- Alter High School

FALL 2014
RoundTable
the
Founded on Faith.
Preserved with Pride.
Sustained by Spirit.
A publication for alumni, current & past parents, and friends of Alter High School
ALTER
CHAMPIONS
VISION & STRATEGY
From the President, page 2
2018 Legacy Photo, page 3
AlterFest Recap, page 3
ALTER LIFE
From Advancement, page 4
Annual Fund, page 4
Alter Champions, pages 5-7
ALUMNI NEWS
Hall of Fame, pages 10-14
Reunions, page 15
In Memoriam, pages 16-17
Class Notes, pages 18-19
VISION
&
STRATEGY
From the President
Father James Manning
Catholic Identity at Alter
One of the key responsibilities of the president of any institution
is to gauge and measure mission effectiveness. How well is the
institution living its mission in the present as it prepares for the
future? With the help of the Board of Trustees the president
always wants to assure that the institution is actually doing
everything that it claims to be doing.
As the President of Alter High who is also a priest, I am always
trying to look into our Catholic identity. I am always happy when
alumni tell me that the most significant experience in their four
years at Alter was the Kairos senior retreat. I am also proud of the
fact that Fr. Shawn Landenwitch offers a daily Mass in our chapel
every morning and confessions on a weekly basis along with our
All-School Masses at St. Charles every month and our Advent
and Lenten Penance Services. I love to see our chapel and our
outdoor prayer garden used by students, teams, and neighbors.
We begin all activities with prayer. And I watch the reaction of our
students when Lourdes Lambert, our Principal, leads us in prayer
and shares her faith with us.
There were two interviews that I had last Friday which confirm
the strength of our Catholic identity here at Alter. One was a visit
by Michael Gonidakis, the President of Ohio Right to Life, and the
other was by Claire Darnell from Dynamic Catholic, a Catholic
Research Center run by Matthew Kelly, the author of the popular
book entitled Rediscovering Catholicism.
The interview with Michael Gonidakis began with a 7:30 meeting
with our Knights for Life Group here at Alter. He was very
impressed that our organization here at Alter is forty students
strong and that 56 of our students will be attending the March
for Life in January. After the 8:30 Mass which I had the honor of
celebrating at St. Charles on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe,
patroness of the Americas, Michael had a two hour interview
with Amy Miller, our Director of Communications and Marketing,
and me. Then we visited the Women’s Center across from the
abortion clinic on Stroop Road. We were able to see how the
ultrasound works at the Center and we joined a group of about
35 people praying the rosary at the clinic and singing Christmas
Carols. During lunch at Mamma Disalvos I asked Michael why he
chose to visit Alter among all the Catholic Schools in the State of
Ohio. He stated that after doing much research and listening to
state representatives he discovered that Alter is not only known
for its academics, athletics, and the arts but also for being a solid
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Michael Gonidakis joined Father Manning for the Alter Knights for Life meeting.
Catholic School and that he would like to showcase our Knights for
Life in a professionally-done video that Ohio Right to Life would
publish to demonstrate what can be done on the high school level
to support the Pro-Life movement. Needless to say, as president of
Alter High School I felt a healthy pride in my heart.
Then in the afternoon we were visited by Dynamic Catholic.
Michael Gonidakis asked to stay around to meet Claire Darnell
and to make connections within their respective ministries and
the work that they both do for the Church. Dynamic Catholic then
interviewed some of our teachers here at Alter. The interviews
were set up by Lourdes Lambert. The purpose of the interviews
was threefold: 1) to measure the sense of ministry within all
teachers; 2) to discern the level of vocation within all teachers; 3)
and to gauge the understanding of Catholic teachings and dogma
by all teachers. At the end of the afternoon Claire met with me to
summarize the interviews fully maintaining their confidentiality.
She stated that she was really impressed with the zeal and the
enthusiasm of our teachers. Once again I asked: Why Alter? She
stated that Dr. Rigg, Superintendent of Catholic Schools within the
Archdiocese of Cincinnati, suggested Alter as one of the best and
most solid Catholic Schools in the area. Once again I felt a healthy
pride in my heart.
You might know that Lourdes Lambert and I hear all sorts of
comments about Alter in the community. That is part of our jobs!
It is really nice to get such comments that we received last Friday.
May God bless the Alter Family of faith with a holy Christmas and a
happy and healthy new year!
LEGACY 2018
FRESHMEN CHILDREN OF ALUMNI
1st Row: Allison Buerschen (Greg ’90),
Beth Powers (Jim ’89), Connor Brinkman
(Dan ’72), Riley O’Brien (Dan ’88), Vincent
Nyhan (Vince ’81), Sam Homan (Dave
’87), Dusty Tschanz (Theresa Wilson ’76),
Michael Duplain (Todd ’92, Suzanne Zimmer ‘92), Kyle Harper (Kathy Zinck ’89)
2nd Row: Claire Leibold (Joe ’93), Elizabeth Mancz (Cathy Rose ’75), Gwyneth
Holtgreive (Shannon Firsdon ’86), Mary
Sparks (Julie Leyes ’85, Deceased), Anthony Reaman (Tony ’85), Tate Harnett
(Greg ’82, Kim Mackey ’83), Reed Klein (Jon ’77), Michael Stuart (Shawn ’86), Sean Koeller
(Linda Manzo ’87), Kevin Woeste (John ’79), Calvin Suttman (Mike ’83), Anthony Witt (Tony ’83, Molly Stanton ’84)
3rd Row: Abigail Grunenwald (Bart ’89), Sophia LiBrandi (Deborah Breakall ’88), Abigail Bishop (Molly Rocco ’84), Megan Fortman
(Teri O’Brien ’90), Lucas Graybill (Sharon O’Brien ’78), Connor Gantt (Brian ’92, Alissa Whitehead ’91), Daniel Nye (Katie Callahan ’80),
Jack Kargl (Kathy Weil ’88), Daniel LeComte (Jeanne Glennon ’82), William Uhl (Bill ’85), Andrew Rose (Karl ’80), Jay Collins (Jim ’79),
Nathan Popp (Patrick ’87)
The 2014 edition of Alterfest was another Alter success. It featured many new
ideas & concepts while maintaining the traditions of the premier family fun festival in Kettering over Labor Day Weekend. Outside food vendors were added
to the festival food options to compliment the Famous Chicken Dinner, Italian
Sausage Sandwiches, Cabbage Rolls, Funnel Cakes and many other favorites.
A new wine bar offering an enhanced selection of wines, as well as popular
place to relax, and craft draft truck featuring beers from Ohio, highlighted the
new beverage options at the Fest.
Again in 2014, patrons on Friday evening enjoyed watching
the live action of the Alter vs Fairmont football game on the
Fest TVs, and of course the Alter victory! Saturday night the
award winning Marching Knights & Alter Lancerettes entertained the crowd. And Sunday evening, the second annual
Heads & Tails game was a great success and a highlight for
many families. Throughout the weekend kids enjoyed the
games & carnival rides, while adults played games of chance
& watched sports on Fest TVs. Guests of all ages watched
live bands & solo performers in the entertainment tent.
Many patrons remarked that 2014 was the most fun they ever
had at Alterfest! For the Kendo Family it was a labor of love!
Alterfest 2015 – It’s where you belong!
Pictured: Tom, Allie, Jennifer and Tom Kendo
FALL 2014
3
ALTER
LIFE
From the Advancement Director
Rick Willits ‘88
Paying the Price to Be a Champion
2014 has been an amazing year of extracurricular
championships at Alter High School. Year in and year out
the teams or individuals may change, but the front page
of the Dayton Daily Sports section remains filled with our
accomplishments. In 2014 it was Girls and Boys Diving
(State Champion & State Runner-Up), Girls Basketball
(State Runner-Up), Boys Volleyball (State Champion),
the Girls Track 4x800 Team (State Champion), Girls Cross
Country (State Final 4), Girls Tennis Doubles Team (State
Champion), Girls Volleyball (State Final 4), the Marching
Knights (with Lancerette’s) (3rd Straight Class A MSBA State
Competition Champion & 3rd Place in BOA Class A National
Competition) and Boys Football (State Runner-Up) that
took center stage.
These accomplishments come from hours and hours of
hard work by the individual and/or team, great coaching,
supportive parents, and a school community that has an
expectation of excellence. I think Chris Hart, our Athletic
Director, sums it up best when I heard her at the fall
banquet say that she is blessed to witness first hand, the
amount of time that our athletes put in during the regular
season and the offseason to accomplish their individual
and team goals. It is not something that is given to our
athletes, but something they earn. It does not happen by
accident, but by intention.
(Soon to be) Dr. Jeff Reeves ’07, spoke to the football team
at a retreat before the season started and he actually
broke down the off-season and in-season practice time
commitment and figured that for every five hours of time
at practice, conditioning, training, lifting/running, scouting,
or whatever else is involved in preparation, there is only
one minute of game time in return. Think about that, for
nine months our student-athletes invest themselves five
hours for every one minute of actual game play when
their season takes place. His point was that with the level
and amount of time and energy they invest, they owe it to
themselves to be champions. They have worked too hard
not to be.
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80% of our students are involved in some extracurricular
and this is all balanced with academic excellence and a
commitment to service learning. When you look at the
high academic standards and scores, and the hours of
service attained, it makes these accomplishments all the
more impressive. I am affirmed of this as I attend college
signing after college signing for our various studentathletes all year long. This is why we were able to achieve
that amazing number of $15.5 million in full and partial
scholarships by the 165 graduates last year. They model
the way for the Class of 2015 and beyond.
Annual
Fund
l
ve
Alter is transforming our world through outstanding
academics, engaging arts and athletics, and unparalleled
faith and community. We hope you will consider a gift to
support our efforts again this school year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
alterhs.org/give
ALTER CHAMPIONS
For over 50 years, Alter High School has held a tradition of superior academics and athletics. The accomplishments of our students, alumni, and community continue to reach new heights. This year was no exception! In
2014, Alter student athletes achieved great successes in Ohio with nine champion teams at the state level.
diving
Alter sent two divers to the District
II State Diving meet. Trent Hagenbuch was the state runner-up and
Claire Schuermann was the state
champion!
girls
track & field
basketball
The Lady Knights went 10-0 in
the league and claimed the GCL
crown. The girls also earned the
titles of Sectional, District and
Regional Champions.
Congratulations D2 State Champs
Track & Field 4x800 Relay! Kyle
Borton, Kristen Petrosky, Alex
Groene, & Abby Nichols
With a trip to the state finals, the
Lady Knights ended their season
with a 29-1 record. What an amazing road for our state semi-finalists!
FALL 2014
5
ALTER
LIFE
ALTER
boys
girls tennis
volleyball
The boys volleyball team had a
very successful season this year finishing 19-6 in the regular season.
Lead by captains Max Miller and
Matt Vandenbrock, the Knights got
a big win over their rival Fenwick.
The Knihgts had a very successful
tournament run, making it to the
State final game and winning their
third state title in the past four
years.
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Lauren Hawley & Amanda Showalter were the Girls Tennis Doubles
State Champions! Lauren Hawley
was named All Area Player of the
Year in Division 2 Tennis.
And congratulations to Amanda
Showalter, Yomali Kader, and
Sara Imwalle to being named
First Team All Area, and to Anna
Binzer and Claire Nikolai all area
honorable mention team.
marching
band
Huge CONGRATULATIONS to the
Alter Marching Knights and Lancerettes for accomplishing a feat
no other band in Alter history has
done. The AMK became the Bands
of America Grand National Semi
Finalists for the second year and
placed 3rd in the nation in Class A
championships. They also captured
the MSBA State Championship for
the 3rd consecutive year. Congratulations on yet another history
making achievement!
CHAMPIONS
girls
volleyball
The volleyball team was the Regional Champions for the 5th
straight year! They fell to Bishop
Hartley in theState Semis, but what
anINCREDIBLE season! Congrats to
our DII All State Players - 1st Team,
Maddie Bazelak and 2nd Team,
Jocelyn Meyer.
cross
country
The Girls Cross Country team finished 4th at the State Meet this fall.
Abby Nichols finished an amazing 8th place overall and Kristen
Petrosky finished 9th. Congratulations on a great season!
football
It was an epic 14-1 season for the
Alter Knights! They clenched the
Regional Championship with a
35-7 win over Clinton-Massie and
beat a passing Kenton team for a
trip to the state title. The Knights
fought hard, but fell to Cleveland
Benedictine in the State Championship game at Ohio Stadium in
Columbus.
FALL 2014
7
ALTER
LIFE
Knight
R
A TS
of the
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A WINTER BALL CELEBRATION
OF THE ARTS FOR ALTER HIGH SCHOOL
Friday, January 30, 2015
HELP US FINISH THE JOB FOR ARTS, ACADEMICS & ATHLETICS
location:
prime time party rental
5225 n. springboro pike
dayton oh 45439
arrivals
cocktails
silent auction
6:30pm
dinner
9:00pm
professional stage
production featuring alter alumni
8:00pm
9:30-12:00band/dancing
Reserve your table today -
Only 3 tables left!
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Cocktail Hour:
Chicken pistachio
Chix pea stars
Bleu cheese stuffed olives
Caprese mini sandwiches
Imported cheese display
Bruschetta bar
Grilled & fresh vegetable display
Dinner:
Alternative Dinner:
Salad of Bibb lettuce
Panko encrusted salmon
Grilled beef tenderloin
or
with Sautee porcini mush- Vegetarian/Gluten Free
rooms and demi glaze
Risotto cake topped with
Haricot vert with carrot shawl
julienne vegetables in
Hassel beck potatoes
lemon cream sauce
Dessert:
Chocolate and white mousse cake with strawberry
and white chocolate topping
contact the advancement office for more information about supporting this exciting event!
[email protected] or
(937)434-2059
AlumniConnection
the
From the Director of Alumni Relations
Kim Graf ‘88 Schimpf
Alter Alumni
Send us your reunion or fun alum photos to be included here in the
WINTERnext
2014
9
issue!
[email protected]
ALUMNI
NEWS
Welcome to the alter hall of fame
We are proud to recognize the newest members of the Alter High School Alumni Hall of Fame. Each of
these individuals has achieved success in their professional careers, personal life, or through their athletic
endeavors, but all have modeled the Christian ideals that are the basis of an Alter education.
Athletic Alumnus - Class of 2000
Michael Castleforte
During Michael’s tenure as an Alter golfer, he was a member of both state championship golf teams (1999
and 2000), and he was also a member of the 1998 state runner-up team. Michael won an individual state
championship in 1999 and finished as runner-up in 2000.
Michael was a two-time First Team All-State selection (1999 and 2000) and a Second Team All-State selection
(1998). He was also a two-time Honorable Mention AJGA All American (1998 and 2000). After graduating
from Alter, Michael continued his golfing career on scholarship first at Indiana University before transferring
to Duke University. While at Duke, Michael was a two-time Cleveland Golf Academic All American (2003 and
2004), Team Captain (2004) and multiple-time member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll.
Michael also received the “Top Six for Service” award from the ACC for his dedication to community service
while a student-athlete at Duke and was nominated by the University’s President to serve as the studentathlete representative to Duke’s Athletic Council. He earned an A.B. in Economics from Duke and a J.D. from
Columbia University.
Currently, Michael lives in Chicago with his wife Jackie. They are expecting their first child, a son, in
November. He is a partner and Head of Financial Services at The Vistria Group, a middle-market private equity
fund based in Chicago. Michael still competes in amateur golf events and recently qualified for his fourth
USGA Mid-Amateur Championship.
DISTINGUISHED Alumnus - Class of 1986
Dave Schoettmer
Dave is recognized for the way he overcame a series of life’s challenges during his tenure at Alter, as well as
his achievements since his high school graduation. They represent the Christian values of service, stewardship
and contributions to community that Alter High School encourages in its students and alumni. Dave’s family
faced the loss of his father in the years leading up to Dave’s arrival at Alter. This left Dave’s mother, Marie, as
the single parent of five children, one of which is severely handicapped and in need of constant care. Dave’s
contributions to his family’s needs at this time, and through college, were substantial for a young person.
After earning a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Dayton and a Master’s
degree in business from The Ohio State University, Dave began a successful career in management consulting.
He founded his own management and information technology consulting firm, Navigator Management
Partners, which now offers a national footprint and successfully competes against the largest consulting firms in
its industry. Navigator has been recognized each year over the past decade as a rapidly growing company, as a
Best Place to Work, and as a leader in Corporate Caring.
The success of his business has led to a number of individual recognitions, including EY’s Entrepreneur of the
Year, Ohio State University’s Young Professional Achievement Award, Business First’s Forty under 40 award,
Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Leader finalist, and TechColumbus’ Executive of the Year
finalist. Dave is active in the nonprofit community, having held multiple board positions for local charities.
He is a regular contributor and participant in initiatives that benefit mental health, cancer research, health and
human services, and higher education. Dave recently celebrated 20 years of marriage to his favorite Dayton
Flyer, Laura Schoettmer. They have two children, Greta and Erich, and they all love their two Labrador
Retrievers.
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Athletic Alumnus - Class of 1969
Bob Helmers
Bob was a founding member of the Alter High School men’s tennis team (1966), and he was the top singles
player for the Alter High School Tennis team (1966-1969). He was the Dayton Area tennis champion: 12
& under, 14 & under, 16 & under, & 18 & under and a quarterfinalist in the 1969 Ohio State High School
tennis championship.
Bob graduated from the University of Cincinnati with the most singles wins, doubles wins and combined
wins in the history of the U.C. tennis program. The U.C. tennis team finished the 1973 season with a 31-1
record, and a ranking of #12 in the NCAA.
Bob compiled a singles match record of 49-0 during the 1975 calendar year and was ranked #98 in the
world on the Association of Tennis Professionals ranking in 1976. He won over 200 tennis titles during his
career.
Bob has coached and taught over 7,000 tennis players during his career (including the winners of 17 Ohio
State High School Championships, several college All-Americans, and several members of the Alter High
School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Miami Valley Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame).
Bob is a member of the City of Dayton Tennis Hall of Fame and the Miami Valley Tennis Coaches Association
Hall of Fame. He has been a licensed Realtor, Broker and Certified Residential Specialist at Irongate Inc.,
Realtors since 1986.
Bob is married to Lucy Dunlevey Helmers (Alter Class of 1971 and Alter women’s tennis team member).
They have one son, Hans Helmers (Alter Class of 1991 and 4 year tennis team member).
Honored Teacher 1973-2011
Stan Troha
Stan Troha was an inspiration to many who attended Alter High School. While making a lasting mark at
Alter in many ways, Stan may be best known for his many years in the classroom and developing the Kairos
retreat program. Stan taught a variety of courses and served students as moderator for a wide range
of organizations and classes. He was the Religion department chair, Director of Campus Ministry, and
member of Alter’s Administrative team and the Academic Council.
In 1991, Stan and Linda Dintaman began Alter’s Campus Ministry program. The program’s goal was
to develop student leaders. Campus Ministry was responsible for planning and organizing liturgies, the
celebration of the sacraments, school prayer, a four year retreat program and service to the community. In
1993 five faculty members, including Stan, introduced the Kairos retreats to Alter. He went on to direct 69
Kairos retreats for seniors while organizing retreats for freshman, sophomores and junior students, human
rights days for sixth graders and the annual Meal for the Community – all marked by student and faculty
involvement. Stan completed his career of 38 years at Alter in June 2011.
Stan has been married to Joanne for over 40 years and their family includes three Alter graduates, Meg (‘98),
Mike (‘99) and Matt (‘04). In retirement, Stan volunteers at The Castle. He also helps maintain a large scale
garden at Marianist Mt. St. John, which supplies affordable plants and vegetables to families in east Dayton.
FALL 2014
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ALUMNI
NEWS
Athletic Alumnus - Class of 1988
Dan Kronauge
Dan Kronauge was a four-year Varsity tennis letterman for Alter, a three time state qualifier and a two time
MVP. Dan was the Division I Ohio State Doubles Champion with Vince Baldemor in 1986. Dan compiled
over 100 wins and was ranked as high as 58th in the Nation.
While on scholarship at Ball State University, Dan became the 1990 Mid-American conference Singles
Champion, the 1991 Rolex Midwest Region IV Singles Champion, the 1991 National Indoors Singles
Quarter finalist and Doubles Semi-Finalist, the 1991 Volvo All-American National Doubles Champion
with Paul Kruse, which earned them the #1 ranking in the NCAA. He was a Division 1 All-American, a
member of the Tennis Magazine Rolex Collegiate All-Star Team, and ranked #18 in the NCAA in Singles.
He compiled over 200 wins and went 30-0 in the MAC Conference dual match play. Dan was inducted
into the Ball State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.
Dan turned pro in 1994, reaching a career high ATP doubles ranking of 175 in the world. Dan won 6
doubles titles, competed in the main draw of the RCA and Western & Southern Championships, and the
US Open qualifying in 1995. After completing his professional career, Dan moved to Cincinnati where he
won a record 7 straight Cincinnati Met Doubles Titles. He was inducted into The Cincinnati Tennis Hall of
Fame in 2011.
In 2005, Dan founded the Master’s Junior Tennis Program at South Regency Tennis & Fitness Center. He
coached one National Champion, 11 State Champions, and three All-Americans. Dan’s students have
earned over $2 million in athletic scholarships under his teaching since 1997. Currently, Dan is a Partner
at The Barker, Beck, Collins & Kronauge Insurance Agency in Centerville, Ohio. Dan is married to
Kristen Wolf Kronauge and they have three children: Jack (10), Lola (7) & Cece (5).
Honorary Posthumous Induction
Kurt Murnen ‘97
Kurt was an accomplished athlete at Alter earning three varsity letters in basketball and was a member
of teams who won two District and one Regional Championships. The ‘97 team was arguably the best
basketball team in the state, regardless of division. The team’s championship dream was not realized
because they were missing their leader. In the summer of ’96, Kurt was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma,
a pediatric bone cancer.
Kurt was charismatic, fun loving, and battled cancer to remission during his senior year at Alter, still
graduating with his class. He did so with faith, conviction, and a smile on his face. Kurt’s attitude and
approach to life in the face of adversity taught life lessons to many people that knew his story. He always
was a facilitator both on and off the court. Kurt ultimately lost his battle with cancer on March 4, 1999.
In the weeks after his passing, the ’99 boys’ basketball team paid tribute to Kurt while going on a magical
run to win a state championship. The final four games of the tournament were won in overtime, likely
with a little divine intervention and another “assist”.
FC44 Foundation, Inc. has received the ball from Kurt and will continue his fight and celebrate his
memory (www.fc-44.org). The Foundation is accepting donations to provide a scholarship at Alter to a
student that embodies Kurt’s spirit and continue the fight against cancer by providing financial support to
nonprofit organizations dedicated to the research and treatment of cancer.
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Athletic Alumni
Men’s Basketball Team 1999
Ending the regular season with a record of 14-6, this men’s
basketball team had an incredible journey through the State
Championship Tournament. The players’ adversity, grit, and
determination (along with a little help from above), contributed to
nail-biting close wins throughout the tournament and the amazing
victory at the State Championship game. After their 7 game winning
streak through the tournament, they ended their season with a 21-6
record and a State Championship.
Team members are: (Front Row) Mark Borland, John Staub, Adam
Berardo (Capt), Matt Swanson, Chris Thomas, Greg Kohls. (Middle
Row) Phillip Heyse (Mgr), Josh McIntire (Mgr), Andy Carter, Justin
Cetone, Dan Adamson, Josh Goines (Mgr), Jeff Ullmer (Mgr),
Chris Comer (Mgr). (Back Row) Bert Wray (Asst Coach), Dutch
Collins (Asst Coach), Keith Waleskowski (Capt), Chris Goings,
Adam Waleskowski, Tony Franz, Joe Petrocelli (Head Coach). Not
Pictured: Honorary Member, Kurt Murnen ’97.
Distinguished Alumnus - Class of 1977
Steve Martino
While attending Alter, Steve’s interest in art developed into a career aspiration. That desire led to his
undergraduate degree in Visual Communication Design and a Master’s degree from the Computer
Graphics Research Group at The Ohio State University. Joining the pioneering team at Cranston/
Csuri Productions (Columbus), Steve designed and produced some of the first computer-animated
commercials, news & sports graphics for ABC, NBC, ESPN and Super Bowl opens for CBS. Moving to
Los Angeles in 1987, Martino was the creative director for several visual effects and animation studios
through the 90’s. In 1991, he was awarded a Prime Time Emmy Award for his animation direction on
ABC’s World of Discovery.
In 2002, Steve joined Blue Sky Studios (20th Century Fox), as the Art Director on the animated feature
ROBOTS. Soon after, he was asked to direct Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! The film, starring Jim
Carrey, Steve Carell and Carol Burnett, was released to critical acclaim and box office success in 2008.
Martino was then tapped to direct Ice Age: Continental Drift starring Ray Romano, John Leguizamo,
Denis Leary and Queen Latifah, with new cast members Jennifer Lopez, Peter Dinklage, Aziz Ansari
and many more. The movie opened in 2013 and grossed over $875 million worldwide, becoming the
industry’s biggest animated film of all time at the international box office. Currently, he is directing
The PEANUTS Movie, set to open in November of 2015 to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the
PEANUTS comic strip by Charles M. Schulz.
Although living in New York with his wife Joni and daughters Ellie and Christina, his ties to Alter remain
strong, having come back to share his directing experiences with students after each film.
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ALUMNI
NEWS
alter hall of fame photo gallery
To nominate someone or to view a list of past inductees, please visit the Hall of Fame pages of www.alterhs.org.
For more information, please contact Kim Schimpf at [email protected] or 937.428.5305.
Standing L to R: President, Father Jim Manning, Mark Borland, Jay Murnen,
Dan Kronauge, Keith Waleskowski, Joe Petrocelli, Dave Schoettmer, Chris
Thomas, Brian McGeady, and Principal Lourdes Lambert.
Seated L to R: Chris Goings , Andy Carter, Mike Castleforte, Stan Troha, Bob
Helmers, Steve Martino, Adam Berardo, and Matt Swanson.
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2015 Reunion Information
The planning for some reunions is already underway!
Please see below for details, and please offer to help plan your
reunion if people are needed.
Class of 1970 – 45th Reunion!
Labor Day Weekend, 2015 – A bunch of great events are planned for Friday
and Saturday, including tailgating, football game, golf and a Raise Your Brush
painting event. A VERY casual, but super fun dinner will be held at Walnut
Grove on Saturday night. Details will be sent out after the holidays. In the
meantime, locate Alter’s class of 1970 on Face Book, or contact Kim Schimpf
([email protected]) or Reenie Focke Boecker ([email protected]) for
questions. We hope to see you all!
The Powers Brothers – Many of us know
the Powers family, as seven of them walked
through the halls of Alter (four girls and
three boys). All three of the Powers brothers
celebrated notable Alter class reunions this
year. John, who works for IBM in Cincinnati celebrated his 30th reunion this year; Jim,
owner of W.G. Grinders in Kettering had his
25th reunion; and Jerry, who works for G.E.
Capital in Dayton had an awesome time at
his 20th reunion! Thanks for coming back
to celebrate with your classes! Pictured L to
R: Jim ‘89, John ‘84, and Jerry ‘94
Class of 1975 – 40th Reunion!
July 31st & August 1st, 2015 – We can’t wait to get together! Our class is
wonderful about staying connected, and this year’s reunion will be no different.
Friday - We have golf at Yankee Trace planned; please contact Tom Pernik for
more information ([email protected]). We also have a casual get-together
planned for Friday evening at Buffolo Wild Wings at Town & Country in Kettering.
Saturday - We’ll have a really fun event on Saturday, 8/1 at the Polo Club
on Lamme Road. More details will be sent soon, but mark your calendars!
(Contact Margie Heckman at [email protected] with questions.)
Class of 1985 – 30th Reunion!
Bill Uhl has stepped up to help organize, but he needs some people to help
him with the event and locating lost alums. Please contact Kim Schimpf if
willing to assist ([email protected].)
For the following classes, we need a few
people to help plan your reunions:
1994
1974
1979
2004
Class of 1980 (35th Reunion), Class
of 1990 (25th Reunion), Class of
1995 (20th Reunion), Class of 2000
(15th Reunion), Class of 2005 (10th
Reunion), and Class of 2010 (5th
Reunion).
Please contact Kim Schimpf (kim.
[email protected])
if you’d be willing to assist.
FALL 2014
15
ALUMNI
NEWS
In Memoriam
We offer families of the deceased our deepest sympathy and prayers. We appreciate those of you who write to inform us of deaths within the Alter
family. You may provide information by calling the Advancement Office at (937) 434-2059 or emailing [email protected].
Patrick Allen (November 2014), nephew
of Mike Conway ’67, Bob Conway ’69,
Mark Conway ’70 (Deceased), Kathleen
Conway ’79 Marshall and Julie Conway
’86 Roshong; cousin to Alicia Conway
’94, Matt Conway, David Marshall ’08
and Kyle Roshong ‘17
James Coleman (December 2014),
grandfather of Nick ‘15
Bonnie Becht ’72 Horn (October 2014),
brother of Jeff ’68, Tom ‘71 and Bob ‘73
Cody Conley ’10 (October 14), son of
Joanne Bruns ’79 Conley; brother of Michelle ’07, Rachel ’11 and Nick; nephew
of Willie Bruns ’68, Eileen Bruns ’73
Tomsich, and John Bruns ‘79
Barbara Howe (July 2014), step-mother
of Bill ’73, Sandy ’80, Paul ’84,John ’86
and Kim; step-grandmother of Stacey
Rife ’02, Eric Rife ’08, Kaila Howe ’11
and Kraig Howe ‘15
Jeanne Amann (August 2014) mother of
Dick ’69 and Peggy Amann ’73 Grunke- Harry Enslein (October 2014), father of
meyer; grandmother of Beth GrunkeMichael ’87, Kathleen Enslein ’89 Fox,
meyer ’96 Campbell and Tom ‘99
and Erick ‘93
Frank and Gwynedd Armstrong (May
2014), father and mother of Katie Armstrong ’66 Ellis, Sheilah Armstrong ’67
Apple, Gwynn Armstrong ’69 Schneller,
Chris ’72, Loretto ’73, Dan ’76, Amy
Armstrong ’82 Smith, Campion ’84;
grandfather and grandmother of Robert
Ellis ’88, Campion Ellis ’90, Jennifer Ellis
’94, Jaime Ellis ’96, Megan Apple ’96,
Michelle Apple, ’97, Gwynedd Apple ’99,
Kevin Armstrong ’07, Thomas Armstrong ‘10
Mike Fatzinger ’84 (June 2014), brother
of Scott ‘83
James Finke (September 2014), father
of Kathleen Finke ’70 Masenga, Nancy
Finke ’72 Rambasek, Jacque Finke ’73
Coyne, Jim ’76, Chris ’78, Amy Finke ’86
Cook; grandfather of Kathryn Rambasek
’97, Colleen Rambasek ’98, Alex Finke
’08, Sarah Finke ’12, Chris Finke ’15 and
Jim Finke ‘17
Mary J. Brune (August 2014), mother of
Mary ’74, Bob ’75 and Nancy ‘82
Jill Harner ’90 Fussnecker (October
2014), wife of Drew ’88, sister of Jaime
Harner ’87 (deceased)
Jake Burtrum (August 2014), husband
of Cheri Bunn ’74 Burtrum
Rosella Gast (June 2014), grandmother
of Michelle Kugel ‘95
Eugene Casella (May 2014), father of
Carla Casella ’87 Hodulik, Regina Casella ’90 Stephens (deceased), and Maria
Casella ’92 Russell
Rick Gross ’77 (November 2014),
brother of Jerry ’68 and Suzanne Gross
’74 Wertz
Patricia Hagerty (November 2014),
mother of Mike ’72, Mary, Bill ’75 and
Patrick ’79; grandmother of Kailyn ’06,
Darbee ’09, Malloree ’11, Avalee ’14 and
Anna Chavez (September 2014), mother Croft ‘17
of Peggy ’69, Simon ’73, Annette Chavez
’77 Davis and Michelle Chavez ’81
Marilyn Holtrup (May 2014), mother of
Brown
Greg ’71, Sherry Holtrup ’73 Vantrease
and Bob ‘81
Mildred Chadwick (August 2014),
mother of Gerry ’73 and Mark ‘75
16
the ROUNDTABLE
Ralph Kammer (December 2014), father of Nick ’75, Mike ’76 and Julie ‘77
James Kelly (November 2014), father of
Sheila ’76 and Jean ‘78
George Kinzeler (May 2014), father of
George ’66, David ’68, Kathy Kinzeler
’76 Mantica and Don ’81; grandfather of
Nicole ’00, Brian ’04, Chris Mantica ’02,
Michael Mantica, Tim Mantica ‘05
Stephen Kuflewski (June 2014), father
of Kathie Kuflewski ’69 Neff, Karen
Kuflewski ’72 Walters, Steve ’73, Bill ’75
and Bob ‘79
Matt McCormick ’88 (September 2014),
brother of Brian ’93 (Deceased)
Shirley McIntosh (August 2014),
mother of Lynn McIntosh ’76 Graham;
Julie McIntosh ’77 Waterman, Laurie
McIntosh ’79 Cableck; grandmother of
Jessica Graham ’02, Danielle Graham
’05, Joey Graham ’08, Meghan Waterman ’08, Makayla Waterman and Tim
Cableck ‘08
Doug Osterfeld ’70 (November 2014),
brother of Dave ’71, Laura Osterfeld ’75
Juliani, Leslie Osterfeld ’78 Weber, Amy
Osterfeld ’84 Draugelis and Tim ’87;
Uncle of William Draugelis ’14 and Matt
Draugelis ‘17
Become a Class Champion!
Jim Paxson, Sr. (November 2014), father
to Jim ’75, John ’79, Mike, Molly Paxson
’77 Laravie and Maggie Paxson ’93 ColI have many alums ask me, “What can I do to help at Alter?” We are looking for YOUR
lins; grandfather to Chris Thomas ’99,
Class Champions!! We have 5 positions per graduating class we’d like to fill with alums
Melissa Thomas ’02, Katie Laravie ’77,
looking to volunteer for just an hour or so per month, at most.
Jacob Laravie ’12 and Joe Laravie ‘16
Bill Rankin (August 2014), father of Bill
’75, Kathy Rankin ’76 O’Neil, and Steve
‘79
Communications Class Champion – Serve as the point of contact for communications with your fellow classmates - - share successes, “in memoriam”, Alter
updates, etc.
Charles Risko (December 2014), fatherin-law of Alicia Anderson ’74 Risko
Contact Management Class Champion – Locate lost alum information and keep
all records of alums in your class up-to-date.
Rita Schaefer (November 2014), mother
of John ’78, Julie Schaefer ’80 Myers,
Carol Schaefer ’81 Beech, David ’84 and
Mollie; grandmother of Kaylie Beech ’14
and Chris Beech ‘16
Reunion Class Champion – Recruit and organize a team of classmates to chair
reunions. This champion may chair the reunion or simply find the crew to do it!
Wilfird Schmitz ’72 (May 2014),
brother of Barbette Schmitz ’69 Whelan;
brother-in-law of Daniel Whelan ’69;
uncle to Terri Whelan ’97 McManus and
Jackie Whelan ‘99
Forrest and Thelma Schott (November
2014), parents of Diann Schott ’66 Holtvoigt and Lorry Schott ’75 Clinton
Elizabeth Thaman (July 2013), mother
of Bob ’68 and Carolyn ‘73
Helen Thomas (November 2014),
mother of Mike ’69, Joyce Thomas ’70
Ray, Kevin ’72, Teresa ’73, Betsy Thomas
’76 Redinger, Rosalie Thomas ’77 Koesel
and Nancy Thomas ’83 Gillotti
Darwin West (June 2014), grandfather
of Scott Taylor ’93, Michael Taylor ’97,
Anne Taylor ’02 and Katy Taylor ’04 Collura.
Annual Fund Class Champion – Plan ways to increase class giving percentages.
Our overall alumni giving rate is only a little over 9%. This champion may lead
the charge or find a team of people to help get it done!
Assistant Class Champion – This person will serve as back up to all of the other
Class Champions within their class to help with any areas needing assistance.
By implementing our Class Champion process, we will help our alumni group
grow and flourish. Our school is over 50 years old now, and our Alumni Association is taking off. We have many alums who have already volunteered to help,
but we need more Knights! Won’t you become or nominate a Class Champion
today?
Please contact Kim Schimpf at [email protected] or 937-428-5305 for further information or if there is someone you would like to nominate for your Class
Champion.
50 YEARS OF
ALTER VS CJ FOOTBALL
We had a fun celebration on Friday, October 31st as we played CJ for the 50th
time. Many came out and braved the
rainy, cold weather to see Alter defeat
CJ for the 33rd time! It was a tough
battle, but Alter defeated CJ 42-21.
Many of our past players (and CJ’s)
joined together after the game for fun
story-telling and great friendship.
The Knights vs. Eagles 50th anniversary programs are full of history, pictures,
and details you’ll definitely want to read.
You can secure a program for $5 by
emailing Kim Schimpf at
[email protected].
FALL 2014
17
ALUMNI
NEWS
Class
Notes
1960’s
Schnurr. ‘Holding doctorate degrees
in Canon Law and theology, he is
eminently qualified for his new position as Judicial Vicar for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.”
Your Alter Knights are very proud of
you, Father!
American Federation of Musicians.
This publication was distributed to
eighty-five orchestras throughout
the U.S. Congratulations, Rachel!
Mike Smith
’86 – Congratulations
Dr. Annette Chavez ’77 – The Ohio
to Mike Smith
Academy of Family Physicians has
“Smitty” and
awarded its 2014 Family Physician of
his wife, past
the Year Award to Dr. Annette Chavez.
Alter exchange
The award is given to an individual
student, Kristin
Haug, who were married in Steinkjer,
who is an outstanding family physiNorway in August, 2013. Ironically,
cian role model, who maintains high
Mike and Kristin met briefly while at
professional standards and service
orientations, who provides high qual- Alter. They both were interested in
the other, but they didn’t get to know
ity and family-centered health care,
and who is active in in the community, each other very well before Kristin had
education, or other public affairs. Dr. to move back to Norway. They hadn’t
communicated for 25 years, until….
Chavez has been practicing medicine
for 26 years, and she has her indepen- FaceBook. Through social media,
dent family practice in Kettering. She they quickly developed a long distance
friendship, and after many visits, they
is also a member of our Alter Hall of
became engaged. They currently live
Fame.
in Norway where they were married.
Congratulations, and best wishes on
a long and happy marriage to our
Julie Link ’83 Clark – Congratula“Knights Forever” alums!
tions to Julie Link Clark, who was
recently inducted into the Ole Miss
Athletic Hall of Fame for her success
Father Christopher Armstrong ’72 –
’92 Alums:
on their volleyball team. She was
Father Chris Armstrong has been
Lori Brush
the first Rebel to record 1,000 kills
appointed Judicial Vicar of the
Phillips,
and digs, and Link holds the school
Archdiocese of Military Services. In record for career kills in the sideout
Dawn Graf
this role, he will scoring era with 1,465 and ranks first Morris, and
oversee the work in service aces (251) and block assists Lisa Muckof the archdioc- (309). Link still ranks fifth all-time
erheide
esan Tribunal,
in the SEC in serve aces and sixth in Giesler – So
which handles
block solos. Julie is currently a Dis- many Knights
matters concern- trict Sales Manager for Abbott Lab
Forever alums
ing the nullity
Diagnostics Division in Chicago. We remain very close after high school,
and dissolution are proud of you, Julie!!
and it’s no different for these three
of marriage.
from the class of ’92. Lori, Dawn,
“Father Armand Lisa all get together as often as
strong has served the Archdiocese of Rachel Cox ’89 – Rachel recently
they are able. Lori just moved back
Cincinnati with distinction in many published Power in Numbers to cel- to Cincinnati from Oregon, and
ebrate the thirty-year anniversary of
roles, including pastor and Chanthe Regional Orchestra Players’ Asso- both Dawn and Lisa live in Georgia.
cellor,” said Archbishop Dennis M.
They have two children a piece, and
ciation (ROPA), a conference of the
all are pictured.
18
the ROUNDTABLE
David Martz ‘67 - After retiring,
Dave and his wife, Kathy, volunteer
to prepare Taxes for low to middle
income taxpayers at no charge to
them at an old Catholic elementary
school in Denver. The program is referred to as AARP Foundation, TaxAide and includes senior taxpayers
and is conducted in cooperation with
the IRS. This year, Dave and his wife
received the Archbishop José H Gomez Social Justice Leadership Award
for their volunteer work there.
1980’s
1970’s
1990’s
2000’s
Callie Short ’10 – When the Alumni
Director of Alter High School runs
Rebecca Esselstein ’11 – In addition
Chris Borland ‘09 - San Francisco
into you while you’re doing a fanto being in the Air Force Academy
49ers Line Backer, Chris Borland,
tastic job, you know you’re going to
and maintaining a 3.98 GPA, Rewas nominated for Pepsi’s Rookie of make it into the next edition of The
becca continues to
the week for having the most tackles RoundTable! Callie is currently an
have many amazing
in one single NFL game so far this
Admissions Director at Loyola Uniseason (18). We’re proud of you,
accomplishments.
versity in Chicago. While touring
Chris!
She was recently
Loyola with my son, Callie noticed
named to the Capithe Alter gear on all of my children,
tal One Academic
and she immediately came up to us
Megan Courtney ’12 – Congratula- to welcome us to Loyola. Keep doing
All-America Team
great
work,
Callie!
tions to Megan for her and her Penn
for Track and Field
State Women’s Volleyball Team on
and Cross Country.
Daniel
Dashewich
’11
–
Our
Alter
winning the NCAA Division I NaShe is the program’s first athlete since
“Connections” Program at work:
tional Championship in December,
Daniel was in Washington DC doing 2002 to earn multiple Academic All2013! This makes the SIXTH nationAmerica awards in a career. Rebecca
a human rights fellowship. While
al championship for Penn State (tied
also ran the fourth fastest time on the
he was there,
for most of any school with Standistance medley relay and the ninth
Alter conford). Megan is a starting outside
fastest 800-meter time in Air Force
nected Daniel
hitter for Penn. Way to go, Megan!!
History.
to another
(At the time of this publication, Penn State
alum, the
was playing in the NCAAMAP regionals in
Additionally, Rebecca was also reLouisville. If they win both matches they’ll be
Under Secheading to the Final Four in Oklahoma City
cently selected as a Rhodes Scholar
retary of the
the following week.)
Recipient. She’ll join just 31 other
Unites States
Americans for a fellowship at Oxof America,
ford University in England. Rebecca
Catherine Nohopes to be an astronaut one day.
velli ’75. DanCongratulations, Rebecca!
iel said, “I just
want to say
thank you SO much for helping me
Sarah Linnenkohl ‘13 - Sarah has
get into contact with the Under Sec- been busy at Miami University in
retary! She was amazingly gracious in Oxford. She is a Geology major,
inviting me to her office, so yesterday Music minor, and plays the cello in
I got to go to the State Department,
the Miami Symphony Orchestra. She
and we talked for almost 45 minutes. is a member of the Alpha Gamma
She was incredibly insightful in her
Delta sorority and will study abroad
advice, and having her share her life
next year at Freiberg University in
story was truly invaluable.”
Germany.
2010’s
Megan is #17 in the back row of her team picture
and she is pictured right (taller one) in the picture
of the two girls holding the championship trophy.
If you are interested in being a part of
our Connections program (to give advice to young alums or students about
career, city, or college), please email
[email protected].)
FALL 2014
19
Show Your Alter Love!
Alter Advancement Office
940 East David Road
Kettering, Ohio 45429
Use these removable tech tattoos on your gadgets.
ALTER
#alterlove
#AlterLove
Show Your Alter Love!
Use these removable tech tattoos on your gadgets.
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ALTER
ve
thank-a-thon
#AlterLove
#alterlove
We hope you received our “Thank you” calls and messages
before Thanksgiving. A few of our students made calls to
thank those who have given to the 2014-2015 Annual Fund
this year. We appreciate you, and what better way to tell you
how much your gifts help – straight from our students!
I
ALTER
#alterlove
RoundTable
the
Roundtable is a publication of Archbishop Alter High School.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
Please contact:
Amy Miller
Director of Marketing & Communications
940 E. David Road • Kettering, OH 45429
(937) 428-5312
[email protected]
Visit alterhighschool.org
for more news and information
#alterlove
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Don’t miss out on your copy of
the RoundTable! As a green
initiative and financially
responsible measure, Alter will
only mail hard copies of the
RoundTable to alumni and past
parents who support the Annual
Fund at $25 or more each year.
The RoundTable will otherwise
be available online at alterhs.org
2014
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