Welcome Archbishop Cupich to ‘D’!

Winter 2014-2015

m a g a z i n eA publication for alumni and

friends of De La Salle Institute

It started with an unexpected phone call.

In early January, a representative from the Archdiocese of Chicago called to let us know that the new leader of the Catholic Church in Chicago – Archbishop Blase Cupich – wanted to visit De La Salle.

Sports are among the many, varied interests of Archbishop Cupich. As it happened, we had a boys basketball game scheduled against one of our Chicago Catholic League rivals, St. Francis de Sales, on the night he wished to stop by our Institute Campus for Young Men.

Once Archbishop Cupich arrived at De La Salle, he provided our students, faculty, alumni and staff with many wonderful memories. Having the reputation as a true man of the people, Archbishop Cupich proved to be just that.

After meeting the Pioneers’ captain, Archbishop Cupich was then introduced to our tri-captains, Karl Harris ’15, Brandon Hutton ’15 and George Willborn ’16, who presented him with some Meteor souvenirs, including a De La Salle sweatshirt to help fight the cold Chicago winter.

Following a photo with the game officials, Archbishop Cupich offered a pregame prayer. As the game was about to begin, he then sat in the south bleachers in our Parmer Activity Center, which is also the student section on game days.

While there, Archbishop Cupich spent time chatting with Meteor students, families and alumni while posing for photos and enjoying some popcorn from the concession stand.

Whether he was speaking with a student who is in his or her first year as a Meteor or a dedicated and loyal alum who graduated from the Institute 60 years ago, Archbishop Cupich was provided the impression that this school – our school – means a great deal to everyone affiliated with De La Salle.

As we continue the celebration of our 125th anniversary, we are indeed tremendously proud of our school and certainly honored and blessed that Archbishop Cupich chose to spend some time on that chilly mid-January Friday night in the company of the Meteors and that he was able to find out firsthand that De La Salle is truly a place where great futures begin.

One last note…our varsity boys basketball team is 1-0 on the season when Archbishop Cupich attends the game as we defeated St. Francis de Sales 71-51.

Should we advance to the IHSA state finals at the Peoria Civic Center in March, I’ll be sure to save His Eminence a seat next to me.

Thank you for your continued generosity in support of the young women and men of De La Salle. May God bless you and those you love with health, peace and happiness throughout 2015.

Live Jesus in our Hearts, Forever!

MISSION STATEMENTDe La Salle Institute is an independent Catholic secondary school rooted in the tradition of Christian education begun by St. John Baptist de La Salle. Founded in 1889, its mission has been, and is, to foster a desire for excellence in education. Young people from a variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds are given the opportunity to fully develop their abilities so they may be active, contributing members of our complex, changing society.

INSTITUTE CAMPUS FOR YOUNG MEN3434 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVE • CHICAGO, IL 60616-3898P 312.842.7355 • F 312.842.4142

LOURDES HALL CAMPUS FOR YOUNG WOMEN1040 WEST 32ND PL • CHICAGO, IL 60608-6507P 773.650.6800 • F 773.650.9722

TOLTON ADULT LITERACY CENTER3647 SOUTH STATE ST • CHICAGO, IL 60609-1951P 312.747.3471

De La Salle MagazineWinter 2014-15

EditorMichael K. Walsh

Photography HR Imaging – Root StudiosJosh WangLewis UniversityMichael K. Walsh

Contributing AuthorsChris AhearnIris Gist CochranBarbara HerringLa Toya KeysMichael K. Walsh

DesignerDesign BIG Dreams

PrinterM&G Graphics

De La Salle Magazine is published three times a year by De La Salle Institute’s Office for Advancement. The purpose of this publication is to unite the Christian Brothers, alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends together in De La Salle’s mission of excellence in education. All submissions or comments should be directed to dmagazine@dls.org.

To receive this magazine electronically, please send an email to dmagazine@dls.org.

www.dls.org

De La Salle President Fr. Paul Novak

De La Salle InstituteBoard of Directors2014–2015 ChairmanMr. Paul D. McCoy ‘68

Vice ChairmanMr. Prentiss J. Jackson ‘67

MembersMr. Marshall A. BlakeMr. George A. Bonomo ‘59Mr. Victor M. Chavarria ‘69Mr. Eugene L. FerrettiDr. Robert O. Graham ‘64Honorable Patrick M. Huels ‘67Sister Mary Alice Jarosz, SSJ-TOSFBrother Michael Kadow, FSCDr. Scott A. KierSister Valerie Kulbacki, SSJ-TOSF ‘L64Mr. La Rue Martin, Jr. ‘68Ms. Sharon R. O’BrienMr. Joseph D. Parente ‘84Mr. Michael J. Passarelli ‘90Mr. Thomas J. Sargant ‘62Mr. Michael A. Tadin ‘69Mrs. Cathryn P. TaylorMr. Thomas L. TaylorMr. James A. Vanek ‘64

President’s CouncilHonorable William J. Aukstik ‘64Mr. Michael G. Bansley ‘53Mr. Michael F. Hickey ‘56Mr. James R. Woodrow ‘53

TABLE OF CONTENTS

De La Salle Magazine 1

ACADEMICSTake Two Quizzes and Call Me in the Morning 2Education Is “LINK” to Students’ Success 3A Look Back at ‘D’ 4-5A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words… 6-7It’s Showtime! Meteor Fall Theatre Festival… 8Exploring New Depths with Underwater Robotics Club 9

FAITH, SERVICE & COMMUNITYTolton’s Susan Perez Receives Honorary Doctorate… 10A Big Meteor Welcome to Archbishop Cupich 11The Spiritual Life of a Meteor 12-13Sr. Josita Krzeminski Receives Educator of the Year… 14Meteors Display Holiday Spirit at Holidinner 14In Memory of Br. Basil Rothweiler, FSC 14In Memory of Br. Matthew Szatkowski, FSC 14

ATHLETICSWinter Sport Update 15Fall Sport Recap 16

DEVELOPMENT8th Annual Great Futures Gala – Save the Date 17Meteor Success Story – Artist Hebru Brantley ’98 18Meteor Success Story – Restauranteur John Aranza ’91 19Lourdes Success Story – Educator Jill Siegfried ’81 20Lourdes Alumnae Updates 20Wine and Spirits Tasting 21Family Gala A Success 21Upcoming Parent Association Events 21The Men of 1954 – Truly A Class Act 22A Snap to Redesign ‘D’s App 23Promote Your Business – Advertise in D Magazine 23De La Salle Alumni Updates 24Please Answer the Call to Support Our Meteors 25La Toya Keys – New Special Events Manager 25In Memoriam 25

DE LA SALLE

INSTITUTE

1889 2014

Educating Chicago for 125 years

Is there a doctor in the house?

At the Institute Campus for Young Men there is.

One of the additions to the faculty at De La Salle for the 2014-15 school year is Dr. Michael McCrohan, who is teaching four classes of Modern Biol-ogy and two classes of Biology.

Dr. McCrohan comes to the Institute after serving as a hematologist and

oncologist who has been on the staffs of Hinsdale, LaGrange Memorial and Christ Hospitals in the Chicago area.

Dr. McCrohan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engi-neering from Johns Hopkins University and earned his Medical Degree from the University of Florida. He completed his training in internal medicine at Northwestern University and his training in hematology and oncology at Loyola University.

So what brings Dr. McCrohan to Room 217 at De La Salle’s Institute Campus?

“After 23 years, I made the conscious decision that I had enough and wanted to do something completely different,” Dr. McCro-han said. “I sold my practice and did some soul searching.

“I decided I wanted to teach high school biology.”

Dr. McCrohan then enrolled in Benedictine University’s Alterna-tive Certification program for math and science professionals so that he could receive his teaching license for high school and take the necessary courses. Dr. McCrohan was enrolled in the program this past summer on a fulltime basis and will be a part-time enrollee for the next year.

“I firmly believe that to be a good physician, you have to be a good teacher,” Dr. McCrohan said. “You have to teach patients how to take care of themselves and about their diseases. I also taught other doctors and nurses when I was working.

“I thought I would maybe go into teaching in medical school, but I thought that I might get bored doing that, so I thought teaching high school might be more challenging and that has come to fruition.

“It is much more challenging, but I like it a lot. It is a challenge, but now I’m trying to teach these boys why it’s important to learn. That challenge makes this hard work, but it’s also very re-warding at the same time. De La Salle has been very supportive.”

While there have been challenges to overcome in his first six months in the classroom at D, Dr. McCrohan said there also have been benefits.

“The most rewarding thing about teaching is finding that student who becomes excited about biology,” Dr. McCrohan said. “My hope is that they can take that excitement and let it steer them toward a lifelong career that they enjoy.”

With the first semester of his initial year at the Institute com-plete, Dr. McCrohan credits the support he’s received from his fellow teachers for helping provide a smooth transition from medicine to education.

“As a brand-new teacher coming in to teach biology, Dan Dowl-ing has been very good in giving insight and materials to create a curriculum,” Dr. McCrohan said. “And Ron Cunat has been my mentor.

“Every day he comes in and gives me great advice on how to be a good teacher. And the administration has been helpful in real-izing I’m still in school and these are challenges I have.

“All of my physician friends think this is a wonderful thing to do,” Dr. McCrohan added with a smile. “And my friends who are high school teachers think I’m crazy. As I go into this, I find this to be more rewarding and fun than I thought it would be.”

2 Academics

TAKE TWO QUIZZES AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING

ACADEMICS

The phrase “Paying it forward” isn’t just empty words in the life of Arthur Reliford.

Having been the third LINK Unlim-ited Scholar during his time as a high school student, the concept of show-ing gratitude by guiding and assisting others is something that has a great deal of meaning for Reliford, who is in his first year of teaching chemistry at De La Salle.

Since 1966, LINK Unlimited Scholars has been Chicago’s highest performing and most experienced African-American high school mentoring and scholarship program, bringing together the com-prehensive resources required to shape high potential youth from underserved neighborhoods into academic achievers and lifelong community leaders. The 48-year-old organization’s approach provides a rigorous support system built to develop and hone the academic and interpersonal skills necessary for admission to top-tier colleges and universities, and ultimately, college graduation and a lifetime of success.

Reliford followed the late Richard Smith ’70 and Leonard Davis ’71 as LINK Scholars. Reliford attended De La Salle his freshman year before transferring to St. Ignatius from which he graduated in 1972.

“Being in the LINK program was a blessing,” Reliford said. “Not just for tuition (assistance), but also for connections. I worked in John Parmer’s ‘46 plant every summer.

“It was good to have relationships with a successful male like Mr. Parmer. It was a really good experience being on the North Shore being from the South Side. It was the whole experience of getting out of the neighborhood and seeing successful people. We knew we were going to college and it taught us discipline.

“LINK fostered in us how to deal with learning in diverse envi-ronments. We chose colleges that were in diverse, competitive settings. We were taught that we could compete.”

Reliford, a graduate of Amherst (Mass.) College, has been in the field of education since 1982 when he began teaching sixth grade at his alma mater, Holy Angels Grade School, on 40th and Cottage Grove in Chicago. He then moved on to St. Ignatius, teaching science there from 1986-2007. Following that, he was the principal at Hales Franciscan for four years before moving on to other positions.

In addition to teaching at De La Salle, Reliford also currently serves as an adjunct professor on the staff of Malcolm X Commu-nity College in Chicago.

“I look at myself as an example,” Reliford said. “LINK wants kids to see examples of success. Sometimes, there aren’t high achiev-ers in the neighborhoods – especially males. They see ups and downs, but the key is to just stay at it.

“There is pressure on (the students), but there was pressure on us as well. It’s a good pressure. They have more support when they’re going to college than the average student. They have to remember to use that support.”

Over the years, Reliford’s son, Arthur, who is an attorney, has participated in the LINK program for 15 years, sponsoring and mentoring six students while also enabling them to receive internships at his law firm. Reliford himself has sponsored three LINK students.

“For that (the LINK program) to have started at De La Salle, there’s not enough I can say about that,” Reliford said. “I have three LINK students in my chemistry classes and I’m able to talk to them about my experiences and make sure they are doing OK.

“I want to make sure they see the big picture. I tell them not to get discouraged and to keep their grades up and when you need help to ask for it.”

EDUCATION IS “LINK” TO STUDENTS’ SUCCESS

Academics 3

Matthew Lech ‘16 and Quinn Heeter ‘16 participate in a lab during Arthur Reliford’s Honors Chemistry Class.

As part of our school’s rich tradition and in celebration of our 125th anniversary, we thought it would be fun to look back at De La Salle 50 years ago, 25 years ago and 10 years ago. Here is a sampling through the use of the respective yearbooks.

First up is 1965…• Bruce Smith ’65 was the president of the

Rocket Club that boasted 24 members. (pictured to the upper right)

• One of the stalwarts of the music program was the seven-member Dixieland Band. (pictured, far right)

• A highlight of the fine arts program was the performance of the play “South Pacific” under the direction of faculty member Elvin Lewandowski ’39.

• The Homecoming queen was Marilynn Lyons, who was escorted by Homecoming chairman John Burrow ’65.

• Pictured on the bottom right are the officers of Le Circle Francais who were Fred Kuch ’65 (President), Robert Snyder ’67 (Treasurer), James Honkisz ’66 (Vice President) and Howard Lesch ’65 (Secretary).

Now, here’s 1990…• English teacher John Dzurak and history teacher

Dennis Sheehan were chosen the two favorite teachers by the Class of 1990.

• Andre Porter ’90 (pictured, near right) received the John Philip Sousa Award as the best musician in the Meteor band. He also was chosen to the All-Catholic Band.

• The 98th graduation was held at Holy Name Cathedral as Jeff Wickman ’90 (pictured bottom, far right) and Jim LoVerde ’90 were recognized as the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

• Dimitrius Weddington ’90 became the first De La Salle wrestler to win the Chicago Catholic League’s Tony Lawless Award. (pictured top, far right)

• The senior prom was held on May 4 at the Knickerbocker Hotel in downtown Chicago. The theme was “Real Love.”

A Look Back at ‘D’

4 Academics

Lastly, we finish with 2005…• Diane Brown (pictured upper left) was named the principal at the Lourdes Hall Campus for Young Women. Mrs. Brown,

who still serves the Institute in that capacity, has been at De La Salle since 1987.• Nineteen Meteors were inducted into the Brother J. Richard Rush Chapter of the National Honor Society.• Colleen Hayes ’05 (pictured bottom left) and Loren Pullum ’05 were the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, at

the Lourdes Hall Campus while Wesley DeHoyos ’05 (pictured top right) and Quinn Spiros ’05 were the co-valedictorians at the Institute Campus.

• Mike Podlasek ’05 was named to the Illinois High School Association’s Honorable Mention Academic All-State Team.

• The Fall Theater Festival weekend featured the one-act play “Step on a Crack.” Among the cast members were Gerald Munoz ‘07, Richard O’Donnell ‘08, and current De La Salle faculty member Richard Mooney ‘06 (pictured bottom right).

ACADEMICS

Academics 5

6 Academics

1. Founded just 18 months earlier, the Meteor band won the city championship in 1927 in a contest held at Northwestern University.

2. William Evans looks over the shoulders of Walter Moran, James Ward, James Putlak, Leonard Murphy and James Cassidy as the freshman officers for the Class of 1950 make plans for greatness in 1947.

3. The 34 members of the 1957 Monogram Club leave little doubt as to their favorite Catholic League high school.

4. Members of the 1980-81 student council were Frank Barbaric ’81, Br. Anthony, Gary Lyman ’82, Gerald Buttice ’81, Charles Elder ’81, Thomas White ’81, Mike Pratapas ’81, Thomas McInerney ’82, Denis Sheehan ’81, Joseph Herman ’82 and Randell DuPraw ’83.

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A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words...

Academics 7

SCRAPBOOK

5. While volunteering at the 2006 Chicago Marathon, C.J. O’Connell ’07 lets everyone know about his favorite high school.

6. The 1959 midget basketball team gathers in the original gym.

7. Longtime De La Salle math teacher Joseph Monti offers encouragement to three members of the 1971-72 chess team.

8. Forty voices strong, the De La Salle Glee Club was created by Br. Ralph during the 1940-41 school year.

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8 Academics

In November, De La Salle’s Theatre 100 program held its Fall Theatre Festival entitled “A Selfie @ The End of the World” in the Ayres-Conway The-atre on the Institute Campus.

The program included performances by the DLS Beginner and Advanced Improv groups, the tri-umphant return of the Sword Combat troupe and vignettes written and performed by ‘The Thread’ group detailing the trials and tribulations of get-ting that all-important selfie.

The Theatre 100 program is directed by De La Salle faculty member Sam Fitzgerald. Congratulations to Sam, the students and everyone associated with the Theatre 100 program on a job well done!

It’s Showtime! Meteor Fall Theatre Festival Draws Rave Reviews

Gabriel Utreras ’18 and Imani Payne ’17 perform during the Fall Theatre Festival.

Kyrie Agee ’17 leaves the driving to Emily Fritz ’18 in one of the sketches.

Exploring New Depths with the Underwater Robotics Club!

ACADEMICS

In the Winter 2013-14 issue of D Magazine, our cover story featured the brand-new Underwater Robotics Club (URC). One year later, the URC is doing very well as its members are preparing their Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for the 2015 Club Competition sponsored by the Shedd Aquarium that will take place on March 28 at Northeastern Illinois Uni-versity in Chicago.

This year’s URC features 11 students – eight from the Institute Campus and three from the Lourdes Hall Campus – and is guided by De La Salle faculty members Ron Cunat and Ian McNair.

Serving as the project manager is William Toepfer ’16, who also was a member of the URC last year.

“I like engineering and designing and this is a way of let-ting me do things in high school that I would like to do in college,” Toepfer said. “I’d like to go

into mechanical engineering or robotics in college.

“Being a member of the club helps me figure out what I want to do. I didn’t know that engineering would interest me when I joined because some of my friends were in the club.

“The thing I like the most is the skills I’m gaining. It’s a fun thing to work with the team and it’s great to see the skillsets people have and the real-world applications.”

One of the electrical engineers on the project is Corina Perez ’16, who like Toepfer is in her second year as member of the URC.

“I didn’t think I would enjoy it at first, but now I love it,” Perez said. “I like the hands-on experience I’m getting. Last year, I did a lot of electrical things and I really liked it.

“I learned that it doesn’t take only one person to build some-thing. It takes many magnificent minds to create these things. I want to go into the medical field and I want to be a surgical doctor. This is like surgery, but with electrical things.”

The other electrical engineer on the project also happens to be Perez’s classmate and best friend Desiree Ortiz ’16. Like Toepfer and Perez, Ortiz also is in her second year of mem-bership in the URC.

“Being a member has made me realize how complicated things can be,” Ortiz said. “If one thing is wrong, you have to go back and change everything.

“One of the things I enjoy the most about the club is hanging around with these people. It’s fun to learn things from other people.”

Along with Toepfer, Perez and Ortiz, the other members of the URC are developer/designer Jack Mills ’17, fabricators Rogelio Becerra ’16, Austin Cunat ’18 and James Wilson ’16, pilot/co-pilots Austin Herrera ’16 and Lizett Zarate ’16, marketing director Eshatva Mithal ’15 and lifeguard Lucas Gawron ’16.

At one of the meetings held in early February, the goal was to provide input into the final design of De La Salle’s ROV. Along with that, Perez and Ortiz also spent time working on the circuit board that will be integral to the success of the ROV.

“The biggest addition this year is the hydraulic arm for re-trievals,” Cunat said. “This year’s mission has changed as you have to grasp things off the bottom of the pool. That changes everything.

“This year’s (ROV) will be more agile, versatile and hostile. I want to do more with buoyancy testing so we can get the kids to understand the mechanism of the retrieval system. We’re starting from the ground up.”

In preparation for the 2015 competition, Cunat attended two workshops at the Shedd Aquarium in October and January where he learned more about the new mission specs and new equipment.

“The ROV program is really evolving,” Cunat said. “This is a field that is get-ting more and more attention and is slowly growing.”

Desiree Ortiz ’16 and Corina Perez ‘16 begin working on the circuit board during the construction of the ROV.

The members of the 2015 Underwater Robotics Club are: Front: Lizette Zarate ’16, Desiree Ortiz ’16,

Corina Perez ‘16Middle: Austin Cunat ’18, Austin Herrera ’16,

Jack Mills ‘17Back: Eshatva Mithal ’15, James Wilson ’16,

Rogelio Becerra ’16, William Toepfer ‘16Not Pictured: Lucas Gawron ‘16

Academics 9

Tolton’s Susan Perez Receives Honorary Doctorate from Lewis UniversityIn December 2014, Lewis University held its Winter Commencement ceremonies in which it presented honorary degrees to recognize the achievements of three community leaders.

Receiving an Honoris Causa (Doctor of Humanities) was Susan Perez, the Executive Director of De La Salle’s Tolton Center which provides adult education programs for low-income communities in Chicago.

“I am grateful and humbled to receive this honor from Lewis University,” Perez said. “In truth, the work of the Tolton Center is the work of many hands and hearts over 25 years.  Each of them owns a piece of this honorary degree.

“It was such a joy to witness the diverse graduates walk across the stage to receive their advanced degrees, knowing that many of them were the first in their families to go to college and knowing their families and communities were walking with them.”

During her address to the graduates, Perez shared a few lessons she has learned in her 45-plus-year career as an educator.

Among the points addressed were people all being the same and that compelling us to act on behalf of justice and to seek peace; everyone has troubles which is why small acts of kindness can make a big difference; finding magic in ordinary things can sustain us through the beauty of creation and every creature; and the gifts that advanced degrees celebrated this day represent and how they enrich our lives and our work and call us to work in our respective disciplines in partnership for the common good. 

Perez concluded her remarks by calling to mind the challenge of Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Freire: “Education is never neutral.  It is either about continuing the status quo or the work of human liberation.”

The following information was provided by Lewis University:

Susan Perez was commended for her extraordinary achievements in creating vital educational opportunities for the underprivileged and underserved in Chicago, designing educational programs for the Tolton Center in collaboration with De La Salle Institute. She has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to social justice within the community and zeal that has enhanced her work in envisioning and shaping the community-based adult education programs at Tolton that focus on literacy, child services and employability skills. Perez is considered to be an exceptional representative of the mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Christian Brothers who sponsor De La Salle Institute and Lewis University.

Born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and now a resident of west suburban Oak Park, Perez combined education and catechesis in her career, excelling in teaching and designing educational courses while also ministering to others by teaching catechism. She received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire with a minor in Psychology. After graduation, Perez served as a teacher at St. Mel Grade School in Chicago from 1965-69.

She served as the Director of Religious Education and Catechesis at St. Giles Parish in Oak Park from 1978-87. Perez designed and taught academic courses at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein from 1987-2006. A lifelong learner, she was one of the first lay women to attend the Catholic Theological Union where she earned a Master of Theological Studies in 1990. Perez currently is a doctoral candidate in English Leadership with a Cognate in Reading at Northern Illinois University. In 2007, she was named Administrator of the Year by the Illinois Adult Continuing Educators Association.

She also volunteered as a catechist for 10 years as a New Testament Instructor for Chicago’s Deaconate and Lay-Ministry Program. Susan also volunteered as a member of the St. Giles Family Mass Pastoral Team. Perez served on the Illinois Adult Education and Family Literacy Advisory Council, and chaired its Curriculum Committee.

Because of her dedication to the Tolton Center and the effectiveness of the educational opportunities that its programs provide for those in need, Perez received the Women Who Make a Difference Award in

2005. She was named Administrator of the Year by the Illinois Adult Continuing

Educators Association in 2007, and was presented with the Tolton

Lifetime Teaching Award from De La Salle Institute in 2011.

Susan and her husband, Joe, celebrated their 47th wedding

anniversary on Dec. 30, 2014. They are the proud

parents of Christina, John, Dan and Mary

Rose and have four grandchildren.

Congratulations, Susan!

10 Faith, Service & Community

Louis University President Br. James Gaffney, FSC congratulates Susan Perez on receiving her honorary doctorate.

A Big Meteor Welcome to Archbishop Cupich On January 16, De La Salle was honored to welcome Archbishop Blase Cupich to our Institute Campus for Young Men.

Archbishop Cupich was chosen the ninth Archbishop of Chicago on September 20 with his installation Mass taking place at Holy Name Cathedral on November 18.

Prior to the Meteors’ varsity boys basketball game against St. Francis de Sales, Archbishop Cupich offered the invocation before greeting the captain of the Pioneers.

De La Salle captains Karl Harris ’15, Brandon Hutton ’15 and George Willborn ’16 then presented Arch-bishop Cupich with a De La Salle sweatshirt and other souvenirs.

Archbishop Cupich enjoyed the Meteors’ win over the Pioneers while also visiting with De La Salle students, alumni and friends. De La Salle would like to thank Archbishop Cupich for visiting the Institute.

Welcome to Chicago, Archbishop Cupich!

FAITH, SERVICE & COMMUNITY

Meteor varsity basketball tri-captains Brandon Hutton ’15, Karl Harris ’15 and George Willborn ’16 gave Archbishop Cupich some De La Salle apparel during his visit.

De La Salle faculty member Tim Colletti ’03, Assistant Principal Nick Colletti and student Ben Colletti ’15 shared a moment with Archbishop Cupich.

Solomon Smith ‘17 (white shirt) had the privilege of chatting with Archbishop Cupich during the game.

Diana Brogan, wife of De La Salle academic dean and varsity assistant basketball coach John Brogan, and children, Jacob, Zoe and Isabella, were introduced to Archbishop Cupich by Fr. Paul Novak, OSM.

Archbishop Cupich and president Fr. Paul Novak, OSM, were joined by De La Salle alumni Jack Ward ’54, Pat Kilmartin ’54 and Mike Hickey ’56.

Faith, Service, & Community 11

The Spiritual Life of a Meteor

One of the anchors of the faith component of a student’s education at De La Salle is participating in retreats. Since it opened in 1958, many Meteors have had their retreat experience enriched by visiting La Salle Manor Retreat Center in Plano, IL.

La Salle Manor, which is owned by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, serves Catholic high school students with staff-led retreats and has served over 250,000 people in its 50-plus years of existence.

“Of all the schools who utilize our facility, I feel this place has the most impact on De La Salle’s students,” La Salle Manor president Bob Dressel said. “After observing some 40,000 students since May 1993 in our programs, I think the De La Salle young men and women seem to be the most real and willing to share their inner being with one another and hence, are deeply affected by the retreat experience.

“Our staff always looks forward to the De La Salle groups and hopes this great relationship continues for a long time.”

This year, members of the Class of 2015 were offered the option to attend the initial coed retreat at La Salle Manor as they finish their four years at De La Salle. Fifty-four young women and men participated.

“This was a very big success,” Lourdes Hall campus minister Sr. Josita Krzeminski, SSJ-TOSF said. “The boys and girls challenged each other and motivated each other. There was a balance of prayer, talking and activities with small groups and large groups.

“The students get a higher regard and understanding of each other. They all have problems and nobody is exempt from pain

and worries. The retreats are highly uplifting and spiritual. They are intense and inspirational.

“The kids are magnificent when they go. The retreats bring out the best in our kids.”

According to one of the Lourdes Hall Campus students who participated, this was a decision she had no reservations in making.

“Attending the retreat senior year was a choice,” Barbara Young ’15 said. “You learned to dive in and find out more about someone else’s story.

“You have to be open and you can’t go just to be with your friends. You have to take the experience in. You can’t be friends with people for two days and then not speak with them. You have to speak with them (after the retreat).”

One of Young’s classmates who also attended the retreat was Virginia Doherty ’15. Like Young, she found it to be very beneficial.

“The highlight for me was the trust walk,” Doherty said. “There were people who would lead you on the walk and up and down the stairs. You were blindfolded and they led you on the walk.

“That was cool because you thought it was one of your closest friends, but actually it was someone you didn’t really know.”

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12 Faith, Service & Community

FAITH, SERVICE & COMMUNITY

Another student from the Lourdes Hall Campus who attended the retreat this school year was Maria Caponera ’15. Like her peers, she found it to be a very positive experience with two aspects standing out for her.

“There was the healing ritual where you write a letter to someone you miss,” Caponera said. “You can keep it or burn it and then you light a candle for someone you’ve lost.

“Then we sat around and you listen to music and tap the shoulder of people who have been kind to you and you find out how much you have done for people. You have to let it have an effect on you.”

The impact of attending retreats at La Salle Manor is not limited to class year or campus. Like the Meteors from the Lourdes Hall Campus, members of the Class of 2016 at the Institute Campus also derived great value.

“By going on the retreat, you’re able to get away from the city,” Jacob Bernal ’16 said. “There are no sounds. It’s just a miniature vacation for the mind. There aren’t the sounds and distractions of the city.

“When you’re out there, you have the windows open and you can hear the owls. Those are so cool. You don’t hear anything but the wind and what is going on outside. It’s just the beauty of nature.”

As Caponera did, Gerald Hayes ’16 was able to find great purpose in the retreat’s healing ceremony which he described as “the best part.”

“I felt a connection with everybody,” Hayes said. “You see that people are closer to me than I thought. Even though I may not talk much to them or hang out with them, I know that they are going through the same stuff as me.”

Hayes’ sentiment was echoed by classmate Daniel Freeman ’16.

“This was an experience that is hard to forget,” Freeman said. “You thought you knew a lot about your peers, but now you are able to relate to them and understand that it’s not just about you and that they have hardships as well.”

Providing another viewpoint of retreats at La Salle Manor is De La Salle faculty member Dan Dowling. Dowling was a La Salle Manor staff member and lived in community there from 2003-06 and began his association with retreats at La Salle Manor in 1993.

“As anyone who has had the privilege to spend time at La Salle Manor already knows, the presence of God is tangible at La Salle Manor (LSM),” Dowling said. “I was privileged to live and work at La Salle Manor for three life-changing years. 

“While most of my teaching career has been spent as a science teacher, my years at LSM afforded me the opportunity to enrich my faith as a retreat director. In having experiences of listening and sharing faith stories with the many individuals who visit LSM, my faith grew tremendously. Eventually, it was this exposure of faith – coupled with exposure to the other Lasallian virtues of service and community – that led me to choose to teach at De La Salle. 

“To this day, the staff of LSM is my family. Their dedication to living a life centered on seeing God in all others and striving to share their faith with zeal is a personal inspiration and I feel one of the greatest examples of the mission of The Christian Brothers – that of ‘contributing to the growth of faith.’  It simply is amazing to see youth open themselves up to their peers as they embrace the

open and trusting atmosphere of LSM to share their faith.”

If you are interested in sponsoring a Meteor on retreat, please contact Iris Gist Cochran at 312.842.7355 ext. 152 or cochrani@dls.org.

1. The sign that has greeted thousands of De La Salle students over the years as they arrived for their retreats at La Salle Manor.

2. Students Adam Arthurs ’16, Jacob Bernal ’16, Gerald Hayes ’16, Alexander Cruz ’16 and Daniel Freeman ’16 took part in the junior retreat during the 2014-15 school year.

3. The trust walk was an integral part of the retreat experience for these Lourdes Hall Campus students in April 2014.

4. Barbara Young ’15, Marissa Rogulich ’15, Maria Caponera ’15, Chatara Lewis ’15, Virginia Doherty ’15 and Rebecca Hernandez ’15 were among those from the Lourdes Hall Campus who participated in the inaugural coed retreat at La Salle Manor.

5. A group of Meteors gather together for prayer in the chapel at La Salle Manor in this October 2011 photo.

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Faith, Service & Community 13

14 Faith, Service & Community

In Memory of Br. Basil Rothweiler, FSCBr. Basil Rothweiler, FSC, passed away on Nov. 8, 2014 at the age of 97. Br. Basil, who celebrated his 80th jubilee in July 2014, served as the director (principal) of De La Salle Institute from 1950-56.

After leaving De La Salle, Br. Basil was the president of Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota from 1956-63.

Br. Basil’s funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy Spirit Church in St. Paul, Minnesota with interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.

Eternal rest grant unto Br. Basil, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Live Jesus in our Hearts, forever.

In Memory of Br. Matthew Szatkowski, FSCBr. Matthew Szatkowski, FSC, passed away at the age of 74 on January 27 in Sun Valley, CA.

Br. Matthew, who was a De La Salle Christian Brother for 57 years, was a member of De La Salle’s Class of 1958. He also served as a member of the Institute’s faculty from 1976-78.

He professed his first vows in 1959 and his final vows in 1966. Br. Matthew held degrees from Saint Mary’s College, the University of Notre Dame and Memphis State University.

De La Salle extends its deepest sympathies and prayers to Br. Matthew’s family.

Sr. Josita Krzeminski Receives Educator of the Year Award

De La Salle is proud to announce that Sr. Josita Krzeminski, SSJ-TOSF, was chosen as one of the McKinley Park Civic Association’s Educators of the Year. Sr. Josita was honored at the annual banquet as a result of her exemplary service and dedication to students during her 53 years as a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph – Third Order of St. Francis.

Throughout her years of service, Sr. Josita has held various roles at a number of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana, including St. Stanislaus in East

Chicago, IN, St. John Bosco in Hammond, IN, and St. Simeon in Bellwood, IL. 

Since 1973, Sr. Josita’s work has been concentrated in Catholic schools that serve students from various Chicago neighborhoods, including McKinley Park.  For example, Sr. Josita spent seven years at the former St. Barbara High School and 11 years at the former Lourdes High School, where she taught religion and served as principal. Since 2002, Sr. Josita has worked at our Lourdes Hall Campus where she initially served as Associate Principal for Operations and now serves in her present role as teacher and Campus Minister.

“We are all fortunate and blessed to have Sr. Josita as a valued member of our Lasallian Community,” De La Salle – Lourdes Hall Campus for Young Women principal Diane Brown said. “Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition of her fine work and service.”

Congratulations, Sr. Josita!

Meteors Display Holiday Spirit at HolidinnerOn December 3, De La Salle welcomed over 100 guests to the Hilton Commons for the annual Holidinner, which consists of area residents enjoying a meal, holiday festivities and fellowship provided by our students and staff. In addition, pictures were available with Santa Claus for those who wanted a special keepsake.

Among the highlights were the Spanish Club’s collecting over 100 toys that were donated to St. James Parish and Toys for Tots. Additionally, 20 De La Salle clubs and teams contributed to the Holidinner with donations of money, food or time.

Congratulations to De La Salle’s Campus Ministry Department on the success of this most worthwhile and wonderful event.

See you at next year’s Holidinner!

Hannah Tassone ’15, Jennifer DeStefano ’15 and Mykhal Suide ’15 were three of the many Meteors who volunteered at the annual Holidinner

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Br. Basil or Br. Matthew, please contact Iris Gist Cochran at 312.842.7355 ext 152 or cochrani@dls.org.

WINTER SPORT UPDATE

Whether at the court, mat, lanes or pool, here’s what has happened as of the printing deadline regarding the Meteor basketball, wrestling, swimming and bowling programs during the winter sports season.

Boys BasketballThe boys basketball team was 11-8 overall and 6-3 in the Chicago Catholic League. The Meteors claimed CCL wins over DePaul Prep, Loyola, Providence, St. Francis de Sales, St. Ignatius and Seton Academy. Among the top players were forward Karl Harris ’15, guard Christian Hayes ’16, forward Brandon Hutton ’15 and guard George Willborn ’16.

Girls BasketballThe girls basketball team posted two wins over Girls Catholic Athletic Conference foe Josephinum, while also defeating Holy Trinity, St. Benedict and St. Francis de Sales in conference play. India Brazzleton ’16, Teresa Caponera ’18, Chardanae Hamilton ‘16, Mykhal Suide ’15 and Barbara Young ’15 were standouts for the Meteors. The Meteors defeated Queen of Peace 52-48 in overtime to win the GCAC Tournament on February 7.

Boys WrestlingThe wrestling team took sixth place at the CCL meet with 77 points. Finishing second were Sal Reyes ’15 at 160 pounds and Solomon Smith ’17 at 285. Devin Michicich ’17 at 145 and Tristian Villalobos ’15 at 152 placed third. During the regular season, Bishop McNamara, DePaul Prep, Fenwick, St. Ignatius and St. Laurence were among the CCL rivals defeated by the Meteors.Karl Harris ’15 drives to the basket against St. Francis de Sales

India Brazzleton ’16 was one of the key contributors for the Meteor girls basketball team

Meteor wrestlers Solomon Smith ’17, Sal Reyes ’15, Devin Michicich ’17, Tristian Villalobos ‘15

Athletics 15

ATHLETICS

16 Athletics

Girls BowlingIn girls bowling, the Meteors were sixth in the GCAC Tournament with a pinfall total of 3,959. Ali Bailey ’15 finished 10th individually for De La Salle. Also contributing on the season were Angela Billows ’15, Jennifer DeStefano ’15, Alex Gonzalez ’15, Hannah Schumacher ’15, Amber Trendle ‘15 and Gwenn Torres ’15.

Boys BowlingThe boys bowling team was sixth in the CCL Tournament, second at the IHSA St. Patrick Regional and 23rd at the IHSA Immaculate Conception Sectional. Matt Corona ’16 was selected to the All-CCL Team and finished with a 206 average. Dante Gutierrez ’15 and Joe Considine ’15 concluded with averages of 177 and 164, respectively.

Boys SwimmingOne of the highlights for the boys swimming team was a dual-meet victory over Catholic League foe St. Rita. The Meteors also competed in the O’Brien Relays at Fenwick and placed ninth in the 12-team field.

The fall sports season wrapped up with many accomplishments by the Meteor student-athletes. Among those were:

• The girls varsity volleyball team concluded its historic campaign by advancing to the IHSA Evanston Supersectional. The Meteors were 34-4 overall with Natalie Arredia ’15, Mary Kate Byrnes ’15, Carleigh Barringer ’15, Jessica Gorman ’17 and Kyra White ’15 chosen to the All-Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Team.

• The varsity football team had four members selected to the All-Chicago Catholic League Green Team as wide receiver/defensive back Drew Chavarria ’15, quarterback Tom Duddleston ’16, wide receiver/defensive back Donald Gardner ’16 and wide receiver Eric Rooks ’17 were lauded.

• In boys soccer, Uriel Cortez ’17, David Dominguez ’15, Alex DeLeon ’15 and Silvio Lopez ’15 were named to the All-CCL Team with Dominguez also receiving All-Sectional honors.

• Catherine Nowaczyk ’15 competed in the IHSA’s state finals in cross country, finishing 170th. Along the way, she also was 25th in the GCAC meet and third in the IHSA’s Class 2A University High Regional. All three performances were De La Salle records.

• Swimmer Erin Hughes ’16 garnered a place on the 2014 All-Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference Team as the Meteors finished 11th in the MCAC varsity meet.

• The boys golf team coached by Steve Hopkins and Vince Correa advanced to sectional competition in the IHSA tournament for the first time in school history.

• Girls tennis player Blaze Bonko ’16 was named to the 2014 All-Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Team as she placed third at No. 1 singles in the GCAC Tournament and was 7-3 in conference play.

Back row: Gwenn Torres ‘15, Ali Bailey ‘15, Angela Billows ‘15, Jennifer DeStefano ‘15 Front row: Alex Gonzalez ‘15, Amber Trendle ‘15, Hannah Schumacher ‘15

FALL SPORT RECAP

DEVELOPMENT

Save The Date!8th Annual Great Futures Gala

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago

Mark Your Calendar to Celebrate Our 125th Anniversary Year at De La Salle Institute.

The emcee for the evening will be Ginger Zee. Ginger, who is the lead meteorologist for Good Morning America on ABC-TV, is also the weather editor for ABC News. Ginger worked at WMAQ-TV in Chicago from 2006-11.

We will be honoring four generations of De La Salle Alumni from the Bansley, Gallagher and Guldan Families.

For more information, please contact De La Salle Special Events Manager La Toya Keys at (312) 842-7355 ext. 146 or keysl@dls.org.

Four Generations of Bansley De La Salle AlumniJames R. ‘16

James A. ‘50, Michael G. ‘53, John R. ‘55

James A. 74, Andrew A. 75, Robert A. ‘87

Andrew A. ‘95, Joseph A. ‘99, James H. ‘01, James A. ‘02, Patrick F. ‘04, David A. ‘06, Matthew E. ‘07, Joyce P. ‘08, Kimberly R. ‘08, Meagan E. ‘08, Robert J. ‘08, Agnes N. ‘09, Michael A. ‘10, Diane M. ‘10, Barbara W. ‘10,

Hanna J. ‘11 , Kevin A. ‘12, Patrick 0. ‘14, Brian M. ‘14, Virginia M. ‘15, Courtney A. ‘18

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FALL SPORT RECAP

Friday april 17

Development 17

18 Development

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METEOR SUCCESS STORY ARTIST HEBRU BRANTLEY ‘98On January 29, De La Salle was honored to welcome internationally-known artist Hebru Brantley home to our school. Brantley, a mem-ber of the Institute’s Class of 1998, spoke to over 20 art students from the Institute Campus for Young Men and the Lourdes Hall Campus for Young Women.

Brantley, who currently has two of his paintings hanging in the American embassy in Sweden, covered a variety of art-related topics in his speech which was then followed by a question-and-answer ses-sion with the students.

Brantley, who provided our Meteors with his exemplary wisdom and insight in the field of art, has had his artwork displayed in a variety of locations ranging from Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles to England, Switzerland and Hong Kong.

Later in 2015, Brantley’s artwork will be displayed at the Art Basel in Hong Kong in March, a solo showing at the Vertical Gallery in Chi-cago in June and at other European exhibitions in the fall.

For more information, visit Brantley’s website at www.hebrubrantley.com.

Prior to returning to his studio at 19th and Halsted in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Brantley sat down for a question-and-answer session with ‘D’ Magazine:

Which teachers had the greatest influence on you at De La Salle?

“Fr. Paul Novak, Mr. (Tom) Hunt and Mr. (Michael) McCabe. Mr. McCabe was one teacher who challenged me in the way I thought and the way I acted and responded to certain ideas.

“Fr. Paul was my introduction to religion. I came from a public grade school to a Catholic high school and he made it easier to be in this environment. He was one of the teachers who communi-cated with us, understood and was an ear when we had to sound off. He was always fair to me and he was always good to me.”

What advice would you give parents regarding send their children to De La Salle?

“It’s definitely worth it. This school builds such character in the stu-dent. De La Salle has a strong, rich history and it speaks for itself as to the type of man and woman it produces.

“I still keep in touch with a lot of my guys from my class and that sense of family always stays with you.”

What are some of your favorite memories about being a student at De La Salle?

“There are a lot actually. There were certain things that teachers would say and their certain catchphrases would get you excited. There are a lot of good memories.

“Being in religion class, I learned things I didn’t know about and that took my studies further. And there were just all the guys here. It was a rich culture and a very diverse grouping of young men.”

How did attending De La Salle influence your work as an artist?

“It started here from scribbling in books to the pages where I was taking notations. On a peer level, I had friends who were supportive of that and challenged me. That set the groundwork for where I’m at now.”

How does it feel to be listed as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40-Under-40 for 2014?

“There’s a great list of people in that class. But now the hard work starts. I have to ramp it up and show them that I belong.”

From what do you draw inspiration as an artist?

“I pull from everywhere. It’s always around and always present. How do you see it when it is around?

“It comes from everywhere. Music, film, literature, TV and con-versations.”

De La Salle art teacher Paul Granat ’92, Hebru Brantley ’98, De La Salle president Fr. Paul Novak, OSM

METEOR SUCCESS STORY RESTAURANTEUR JOHN ARANZA ‘91

Development 19

DEVELOPMENT

Head west on Roosevelt Road along the Berwyn-Oak Park border. About one half-block east of Oak Park Avenue, you will find situated on the south (Berwyn) side of the street be-tween a medical office and local watering hole the building that contains Autre Monde Café & Spirits.

It so happens that the owner of Autre Monde is John Aranza, a member of the Institute’s Class of 1991.

In addition to owning and oper-ating Autre Monde, Aranza also has spent the last eight years as the proprietor of Horrorbles, a horror and science-fiction movie memorabilia store located near the corner of Stanley and Oak Park in Berwyn, about three miles south of the restaurant.

Aranza, whose father, John, is a member of the Class of 1957, be-gan his career as a bartender at the Spiaggia restaurant downtown which enabled him eventually to train in Italy and Croatia under sommelier Henry Bishop III.

Approximately five years ago, Aranza, his wife, Christine, and their business partners, Dan Pancake and Beth Partridge, opened Autre Monde. Aranza serves as the sommelier with his wife as the general manager. Pancake and Partridge are the chefs.

Autre Monde is a Mediterranean restaurant that has received four stars from Timeout Chicago Magazine, three stars from the Chi-cago Tribune and has been recognized as the first green restaurant in Berwyn.

Among the highlights of Autre Monde is an old-world wine list with over 40 glass pours. Autre Monde’s wine program has been featured in Wine & Spirits Magazine for its extensive Balkan pro-gram (drawn from Aranza’s Croatian roots) that it was one of the first in the country to champion.

“The pleasures (and pains) of having your own business are abso-lutely rewarding,” Aranza said. “I would not trade it for any of the positions I had interned for. It takes much effort and when it is your own, draws from a center you never realize you have...if for no other reason than it must be done if you are to succeed. 

“I always have believed that the people you surround yourself with are a direct reflection of yourself. I could not ask for better business partners, my supportive wife, Christine, and the 20-plus employees we are able to provide jobs to.

“My father instilled a sense of self in me, and my high school years at De La Salle helped refine them all the more.”

Even while overseeing two different business ventures, Aranza was able to participate in a question-and-answer session with “D” Magazine: 

How has De La Salle positively impacted your life?

“D gave me a great baseline for leadership and personal pride. The teachers and the school atmosphere always instilled that sense of pride in self. I have always used that throughout my personal & business life.” 

Which teacher(s) had the greatest influence on you?

“Coach (Tony) Rappold and ‘Mr. Rock’ (Peter Ruksakiati) both were great teachers. Their style was their own. They were engag-ing; almost as if they were one of your friends. I think that is what made things gel so much better. My favorite though was Mr. (John) Dzurak in my senior year. His style was so pragmatic in analyzing test questions preparing us for our ACTs. I never forgot that. I still to this day use his style when applying it to my business needs.”

What were your favorite classes at D?

“English was always my default (answer) if asked, but I loved the trades’ classes! Woodshop and electricity were always a great hands-on break away from the straight curriculum.” 

What advice would you give families who are thinking about sending their children to D?

“It’s an institution. It’s a place to learn discipline and hard work. The sports and extracurricular programs were fun and engaging. The sense of self-worth and ownership that was instilled throughout my four years there has made me the man I am today.” 

What are your favorite memories of being a student at D?

“D was always engaging. The teachers and the students from vari-ous parts of the city and suburbs (were engaging). Pep rallies with “The Wench” (Mr. Larry Wenshutonis)....(the school) offered as much fun as it did work. I keep up with many of my classmates to this day.”

Read through the biography of Lewis University Director of Student Recreation, Fitness & Wellness Jill Siegfried and you find that there is one common thread: the importance of Catholic education.

Whether it were grade school, high school or college, receiving a Catholic education is something that has been incredibly vital in the life of Siegfried and her family.

At Lewis, Siegfried, who is celebrating 19 years of working at the university this March, manages the daily operations of the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, which includes the 50,000-square-foot fieldhouse, fitness center, weight room and pool.

Siegfried also is responsible for the club sports program consisting of 16 teams, as well as the University Wellness Committee and all of its activities. She also oversees the staff that organizes the intramu-rals and fitness classes.

Siegfried graduated from Lewis in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Psychology. She then obtained a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Athletic Admin-istration in 1987 and a Master’s Degree in Management and Organi-zational Behavior from Benedictine University in 1995.

As full as her life is, Siegfried was able to spend some time with D Magazine and participate in a question-and-answer session:

Why does Catholic education mean so much to you?

“I believe Catholic education is a gift to be cherished. Back when my parents sent my brother and I to Catholic school (grade school and high school and college for myself), we had no idea of the ac-tual sacrifice they were making to ensure that we received a Catholic school education.

“My husband, Jeff, who also received a Lasallian high school educa-tion at St. Patrick, and I decided long before we had children that they would attend Catholic schools as well.

“Zachary (19) and Lauren (17) attended St. Dominic Grade School in Bolingbrook. Zach graduated from Joliet Catholic Academy and Lauren is currently a junior. When you put together the costs and

benefits of a Catholic education, we believe the value is priceless.

“I believe Catholic schooling contributes to the building of a strong moral foundation, strong character and determination and starts the process of creating service-oriented individuals who can make the world a better place.”

How meaningful was your experience as a student at Lourdes?

“I have very fond memories of my years at Lourdes. I had a lot of very good friends – some of whom remain as friends today – and teachers who were great mentors.

“Again, full appreciation of the experience might have come after the experience as I grew and matured and realized the opportunities I was given.”

Who were some of your favorite/most influential teachers at Lourdes?

“I have quite a few favorites, both teachers and coaches. In math and science, I was influenced by Ms. Dwyer, Mrs. Przybylowicz and Mrs. Conway. They were tough, but yet when it came time for math and science in college, I was happy to have had the experience with them.

“I also have fond memories of Nancy Buczek and Mr. Putzler. My favorite nun was Sr. Theodosia. She always wanted to play bridge in study hall.”

What were your favorite memories of Lourdes?

“Enrichment days. Back in the late 70s, we went to school only four days per week. Class times were extended daily to ensure we received a week’s worth of our education. And I remember the dances in the gym with all the nuns looking down at all of us from the balcony.”

Lourdes Alumnae Updates1965Gloria Golec is a professor of English at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. Her email address is golecg@cod.edu.

1971Janice (Gilarski) Touney is a journalist who is married and living in Bettendorf, IA with her husband, Thomas. Touney is the executive editor of the Quad City Times in Davenport, IA. Her email address is jtouney@gmail.com.

2000Monica Orozco is a counselor and lives in Chicago. Her email address is morozco@mail.roosevelt.edu.

LOURDES SUCCESS STORY EDUCATOR JILL SIEGFRIED ‘81

20 Development

Upcoming Parent Association EventsMarch 26, 2015

Parent Association Internet Safety Meeting A speaker will discuss what parents can do to ensure your child’s safety on the Internet.

May 14, 2015Parent Association End of the Year Meeting

We are very happy to add Kathy Biondo as the Vice President of our

Parent Association.

Welcome, Kathy!

Wine and Spirits TastingThank you to all the parents, volunteers, community members and other friends who were able to join us for our 2nd Annual Wine and Spirits Tasting Event on November 20. Guests enjoyed several wine tastings with complimentary food pairings, bourbon, scotch and beer samplings, hors d’oeuvres, live jazz and numerous raffles throughout the evening.

De La Salle is looking forward to next year’s Wine and Spirits Tasting Event. For more information, please contact Chris Ahearn, De La Salle’s Development Associate, at (312) 842-7355 ext. 154 or ahearnc@dls.org.

Development 21

DEVELOPMENT

1. Guests at the Wine and Spirits Tasting enjoyed a glass of their favorite beverage.

2. Among those in attendance at the Wine and Spirits Tasting were De La Salle Vice President of External Affairs Lawrence Blakley ’83 and Parent Club president Mona Edwards.

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Family Gala A SuccessThe Parent Association proudly hosted the De La Salle Family Gala on Sunday, February 15th, 2015. The theme for this year’s event was the ‘Roaring 20’s.’

This event began the new tradition of combining the memories and enjoyment of the Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances into one event. The dance included music, dancing, dinner, raffles and costume contests. Students were encouraged to attend this dance with a special adult figure in their lives.

De La Salle would like to thank everyone who attended and looks forward to next year’s event.

For more information on the Parent Association, please contact Chris Ahearn, De La Salle’s Development Associate, at (312) 842-7355 ext. 154 or ahearnc@dls.org.

22 Development

The Men of 1954 – Truly a Class ActWhen was the last time you got together with some of your fellow De La Salle classmates?

When was the last time you attended an event (football, basketball or baseball game, the D-Final Event or a golf outing)? Are you missing opportunities with your fellow classmates?

De La Salle is thriving and the Class of 1954 is thriving as well.

The Class of 1954 has maintained active contact, not only among fellow classmates, but also with the staff at De La Salle as well. They have shown their Meteor pride over the years as generous benefactors and volunteers as well as being participants in a variety of school activities.

The Class of 1954 celebrated its 60th Anniversary at the Alumni Banquet last October with 17 members who came to reminisce and celebrate with each other and other alumni. After attending the banquet, they decided to establish an endowed scholarship that will provide financial assistance in perpetuity to help students at De La Salle.

Members from the Class of 1954 were recently asked what they thought were the benefits of a De La Salle education. Their responses included having a religious environment; the tradition of the Christian Brothers; the development of core ethical values; the inclusion of Catholic principles in everyday experiences; the diversity of the student body; being taught the basics with emphasis on business, science and technology and the vision for excellence and achievement.

They believe that De La Salle prepared them for life experiences by providing them with the proper skills for dealing with life and allowed them to develop lifelong friendships with fellow students and faculty members. De La Salle also prepared them with the application for a moral foundation as well as character, values and serving others.

You may recall that the Class of 1954 generously gifted the 35th Street marquee to De La Salle in honor of its 50th Anniversary. The members’ generosity of time, talent and treasure has significantly enhanced De La Salle’s work in fulfilling its Lasallian mission of education. By establishing the endowed scholarship, the Class of 1954 hopes to make a difference in the lives of our Meteors and provide additional financial assistance to deserving families, literally making the difference in their ability to send their children to De La Salle.

We remain grateful to the Class of 1954 for its contributions to the school’s growth through its participation and financial support. These members have earned their place in the spotlight.

A reminder of the generosity of the Class of 1954 in donating the 35th Street marquee

Members of the Class of 1954 gather to enjoy each other’s company at the 2014 Alumni Banquet

Promote Your Business Advertise in D Magazine

Are you looking to promote your business? Space is now available for advertisement in the D Magazine at these introductory rates. Your business can gain exposure to thousands of De La Salle alumni, parents and friends.

Winter Issue (Circulation to ~ 5,000)

Business Card $75.00 ¼ - Page Ad $150.00 ½ - Page Ad $250.00 Full Page Ad $500.00

Spring/Summer Issue (Circulation to ~ 6,500)

Business Card $75.00 ¼ - Page Ad $150.00 ½ - Page Ad $250.00 Full Page Ad $500.00

Fall Issue (Circulation to ~17,000)

Business Card $150.00 ¼ - Page Ad $250.00 ½ - Page Ad $500.00 Full Page Ad $750.00

All Three Issues (Advertise in all three magazines and get one ad free!)

Business Card $225.00 ¼ - Page Ad $400.00 ½ - Page Ad $750.00 Full Page Ad $1,250.00

For more information, please contact Iris Gist Cochran, Director of Development, at 312.842.7355 ext. 152 or email at cochrani@dls.org.

Development 23

DEVELOPMENT

In celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the founding of De La Salle Institute, we are making it even easier and more enjoyable than ever before to stay connected. Our alumni, students, friends and prospective students no longer have to wait until they have access to a computer to keep up with their favorite De La Salle sport or event. Everything you want to know about ‘D’ is just a swipe away. 

Key Features:NEWS Read all of the latest student, athletic and alumni

news from De La Salle with just one tap. PHOTOS View the most recent photos from our Instagram

account’s stream. You can even tag your photos with our unique hashtag (#delasalleinstitute). 

VIDEOS Watch and stream the latest videos from our YouTube account. 

FACEBOOK One-tap access to the De La Salle Facebook page. 

TWITTER One-tap access to the @DLSMeteors and @MeteorAthletics Twitter feeds. 

SUBMIT Users now have the ability to submit articles, photos and videos pertaining to De La Salle for news consideration. 

ATHLETICS Receive instant push notifications with the latest sports news. 

And so much more!

A Snap to Redesign ‘D’s App

Alumni Updates

1949Donald Galloy is retired and residing in Delray Beach, FL. His email address is dgalloy@aol.com.

1951George Entress is retired and lives in Orland Park, IL. His email address is llavin23@yahoo.com.

1958Thomas Kane is retired and residing in Highlands Ranch, CO. His email address is tjkane@comcast.net.

1963Dennis Dobija is working in the storage and truck rental industry and lives in Lodi, WI. His email address is stoirall1@hotmail.com.

Denis Jurczeski is a retired warehouse manager. He lives in Brookfield, IL.

1973Paul Sparks and his wife, Melinda, are the proud parents of six children and reside in Estherville, IA. Sparks’ email address is bgmedia@mediacombb.net.

Leon J. Wright is a minister and teacher at the Mount Zion Baptist Church. He and his wife, Theresa, reside in Battleboro, NC. Wright also is the new commander for the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Chapter of Battleboro, NC. His email address is wrightleonj77@gmail.com.

1978Gregory Steadman is an attorney and lives in Chicago. His email address is gestead1@att.net.

1979Mike McGowan is an athletic trainer for OrthoCarolina and resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife and three children. McGowan’s email address is mcfoz@aol.com.

1985Keith Alexander is working in the educational services field as a career and professional development advisor. He resides in Chicago and his email address is keithalexander77@yahoo.com.

1986Richard Corona works in the not-for-profit industry as a human resources manager. He lives in Sparks, MD and may be contacted at soxfanin85379@msn.com.

1992Curt Tokarz is an electrician and lives in Brookfield, IL. His email address is curtmaritza@yahoo.com.

1995Richard Blake is a supervisor for the Chicago Park District and resides in Chicago. His email address is reeblake77@yahoo.com.

1996Brian Fairley is in the television, film and entertainment industry and lives in Chicago. His email address is bfairentertainment@gmail.com.

1998Vergis Eiland is a real estate broker and resides in Flossmoor, IL. He may be reached at vergis.eiland@gmail.com and www.coldwellbankeronline.com/VergisEiland.

Demond Walker is the Associate Director of Admissions at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, CA. Walker, who also lives in Oakland, may be contacted at demond_walker_1@hotmail.com.

2002Kevin Edinburg is married, residing in Chicago and working as a wireless expense analyst. His email address is kaedinburg@msn.com.

2003Frederic H. Everly is an attorney and lives in Chicago. His email address is fredeverly@gmail.com.

Markus Liner is a database developer in the pharmaceutical marketing field. He resides in Chicago and his email address is marquisliner@gmail.com.

Dominic Sabbia is an electrician and lives in Chicago. Reach him at dominicsabbia@yahoo.com or www.myspace.com/dominic312.

2006Johnny Mitchell is a student who resides in Chicago. His email address is Jmitch312@gmail.com.

2007Darius Summerville is an IT professional at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He resides in Urbana and his email address is darius0759@gmail.com.

2009Joseph Nieciak is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Transportation Engineering at New York University’s School of Engineering.

In addition, Nieciak also is employed as a traffic engineer at SIMCO Engineering P.C. in New York City. He works with a variety of public agencies planning, engineering, and designing several major public works projects including but not limited to bridges, tunnels, highways, and public transportation facilities.

Nieciak, who lives in Brooklyn, NY, can be emailed at JNieciak91@hotmail.com.

24 Development

DEVELOPMENT

La Toya Keys – New Special Events ManagerDe La Salle is pleased to announce that La Toya Keys joined our Advancement staff as the Special Events Manager in January.

La Toya came to De La Salle from Northern Trust Bank where she developed internal communications for the organization on a global basis.

La Toya previously served as a brand steward at Year Up Chicago, a nonprofit work-force development program that helps to close the opportunity divide for youths between the ages of 18-24.

Among her duties were helping to create awareness about the organization in the Chicago market through event management, media relations and social media.

La Toya received her master’s degree in public relations and advertising from DePaul University. She graduated cum laude from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications with a concentration in public relations.

Congratulations, La Toya and welcome to ‘D’!

Please Answer the Call to Support Our Meteors!In just a few weeks, the school’s Phonathon will begin and you will be called upon to make a decision – a decision to support De La Salle Institute.

Please answer the call when a fellow Meteor calls you to raise money for the school’s student financial assistance program. Participation in the annual Phonathon is a great experience for our students because it gives them the op-portunity to get acquainted with De La Salle alumni and friends, share infor-mation about the school’s most recent accomplishments as well as raise critical funds. It allows the students to discover what it really means to be a De La Salle Meteor!

We hope you will respond as generously as possible and pledge your support to De La Salle. The Phonathon effort is an important source of income for our student financial assistance program.  If you prefer, you can make your gift online, visit our website at www.dls.org, give us a call at 312.842.7355 ext 152 or mail your check payable to De La Salle Institute at 3434 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60616.

We thank you in advance for answering the call and pledging your support!

Mr. Ronald H. Anderson ‘53Mrs. Agnes Barrett ‘L39

Mr. Michael J. Brennan ‘52Mr. John P. Dalton ‘55

Mr. Henry C. De Groh ‘51Mr. John C. Doyle ‘51

Mrs. Michaeline Drust ‘L55Mr. Joseph A. Ferguson ‘47Mr. Richard J. Gaskey ‘49

Mr. Robert A. Greenhill ‘45Mrs. Mary F. Grogan ‘L55Mr. John E. Kincinas ‘40

Mr. Robert J. Kohlstedt ‘54Mrs. Diane Luczak ‘L59

Mr. Thomas J. McCormick ‘47Mr. Kenneth J. Minor ‘76

Mr. Philip C. Naso ‘62Mr. James A. O’Gallagher ‘51

Mr. Thomas F. Perry ‘46Mr. Robert C. Pressley ‘48Mr. Denis E. Quinlan ‘54Mr. George M. Slakis ‘43Mr. Robert F. Szcinski ‘56

Mr. Donald J. Weingartner ‘60Mr. Gerald J. Woodrow ‘43

In MemoriamDe La Salle Institute extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the follow-ing De La Salle and Lourdes alumni and friends who have recently passed away:

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful

departed rest in peace. Amen.

St. John Baptist De La Salle, pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes,

pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Development 25

Office for Advancement3434 S. Michigan Ave.Chicago, Illinois 60616-3898 312.842.7355

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 3092

Chicago, IL

Address Service Requested

Parents: If this is addressed to your son or daughter and he or she no longer resides there, please contact De La Salle’s Office for Advancement by phone or with the enclosed envelope so that we may update our records.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/delasalleinstitute

Twitter (School): www.twitter.com/DLSMeteors

Twitter (Athletics): www.twitter.com/MeteorAthletics

Instagram: @delasalleinstitute

YouTube: www.youtube.com/delasalleinstitute

Have You Considered a Planned Gift to

De La Salle?

APRIL 6, 2015JOIN US ON MONDAY,

DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE PARMER ACTIVITY CENTER

DOORS OPEN AT 6PM$35 ($40 AT THE DOOR)

For additional questions, contact La Toya Keys at (312) 842-7355 ext. 146 or keysl@dls.org.

Save The Date!8th Annual Great Futures Gala

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago

Mark Your Calendar to Celebrate Our 125th Anniversary Year

at De La Salle Institute.

Friday april 17 2015

8

8

SAVE THE DATE2015 GOLF CLASSIC

When: June 24, 2015 Where: Gleneagles Country Club 13070 McCarthy Road Lemont, IL 60439

For more information, please contact La Toya Keys, Special Events Manager, at 312-842-7355 ext 146 or keysl@dls.org

De La Salle Night at U.S. Cellular Field

Save The DateTuesday, May 5, 2015

For more information, contact La Toya Keys, Special Events

Manager, at 312-842-7355 ext. 146 or keysl@dls.org

This is a 21-and-over event.

To volunteer for any of these events, please contact La Toya Keys at 312.842.7355 ext. 146 or keysl@dls.org.