

6300S.LewistonWayAurora,Colorado80016

Non-profitorg.U.S.postage

paidDenver,COPermit#546

Men and Women with and for Others

Wednesday, June 27 Alumni Night at the Rockies

Friday, July 20 “The Rudy” - 13th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament at Raccoon Creek

Saturday, July 21 Raiders Reunion 2012

Thursday, August 16 First Day of Classes

August 24-26 Raiders on the Road: Chicago Alumni Visit

Saturday, August 25 23rd Annual Pig Roast at the Jesuit Residence

Wednesday, September 5 8th Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament at Sanctuary

Saturday, September 8 First Annual RJ Day for Others: All-Community Day of Service

Friday, October 5 Together for Tradition: Homecoming Weekend

Saturday, October 6 Pete Chapman ’98 Memorial 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

Sunday, October 21 Admissions Open House

Friday, November 2 Remembrance Mass

November 10-11 RJHS Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors at Colorado Heights University

Sunday, November 18 Grandparents Day

Saturday, December 1 Class of 2017 Entrance Exam

December TBA Regis Jesuit vs. Mullen Basketball Game at Metro State

December TBA Red & White Christmas: Raiders Reunion for the Classes of 2007

Monday, December 24 Young Alumni Christmas Eve Mass at Our Lady of Loreto

Saturday, April 27 A LARK in Springtime 2013 – 40th Annual Event!

For full details on upcoming alumni events at regis Jesuit, visit www.regisjesuit.com/alumnievents.For full details on school-related events, visit www.regisjesuit.com/calendar.

Calendar Highlights

Our students rely on YOU to make their Raider experience possible!

Your financial support of the Annual Fund through PACE, Alumni Class Scholarships, Companions and LARK enables us to continue our mission.

To support today’s students visit www.regisjesuit.com/giving.

Final 02.28.10

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