The Raider - Summer 2012 - Regis Jesuit High School

TheRaider
2012
A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI, STUDENTS, PARENTS & FRIENDS OF REGIS JESUIT
SUMMER ISSUE
Bubbling with Excitement
Missy Franklin ’13 and her Olympic Quest
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
• History of the Service Program
• Year-in-Review
• Alumni in the Pros
• Raiders Reunion Yearbook Collage
Table
of
Contents
2
ON THE COVER
Missy Franklin’13 swims the backstroke and dreams of making her country
proud at the London Olympics. Photo courtesy of Mike Comer, ProSwim
Visuals.
SCHOOL NEWS
Message from the President............................................................................ 3
Golden Girl: Missy Franklin’s Olympic Hopes................................................. 4
Reflections on Freshman Retreat..................................................................... 6
Deeds, Not Words: History of the Service Program..................................... 7
Weaving the Tapestry: The RJ Diversity Program......................................... 8
LARK 2012: An Enchanted Evening................................................................ 10
Leadership Transition on the Board and in the Boys Division................... 11
2011-12 Year-in-Review.................................................................................... 12
Class of 2012 Colleges and Universities........................................................ 12
Winter and Spring Sports Wrap Up............................................................... 13
THE ALUMNI RAIDER
Alumni in the Pros............................................................................................. 14
From the Archives: Reunion Classes Yearbook Photo Montage.............. 16
Class Notes........................................................................................................ 17
Faculty & Staff Notes....................................................................................... 20
Where Are They Now – Tom Robinson ’64................................................... 21
COMMUNITY NEWS
Raider Journeys................................................................................................ 22
In Memoriam..................................................................................................... 23
Upcoming Events............................................................................. Back Cover
The Raider and Alumni Raider are published by Regis Jesuit High School twice a year
[summer and winter]. Your comments, opinions, inquiries about the magazine, Regis
Jesuit High School, its programs or community members including alumni are welcome to
[email protected]. Story ideas and submissions are welcome as well.
Regis Jesuit High School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to
all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to
students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and
ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship
and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
President: Rev. Philip G. Steele, SJ ’66
Principals: Jeffrey M. Howard ’88 – Boys Division Gretchen M. Kessler – Girls Division
Vice President: Rick Sullivan
Chief Financial Officer: Carol Mendlik
Director of Advancement: Julie Alcorn
Director of Communications: Charisse Broderick King
Contributors:
Julie Alcorn
Mike Buckley ’63
Erin Cassidy-Cernanec
Adam Dawkins ’98
Kelly Doherty
Elisabeth Duran
Jeffrey Howard ’88
Marisa LaRouche ’12
Bree Hoyt-Lewis
Gretchen Kessler
Final 02.28.10
John Koslosky
Jon Kraus
Paul Malsam ’83
Paul Miller ’04
Kathleen Morton
Charlie Saulino
Colin St. John ’01
Philip G. Steele, SJ ’66
Rick Sullivan
Courtney Oakes, The Aurora Sentinel
Design: TaCito Design, Inc.
Printing: Unique Litho, Inc.
Mission Statement
Printed on environmentally friendly paper
using sustainable production methods.
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.
summer 2012
The Raider
Message from the President
3
With 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
The Raider
summer 2012
4
Golden Girl
B y Co lin S t. J o h n ’ 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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5
Track Missy’s journey to trials and the games on
our special Missy Watch page of the website:
www.regisjesuit.com/MissyFranklin
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.
Red & White Goes for Gold
Missy Franklin might be the marquee name for Regis
Jesuit students and grads gunning for London, but there
are a few other athletes giving it their best shot.
Clark Smith ’13 – The junior swimming stand-out has
qualified for the very same trials in Omaha that Franklin
has. Smith will be coasting in the water for the 100- and
200-meter freestyle events as well as the 100- and
200-meter butterfly.
Hennessey Stuart ’14 – Stuart rounds out the trio of
current Raider swimmers heading to Olympic trials by
qualifying this past March in both the 100- and 200-meter
backstroke.
Jun Han Kim ’08 – Kim, who set the Colorado state
record in the 100-meter individual medley, took time off
from his studies at Drury University to focus on making
the South Korean Olympic swim team. He won the 200
IM at the South Korean individual meet, but his time was
just short of that needed for London.
Lacey Henderson ’07 – Henderson, who graduated from
DU a year ago where she also was a cheerleader, has
qualified to represent the U.S. at the Paralympics in
London in the 100-meter dash.
The Raider
Photos courtesy of
USA Swimming and
NBCOlympics.com
summer 2012
6
Freshman Retreat
Igniting the Bonds of
Lifelong Relationships
B y A d a m D aw k in s ‘ 98
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 behindthe-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.
Working together as teams
helps to form the bonds of
brotherhood
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.
Taking some time
to reflect during
the retreat
“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.”
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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.
Deeds, Not Words
Regis Jesuit’s Ever-Evolving Commitment to Service
7
“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.
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
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.
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.
Members of the Boys
Division Spring Break
service trip with
some of their new
Nicaraguan friends
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.
The Raider
summer 2012
8
Weaving the Tapestry
The Importance of Diversity at Regis Jesuit
Toes start tapping when the
Irish dancers start stepping
Pa u l M ill e r ’ 04
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 19981999, 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
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The Raider
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.”
9
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.”
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
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
The Raider
summer 2012
10
LARK 2012
A Night of Enchantment in Beautiful Italy
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
Bella Italia
LARK 2012 Chair
Denise Petko with son,
Mike ‘10 posing for the
photo booth
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!
Plan to join us as we
Raise ’Em High for Regis Jesuit!
8th Annual
OKTO
summer 2012
The Raider
BERFEST
At the 8th Annual Fall Classic golf tournament
on September 5, 2012 at Sanctuary.
TOURNAMENT
Sponsorship opportunities available now!
SEPTEMBER 5, 2012
Visit www.regisjesuit.com/thefallclassic
to secure yours today!
11
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 Menfor-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.”
John Sheridan ’76
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.
Alan Carruthers with his wife, Lucia
“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.”
The Raider
summer 2012
Scholarships*
12 & Signings
Year in Review 2011-12
Appointment to the United States Naval Academy
Ben Fry ’12 and Christine Yunjeong La ’12
Boettcher Scholarship
Marisa LaRouche ’12, Colorado School of Mines
Nnaoma Agwu
Daniels Fund Scholarship
Nnaoma Agwu ’12, Santa Clara University
National Hispanic Scholars
Catherine Heckman ’12, Duke University
Marilis Dugas ’12, Wellesley College
National Merit Finalist
Nick Willenbrock’12, University of Virginia
Marisa LaRouche
Taylor Alexander - equestrian, Texas Christian University
Peter Bayer - baseball, University of Richmond
Dylan Conner - lacrosse, Sacred Heart University
John Crowley - wrestling, Colorado School of Mines
Michael Cruciotti - football, University of Sioux Falls
Marquelle Dent - basketball, University of Wyoming
Sandy Fisher - football, Concordia University
Benjamin Fry - swimming, United States Naval Academy
Elizabeth Ginley - volleyball, Whitworth University
Kevin Greenberg - lacrosse, Sacred Heart University
Janae Hall - volleyball, Kansas University
Catherine Heckman - basketball, Duke University
Eric Herringer - football, University of St. Thomas
Victoria Jewell - volleyball, Webster University
Kathleen Kershisnik - golf, University of Wyoming
Luke Leathers - lacrosse, United States Air Force
Gustav Lundquist - golf, University of Louisville
Emily Mauser - cross country, Creighton University
Meghan McGann - lacrosse, Sacred Heart University
Ethan Miller - lacrosse, Adams State College
Jaclynn Miller - volleyball, Colorado Christian University
Jamie Revels - basketball, William and Mary University
Tanner Sampson - basketball, Elon University
Kyle Sarazin - track, Augustana College
Tanner Scales - lacrosse, University of Virginia
Edward Scheuber - baseball, William Jewell College
Sarah Schmid - volleyball, Rutgers University
Emily Smith - lacrosse, Penn State University
Michaela Smith - volleyball, Metro State
Lauren Stoeckle - swimming, University of Missouri
Elizabeth Svisco - volleyball, Montana State University
Drake Thenell - football, Colorado School of Mines
Lauren Troksa - cheerleading, University of Colorado at Boulder
Emma Unoski - volleyball, Rockhurst University
2012 Graduates of Regis Jesuit High School plan on matriculating
to the following colleges, universities or special programs:
*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.
summer 2012
Abilene Christian
University
Adams State College
American University
Arizona State University
The Art Institute of
Colorado
Auburn University
Augustana College
Azusa Pacific University
Baylor University
Belmont Abbey College
Benedictine College
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Bowling Green State
University
Brown University
Bucknell University
California Polytechnic
State University at San
Luis Obispo
California State
University at Channel
Islands
Carroll College
(Montana)
Carthage College
Catholic University of
America
Chapman University
Clemson University
Coe College
College of Charleston
College of Saint Benedict
College of the Holy Cross
College of William and
Mary
College of Wooster
Colorado Christian
University
Colorado College
Colorado Mesa
University
Colorado School of
Mines
The Raider
Colorado State University
Colorado State University
Pueblo
Concordia University Seward
Concordia University
Wisconsin
Cornell University
Creighton University
Dartmouth College
Denison University
DePaul University
Dickinson College
Dominican University of
California
Drexel University
Duke University
Eckerd College
Elon University
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University
Endicott College
Fairfield University
Florida State University
Fordham University
Fort Lewis College
Franciscan University of
Steubenville
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of
Technology
Gonzaga University
Grand Canyon University
Hamline University
Hampshire College
Hartwick College
High Point University
Hobart and William
Smith Colleges
Indiana University
Bloomington
James Madison
University
John Carroll University
Johnson & Wales
University
Juniata College
Kansas City Art Institute
Korea University
Lewis & Clark College
Louisiana State
University
Loyola Marymount
University
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University - New
Orleans
Marquette University
McMurry University
Metropolitan State
College of Denver
Miami University Oxford
Middlebury College
Montana State University
- Bozeman
Montserrat College of Art
Mount Holyoke College
New Mexico Military
Institute
New York University
North Dakota State
University
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona
University
Northwestern University
Norwich University
Ohio State University
Oregon Institute of
Technology
Oregon State University
Pacific Lutheran
University
Pennsylvania State
University - University
Park
Platt College - San Diego
Providence College
Purchase College
Purdue University
Regis University
Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute
Rice University
Rochester Institute of
Technology
Rockhurst University
Rollins College
Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology
Rutgers, the State
University of New
Jersey at New
Brunswick
Sacred Heart University
Saint Louis University
Saint Mary’s College
Saint Mary’s College of
California
Salve Regina University
Samford University
San Diego State
University
Santa Clara University
Scottsdale Community
College
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle University
Seton Hall University
The Society of Jesus
Southern Methodist
University
St. Catherine University
at St. Paul
Stanford University
Stetson University
Stonehill College
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian
University
United States Air Force
Academy
United States Marines
United States Merchant
Marine Academy
United States Naval
Academy
United States Navy
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of California Berkeley
University of California Santa Barbara
University of Colorado at
Boulder
University of Colorado at
Colorado Springs
University of Colorado at
Denver
University of Dallas
University of Denver
University of Evansville
University of Florida
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
University of Maryland
University of
Massachusetts - Amherst
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri Columbia
University of Montana Missoula
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of North
Dakota
University of Northern
Colorado
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Oregon
University of Portland
University of Puget
Sound
University of Redlands
University of Richmond
University of San Diego
University of San
Francisco
University of Sioux Falls
University of South
Carolina
University of Southern
California
University of St. Thomas
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee Knoxville
University of Texas Austin
University of Utah
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin Madison
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
University of Wyoming
Valparaiso University
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Wesleyan
College
Wake Forest University
Washington University in
St. Louis
Webster University
Wellesley College
Western State College of
Colorado
Westminster College
Whitworth University
Willamette University
William Jewell College
Wittenberg University
Wofford College
Xavier University
Winter&Spring SportsWrapUp
Boys Division
Girls Division
Basketball
Unfortunately 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.
Basketball
Led by future Wyoming Cowboy, Marquelle Dent ’12 and Duke Blue Devil,
Katie Heckman ’12, the Raiders looked primed to compete for their secondever 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.
WINTER
Hockey
With 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.
Wrestling
Regis 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.
SPRING
Baseball
Coming 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.
Lacrosse
Losing 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 Dive
A 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 Field
The 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.
Volleyball
Boys volleyball continued their dominance as a club team by winning their
third consecutive state championship for the Raiders.
WINTER
13
All photos this page
courtesy of
Courtney Oakes,
The Aurora Sentinel
Poms and Cheer
After 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 Dive
Having 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.
SPRING
Golf
Behind 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.
Lacrosse
The 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.
Soccer
Head 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 Field
The 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.
The Raider
summer 2012
Alumni
Raider
2012
SUMMER ISSUE
Pro-Raidered
A Look at Alumni in the Pros
B y Colin S t. J o h n ’ 01
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-themotions. 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.
14
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.)
summer 2012 T h e A l u m n i R a i d e r
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 nevergive-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
Tyler Toner ‘01 lays into an unlucky foe
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 133-1 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
The Alumni Raider
15
summer 2012
of the Classes of
1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002
and Golden Grads!
RAIDERS Relive the fun and excitement again!
REUNION
2012
July 20-21, 2012
More information: www.regisjesuit.com/reunion
Class Notes
1960s
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.
Churchill ‘69
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.
Class of 1961 lunchers
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.”
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.
Speller ‘89
Williams ‘99 with local
Afghan children
The Alumni Raider
17
summer 2012
Class Notes
Jason 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.
Stan “the Man”
Baldwin ‘01
braves the
Alaskan tundra
18
Patrick Nixon ’01 joined Our Lady of Loreto Parish as a parttime youth minister. He will lead the formation of their middleschool 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.
summer 2012 T h e A l u m n i R a i d e r
The Murray Family celebrates the
nuptials of Caitlin and Daniel ‘01
Andrew Long ‘00 & Co.
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
Hillig ‘04 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.”
Class Notes
Patrick 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 Hollar ‘08 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 justicerelated 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.
The Alumni Raider
Pledger ‘09 and
Lowy ‘09 on deck
19
summer 2012
Faculty & Staff Notes
In this feature of The Raider, we list milestone occasions,
awards or events for members of the faculty and staff.
Baby Boomlet
Candace 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 Knot
Girls Division athletic trainer, Lindsay Adcock, married
Armando Casas, Jr. on April 20, 2012 in Lafayette, Colo.
Moving On
Girls 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.
20
summer 2012 T h e A l u m n i R a i d e r
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 longterm 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 Notes
Honors and Awards
Lindsay 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 ’64
Tom 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.
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.
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.”
The Alumni Raider
21
summer 2012
Raider Journeys
Even the cabs
show their
Raider pride
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!
Garrett Cochran ’12,
with brother, Chandler
’15, revealing his college
choice (so no Raider
wear, but still Jesuit!)
Duncan McPhee ’99 deployed
in the Asian theater
On a college visit to ASU,
Chase Bertinelli ’13 sports
his letter jacket
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
22
summer 2012
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
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
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.
The Alumni Raider
In Memoriam
Scott Alter ’88
Dottie Baker, sister of Judy Weaver
(BD Assistant to the Dean)
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
Pat Berger ’57
Scott Perriman ’84
Charles E. Bostdorff, father of Ken Bostdorff
(BD Assistant Principal)
Douglas Pimple ’72, brother of Ken Pimple ’79
Huey Brown, father of Charlotte Jackson (BD Nurse) and
grandfather of Spencer ’08, Eric ’10, Elizabeth ’12 and
Stephen ’15 Jackson
George J. Reinert ’35, father of Martin Reinert ’67
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
Joseph R. Plank ’48
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)
Lucy Irene Fencl, mother of Deborah Bushnell
(BD Counselor)
Joe Yelenick ’35, brother of John Yelenick ’40
Douglas Futz, father of Mikyla ’08 and Rory ’11 Futz
We have also been informed recently of the deaths of
the following alumni and extend our sympathies and
prayers to their loved ones.
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
Raymond J. Connell ’48 J. Paul Davis ’41 John B. Davoren ’44 Charles Haley ’36 Bernard M. Murray ’48
Leo McCloskey ’41
John Harris ’31
Thomas Nevin ’26
Toby Potter ’69
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 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.
The Alumni Raider
23
summer 2012
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Men and Women with and for Others
Calendar Highlights
Wednesday, June 27
Alumni Night at the Rockies
Friday, July 20
“The Rudy” - 13th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament at Raccoon Creek
Final 02.28.10
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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.regisjesuit.com
303.269.8000 Boys Division
303.269.8100 Girls Division
303.269.8047 Alumni Office
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.