110554 r7_MCHS Sprg09_NL - Marian Catholic High School

MARIAN 

Matters 

A NEWSLETTER FOR MARIAN CATHOLIC ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS. . . BECAUSE MARIAN CATHOLIC REALLY DOES MATTER 

SPRING 2009 

Mike Prior ’81 with parents Don and 

Mary Prior at the Chicagoland Sports 

Hall of Fame ceremony. 

Terence Marable ’94 at the East Suburban 

Catholic Conference Hall of Fame 

ceremony. 

SPARTAN ATHLETES HONORED 

A couple of the finest athletes to wear a Spartan uniform have gained recognition for their 

talents at Marian and beyond. 

Mike Prior ’81 was recently inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame and 

Terence Marable ’94 became Marian's fourth inductee into the East Suburban Catholic 

Conference Hall of Fame on March 12. 

A standout in football, baseball, and track at Marian Catholic, Prior played in the NFL for 

the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, and Green Bay Packers, where he was a Super 

Bowl Champion. Prior now lives in Indianapolis, works with the Colts, and is an assistant 

football coach at Indianapolis Cathedral High School. 

In his college days at Illinois State University, Prior played both football and baseball, also 

getting drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a Redbird, Prior set and still owns football 

records for interceptions (24) and career punt return yards (906). He still owns ISU baseball 

records for career batting average (.388) and career slugging percentage (.715). 

“Michael Prior is the greatest all-around athlete to have attended Marian Catholic,” 

according to Athletic Director and football coach Dave Mattio ’66. “His high school, 

collegiate, and professional careers were highlighted by successes that are unparalleled. 

“Prior was a ‘silent’ leader at Marian Catholic and his efforts were an inspiration not only 

to his peers, but also to the student body, and to his fans. He was an inspiration to the great 

semi-final team of 1980 and they to him.” Mike Prior was inducted into the Marian 

Catholic Hall of Fame in 1995 as Athlete of the Year. Mike, his wife Diane (Brown) ’81, and 

the couple’s three daughters, Nikki, Briana and Paige, live in Carmel, Indiana. 

Terence Marable, a 1994 graduate and standout on MCHS’s 1993 Class 4A state 

championship football team, joins Athletic Director Dave Mattio ’66, state champion 

wrestler Mickey Griffin ’93, and basketball/softball standout Kathryn Gleason ’92 in the 

ESCC Hall of Fame. 

“While Terence Marable was able to establish some noteworthy individual honors, it was 

his ability to recognize the efforts of his squad members that was a most integral part of that 

Continued on page 3 

50TH ANNIVERSARY SPRINGFIELD HERITAGE TRIP 

Alumni & Friends Travel to Springfield, Visit Dominican Motherhouse as the 50th Anniversary Year Draws to a Close 

Joining the Lincolns are front row l-r: Mary Emig, Geneieve Kaszuba, Michelle (Feldner) Lancaster ’77, 

Christine Wasik, Sister Judine. Standing l-r: Cindy Dupczak, Karen Marvinac, Mary Jo Kelly, 

Emmet Cassidy, Elaine Cassidy, Loretta Katauskas, Cathie Zerante, Marge Berger, Vince Zerante ’70, Mary 

Cassidy ’86, Sharon Kiehl, Bill Kiehl, Ellen Longawa, Mary Margaret Flanagan, Holly Griffin, Sharon 

Stillman, Nancy Rita Kaz. (Abraham Lincoln and his family are scattered in amongst the crowd) 

Despite our intrepid travelers having to endure all 

four Illinois weather seasons during their weekend 

trip to Springfield, everyone came back 

enlightened and enriched with the Dominican 

Spirit as the Sisters welcomed them to the 

Springfield Motherhouse. “It was as if we were 

one, big happy family on vacation,” remarked 

Mary Margaret Flanagan, who has served the 

Marian community for forty-one years. “Perhaps 

the biggest highlight was the Mass and reception 

with the Sisters, but the tour of the Old State 

Capital and visiting the Lincoln Museum was 

very interesting, too.” Marian alumni, parents and 

faculty toured Springfield through wind, rain, 

sleet and snow and somehow still managed to 

have a wonderful time. Where and when will the 

next Alumni & Friends trip be? Suggestions 

welcome. Long weekend in Las Vegas is an idea 

floating around; where would you like to go next? 

Watch future issues of Marian Matters or the 

Marian website for details.

Message from the President 

The Marian Annual Fund started as it always does with a huge 

mass mailing followed by the flurry of activity that takes place 

during the parent and alumni phonathons. The response from our 

investors was again very heart warming and you will note details of 

this event in another section of Marian Matters. Now that the 

phones are packed away and the paper trail complete, we come to 

the fun part of the process as we disclose how your contributions 

will be spent. 

Theatre has long been a strong tradition at Marian Catholic High School. The Monsignor 

Croarkin Auditorium has housed quality performances since1972 and continues to be the center 

of activity for our drama and choral groups. After nearly 40 years of use, the sound and light 

systems need to be expanded and upgraded to keep pace with new advances in theatre production. 

We are excited to have signed a contract for asbestos abatement on the back wall of the theatre 

and for widening of the projection booth to accommodate lighting and a new sound system. This 

work will begin in May after the last of our season events. 

Another program assisted by the Marian Annual Fund is the Sister Simeon Fund which 

provides emergency assistance to families facing situations that interrupt their regular payment of 

tuition. This year has been especially difficult for many of our students who have suffered illness 

of a family member, death of a parent, and unusual financial crisis. Being able to offer tuition 

assistance to these families has made it possible for the students to continue at Marian Catholic. 

A third area targeted for improvement and funded by the Marian Annual Fund is 

technological advancement. Quality performance in the field of technology has always been a top 

priority at Marian Catholic and we continue to use the latest technology to enhance the 

education we offer our students. Additionally, we hope that our alumni will use electronic 

communication to keep connected with the school and with one another. We encourage you to 

update your profile online so that you can reconnect with friends and classmates from the past. 

When our website redesign goes into effect, you will find it easier to submit electronic 

information and recent photos to share with the Marian Catholic Alumni Family. Please stay 

connected as we begin to make history in our second 50 years of growth. 

– Sister Judine Hilbing, O.P. 

Marian Catholic Tuition Policies 

and Procedures 

Long-standing procedures for the collection of past-due tuition at the beginning of 

the third quarter were recently compromised by storm damage, a weak economy, and 

undue media attention. We continue to extend our apologies to anyone who perceived 

the exclusion of students from fourth quarter attendance to be insensitive, when in 

reality it was an attempt to keep unpaid tuition from becoming the financial 

responsibility of families who were already attending to their fiscal obligations. 

As a privately owned and operated institution, Marian Catholic High School receives 

no operating funds from either the State of Illinois or the Archdiocese of Chicago. 

Salaries, utilities, and building maintenance expenses are dependent upon a 

tuition-based system of operations. Construction of new buildings and capital 

improvements are made possible by Capital Campaigns, generous investors, and the 

Dominican Sisters of Springfield. 

Families were notified via US mail, telephone calls, and a follow-up note sent with 

the student that tuition was to be current before the student could return for the 

fourth quarter. Families dealing with financial hardships were able to work out a 

payment plan and/or receive financial assistance. This assistance is available in three 

ways. $200,000 in financial aid is awarded yearly by the Dominican Sisters of 

Springfield. Annual gifts from private investors to The Sr. Simeon Fund are distributed 

to families in financial hardship, this year's disbursements totalling over $132,000. 

Endowed scholarships provided by generous investors allow for annual distribution of 

an additional $130,000. 

Since attendance at a private Catholic school is a privilege and not a right, we believe 

that requiring tuition to be current is a just expectation. Our policies will remain 

intact, but our procedures will be revised to reflect our continued efforts to be discreet 

in dealing with sensitive issues. May we go forward with the assurance that together we 

can carry the tradition of quality education at Marian Catholic High School securely 

into the future. 

MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 

ADMINISTRATION 2008-2009 

Sr. Judine Hilbing, O.P. 

President 

Sr. Kathleen Anne Tait, O.P. 

Principal 

Mary C. Moffatt 

Vice President, Advancement 

William Hogan 

Chief Financial Officer 

John F. Heneghan 

Assistant Principal, Operations 

John F. Kozojed 

Assistant Principal, Student Activities 

Dr. Shirley Morris 

Assistant Principal, Academics 

ADVISORY BOARD 2008-2009 

Sr. Marcelline Koch, O.P. 

Dominican Sisters’ Liaison 

Charles Gallagher ’77 

Chair 

Michelle Feldner Lancaster ’77 

Vice-Chair 

Peter Kroner 

Past-Chair 

Peg Massucci 

Recording Secretary 

Michael Botelho 

Wilfred Chapleau ’73 

William Cleary, III ’75 

John Faso 

Sr. M. Janice Greenwood, O.P. 

Holly Griffin 

Joseph Hamann ’79 

Harry Howisen ’93 

OFFICE FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT 

Mary C. Moffatt 

Vice President, Advancement 

Carol (Burke) Swanson ’81 

Director of Alumni Relations 

Peg Massucci 

Assistant to the President 

Marian Annual Fund Coordinator 

Gail Young 

Alumni Programs Coordinator 

Kevin Kelly ’80 

Public Relations Coordinator 

Cindy Dupczak 

Database Coordinator 

Kathleen Dalton 

Assistant Database Coordinator 

Sr. Dorothy Marie Solak, O.P. 

Diana McDonnell 

Recruitment 

Patricia Cak 

Advancement Assistant 

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 

Colleen (O’Neill) Ranieri ’83 

Chair 

Nancy (Lynch) Virene ’81 

Vice-Chair 

Jeffrey V. Johnson 

Terry Kenney ’76 

Sharon Kiehl 

Vincent Krydynski ’81 

Donald Murday 

Cherie Rippey 

Michael Rippey 

Dwight Snow ’87 

2

Sister Gloria’s Spirit Still Strong 

Sister M. Gloria Hanley, O.P., is one of 

the most beloved Dominican Sisters to have 

been assigned to Marian Catholic in the last 

fifty years. She touched the lives of so many 

students and faculty during her twenty-year 

tenure that it seems appropriate to give the 

Marian Family an update. Sister Gloria now 

lives in the Dominican Sisters’ Motherhouse 

in Springfield; but while at Marian she 

taught several different classes, was an 

assistant to Principal Sister Judith Anne 

Haase, O.P., and helped many students in the Think Tank who needed 

extra tutoring or help with their studies. 

When asked what she remembers most about the school during those 

twenty years, Sister Gloria said, “I think the spirit of Marian was so great 

that anyone who entered the building always felt it was a very special 

place for young people to be educated. The devoted teachers saw that the 

students got what they needed to succeed.” She continued, “I hold the 

students and teachers very dearly in my heart because they were always 

very positive and outgoing.” 

Sister Gloria was inducted into the Marian Catholic Hall of Fame as the 

Lifetime Achievement award winner in 2001. She remembers it fondly. 

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is something that I will cherish the 

rest of my life. I continue to be very grateful for that honor,” she said. 

Lastly, Sister Gloria sends out a message to all those former students 

who are now alumni: “I hope they will keep up the Spirit of Marian and 

always remember what they were taught and how to remain faithful. Be 

kind to your neighbor and work to the best of your ability.” 

SPARTAN ATHLETES HONORED 

Continued from page 1 

championship run,” Mattio explained. 

“Marable may be remembered for his ‘numbers’ as they relate to rushing 

yardage and scoring. He will be remembered as an excellent track and 

field participant having placed in the Illinois High School Association 

state tournament series as a long and triple jumper. He will always be 

remembered for his long touchdown jaunts and his ability to ‘act like he 

has been there before.’ 

“However, he should and must also be remembered for a great work 

ethic, a commitment to a goal, and a ‘quiet’ confidence and respect that 

seemed to be important personality characteristics for him.” 

Marable, who continued his football career at the University of Illinois, 

helped lead the Spartans to a 14-0 campaign in 1993 and a State 

Championship. As a senior, Marable rushed for 2,291 yards and 36 total 

touchdowns. 

He owns several Marian Catholic career marks for his three-year varsity 

tenure, including total rushing yards (3,724), average all-purpose yards per 

game (173.2), total touchdowns (55), and average rushing yards per game 

(133.0). 

Marable currently works as a Financial Advisor for Citi Smith-Barney. 

He and his wife Julie, live in Chicago. 

MARIAN CATHOLIC, SOCIAL 

NETWORKING AND YOU 

Ask anyone over the age of 45 what they think the term 

“social networking” means, and you’re likely to hear that it 

refers to what is commonly called a business after hours, where 

professionals gather over drinks to share information and 

exchange business cards. Not so anymore. 

These days, if you’re not on facebook.com, linkedin.com, 

myspace.com, classmates.com, or a host of other social 

networking sites, it seems you’re being left in the dust both 

socially and professionally. What remains the most frightening 

fact is that the information posted on many of these sites 

remains in cyberspace forever. And we’ve all heard the stories 

about predators searching sites for young people. NBC’s 

Dateline has aired several shows and even set up “stings” to 

catch pedophiles in action after finding their adolescent prey 

on social sites. There have been numerous reports recently 

about the amount of time employees are spending on social 

sites instead of accomplishing their assigned tasks. Some 

workers have even boasted about the amount of time spent 

perusing various sites, which translates essentially into time 

theft, costing employers millions. 

What’s a parent, a school administrator, or employer to do? 

What about trust and privacy? What are the legal issues 

surrounding social networking? 

There are no simple answers to any of these questions. Yes, 

parents can block or filter their home computers from getting 

to certain sites, but what about when their child is at a friend’s 

house where the parents may not be as diligent? Should schools 

with strict conduct rules employ someone to search sites for 

information that would certainly lead to expulsion for those 

students who post photos or blogs that are deemed 

inappropriate? Simply put, if everyone knows the rules, why do 

so many problems arise with social sites? 

Last year, a large number of alumni from the Founding Four 

classes (1962, 1963, 1964 and 1965) started online email 

reunions where they exchanged information and stories in 

preparation of their Marian reunion event. Each person wrote 

a simple biography of what they’ve been doing since their days 

at Marian and passed it on. It was beautifully done and well 

received. Ed Brown ’62, who kept the class of 1962 group 

rolling, stated, “I’d been in contact with several people from 

my class through the years, and we started adding more and 

more classmates in preparation of our 50th reunion in 2012. 

As our group grew, so did the interest in participating in the 

Founding Four Reunion 

last fall. We’re closing in 

on about a hundred 

people in the group. 

Some write and chat 

almost weekly and others 

jump in when there are 

updates on one of us. It’s 

really brought us 

together as a class.” 

Some younger alums 

Continued on page 9 

Joe Boesen ’05, interviewed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday, February 18, at the 

Centro Studi Americani in Rome during a conference on climate change. As an intern with 

the U.S. State Department, Joe works at the U.S. Embassy in Rome in the Office of Public 

Affairs. In Public Affairs, Joe reads Italian newspapers and provides translations for a daily 

report that is sent back to Washington. Upon completion of the ten-week internship, Joe will 

return to Marquette University to graduate in May 2009. 

3

GROBNER ’83 LIVES 

HIS CALLING 

MARIAN ANNUAL FUND 

“Do not forget that the future of humanity is in the hands of those…who are capable 

of providing the generations to come with reasons for life and optimism.” 

– Pope John Paul II 

Chaplain Mark Grobner ’83 and Kayla “the 

therapy dog” have been spreading comfort to 

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints 

(Racine, Wisconsin) patients since early 2008. 

Just after completing his Bachelor of Arts 

degree in Psychology at St. Xavier University, 

Mark was involved in a serious worksite 

accident, which left him hospitalized for a 

month. According to Mark, “The experience 

of being a patient changed the course of my 

life forever. It really opened my eyes to how 

fragile life is.” Afterward, Mark went back to 

school to complete his Master of Divinity 

degree from Catholic Theological Union in 

Chicago. 

Kayla, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and 

certified therapy dog with a heart of gold, 

joined Mark in 2004. They were recently 

recognized by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare 

for the compassion and support they provide 

to patients. According to caregivers, “They 

have a truly unique way of spiritually touching 

patients in a way that we’ve never seen before. 

It’s a real treat to have them both here.” 

Mark enjoys sports, outdoor activities, reading 

and spending quality time with friends and 

family. Mark also plays the hammer dulcimer 

and has three CDs which are being sold in the 

All Saints Gift Shops to benefit the Cancer 

Center. (Kayla’s hobbies include walking, 

running, scratching, swimming and being the 

center of attention.) Mark still remembers all 

the people who were there for him during his 

recovery. “I learned that there is a lot of power 

in companionship, and I am happy that Kayla 

and I can help bring that power to those who 

need it the most.” 

Our Marian Catholic community is one of determined, compassionate 

consumers who continue to invest where they know the return value is greatest. 

The saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” certainly holds 

true for our benefactors. 

In the midst of these historically challenging times, investors in the Marian 

Annual Fund are keeping a corner of the world stable, preparing faith-driven 

young leaders to meet their not too distant challenges and opportunities. The 

Marian Annual Fund investment cycle includes mailings, parent and alumni 

Phonathons, personal visits, and has posted $400,239 to date, of which $95,031 

represents responses from the alumni and parent Phonathons. Returns show an 

increase in the number of investors and Phonathon volunteers, as well 

as a modest increase in total MAF giving. 

Professional seminars and publications rightfully anticipated a decline in both 

volunteer participation and financial support, leaving our Marian Catholic 

advancement team and Advisory Board leadership wondering what the year 

would bring for the priorities and programs which support our students and 

facilities. Many thanks go to our alumni and parent benefactors for their 

increased giving, as well as for their increased volunteer participation. Thanks also 

to our over 200 parent, alumni parent, alumni, and student volunteers who 

brought such energy and enthusiasm as Phonathon callers. 

Those we were unable to reach and those not available when our phonathoners 

called still have an opportunity to participate. Your gift is fully tax deductible and 

can be paid over twelve months or charged to your credit card. If you send a 

check, please note MAF on the check. For further information or to charge your 

gift, please contact Marian Annual Fund and Phonathon Coordinator, Peg 

Massucci, pmassucci@marianchs.com (708) 756-9427. Online giving is also an 

option: www.marianchs.com. 

On behalf of current students and future students of Marian Catholic High 

School, the Administration, Advisory Board, and the Marian Annual Fund 

Phonathon Committee, thank you so much for your loyal and dedicated 

commitment to keep the Marian Catholic educational mission vibrant. 

You are the Legacy – You are the Promise! 

“The (Marian Annual Fund) materials are always well-put and there is always a 

reason given for wanting something...touches the heart, but with no guilt.” 

– Patricia Gopalakrishnan, Parent 

Marian Thespians 

Six members of the Marian 

community were recently part of 

The Drama Group’s production of 

Shakespeare’s Midsummer 

Night’s Dream. Pictured standing 

left to right: Sam Sullivan (from 

the 9th Period Emmaus Troupe) 

Alison Armbruster ’98, Mike 

Padden ’00, Maureen Raftery 

Kelly (Marian Speech Team 

coach) Mikey Mulhearn ’09, and 

kneeling is longtime faculty 

member Bernie Jablonski. 

4

Isaac Hecker Center Resource 

for Young Adults 

Terry Shelley ’77 is the Director of the Isaac Hecker Center 

located in the Campus Ministry Department at Marian 

Catholic. This is a newly created regional center for Young 

Adult Ministry which opened on August 1, 2008. 

The mission of the office is to serve as a regional center and 

to invite young adults (college-age, 20’s & 30’s, married and 

single) to help them connect their spirituality with the 

traditions and the community of the Catholic Church. Marian 

was chosen as the host site because of its strong regional 

presence in the Chicago Southland. Marian alumni will be 

invited to return for service, spiritual, and social events. 

The next six months will be active as we gather young adults 

for listening sessions. Upcoming events include a monthly 

young adult Mass (beginning in May), Theology-On-Tap 

hosted this summer in the Marian Leadership Center (and 

other Southland Parishes), and the Festival of Faith (with a 

special young adult focus) in October. 

Other programs to be introduced include YACHT Clubs, 

Curious Catholics gatherings, young adult retreats, volunteer 

nights, listening sessions, sacramental moments, and one-onone 

meetings. 

Terry would love to hear from you. Can he add you to his 

e-mail and/or mailing list? What would you be interested in 

attending? Further information is available on the website. 

Contact Terry if you: 

• Are a young adult in your 20’s or 30’s, married or single 

looking to get more connected with the Catholic Church 

• Know a young adult in their 20’s or 30’s, married or single, 

who could be invited to become more involved in the 

Church 

• Would like more information about parish Young Adult 

Ministry 

• Would like to support this outreach to young adults in their 

20’s and 30’s, married or single. 

Terry Shelley 

Director – Isaac Hecker Center 

700 Ashland Avenue 

Chicago Heights, IL 60411 

(708) 756-9752 

Email: tshelley@yamchicago.org 

Website: www.yamchicago,org 

Class of 2013 Academic 

Scholarships 

Earning consistent recognition among the tops in Chicagoland for AP 

Scholars, National Merit and Illinois State Scholars doesn't come without a 

solid foundation. While Marian Catholic prides itself in developing Scholars 

with a Soul in a college prep setting, it doesn't hurt to draw quality grade 

school scholars from among more than 70 zip codes. 

Based on scores from the entrance exam administered in January, Marian’s 

Class of 2013 had 42 students score in the 90th percentile or higher. 

Marian will reward those students with scholarships of $1,000 or more 

toward tuition. The top 14 students (96 percent or higher) will earn 

between $4,000 and $8,000 in tuition scholarship. All scholarship awards 

exclude activity and book fees, and are offered for one year. 

“Knowing that many families are feeling an economic crunch at this time, 

Marian Catholic High School, with the support of wonderful donors, has 

been able to increase our scholarship money to eighth graders who took our 

entrance exam last January,” Recruitment Director Sr. Dorothy Marie said. 

“We are able to gift students who scored in the 90th to 99th percentile 

with academic scholarships. We hope that students who do want to attend 

Marian Catholic High School will be helped by these scholarships and the 

financial aid we offer.” 

Six test-takers scored in the 99th percentile, including Noah Brim (Huth 

Middle School), Patrick Fagan (St. Agnes), William Hodson (Steger 

Central), Erika Ignat (Colin Powell), Timothy Lavelle (Grimmer) and 

Patrick Nagle (Cardinal Bernardin). Douglas Larcher (St. Paul Lutheran) 

scored at 98 percent. 

Four potential Class of 2013 members scored 97 percent, including Joana 

Andoh (Coretta Scott King), Matthew Bergin (St. Paul Lutheran), Aaron 

Hudson (Infant Jesus of Prague) and Ryan Paige (Huth). Rounding out the 

top 14 at 96 percent were Chris Bartak (St. Ann), Edith Boiquaye (St. Paul 

Lutheran) and Hannah Lang (Peotone JH). 

Not surprisingly, many of the students earning scholarships have siblings 

or parents as Marian alumni. 

Others scoring in the top 90 percent and earning scholarship awards 

toward tuition included Michael Agbabiaka (Calvary), Emma Barzen 

(St. Liborius), Clare Bessette (Cardinal Bernardi), Andrew Briatco (St. 

Agnes), Marissa Brink (St. Agnes), Rosalind Byrd (Morgan Park Academy), 

Vincent Cifelli (Infant Jesus), Joi Copeland (Colin Powell), Matthew 

Deschepper (St. John the Evangelist), Moira Differding (Huth), Elizabeth 

Frabotta (Grimmer), Samuel Hanauer (St. John the Evangelist), Alex Jobbe 

(St. John Lutheran), Kareem Johnson (Dirksen JH). 

Also, John Kirschenheiter (Infant Jesus), Kaila Konecki (Morgan Park 

Academy), Cameron Lewis (St. Joseph), Fauve Liggans-Hubbard (Trinity 

Lutheran), Michael Macuga (Wilber Wright MS), Christopher Merriman 

(St. Lawrence O’Toole), Jason Molitsky (St. John the Evangelist), Randall 

Peterson (Columbia Central MS), Kenneth Pilota (Infant Jesus), Andrew 

Reesman (St. Michael), David Roulo (St. George), Jacqueline Silverman 

(St. Thomas More) and Ronay Thomas (St. John Lutheran). 

CATCH THE MARIAN SPIRIT 

Marian Catholic graduates (left to right) Bonnie Duewerth ’08, Lauren 

Grknich ’08, Pat O’Malley ’08, Mia Giannetti ’08 and Jen Szala ’08 model 

spirit wear in the Lucille Ferrari Spartan Shop. The store carries an 

extensive selection of spirit wear including Under Armour ® , hoodies, 

sweatpants, hats and the commemorative Marian Catholic 50th Anniversary 

ornament. For more information look at our spirit wear link on the Marian 

website homepage. 

5

‘SR. TERESA’S TRAVELS’ 

MCHS Director of Campus Ministry, Sister Teresa Marron, O.P., continues her ministry 

of outreach to young alumni attending colleges both near and far. 

Clockwise from left: Courtney Cahill ’08, 

Robert Bullard ’06, Rachel Sisk ’07, Kate Healy ’08, 

and Mike McCormick ’08 are all students at 

Lewis University. 

Nathan Vrab ’07 and Rebecca Paquette ’08 

also attend Lewis University. 

Ryan Animashaun ’07 and Samantha Thompson ’08 

attend Florida A & M. 

Merissa Ghezzi ’08 is a freshman at Arizona State. While visiting Arizona, Sister Teresa met with Mike and Beth (Stephenson) ’76 

Spisak and Lauren Spisak ’08 who is a freshman at Arizona State. 

Steven Dudley ’07 is in his second year at the University of Arizona. 

David Rockrohr ’99, Jill (Wrzesinski) Rockrohr ’00, Sr. Teresa and 

Heather Skarvan ’07 at Providence College. 

6

ADVISORY BOARD PROFILE 

Alyssa Panici ’05 is at Florida State University. 

Jeffrey V. Johnson 

Mike Vanover ’07 attends Florida Gulf Coast University. 

START OF TERM: Fall 2006 

FAMILY: Wife Sharice, teacher, daughter 

Brittany, Class of 2006, junior at 

University of Notre Dame, and daughter 

Janelle, Class of 2009, will attend Howard 

University in Washington DC in the fall 

OCCUPATION: 

Chief Financial Officer for Chicago Area 

Project 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: 

St. Lawrence O'Toole Finance Board 

member 

HOBBIES: 

Golf 

VISION FOR MCHS FUTURE: 

“To continue the tradition of excellence in 

education and producing the leaders of 

tomorrow.” 

Nicole Padula ’06, Sr. Teresa and Belinda Merkelis ’07 at the University of Miami. 

7th Grade 

SHADOW 

DAY 

May 1, 2009 

Contact Sr. Dorothy Marie 

sdm@marianchs.com or 

(708) 756-9762 

Mike Kuchyak ’03 works as a fiscal officer in the 

Office of Veterans Affairs in Prescott, Arizona. 

7

ATHLETICS & FORENSICS 

Elias Larson ’09 

won the State 

wrestling title at 

145 pounds. 

The Women’s 

Basketball team 

fought to a 

sectional title. 

The Men’s 

Spartan 

Basketball team 

captured a 

regional title. 

Adam King ’11 

and Molly Ann 

Nunn ’10 are just 

two of the 

performers in 

“The Ice Wolf.” 

One, two, three...equals seven! 

Well, not exactly in Marian Catholic math. However, after the Spartans 

most successful run ever in the IHSA state wrestling tournament, Marian 

now owns its seventh individual athletic state championship. 

The Spartans placed wrestlers in first, second and third place at 

February’s IHSA Class 3A state wrestling meet, including a state title in 

the 145-pound class for senior Elias Larson. Adding to the Spartan 

hardware, junior Steven Murphy placed second in the state at 119 pounds 

and senior Mark Marianovich was third at 140 pounds. Senior Brendan 

Murphy was also a quarterfinalist at 135 pounds. 

Larson, who finished his senior campaign with an incredible 42-0 mark, 

added to a sixth-place state finish a year ago. Meanwhile, Marianovich, 

who captured fourth place as a junior, concluded his final Spartan season 

with a sterling 43-1 record. 

Elias Larson, Mark Marianovich, Brendan and Steven Murphy are some 

of the hardest working wrestlers in the room every single day,” assessed 

Marian head coach Joe Gilbert, a two-time NCAA All-American at 

Michigan. 

“They are constant examples of how hard you need to work to have 

success in this sport. They have reached the next level of success by 

training for the sport year-round with lifting, conditioning and wrestling 

at national tournaments, seeking out tough competition in the off-season. 

These three seniors are going to have great success in college wrestling and 

I look forward to following their achievements. 

“The coaching staff and I hope to keep Marian a consistent contender at 

the state level. We will maintain a tough dual meet schedule and continue 

to increase the quality of the tournaments we attend. We demand an 

extreme work ethic from our wrestlers. Our present success promotes the 

program and attracts top quality kids. This, in time, will bring Marian a 

Team State Championship and recognition as one of the state’s top 

programs.” 

Larson joins 1993 graduate Mickey Griffin as a state champion in 

wrestling, as Griffin won the 125-pound title as a junior in 1992. The rise 

of Marian's wrestling program in recent seasons has been incredible. 

Marian completed a perfect 7-0 slate in the East Suburban Catholic 

Conference this year and captured the ESCC Tournament for a second 

straight year. Meanwhile, Marianovich concluded his three-year Marian 

varsity career with a 106-7 mark and Larson was 105-10 in three varsity 

campaigns. Both were four-time IHSA state qualifiers. 

Larson is joined in Marian’s Super Seven for IHSA state titles by Griffin, 

2007 pole vaulters Melissa Gergel ’07 and Mitchell Erickson ’08 and 

three-time triple jump champion Casey Taylor ’05 (2003-05). 

Trying to build on its second 30-victory season in school history, the 

women’s basketball team played an incredibly thrilling game with the 

state’s top-ranked team, Whitney Young, in the Class 4A St. Xavier 

Supersectional. 

Marian (30-5) was eventually eliminated in double-overtime by the 

Dolphins by a desperation three-pointer at the buzzer. However, it didn’t 

diminish a brilliant campaign that included regional, sectional, Maine 

West Classic and Hillcrest Holiday Classic titles. Seniors Mallory Eggert 

(St. Louis University) and Kaila Turner (Notre Dame) will continue their 

careers on scholarship at the Division I level. 

The men’s basketball team certainly finished in strong fashion. After a 

6-10 start to the campaign, the Spartans got on a red-hot run that led to 

the first visit in the IHSA Sectional finals in school history. Marian (16- 

14) won its own regional by stunning #2 sectional seeded TF North, then 

toppled rival and #3 seed Homewood-Flossmoor in the sectional 

semifinals before dropping a Sweet 16 contest to #1 seed Thornton. 

Brian Johnson was a qualifier for the state 3-Point Competition, while 

leading the magical run along with senior starters Chris Haskin, Danny 

Panici, Jeremy Macklin and Grayson Mitchell. 

Marian had a pair of state place winners on February 21 in the IHSA 

Speech Individual Events state meet at Belleville West High School. 

Sectional champion Chris Skurka and Jonathan Williamsen teamed up to 

capture third place in state for Humorous Duet Acting, while the Marian 

Performance in the Round team earned a fourth-place finish in state. 

The cast of Performance in the Round included Molly Nunn, Adam 

King, Ashley Smith, Jaime Patriarca, Conor Keane, Greg Rossbach, Julie 

Zielinski, Michael Irwin and Mary Lou Herbias with direction by Mr. 

Tom Sweeney and Mr. Mark Donaway. The group competed with a 

captivating story entitled “The Ice Wolf.” 

As a team, Marian earned a 25th-place finish in the state with four team 

points. 

8

YOUNG ALUMS ADVISE JUNIORS AT COLLEGE DAY 

Seated (left to right) Gregg Brown ’07, Jackie Mitrovich ’08, Joe Roccasalva ’08, Allie Johnson ’07, Dennis Kelly ’08, Rich Wilson ’08, Ikem Anadumaka ’08, 

April Milkovic ’08, and Morgan-Leigh Trump ’08. Standing (left to right) Annette Ruth ’07, Melinda Fried ’08, Angela Guerino ’08, Mike Friar ’08, Jenna Ellis ’08, 

Steven Dudley ’07, Tim Blewitt ’08, Liz Tortorello ’08, Jasmine Baker ’08, Erika Hardesty ’07, Ryan Hackett ’08, Jessica Collinsgrove ’07, Joe Giannini ’08, 

Justin Thirstrup ’08, Chris Saffore ’08, Breanna Pustai ’08, Joe Christofanelli ’08, Aundrea Rogers ’08, Melanie Seaton ’08, Courtney Cahill ’08, Madeline O’Sullivan ’08, 

Ashley Cann ’08, Falon Dandridge ’08, Ryan Merriman ’08, Kyla Kelly ’08 and Bill Finlon ’08. 

As a junior in high school, sometimes the furthest thing from one’s 

mind is what college life is going to be like, or even which school 

might be the most suitable. Through the Marian Catholic Alumni 

Association and the Alumni Office, dozens of college freshmen and 

sophomores are invited back to talk with current juniors about the 

college selection process and campus life. Over lunch in the beautiful 

MCHS Leadership Center, lively discussion and laughter ensues with 

the juniors asking lots of questions and the grads painting a true 

picture of what to expect. 

Tim Blewitt ’08 (Marquette University) said, “During College Day 

when I was a junior, I heard several of the college students talk about 

how well they were prepared. When I spoke as a grad in January, I said 

the exact same thing. I made sure to tell every student that the next 

year and a half of their high school experience was going to be a very 

crucial time in terms of college acceptance and scholarship money. I 

told them to stay focused on their grades as well as their passions, 

whether that included playing a musical instrument, participating in a 

sport, acting on stage, or simply doing what they love to do. In short, 

I told them to find a balance between work and fun, because once they 

go to college, they will be able to apply everything that they have 

learned from Marian in order to make the absolute most out of their 

college experience.” 

Annette Ruth ’07 (Notre Dame) added, “When I was a junior at 

Marian, I had a fair idea to which undergraduate institutions I wished 

to apply. However, it was with the help of alumni I heard speak at 

College Day, and from the personal conversations I had with them, 

that I firmly decided upon my top choices. They offered the wisdom 

from personal experience, having come from the same educational 

background as me, which proved invaluable to my decisions.” 

Both Tim’s and Annette’s experiences are echoed by dozens of other 

grads who have returned to participate in College Day over the years. 

College Day 2010 is set for January 6. Young alums: Mark your 

calendars now! 

MARIAN CATHOLIC, SOCIAL NETWORKING AND YOU 

Continued from page 3 

have turned to evite.com and facebook.com to help locate each other 

and populate their reunions. This appears to be the way of the future, 

but still doesn’t reach everyone in the class; there remain some who are 

excluded for one reason or another. 

Practically speaking then, the only way to ensure that every person in 

a particular class is contacted is through the Marian Alumni Office. 

The alumni database, with over 15,000 entries, is the key to reunion 

success now that Marian offers in-house class reunions for those 5, 10, 

15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years out. That’s right! Marian facilitates 

nine reunions every year. The 5, 10 and 15 year groups have an 

informal gathering on the Friday night of the annual Homecoming 

game; the rest gather for Mass and reunion festivities in the Leadership 

Center on the Saturday night of Homecoming. Reunion committees 

are formed for each class, charged with three tasks: Contact their 

classmates through provided phone and email lists; make decisions 

about food/beverages, music and decorations; and attend the reunion 

and have fun. 

Alumni Director Carol Burke Swanson ’81 elaborates, 

“In working together with the reunion committees, our office can 

provide the kind of reunion experience that will be a cherished memory 

for years to come. Reunion guests participate in the Mass, making it a 

very moving, spiritual time together. They tour the school, and finally 

enter the beautifully decorated Leadership Center where catching up 

with old friends takes place. There is a real sense of community when 

guests gather to celebrate their Marian heritage.” 

As you ponder your next reunion, keep in mind that Marian has an 

Alumni Office staff capable of attending to all the details so you can 

concentrate on reconnecting and having a great time. Maybe you are 

even willing to help contact some classmates to encourage them to 

attend! 

Make your next reunion a time to remember! All you need to do is 

call or email Carol Burke Swanson ’81 (708) 756-9775 

cswanson@marianchs.com. 

9

ALUMNI NOTES 

Steve Dekowski ’79 was named one 

of Austin’s Doctors of the Year. 

Hayley and Hope are the 

twin daughters of 

Jennifer (Stein) Carper ’86. 

Adam and Mason Whitaker 

are the sons of 

Angela (DelGrosso) Whitaker ’90. 

Michael Jensen is the son of 

Terri (Bentley) Jensen ’91. 

Alumni updates come in all forms ranging from emails and phone calls to 

letters and other sources. The alumni, parents or siblings, and sometimes 

very proud grandparents contact the Alumni Office. It doesn’t matter 

what the method is or who delivers the message, it is important to share 

the good news (and sometimes sad stories) of our Marian Family. We can 

all have a sense of pride when one of our own achieves something 

amazing; feel the joy at the birth of a new generation; or share the grief 

and heartache when we learn about the death of a classmate or the 

suffering of one facing a life-threatening illness. As the Marian Family, we 

are bound by our common past, forged by the faith we hold so dear, and 

connected by place and time to each other. 

Take a look at the inside back cover of Marian Matters… see the 

“What’s New with You, Alum?” section? Maybe take a few minutes 

and let everyone in the Marian family know how you’re doing. 

Steven Dekowski ’79 has been named one of Austin’s Best Doctors for 

2008 and was listed in Austin Monthly magazine. Steven did his pre-med 

and medical school at the University of Chicago, his pediatrics residency 

and neonatology fellowship at the University of Iowa, and was an 

associate professor at Northwestern University for five years before 

relocating to Austin. Steven and his wife Lynne have a twelve year old 

son, Eric. 

Caroline Cole ’83 teaches expository writing/composition through 

Berkeley’s College Writing Program and business communication through 

the university's business school (Walter A. Haas School of Business); she 

also does communication consulting for industry professionals, usually 

those in the financial sector. 

Kathy (Goonan) Buford ’85 and her husband Mark are happy to 

announce the birth of their daughter Nina Louise on April 19, 2008. 

Nina joins her big brother Carter who is four. Kathy welcomes visitors to 

beautiful Lummi Island, just two hours north of Seattle and one hour 

south of Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Laurie (Kosmala) Pizzo ’85 was appointed for a four year term in January 

2008 as a Commissioner to the Florida Commission on the Status of 

Women by Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. She has also been 

appointed to the Florida Association of Realtors RPIC (Realtors Political 

Interests Committee) for 2009. Laurie serves as Chair of Government 

Affairs for the Hernando County Association of Realtors Government 

Affairs Committee and a member of the Government Affairs Committee 

for the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. For 2008- 

2010, she serves on the local unit board for the American Cancer Society 

and within this serves as Chairman of the Sponsorship Committee for the 

Cattlebaron's Ball fundraiser for ACS. 

Jennifer (Stein) Carper ’86 and her husband Adam welcomed identical 

twins, Hayley Jenna and Hope Rebecca on June 28, 2007. Now closing in 

on two years old, the girls keep their parents very busy! 

Sherri Perkovich ’90 was married to Dan Cortright in Sonoma, 

California on August 30, 2008. The couple resides in San Francisco. 

Angela (DelGrosso) Whitaker ’90 and her husband Jim are the proud 

parents of Mason (two) and Adam (four months). The family resides in 

Schaumburg. 

Terri (Bentley) Jensen ’91 and her husband David, along with big 

brother Alexander, welcomed Michael David on January 25, 2008. Terri 

works as a support technician at Applied Systems, Inc. 

William Kush is the son of 

Michelle (Kalecki) Kush ’91. 

Connor Wanzung is the son of 

Peggy Lanigan ’91. 

Lillian is the daughter of 

Cynthia (Klaus) Urbas ’93. 

Harper and Royal Day are the 

sons of Missy (Avey) Day ’94. 

10

Ethan Edington is the son of 

Alison (Evans) Edington ’94. 

Luke and Mia Harmon are the 

children of Tammie (DiGiovanni) 

Harmon ’94. 

Luciana and Katelyn Emerson 

are the daughters of 

Jennifer (Durante) Emerson ’96. 

Jennifer Grace Lachcik is the 

daughter of Tom Lachcik ’96. 

Michelle (Kalecki) Kush ’91 has been working as an At-Risk Pre-K 

teacher with Community Consolidated School District 168 since 1998. 

She earned a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet 

Nazarene University in 2003. Michelle married Chris Kush in 2003 and 

the couple welcomed their first child on July 12, 2008. William 

Christopher weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 20 inches long. 

Peggy Lanigan ’91 and her husband John Wanzung are pleased to 

announce an addition to their family. Connor Lanigan Wanzung was 

born July 17, 2008. He weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces and was 19 inches 

long. Connor joins his big brother Jack who is two. 

Dan Wojcikiewicz ’92 along with his wife Stephanie and big brothers Isaac 

(five) and Abraham (three) celebrated the arrival of James Daniel, born on 

June 24, 2008. James weighed 5 pounds 13 ounces and was 18 inches long. 

Cynthia (Klaus) Urbas ’93 and her husband Donald are thrilled to 

announce the birth of Lillian Jean Urbas on November 14, 2008. Lillian 

weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. 

Missy (Avey) Day ’94 along with her husband Jason and two year old big 

brother Royal, are proud to announce the birth of Harper John on 

November 19, 2008. Harper weighed 9 pounds 6 ounces and was 20 

inches long. 

Alison (Evans) Edington ’94 and her husband John are the proud parents 

of two year old Ethan Logan. The family resides in Glendale Heights, IL. 

Tammie (DiGiovanni) Harmon ’94 and her husband Kevin are happy to 

announce the birth of their daughter Mia Bella on June 5, 2008. She 

weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. Mia joins her big 

brother Luke who is three. 

Jennifer (Durante) Emerson ’96 and her husband Rick welcomed their 

second child, Luciana Grace, on December 17, 2008. Luciana weighed 7 

pounds 9 ounces and was 21.5 inches long. Big sister Katelyn is thrilled. 

Tom Lachcik ’96 and his wife Melissa are the proud parents of Jennifer 

Grace Lachcik who was born on December 14, 2008. Jennifer weighed 

6 pounds 8 ounces. 

Nick Szulczewski ’99 and his wife Christine are pleased to announce the 

birth of their daughter Marinna Ann on October 30, 2008. Marinna 

weighed 8 pounds 11 ounces and was 19 inches long. Nick graduated 

Magna Cum Laude from Winona State University and received three 

degrees: B.A. Mathematics, B.S. Physics, B.S. Computer Science. He is 

currently at Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, 

where he is training to be an officer on a nuclear submarine. 

Nick McDonnell ’00 married Mary Pietryga on August 31, 2008. Nick is 

currently employed as a Senior Radio Frequency Engineer with Motorola 

and Mary is an Assistant State's Attorney with Dupage County. They 

currently reside in Schaumburg, IL. 

Katie (Welsh) Tracy ’00 and her husband Ryan are happy to announce 

the birth of their first child, Andrew Ryan on September 17, 2008. 

Andrew weighed 8 pounds 15 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. 

Sarah Spiller ’01 has graduated from Midwestern University with a 

Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. She is employed at New Life 

Physical Therapy in Monee and has recently become engaged to Brandon 

Murphy. The couple is planning an October 2009 wedding. 

Samantha (Schreiber) Staley ’01, her husband Ryan, and big brother 

Andrew (two) welcomed Colin William on October 17, 2008. Colin 

weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. 

Marinna Szulczewski is the daughter 

of Nicholas Szulczewski ’99. 

Nick McDonnell ’00 with 

his wife Mary. 

Sarah Spiller ’01 and fiancé 

Brandon Murphy. 

Colin and Andrew Staley 

are the sons of 

Samantha (Schreiber) Staley ’01. 

11

ALUMNI NOTES 

Nora Cosgrove ’02 is a Border 

Patrol Agent in Arizona. 

Beth Cosgrove ’04 is in Hong Kong 

learning the intricacies of Asian 

cooking. 

Brian Padove ’08 is recognized as a 

scholar-athlete at Butler University. 

E.J. Ramos ’00 at 

Arlington National Cemetery. 

Nora Cosgrove ’02 graduated from Western Illinois University in 2006 

with a degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, and a 

second major in Spanish. She graduated from the Federal Law 

Enforcement Training Center in Artesia, New Mexico, in 2007 and is 

currently employed as a Border Patrol Agent in Naco, Arizona. 

Beth Cosgrove ’04 graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 

Hyde Park, New York, in August of 2007. She earned a Bachelor of 

Professional Studies Degree in Culinary Arts Management. She spent a 

year as a teaching assistant at the Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici on 

campus. Beth is currently working for the American Club in Hong Kong, 

where she is learning to cook Asian cuisine. 

Amber Smith ’06 is a junior at Howard University, Washington, D.C., 

majoring in Journalism. Amber has had three of her articles published in 

the Black College View newspaper. While at Marian, Amber received 

numerous “Student of the Month” awards and was in the Gospel Choir 

all four years. 

Kate Christine Lesniak ’07 is a sophomore at Bradley University 

majoring in violin performance. In addition to playing principal second 

violin in the Bradley Orchestra, Kate also plays jazz violin for Bradley’s 

Jazz Band. She is a member of and plays for the Peoria Symphony, the 

Knox-Galesburg Symphony, and the Muscatine Symphony in Iowa. 

Annette Ruth ’07 was recently informed that her research paper, 

“Conceptual Models of Neuronal Dysfunction in Autism: Biochemical 

Toxins, Neuroregulation, and Implications for Neurogenesis,” has been 

one out of only seven papers accepted for publication in Notre Dame's 

prestigious Journal of Undergraduate Research for this year. 

Corey White ’07 was one of five University of Chicago football players to 

be chosen to the All-University Athletic Association’s Second Team for the 

2008 season. As a sophomore linebacker, Corey ranked third on the team 

with 59 tackles (24 solos) for the season. 

Brian Padove ’08 was part of a group of Butler University athletes 

honored for their academic achievements in the first semester this year 

during halftime of the Friday, February 13th ESPNU basketball game 

between #15 Butler and UIC. Coach Farley, said “Brian is one of our most 

coachable players, and he is always looking for ways to get better. He saw 

action behind the plate and at third base in the fall. He’ll start the season 

as a back-up catcher, and we think he shows excellent potential as a hitter.” 

Danielle Smith ’08 who is a freshman at Benedictine University was 

honored by the Northern Athletics Conference for her performance in 

cross country during the 2008 season. Danielle garnered a place on the 

All-NAC Team in Women’s Cross Country. 

MARIAN GRAD BRINGS OUT 

BRASS FOR PARADE 

By Vanessa Renderman of the Northwest Indiana Times, 

printed January 18, 2009 

Erik John “E.J.” Ramos ’00 knows the 24 haunting notes of taps 

like the words of a favorite movie. The solemn song is one of many 

in his repertoire because he works as a trumpeter/bugler at 

Arlington National Cemetery, just outside Washington, D.C. 

The 26-year-old, who was raised in St. John, marched with the 

U.S. Army Band in the Inaugural Parade, in front of then Presidentelect 

Barack Obama. 

Ramos began playing trumpet in fourth grade but never imagined 

it would be his career. On a college trip, he ate with some military 

recruits and decided he didn't want that life. 

“I vowed to myself I would never join the Army for any reason,” 

he said. “But, with this job, we're not like the regular Army.” 

He spends his days playing trumpet and bugle at burials, wreathlayings 

at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other ceremonies 

for the U.S. Army Band’s ceremonial band. 

“I actually like to play taps because there’s a lot of pressure,” he 

said. 

Ramos earned a bachelor's degree in music from Valparaiso 

University in 2004 and a master’s degree in trumpet performance 

from Indiana University in 2007. He was working on a doctorate 

there when he left in October 2007 to audition for one of two 

trumpeter openings with the U.S. Army Band. 

He was accepted and entered basic training in January 2008. 

Although his job with the Army is playing music, he is considered 

on active duty. 

“I’m permanently stationed here,” he said. “This is my job.” 

He has played for presidents, celebrities, international leaders, 

schoolchildren and everyday citizens. 

“As a trained musician, it's just like any other performance,” he 

said. “You're in front of a crowd.” 

When he’s not at work, Ramos, a newlywed, spends time with his 

wife, Amanda Ramos, and continues to work toward his doctorate 

in orchestral instruments at The Catholic University of America. 

Sheila Ramos said it is an honor for her son to have been a part of 

the inaugural festivities. 

12

The Spirit of Lost, Found and Returned 

Sometimes a sequence of events 

takes on a life of its own, but that 

accurately describes what recently 

transpired among Angela 

(DelGrosso) Whitaker ’90, Dr. 

William McCall, a high school 

principal from Timmonsville, 

South Carolina, and the Marian 

Alumni Office. 

Dr. McCall phoned the Alumni 

Found 

Office, saying that he had found a 

class ring from the year 1990 on 

the football field at his school. He could read the initials “AMD” 

engraved on the inside. The database revealed that there was indeed 

one woman who fit those initials, Angela M. DelGrosso ’90, but her 

contact information was sorely out of date. After calling nearly 

everyone in the database with the name DelGrosso and striking out 

repeatedly, someone summoned the help of 411.com and Angela was 

located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. 

Amazed that her ring had been found, Angela explained its loss. “I 

joined the Army about 6 months after high school. After my training, 

I was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to prepare for deployment 

to South Korea. While in Missouri, my class ring was stolen out of my 

locker. I didn’t realize it until I was overseas. I thought about getting 

another ring, but it just would not have been the same,” she said. 

How the ring got from Missouri to South Carolina remains a mystery. 

Dr. McCall said he felt compelled to return the ring. “I want you to 

tell her that the Spirit led me to return this ring and for her keep the 

faith in whatever she is going through or doing.” He then carefully 

packaged the ring and sent it to 

the Alumni Office where it was 

relayed to Angela, along with a 

Future Spartan bib for her new 

baby Adam and a Future Spartan 

t-shirt for her toddler Mason. 

“God works in mysterious ways,” 

Angela said. “The kind gentleman 

who returned my ring went to so 

much trouble for a stranger. We 

could all learn from him. Please 

thank him for me – from the 

bottom of my heart.” 

Returned 


Elementary and Junior High School 

2009 Athletic and Enrichment 

Summer Camps 

ATHLETIC CAMPS 

Boys Baseball Grades 5-9 

Boys Basketball Grades 4-9 

Boys Football Grades 5-9 

Boys Volleyball Grades 5-9 

Girls Cheerleading Grades 2-9 

Girls Basketball Grades 4-9 

Girls/Boys Summer Running Grades 6-12 

Girls Softball Grades 5-8 

Girls Volleyball Grades 4-9 

Girls/Boys Soccer Grades 5-9 

Girls/Boys Tennis Grades 4-9 

Girls/Boys Track & Field Ages 6-18 

Contact Dave Mattio at (708) 755-8286 

or dmattio@marianchs.com for Athletic Camp information 

ENRICHMENT CAMPS 

Mixed Media Art Grades 6-8 

Who Dunnit Grades 6-8 

Weird Chemistry Grades 7-8 

Water Rocketry Grades 6-8 

Movie Making Grades 6-8 

Speech Camp Grades 6-9 

Beg. Improv Comedy Grades 6-9 

Adv. Improv Comedy Grades 6-9 

Creative Writing Grades 6-8 

Equestrian Camp Grades 6-8 

Contact Diana McDonnell at (708) 756-9418 

or dmcdonnell@marianchs.com for 

Enrichment Camp information. 

For more information check out our website 

www.marianchs.com 

Walking the Survivor's 

Lap in the 2008 Relay 

for Life are left to right: 

Rebecca Nagel, alumni 

parent Chickie Martin, 

Luanne Thurmond, Pat 

Strobe, current parent 

Suzette Armellino, and 

in the back is Alex 

Raymond, son of Jill 

(Martin) Raymond ’83. 

For the second year in a row, Marian Catholic will host the 

American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Chicago Heights. 

Students, faculty, friends, neighbors and cancer survivors will come 

together for an energizing celebration beginning at 7:00 p.m. on 

May 29, 2009 and culminating at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30. 

The overnight event celebrates the lives of those who have had 

cancer, remembers loved ones lost to the disease, and rallies 

individuals to fight back against a disease that takes too much. 

Teams raise funds before and during the event to support the 

American Cancer Society’s mission areas of research, education, 

advocacy and patient services. All funds raised at this Relay stay in 

the Prairie Land Region. 

Colleen (O’Neill) Ranieri ’83 is the event chair for the Relay at 

Marian and actively recruits teams both within the school and the 

surrounding community to participate. “I saw a (Relay for Life) 

sign at the Crete Curves about four years ago and decided to get 

involved. After being on a Relay team the first couple of years, I 

decided to help get the word out that there’s an event right here in 

our area. Awareness is the key to a successful Relay; more teams, 

more sponsors and more participation mean we get that much 

closer to helping find a cure.” 

For more information on forming a Relay team, participating in 

the Survivor’s Walk or learning how to make a donation, please 

contact Kelly Castaneda of the American Cancer Society at (708) 

633-7770 kelly.castaneda@cancer.org or Colleen (O’Neill) Ranieri 

at (708) 267-0385 cmor@juno.com, or visit 

www.relayforlifechicagoheights.com. 

13

11/18/08 through 3/3/09 

GIFTS IN MEMORY OF... 

Marian E. Abel 

Gail Calderone Amos ’68 

Marion Andrews 

Primo Arquilla 

Carmen Ascencio 

Karen A. Bala 

Nanci Barnes 

Timothy A. Bartkiewicz 

Lester Beckner 

Mary Kathryn Beckner 

Timothy Benker ’90 

Kevin Beukema ’97 

Harry J. Biagi 

Marian Marks Biederwolf 

Thomas M. Bishop 

Ryan Blackstone ’96 

Richard Bollard 

Maralyne J. Boo 

Andy Briatico 

Barry W. Brong 

Lea Bruce 

Angela Bruni 

Lawrence N. Bunchek 

Mary Burt 

Janice D. Bush ’73 

Stephanie S. Bytner 

Bobby G. Calvert 

Marge Cannon 

Dennis Carcelli 

Dorothy E. Carroll 

Deceased Faculty & 

Staff of Catholic Schools 

Kenneth Chandler 

Roseann Christelli 

Darlene Cisson 

Martin J. Collins, Jr. 

Joanne Concannon 

John B. Cook 

Patricia B. Craig 

Shirley Cyborski 

Sylvia Dallessandro 

John DeBergh 

Anna DeLuca 

Florence DeLuca 

Frank “Turk” Derk 

James P. Divers 

Irene Dubois 

Kathleen B. Duchossois 

Thomas Dunlap 

Charmaine C. Dunne 

Vickie Durrell 

Thaddeus Dymerski 

Dorothy V. Edstrom 

Gladys C. Erlenborn 

Jerry J. Erzen 

Mother of Judy Faermark 

Lena Fares 

James V. Flamini 

Jean Barbara Flynn ’63 

Robert J. Flynn, D.V.M. 

Mary F. Folliard 

Joseph N. Foushi, Jr. 

Brenda Francis 

Conrad J. Frapasella 

Shirley Freeman 

Katherine M. Galeher 

Jose Gallegos 

Carl Galloway 

Francis Galloway 

James Galloway 

Br. Jerry J. Galloway 

Marie Galloway 

Otto W. Galloway 

Paul Galloway 

Rita Galloway 

Sonya Galloway 

Ella Galvanek 

Florence Gaskey 

Shirley Gehm 

Isidoro Giammarco, Sr. 

Isadoro “Isy” Giammarco 

Lawrence F. Giannetti 

Dolores Giobbi 

Patrick Glenn 

Patricia A. Glomb 

Thomas Jefferson Golden 

Donald Goonan 

Charles W. Gozder 

Rita Granat 

Melvin Groh 

Laura Gulotta 

Msgr. Gerard Guzikowski 

Eleanor B. Hadt 

Harry Haney 

Geraldine A. Hartung 

Thomas C. Hau 

Tom Hendricks 

Alfred Higgins 

Willie Hill 

Donald F. Hock 

Joan K. Hogan 

Oscar “Dixie Jack” Houchins 

Rudolph “Rudy” Jadrich 

Vina Jansen 

Jack Jenkins 

Susan L. Johnson 

Sarah J. Joyce 

Thomas Justak 

Anne Katula 

Joseph Katula 

Bette P. Keres 

Mabel “Betty” Klipp 

James Knapp 

Marion Knapp 

Edward J. Konar 

Andrew Kopon, Sr. 

14 

Maedell Koss 

Parr Krumb 

Sylvia Krupa 

Huy Le 

Dorothy R. Linder 

Sonne Lis 

Mary Concetta LoBue 

Lee Maddi 

Emmett Mahoney 

Joseph Mahoney 

William J. Maio 

Scott Marchese 

James “Bud” Marron 

Lillian H. Martens 

Gladys E. Mayer 

Thomas E. McDonnell 

Maribeth McLean ’83 

Thomas McMahon 

Mildred Mehl 

Bob Melby 

Jerlendo “Sam” Melei 

Jerome F. Minor 

Margaret Moldrawski 

Rita Montalbano 

Estelle B. Montella 

Linda Morden’s Mother 

Patrick Murphy ’81 

Thomas & Edith Murphy 

Jessica Mysiewicz ’05 

Kelly Nagle ’03 

Dennis Frank Nardoni, II 

John Narodowski 

Carl Arne Nelson 

William Nolan, Jr. 

Anne Novak ’08 

Edward D. Novick 

Norman O’Connell 

Mary “Bernee” O'Meara 

Rev. Daniel O'Sullivan 

Thomas J. Opyt 

Elizabeth Ormsby 

Jose Ortiz 

Pat Pallanti 

Chris Paredes ’79 

Mark Paredes ’74 

Robert E. Pasqualoni 

Olga Pavilon 

Dean Perozzi, Jr. ’94 

Alvin F. “Al” Perry 

Robert Petrovich 

David Phillips 

Harry J. Pierie 

Antoinette Piet 

Frank Pietrolonardo 

Rose A. Pisterzi 

Sheldon Piunti 

Jeanette Platis 

Rose M. Ploszek 

John J. Poerio 

Elvira Maciariello Ranieri 

Francis “Bud” Rebedeau 

Brandon Riley 

Carmen Rios 

Robert Robertson 

Cornelio Rocha 

David Rocha 

Jacob Rodriguez 

Quindo G. Romano 

Donna Ross 

Mary P. Rudis 

Connie Russo 

Thomas J. Ryan 

Richard R. Sales 

Elizabeth “Lee” Santacaterina 

Elizabeth Schnoebelen 

John Scott 

William A. Seifert, Jr. 

Kathryn Seitz 

Wayne R. Shaw 

Patrick Sheehan, Sr. 

Chester Sikorski 

Eleanor L. Simulcik 

Victoria Skiscim 

Harry B. Smart 

Agnes Smith 

Paul D. Smith 

Ray Smith 

Aida Fernandez Sosa 

Ruth Staton 

Marion F. Stultz 

Terree Suska 

Rolita Szostak 

Margaret & Pearle Thompson 

Willie Thompson 

Herb Tieder 

Ina Tobeckson 

Gerald L. Toepfer 

Rebecca “Ann” Tranchina 

Angela Tucker 

Bill Tucker 

Donald A. Tuttle ’68 

Loretta Vallero 

Michael Vander Luitgaren ’89 

Russell V. Vicari, Jr. 

Guadelupe Vina 

Grace Walsh 

Helen Walsh 

Dorothy Walter 

Sophia M. Walters 

Osta Watts 

Arthur Welsh 

John I. Wescott 

Delores M. Wheeler 

May these souls and all the souls 

of the faithfully departed, through 

the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

Amen.

INTERESTED IN MARIAN CATHOLIC SUMMER CAMPS? 

Marian Catholic offers summer Athletic Camps and Enrichment Camps for students in grades four through nine. If you would like more 

information on these camps, please log on to www.marianchs.com, or complete and send the form below to Marian Catholic High School, 

Attn: Diana McDonnell, 700 Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights, IL 60411 fax (708) 756-9759. 

Last Name _____________________________________________ First Name _____________________________________________ 

Student Name __________________________________________ School ______________________________________ Grade _____ 

Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

City ____________________ State________ Zip _______________ Email ___________________________________________________ 

Home Phone ___________________________________________ Business Phone __________________________________________ 

Parent Email ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU, ALUM? 

Tell us any interesting news, events, or milestones in your life (marriage, children, promotions, service, career moves, etc.) 

that you would like to share with your fellow alumni. Also, please be sure to use this form to update information. 

Name(s) ____________________________________________________________________________________Class of _____________ 

Address ___________________________________________________________________________ Is this a new address? Yes No 

City ____________________ State________ Zip _______________ Email _________________________________________________ 

Home Phone _____________________________________________ Business Phone __________________________________________ 

Occupation / Position _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

NEWS _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

✁ 

send to: Marian Catholic High School, Alumni Office 

700 Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411 

fax: (708) 756-9759 • email: alumni@marianchs.com 

✁ 

❑ My name / address on reverse is correct. 

WANT TO SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE? 

❑ Please make corrections as needed. 

Email ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Best phone to reach me _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Career Day 

❑ I would be willing to place my name on the Career Day Speakers’ Bureau list. 

(A time commitment from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. one day in the spring is necessary.) 

My specific focus would be ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Career Mentor 

❑ I would be willing to host a student to “shadow” me at my work place at a mutually agreeable time. 

Job / Career / Field ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Business Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Business Phone _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Email ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

❑ I live out of town (or have a career where job “shadow” is difficult), but would be willing to serve as a resource by phone / email to the MCHS 

Guidance Department should a student wish to explore my field of expertise which is: 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

✁ 

15

Office for Institutional Advancement 


700 Ashland Avenue 

Chicago Heights, IL 60411 

(708) 755-6579 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

www.marianchs.com 

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 

2009 REUNIONS 

The following classes will be celebrating 

their reunions in 2009: 

1969 – 40th on Saturday, October 3, 2009 





To provide input for the class of 

1989 reunion, please email your 

classmates at 

mariancatholic89@yahoo.com 

1994 – Summer Family Get-together on 

Saturday, June 27, 2009 

(Hosted by Jeremy Guler ’94) 

For more information or to be 

included in the E-vite invitation 

email Jeremy at 

bubulldog20@yahoo.com 

1994 – 15th on Friday, October 2, 2009 

(Marian hosting informal gathering 

tied into Homecoming football game) 


(Class Hosting) 

For more information or to help with 

details email Brian ’94 and Tracy 

(Patrizi)’94 Vander Luitgaren at 

btvander@yahoo.com 


2004 – 5th on Friday, October 2, 2009 

If you are interested in helping out with reunion 

plans in any way, please contact Carol Burke 

Swanson ’81 in the Alumni Office at (708) 

756-9775 or cswanson@marianchs.com. 

Mark your calendar now to reunite with your 

high school friends. 

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yÜÉÅ à{x 

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|Ç à{x Çxåà |ááâx4 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

The Twentieth Annual Marian Catholic 

ENDOWMENT 

GOLF CLASSIC 

Monday 

August 17, 2009 

at Idlewild and Flossmoor 

Country Clubs. 

Information about golf or 

sponsorships may be obtained 

by contacting Gail Young at 

(708) 756-9770. 

Marian Catholic High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high 

school within the Dominican tradition of study, prayer, community, and preaching. 

Marian Catholic students seek truth, exhibit personal responsibility, cultivate their 

individual talents, and demonstrate ethical leadership and Christian service.

110554 r7_MCHS Sprg09_NL - Marian Catholic High School

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