magazine - De La Salle Institute

FALL
SPORTS
wrap-up
(See p.16)
magazine
A publication for alumni and
friends of De La Salle Institute
Educating
our future
D Magazine asks members of our distinguished faculty to share their points of view on different educational motivations. p.8
Winter 2011

De La Salle Magazine
Winter 2011
Editors
Michelle Aukstik
Michael Walsh
Photography
Michelle Aukstik
Jaclin Szafraniec
Michael Walsh
Root Studios
Designer
JB Chicago
Printer
M&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
e-mail to dmagazine@dls.org.
Dear Friends,
You are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub;
they put it on the lamp stand where it shines for all in the house. In the same way your light must shine . . . so that,
seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven. (Mt 5:14-16)
As we begin the year 2011, I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to God and to you our alumni,
benefactors, friends and families because you continuously let your light shine as you generously care for our Meteors.
During this holiday season, I was humbled by three individuals who came forward, without solicitation, to help three
struggling Meteor families with their tuition obligation. Each Meteor received a $10,000 gift toward their tuition
enabling them to complete their academic year. What a way to share your light with someone who needs to find their
way in life. Thank you to those special benefactors and to you, our faithful friends, whose exemplary and constant
support transforms the lives of our Meteors, their families, and ultimately our city and our world. Your light is a
beacon for us all!
During this New Year may I invite you to pray for the safety of all of our
Meteors serving our nation through their military service Their self-sacrifice
is a beacon of generosity for us. May their continued dedication lay the
groundwork for a lasting peace among nations.
As a Meteor matures over their four years, a light must illuminate the
pathway toward one’s great future. The Lasallian educator is that illuminator
inspiring our students with their faith, knowledge, wisdom, wit, and common
sense! In this edition of D Magazine, our feature article highlights our
Lasallian educators and the transformative effect of their craft on the hearts
and minds of their students.
You are the light of the world! Thank you for enabling the next generation
of Meteors to find their light and let it shine for all to see!
St. John Baptist de La Salle, Pray for Us!
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us!
Live Jesus in Our Hearts, Forever!
De La Salle President Father Paul Novak
Table of Contents
Academics
In the Classroom, NHS-What Is It 2
NSTA National Conference 3
Spring Calendar of Events 3
Faith, service & Community
The Tolton Adult Literacy Center 4
RYLA, Mayor Daley’s Donation 5
CAMPUS Scrapbook
Photos 6-7
Feature Story
Educating Our Future 8-13
parent place
The Spirit of Giving Back 14
February Dances, Winter Wrap-Up 15
De La Salle Institute
Board of Directors
2010–2011
Chairman
Mr. Paul D. McCoy ‘68
Vice Chairperson
Sister Mary Alice Jarosz, SSJ-TOSF
Members
Mr. William S. Aldrich
Honorable William J. Aukstik ‘64
Mr. Marshall A. Blake
Mr. George A. Bonomo ‘59
Ms. Mary L. Burke
Mr. Victor M. Chavarria ‘69
Mr. Eugene L. Ferretti
Mr. Michael J. Glennon ‘84
Dr. Robert O. Graham ‘64
Honorable Patrick M. Huels ‘67
Mr. Prentiss J. Jackson ‘67
Brother Michael Kadow, FSC
Sister Valerie Kulbacki, SSJ-TOSF
Mr. La Rue Martin, Jr. ‘68
Mr. Michael J. Passarelli ‘90
Mr. Thomas J. Sargant ‘62
Mr. Michael A. Tadin ‘69
Ms. Cathryn P. Taylor
Mr. James A. Vanek ‘64
President’s Council
Mr. Michael G. Bansley ‘53
Mr. Michael F. Hickey ‘56
Mr. James R. Woodrow ‘53
Rev. Paul E. Novak, OSM
President
Mission Statement
De 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.
Athletics
Fall Sports Wrap-Up 16
Winter Sports Update 17
DEVELOPMENT
Fourth Annual Great Futures Gala
Honoring Michael A. Tadin ‘69 18-19
Extollo Educational
Foundation
Board of Directors
President
Brother Michael Quirk, FSC
Vice President
Mr. Michael F. Hickey ‘56
Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Joseph J. Hartnett ‘73
INSTITUTE CAMPUS For Young men
3455 SOUTH WABASH AVE • CHICAGO, IL 60616-3885
P 312.842.7355 • F 312.842.4142
LOURDES HALL CAMPUS For Young Women
1040 WEST 32ND PL • CHICAGO, IL 60608-6507
P 773.650.6800 • F 773.650.9722
TOLTON Adult LITERACY CENTEr - EAST CAMPUS
3647 South State St • Chicago, Il 60609-1951
P 312.747.3471
TOLTON Adult LITERACY CENTEr - WEST CAMPUS
115 South Pulaski Rd • Chicago, Il 60624-2823
P 312.746.7744
Alumni Connection
Getting Together & Staying Connected 20-21
De La Salle Alumni Updates 22-24
Lourdes Alumnae Updates 25
www.dls.org
De La Salle Magazine 1

Academics
in the
Justin Costello-Stebelton brings creative projects into his
English classes as a way to help students connect on a deeper
level to the literature that they read.
Students in Costello-Stebelton’s
Contemporary Authors class have
been reading unique modern
literature this year. Titles include
The Interpreter of Maladies and
The Best American Non-Required
Reading of 2009.
“The reading that I’ve done
in Mr. Costello-Stebelton’s
class has been really
interesting and fun to read.
And the projects that we do
help us learn more about the stories,”
said Rebecca Sarkauskas ‘11.
Classroom
The American Literature classes completed an assignment
in which they had to rewrite a scene from The Crucible
into modern slang. “My sixth period class
did a particularly great job, and their
use of a variety of American dialects was
both entertaining and enlightening,” said
Costello-Stebelton.
The American Literature classes also
completed independent reading assignments
in which they had to create “newspapers,”
complete with editorials, horoscopes, and
front-page news, which dealt with the book
chosen by each group.
Pairing literature with unique projects keeps
Costello-Stebelton’s students engaged in
reading classic literature and improves
comprehension while encouraging creativity. Students are
always eager to participate in class and challenge themselves
to develop outstanding work.
pappas to present at
Nsta national conference
John Pappas joined the De La Salle faculty this past fall and his passion
for science and love for teaching has created a classroom filled with
students eager to learn. Pappas came to De La Salle after teaching
at IIT’s Math and Science Academy where he taught a course
named Synergy. Synergy is a unique course which integrates
all subjects into the science curriculum.
What also is unique about the course Pappas, along with his mentor teacher, Kerry Maxwell, wrote
the curriculum for the class. The curriculum was submitted to the NSTA (National Science Teacher
Association) for its National Conference. Recently, Pappas was informed that his curriculum was
accepted by the NSTA. This means Pappas and Maxwell will present an hour-long workshop at
the NSTA National Conference this year in San Francisco.
Upon hearing the news that he will be presenting at the NSTA National Conference,
Pappas said, “It is a great honor to be a presenter at the NSTA national conference,
where science teachers and professionals from all over the world present their research
or curriculum in the field of science.” De La Salle wishes Pappas the best as he heads to
the NSTA National Conference in March!
NHS -What is it
The National Honor Society (NHS) is an exclusive academic group with induction based upon
exemplary achievement in four critical areas: leadership, service, character, and scholarship. De
La Salle Institute adds to the society’s rich history by hosting the Brother J. Richard Rush Chapter.
Four main purposes have guided chapters of NHS from the beginning: “To create enthusiasm for
scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in
the students of secondary schools.” (from the NHS Constitution)
The NHS was officially established in 1921 and quickly developed into one of the country’s leading
educational groups. By 1930, NHS had grown to more than 1,000 chapters. Currently, De La Salle’s
Brother J Richard Rush Chapter of the National Honor Society includes 53 young women and men who meet the criteria for
acceptance into the Chapter. These young women and men join Meteors before them and an exclusive network of students
around the country as leaders and dedicated members of the student body. De La Salle holds inductions into its NHS Chapter
each fall and spring. For requirements to being inducted into the Brother J. Richard Rush Chapter, please visit www.dls.org.
Spring Calendar of Events
February
4 Alumni 5th Quarter (following boys varsity
basketball game) Bansley Alumni Hall
5 Alumni 5th Quarter (following boys varsity
basketball game) Bansley Alumni Hall
18 Alumni 5th Quarter (following boys varsity
basketball game) Bansley Alumni Hall
19 Father/Daughter Dance, Hilton Commons, 5pm – 9pm
20 Mother/Son Dance, Hilton Commons, 5pm – 9pm
March
12 Watch the De La Salle Band march in the
St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Chicago!
24-26 Spring Drama Production
April
2 De La Salle Band Jazz Fest
4 20th Annual D-Final Event
Parmer Activity Center, 6pm
7 NHS Inductions
Parmer Activity Center, 7:30pm
29 Fourth Annual Great Futures Gala
University Club Chicago
6pm Cocktails, 7pm Dinner
May
18 Class of 2011 Girls Graduation at
Holy Name Cathedral 7:30pm
19 Class of 2011 Boys Graduation at
Holy Name Cathedral 7:30pm
2 Academics Academics 3

faith, service & community
4 Faith, Service & Community
Fulfilling Their Mission
of Excellence in Adult Education
Mission Year is a yearlong urban ministry program focused on
Christian service and discipleship. Simply put, Mission Year
volunteers commit to the command of Jesus “to love God and
love people.” So it was that Emily Alberghini and Ben Pitzen
applied to be volunteer teachers in De La Salle’s Tolton Center,
from which they would receive their Mission Year Service. Today,
Emily and Ben are fulltime Tolton staff members.
Ben Pitzen grew up on a farm in Iowa. When he graduated from
Northwestern College, where he studied Religion and Youth/
Adolescent Studies, he felt called to serve in a context different
than his own. He remembered the Mission Year representatives
who visited his college and applied. Pitzen was assigned to
Chicago’s West Side and given the task of finding a place to serve.
He literally walked the streets and came upon the Tolton sign
outside of the Legler Library.
Pitzen came in to learn about this adult education program, spent
a day observing, and asked to volunteer. During that first year,
he taught ABE/GED math in the morning and also worked in
Tolton’s English as a Second Language Family Program in Early
Childhood. Pitzen returned to Tolton as a member of LVAIL
(Literacy Volunteer for America in Illinois) and taught ESL to
adults in the evening at Toman Library, in addition to continuing
his first-year duties. Today, Pitzen is an ABE/GED Math Instructor
at the Legler Library and Earle Elementary. He is also performing
administrative duties.
As for his greatest challenge as a Tolton instructor, he is quick
to cite his adjustment to a wide variety of student skill levels,
abilities, needs, and learning styles. While there have been
obstacles to overcome, there also have been moments of joy that
have occurred in his time at Tolton such as adults who overcame
negative experiences, those who have earned a GED and children
who thrived and are now succeeding in kindergarten.
“Serving at Tolton has helped me realize how blessed I am to have
received a quality education,” Pitzen said. “And it also helped me
realize how I am called to share it with those who have not had
this opportunity.”
Like Pitzen, Alberghini, also participated in the Mission
Year program. When Alberghini graduated from Boston
College with a degree in elementary education, she wanted to do
something different.
Alberghini learned about Mission Year from a table that was set
up at a music festival that she attended. Alberghini planned to
volunteer in some form of education for a year and then return
home to Maine and begin a career in elementary education.
Alberghini’s plans changed, however, as Mission Year assigned
her to Chicago where she met Pitzen, who told her about the
interesting place he had found at the Legler Library. Pitzen
referred Alberghini to Tolton and she began teaching language
arts to adults and assisting in Early Childhood/Family Literacy.
In January of her first year, Alberghini switched to ESL Family
Literacy at the Toman Library where her bilingual skills were put
to good use with her considerable gifts enriching both the ESL
Adult and Early Childhood programs.
Today, Alberghini teaches ESL to immigrant adults at two Tolton
sites – La Villita Christian Church and Our Lady of Tepeyac Head
Start. In addition, she also participates in grant writing. Teaching
ESL classes provides Alberghini the satisfaction in knowing that
she is assisting immigrants in their quest to learn English and
feel at home in a new land. This is especially meaningful for
Alberghini as her grandfather came to the United States from
Mexico more than 50 years ago.
In her heart, Alberghini knows she is called to be a teacher and
that her experience at Tolton will enrich her vocation in education
– wherever it may lead.
“I thought I loved education because I love kids,” Alberghini said.
“But now I know I just love education. Witnessing someone of
any age ‘get it’ makes all the effort worthwhile.”
Emily Alberghini
Ben Pitzen
ryla
Rotary Youth Leadership Award
When the local Chicago Near South Rotary Club was seeking
to sponsor deserving high school students for a leadership
training opportunity, De La Salle was atop their list. For the
second consecutive year, two Meteors received the Rotary Youth
Leadership Award, which sponsors high school students to attend
a weekend-long experience complete with leadership training,
workshops, keynote speakers and learning through service.
The 2010 RYLA participants, Katie O’Leary ‘12 and Chandler
Bramwell ‘13, traveled to Lake Geneva one weekend in October
for an experience that changed their lives. The De La Salle
administration helped identify these Meteors as worthy candidates
for the training; both Katie and Chandler are wonderful students
and already exemplify leadership potential. However, neither the
students, faculty, nor the parents could not have anticipated the
impact that the RYLA weekend had on those young leaders. Like
many RYLA participants, the students embark as somewhat shy
and hesitant individuals, only to return completely transformed
into excited, motivated leaders ready to take on bigger challenges
In the fall of 2010, Mayor Daley – a member of De La Salle’s
Class of 1960 – was awarded the Urban Land Institute (ULI)
J.C. Nichols Prize for his ability to bring his intertwining priorities
to fruition. He is only the second mayor so honored in the
award’s 11-year history.
The award includes a $100,000 annual prize, which honors
ULI founder and legendary Kansas City, Missouri, developer
J.C. Nichols, and recognizes an individual whose career
demonstrates a longtime commitment to the highest standards
of responsible development. Mayor Daley chose to split the prize
into $25,000 donations to four Chicago organizations including
De La Salle Institute.
Mayor Daley received the award at a luncheon held at the Art
Institute of Chicago. Representing De La Salle at the luncheon
was its president, Fr. Paul Novak, OSM.
“De La Salle is deeply honored and grateful to be honored by
Mayor Daley in this fashion,” Fr. Novak said. “Our school is built
upon the precepts of faith, service and community and I believe
Mayor Daley recognized this as something that runs in
and eager to seek out future opportunities to expand themselves
and their knowledge and skills. The sponsoring Chicago Near
South Rotary Club proudly invited Katie and Chandler to present
about their training experience during the January 19th meeting
held on IIT’s campus. The power of transformation was clear,
for De La Salle and Rotary International, and both are excited to
continue the partnership and maintain the RYLA tradition that
benefits everyone in our community.
Mayor Daley Receives J.C. Nichols Prize
Shares Prize with Alma Mater
concurrence with his beliefs in the field of secondary education.
“On behalf of the 1,200 young women and young men who
call De La Salle home, as well as our faculty, staff and alumni,
we thank Mayor Daley for the exemplary kindness and generosity
he extended toward his alma mater. Everyone at De La Salle
congratulates Mayor Daley
on receiving this most
prestigious accolade.”

campus scrapbook
1.
2.
5.
6.
1. The members of “Da Warriors” prepared for
battle in the annual Turkey Bowl.
3.
7.
2. Estefania Lanza ‘13 was one of nine Lourdes Hall Campus
students to participate in the annual Locks of Love ceremony.
3. Isabella Brogan, daughter of De La Salle assistant basketball
coach John Brogan, got her poster autographed during the
“Meet the Meteors” postgame activity.
4 Twenty-six students were inducted into the Br. J. Richard Rush,
FSC Chapter of the National Honor Society this past fall.
4.
8.
5. One of the highlights of the Student Raffle
Activity Day was a Wii dance contest.
6. Students at the Institute Campus loaded the
minibus as part of the “Meteors Brighten
Lives 2010” food drive in which 2,238 items
of food were collected and donated by
Meteors on both campuses to the
St. James Food Pantry.
7. Timothy O’Brien ‘11 helped members of the
Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local No. 2
put together bikes that were given away at
Christmas to needy children.
8. Khrystina Kulbida ‘11 was chosen as a
Commended Student in the 2011 National
Merit Scholarship Program.
6 Campus Scrapbook Campus Scrapbook 7

Feature Story
educating
Our Future
As a Lasallian school, De La Salle Institute is rooted in the tradition of Saint John
Baptist de La Salle and our dedicated faculty and staff are inspired by his legacy
and continue his mission of educating students and preparing young women and
men for success in their future endeavors. Our teachers are brilliant examples of
the exemplary caliber of education that students receive during their four years as
a Meteor. Teachers help shape the high school experience. They are the foundation
of the classroom and the innovative lessons taught in them. And they help create
a school where all students are given the opportunity to excel, the opportunity
to participate and cultivate their passions, and the opportunity to go beyond
oneself and serve the greater community. Often, teachers are unsung heroes of our
students’ accomplishments. They work day in and day out to prepare our youth
for their future in college and beyond. D Magazine wanted to take a step back and
ask several members of our distinguished faculty to share their points of view on
different educational motivations. Please read on…
diane brown
Principal, Lourdes Hall Campus
In your more than 20 years of
service, how has the vocation
of teaching evolved
Over the past thirty-four years, I have witnessed a paradigmatic shift in the academic environment from a teachercentered
classroom to a student-centered classroom. When I began my teaching career in 1977, the classroom was a
teacher-centered environment. The teacher delivered information through lectures, films, recordings, modeling
exercises, and other techniques. Course notes were written on a blackboard, and tests were typed on Spirit Masters
(typing paper with carbon attached) and duplicated on mimeograph machines since copy machines were scarce, and
computers nonexistent. Students were expected to sit quietly and listen to the teacher, take notes, read, or follow
whatever other directions they may have been given. Failure to do so could result in harsh punishment and dreaded
phone calls home to parents. Teachers were expected to maintain complete control of the classroom environment, and
students were more passive learners.
Today’s classroom, however, is a student-centered environment. Although the expectations for educators to demonstrate
academic expertise and effective classroom management strategies have not changed, teachers are now more challenged
to engage students in active learning. This involves planning educational activities that teach to the whole child by
taking into account the rich and diverse cultures, backgrounds, needs, and beliefs that students bring to the classrooms
each day. In addition, educational tools for teaching have now been placed into the hands of students as tools for
learning. Today, our students utilize state-of-the-art computer equipment for a variety of educational activities,
including, but not limited to, studying electronic textbooks, taking notes, collaborating with classmates, communicating
with teachers, creating presentations, and writing papers. More importantly, teachers and students are able to transcend
the boundaries of the physical classroom by connecting to Internet sites that provide enriched learning opportunities
never thought possible in 1977. Recently, I visited a social studies classroom in which students were viewing artifacts
housed at the New York Museum of Fine Arts. Other classes have connected to university libraries to conduct research,
have traveled across the globe to learn about foreign lands, have graphed and analyzed data from science experiments
in class, and have sketched three-dimensional structures to better visualize complex structures. Students can engage in
these and other educational activities via the Internet without ever leaving their classrooms. The possibilities for
engaged learning opportunities are endless.
8 Feature Story Feature Story 9

Feature Story
TEd morgan ‘77
Faculty, Division of Applied Science & Mathematics
As an alumnus of the school and now
a long-time faculty member, what
similarities do you find in students
during your four years at DLS and
present-day students
Upon my return to De La Salle, my initial impression was how so much of the school has changed, yet how so much of it
feels remarkably familiar. In true Lasallian tradition, De La Salle is, has and continues to foster a harmonious community
where all students from varied walks of life are welcomed.
My upbringing prior to my De La Salle years was rather homogeneous in nature. A parent in the neighborhood would be
challenged picking their blond-hair blue-eyed Irish Catholic son out of a neighborhood crowd. It was my experience at
De La Salle that not only educated me academically, but socially as well.
Students at De La Salle are a family. They are Meteors, regardless of the fact that they hail from many neighborhood
schools, and are comprised of varied ethnic, socioeconomic, racial and religious backgrounds. De La Salle students are
always willing to look out for their brother or sister and to lend a hand. They are unique and special. As it was then and
so it remains.
Dr. John romberger
Faculty, Division of Applied Science & Mathematics
Why did you decide to enter the field
of education and what chemistry
lesson do students enjoy most
The short answer is “Our Lady.” Eight years ago, I was among 60 people discharged
from Nalco Chemical Company. I had worked there as a chemist for 23 years. I immediately sent out resumes and contacted
a professional employment service to find another job. I got no solid leads. I then appealed to “Our Lady” to find me
employment. Quickly, my wife got me a part-time job teaching chemistry at Triton College. This was very little money,
but it was something. I was still getting nothing on my job search. Then a friend of mine suggested Catholic schools.
I sent my resume to Dean Khazen and after meeting with him for an interview, here I am. I am proud to be a part of the
De La Salle community for eight years. My road to teaching was not a straight path, but I believe everything happens for
a reason and it has brought me great joy to teach the students of De La Salle.
Students enjoy the laboratory, which is every Thursday. It allows them to do things they would never get to do elsewhere.
They handle dangerous chemicals (under close supervision) and see phenomena they’ve never seen before. I also work in
some small topics that are not in the book, and my presentation on nuclear weapons is usually a big hit!
Paul granat ‘92
Faculty, Division of Social Sciences
What is the greatest benefit to giving
students access to new mediums in
the classroom
The fine arts, in general, provide an enriching challenge in a student’s academic experience
by creating a unique set of tools for expression. De La Salle Institute’s support of the fine
arts enhances the students visual language by exposing students to numerous mediums. As
students develop their understanding of the various mediums, they are more able to choose
and execute the most appropriate medium to best express their idea. De La Salle’s fine arts
program offers students the opportunity to incorporate personal beliefs, ideas, and interests
into their academic experience which in turn builds upon various skills, self-efficacy, and
lifelong learning.
10 Feature Story
shannon porfilio
Faculty, Division of Social Sciences
As a teacher in her first year at De La Salle,
what do you find most rewarding about
working at a Lasallian school
Working at De La Salle is a very rewarding experience. Now in my 10th year of teaching and
coming to De La Salle from a variety of public and private school experiences, I can honestly
say that De La Salle is a very unique place to work. Compared to other educational contexts, I
find that the sense of community in a Lasallian school has a profound impact on the faculty, staff
and students. From the moment I arrived, I have found that people go out of their way to make
you feel welcome and a part of the community. Not surprisingly, this generosity and selflessness
can be observed in the many service-learning opportunities and other community and schoolbased
functions that serve to promote to students social justice and giving. It is particularly this
sense of giving, serving and community that is rewarding not only to observe but also in which
to participate.
Feature Story 11

Feature Story
norma ramos
Faculty, Division of Applied Science
As a role model for young women,
what do you do to inspire students
to enter the field of math or science
chris wood
Faculty, Division of Social Sciences
How does St. John Baptist de La
Salle influence your teaching style
I approach every classroom, student and topic with enthusiasm and persistence. Math has and continues to be a thing of
beauty and complexity to me. I aim to teach my students how math is the language of science, a guide to understanding
various phenomena and a powerful influence in our daily lives. I also stress to my students that not every problem
or situation in mathematics is easy to do or understand. However, it is the struggle and approach we take to find and
understand our results that makes math even more worthwhile. I strive to help young women appreciate the vast and
beautiful features of math and in doing so, I hope to help them develop and appreciate their own vast and beautiful
potentials. I do what I love and try to do it well.
The legacy of our founder Saint John Baptist de la Salle continues to inspire and drive my efforts as an instructor of
the Institute. His complete dedication and intellection innovation changed the history of instructional education and
continues to impact the modern classroom. In the words of Saint de la Salle, “Together and by association” we are called
to “instill the Christian faith” in our students by becoming a living example. Saint de la Salle’s words have never been
more present than now when our young people live in a modern age attempting to strip away the importance of nurturing
spirituality. So much works against encouraging our young people to develop as whole persons that the three hundred
year tradition of the Christian Brothers mission of molding the minds and hearts of our youth has become a beacon of
hope that must remain kindled and rekindled. Saint de la Salle’s ability to firmly yet lovingly lead the youth of his time
towards a faith-filled life of service and dedication to others continues to inspire my own instruction and encourages me
to work on advancing my own vocation for the benefit of those I instruct.
denise ward
Director, La Salle College Prep
How do you motivate students to reach
their potential
Motivating a student to reach his or her greatest potential is a focal part of educational
success; it involves a display of jubilation for even minute accomplishments, for every
accomplishment evolves into one of many success stories. As an educator, it is my
responsibility to place students in a position in which success can be achieved daily; the
classroom becomes student-centered and the daily lessons should curtail the frequencies of
failure. It is essential to mold and build the self-esteem of all students through optimistic
words and proceedings; these words and proceedings become essential throughout the
school day. A handshake, a thumbs up, a pat on the back, or words of encouragement all
become vital components of motivating a student to reach his or her fullest potential.
“Let it be clear, then, in all your conduct
towards the children who are entrusted to
you that you look upon yourselves as ministers
of God, carrying out your ministry with love
and a sincere and true zeal.”
- St. John Baptist de La Salle
12 Feature Story Feature Story 13

Parent place
the spirit of
giving back
The Parent Association concluded the
2010 calendar year in the true spirit of
the season. This is an opportune time to
recognize the various parents who have
given back with generous efforts and to
express the deep appreciation we feel as
a school community for their support.
Starting in October, parents took an
active role in supporting our recruiting
efforts. Over 40 volunteers gave their
time during each of our Open Houses
to interact with prospective families,
represent the Parent Association and
sponsor the sweets table with donations
of goods for everyone to enjoy. The
Parent Association also had over 15
volunteers at the grammar school
Olympic Night, passing out information about the school and our parent organization and even donated hot
dogs for the players after the event!
Veronica Poluha and Sonia Walczak, who work at Parkway Realty Services in downtown Chicago, also
give back to De La Salle when any of the business suites in their building are recycling office supplies,
furniture and other in-kind donations.
Because of their spirit of giving to ‘D’,
an entire conference room on the Institute
Campus has been updated with new
furniture, two new refrigerators (one
for each campus teacher’s lounge) are
currently in use and various office
supplies are cutting down purchasing
costs for both De La Salle and the
Tolton Adult Literacy Centers.
We truly appreciate the spirit
of giving back from all of our
‘D’ parents!
Veronica Poluha &
Sonia Walczak
February Dances
An Experience of a Lifetime with your Meteor!
• Saturday, February 19, 2011: Father/Daughter Dance
• Sunday, February 20, 2011: Mother/Son Dance
Save the Date for the annual February Dances coming soon! Parents are
highly encouraged to make it a fun date with your son or daughter! More
event information will be sent home in January.
If you are a parent interested in serving on the Dance Committees, to
help with choosing a theme, promoting attendance and decorating for
the event, please contact parentplace@dls.org.
FEBRUARY 19TH & 20th
IN THE COMMONS AT INSTITUTE CAMPUS
FROM 5:00PM – 10:00 PM
Winter Wrap-up Holiday Fest Success
The Parent Association Holiday Fest on December 11
welcomed over 200 attendees from the community
as well as parents, students and faculty for a fun day
of Christmas cheer and shopping. The Hilton
Commons was packed with vibrant vendors of all
kinds, and the Christmas spirit was alive with sounds
of the DLS band and photos with Santa! Thank you
to all the volunteers who made such a successful event
possible! And thank you to the Parent Association
for organizing a wonderful fundraiser to benefit
De La Salle!
Parent Association President
Monica Shimkus smiles with Santa.
14 Parent Place
Parent Place 15

Athletics
2010 Fall athletic Accomplishments
The fall of 2010 saw the Meteors garner many successes in the field of athletic competition. Here is a recap of their achievements:
Football
Four Meteors represented the school on the All-Chicago Catholic
League Team. Lauded were linebacker Jamal Graham ‘11, defensive
end Joshua Lisenby ‘11; running back Gerrick Ratliff ‘11 and
linebacker Josh Ruano ‘11.
Graham was De La
Salle’s leading tackler
with 83, while Lisenby
was second with 62.
Lisenby also had two
pass breakups, one
fumble recovery and one
interception. Ruano was
third on the Meteors with
57 tackles, while Ratliff
was De La Salle’s top
ground gainer with 725
yards and three TDs on
140 attempts.
In addition, Lisenby
Defensive end Joshua Lisenby ‘11
was named the Chicago
Catholic League White Defensive Player of the Year. The
defensive end also had two pass breakups, one fumble recovery
and one interception.
Graham was named De La Salle’s Player of the Year, while Lisenby
and Ratliff were the Defensive and Offensive MVPs, respectively.
Girls Volleyball
Setter Jenna Duddleston ‘11 was named the Player of the Year in the
Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White Division for the second
consecutive season. Duddleston helped the Meteors set a school
record in wins as De La Salle posted a mark of 29-9.
The Meteors also placed third in the GCAC Red Division
Tournament and finished first in the GCAC White during
the regular season for the third year in a row. In addition,
Duddleston was named to the Chicago Sun-Times’ All-Area
Third Team and the Chicago Tribune’s Honorable Mention
All-State Team.
Right side/setter Arianna Hayden ‘12, defensive specialist/libero
Maggie Popp ‘11 and middle hitter Viviana Valenciana ‘11 joined
Duddleston on the All-GCAC Team as the Meteors won the IHSA
Class 4A De La Salle Regional, earning a regional title for the first time
since 2004. The Meteors’ finish in the GCAC Red was their highest ever.
Other Sports
Meteor golfer Brandon Williams ‘11 advanced from the IHSA St. Ignatius
Regional to compete in the Mount Carmel Sectional. Additionally, the men’s
and women’s cross country teams and the women’s tennis team also represented
De La Salle well in the field of interscholastic competition.
Goal! Women’s
Water Polo Arrives!
Enthusiasm and experience.
That’s what Michael Donnelly brings in
large quantities to De La Salle in her new
roles as the head coach for swimming
and water polo, which have been added
to the roster of sports offered to students
at our Lourdes Hall Campus for Young
Women.
Like their colleagues on the boys’
teams, the girls’ swimming and water polo programs will compete at the Valentine
Boys and Girls Club of Chicago located in Bridgeport.
“Women’s swimming and water polo are two sports that have generated a lot of
interest at our Lourdes Hall Campus,” De La Salle athletic director Tom White
said. “Coach Donnelly has a great background in the sport and I’m confident
she’ll do an outstanding job in establishing our program.”
Donnelly, a graduate of the University of Colorado, participated in the women’s
water polo program at CU and was the Buffs’ co-captain for three of her four
seasons. Donnelly was herself a competitive swimmer for 11 years.
De La Salle’s women’s swimming team competed in a pair of meets this past
fall – one against Lake View High School and one on an intramural basis.
“It is super exciting,” Donnelly said in an interview with the Beverly Review
newspaper. “Starting from scratch is exciting because I can change things that
I didn’t like and implement things that I loved from my past experiences.
2010 Winter Sport Updates
“It’s a great group of girls who are putting their heart and
soul into this program. Swimming can be very fun, so I’m
working on creating that team atmosphere.
“I hope that girls will look at De La Salle as a competitive
program that will be a long-standing successful program.”
Score! Meteor Hockey Returns to D!
In response to a request from students who were interested in becoming
Skating Meteors, the administration and athletic department have reinstituted
hockey to the roster of sports offered to our students.
There is precedence for success in the Meteors’ hockey past.
In 1982, De La Salle finished third in the state in Class AA.
This past fall, the Meteor hockey program
began anew on the junior-varsity level with
practices held at Johnny’s Ice House on
Chicago’s Near West Side.
Pat and Zack Harbour will serve as the
Meteors’ coaches. Both men played high
school hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in
Minnesota, which has produced NHL stars
Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby.
“Hockey is a sport that is booming in Illinois
and across the country,” De La Salle athletic
director Tom White said. “De La Salle has
had success in the past on the ice and we’re excited to bring the Skating Meteors
program back as yet another offering for our students.”
The winter season finds the Meteors successfully competing in a variety of venues. Here’s what our athletes are accomplishing as 2011 begins:
Boys Soccer
Midfielder Gabriel Garcia ’11 was voted the winner of the Tony
Lawless Award in the Chicago Catholic League in soccer for
the 2010 season. The award is bestowed annually upon the top
senior athlete in the CCL in each sport.
By winning the Lawless Award, Garcia became the fourth
consecutive Meteor to be so honored, joining Adrian Guzman
(2007), Scott Mestan (2008) and Luis Perez (2009).
This season, Garcia tallied 13 goals and 16 assists as the Meteors
concluded their season with an overall mark of 13-6-3 and a
4-0-1 record in earning the CCL White championship. For his
career, Garcia scored 41 goals and chipped in 48 assists.
Also named to the All-Catholic League Team were forward
Simon Aldama ’14, midfielder Luis Calvillo ‘12, forward Genaro
Delgado ‘11, defender Agustin Flores ‘11, and defender Javier
Medina ‘11.
Aldama finished with 14 goals and five assists, Calvillo
contributed 14 goals and 11 assists, Delgado scored four goals
and added three assists, Garcia tallied
13 goals and 16 assists and Medina
posted two goals and one assist.
In addition, head coach Tom Dufficy was
named the recipient of the Tony Lawless
Award as the Coach of the Year in the
Catholic League.
For Dufficy, who has been the head
varsity soccer coach at De La Salle for
the past 11 seasons, this marks the third
time in the last four seasons that he
has won the Lawless Award. Dufficy,
who teaches theology at De La Salle’s
Institute Campus for Young Men, also
accomplished the feat in 2007 and 2008.
Winner of Tony Lawless Award
Gabriel Garcia ‘11
• The women’s varsity basketball team got off to a great start, winning
10 of its first 13 games. The Meteors began their season with three
victories at the Latin Thanksgiving Tournament. After that, the Meteors
also defeated Rich East, Mount Assisi, Seton Academy and St. Francis
de Sales among others.
Key contributions have been provided by guard Kiara Carter ‘13,
forward JaVonna Smith ‘12, guard Natalie Williams ‘11 and forward
Kelly Crowley ‘12. Carter and Smith are the leading scorers, while
Smith, Williams and Crowley are the Meteors’ three captains.
• The men’s varsity basketball team has been ranked as high as No. 2
in the Chicago area by the Chicago Tribune and No. 3 by the Chicago
Sun-Times. The Meteors won 11 of their first 12 games, including four
wins to capture the Stagg Thanksgiving Tournament and three victories
at the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Tournament at Concordia
University in Mequon, WI. De La Salle also garnered Catholic League
Central victories over Hales Franciscan, St. Joseph and St. Rita.
Forward Michael Shaw ‘11, who has signed a letter-of-intent to play at
the University of Illinois next season, has anchored the Meteors along
with forwards Alvin Ellis ‘13, Alex Foster ‘13, Devontae Gatewood ‘11
and Dre Henley ‘11 and guards Jarvis Chamberlain ’11, Pat Haynes ‘12,
DeMarcus Richardson ‘13, Jaylon Tate ‘13 and Marcus White ‘13.
• The varsity wrestling program has been impressive in both Catholic
League and tournament competition. In the CCL, the Meteors have
defeated Bishop McNamara, Loyola Academy and St. Laurence.
At the Conant Invitational, the Meteors were 14th in the 18-team field
with 68 points. Highlights for De La Salle were provided by Angelo
Rivera ‘11 and James Buss ‘12. Rivera was third at 171 pounds, while
Buss won the championship at 285.
At the 47th Annual Russ Erb Tournament taking place at Glenbrook
South High School, the Meteors were 11th in the 18-team field with
79 points. Rivera and Buss both won titles in their respective weight
classes, while John Shilney ’11 was fourth at 140.
• The Meteor men’s and women’s bowling teams concluded
successful regular seasons before moving into state
competition. The men’s bowling team was assigned to
the Illinois High School Association’s St. Ignatius
Sectional, while the women’s bowling team was assigned
to the Hinsdale South Sectional.
16 Athletics
Athletics 17

development
Fourth Annual
Great Futures Gala
Honoring Mr. Michael A. Tadin Class of 1969
Sponsored by the Extollo Educational Foundation, the Great Futures Gala is an annual
black-tie event that celebrates De La Salle Institute as the place where great futures begin and
assists in raising the $1.2 million for the school’s Student Financial Assistance Program.
Every April, De La Salle alumni, parents, friends, benefactors and corporate supporters enjoy
this special night to celebrate education and provide scholarship opportunities for the young
women and men attending De La Salle Institute. The Fourth Annual Great Futures Gala
takes place on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the University Club of Chicago. Please mark your
calendar and join in a fun night of celebration.
The honoree for this year’s Great Futures Gala is Mr. Michael A. Tadin, a Class of 1969
alumnus and long-time champion of local community organizations and Catholic education.
1. You have deep roots in the Bridgeport
community and are known by many people for
your generosity. What moves you to give back
to your local community
Bridgeport is where I grew up, where my family comes
from, and our community has always been there for
us. I have seen this neighborhood transform over the
years, and am proud of all it continues to offer the local
residents. The parishes, the educational institutions,
the small businesses still thriving, the new housing
developments, the heart of Chicago’s melting pot all
come from this neighborhood. I give back because
Bridgeport has given me so much over the years. It is
the least I can do to show my generosity for what so
many people and places have taught me over the years.
I want to ensure that many other children and families
benefit from a thriving local community just as I did.
2. Catholic education has played a very important
role in your life. How has learning in the Catholic
tradition shaped your values
I have always been centered in faith, starting early as a
child in St. Jerome’s and continuing on to high school at
De La Salle Institute. What these fine Catholic schools
taught me was to work hard, respect others and achieve
giving back in your lifetime. I learned that life is about
having compassion and a vision wider than your own
world. My Catholic education showed me about the
lives of others, which instilled in me the value of giving
back to those less fortunate in any way that I can.
Having a religious background in today’s world prepares
our young people to deal with challenges. I know that I
value the big picture of how we are all connected when
I am faced with challenges in life, thanks to my Catholic
upbringing.
3. What valuable lessons did you learn at De La Salle that you apply
in your daily business life
De La Salle taught me that a good, solid work ethic goes a long way. De
La Salle did not settle for the students to study at half their potential. We
all were pushed to our very best, and to exceed what we thought was our
limits. Today, the demand on my business life is great, and I am fully
dedicated to my work, while also being fully dedicated to my family
and my community. That takes perseverance to know your end goal and
continue working at everything you are called to do in order to achieve that
goal. I attribute the success in my business life to what I learned at De La
Salle about how to manage my time, my relationships and my expectations.
It has never left me and I will be always grateful for such a life lesson to
come so early to me while at De La Salle.
4. Among the many community organizations you support are St.
Jerome, Valentine Boys & Girls Club and De La Salle Institute. You
have been quoted as saying that your generosity stems from doing it
“all for the kids” – what moves you to support these organizations and
their future leaders
Michael A. Tadin - Class of 1969
This generation, and the next generation, are our future leaders of our
neighborhoods, our cities, our world. I have been blessed to spend time with so many wonderful young people at St. Jerome, the
Valentine Club and De La Salle. For me, they are an investment for all of us to support and ensure their future successes. Going
back to how I was raised, I came from humble beginnings. It was the adult role models in my life that shaped who I am today. I
want to be able to do the same for the kids of today. I am also very moved to support these organizations because of their missions
and their direct involvement with my local community. It is important for me to help the place where I came from thrive for many
years to come. These organizations mobilize support for education, opportunities and service that our youth truly benefit from,
ensuring our local community will have a bright future.
A Meteor will be calling you soon...
Thank you for answering the call!
De La Salle’s 2011 Phonathon begins on Monday, March 7, 2011. A fellow Meteor will be calling you to ask
for your support of our student financial assistance program.
As future alums, they have the opportunity to get acquainted with alumni and friends of the Institute, share
information about the school’s most recent achievements, raise critical funds for the student financial assistance
program and discover what being a De La Salle alumnus is all about. We hope you will respond as generously
as you can when you hear from a Meteor this spring. Thank you!
18 Development Development 19

Alumni Connection
Jenna Bruno ‘06
The winter months in Chicago
have not deterred our alumni
from visiting campus, attending
an event or getting together for
a good time.
During the Winter athletic season, we welcomed many
graduates who came home to cheer on the Meteors. The Alumni
5th Quarter gatherings in Bansley Hall were especially popular
after home basketball games. Many alums have said that it’s
the casual get-together events like 5th Quarters that allow for
people to catch up on the latest school news and hear what is
happening in the alumni community. We especially thank
the 5th Quarter sponsors this season and the ‘D’ graduate
connections: Wings & Rings (Jim Metcalf ‘96 & Jesse
Alvarez ‘95), Los Comales (Adam Chavarria ‘92
& Larry Gonzalez ‘92), Mitchell’s Tap
(Tom Mitchell ‘66 ) and Turtle’s.
Jake Callinan ‘97 &
Obie Leflore ‘97
Getting
Together
&
Staying Connected
On Thursday, January 20, alumni and friends of De La Salle
faced the winter cold to attend the Beat The Winter Blues Happy
Hour event at Rocky’s Sports Restaurant. Hosted by the Young
Alumni Club, its idea was to hold an event after the holiday
rush, when social calendars have calmed and people are looking
for something to do. The event was indeed a success, bringing
together alumni from various class years to reunite. The Young
Alumni Club is always looking for more ways to stay connected
with classmates and organize events to get together. Email
alumnirelations@dls.org if you have a suggestion for an
upcoming event!
Twenty Years in the Making:
D-Final Event
It was twenty years ago that a group of alumni got together and started what is now the
most popular, most attended fundraiser at De La Salle, the D-Final Event held every
April. Thanks to the efforts of the founding D-Final committee of alums, Meteor athletics
and the general scholarship fund have benefited from numerous program advancements
over the years! To celebrate this milestone anniversary event, De La Salle will be
honoring the alumni who started D-Final back in 1991! Come out on Monday,
April 4, 2011 and celebrate a wonderful, fun tradition at ‘D’!
Run for De La Salle in the
2011 Bank of America
Chicago Marathon
De La Salle is proud to announce
a new partnership with the Bank
of America Chicago Marathon!
Starting in 2011, De La Salle is forming “Team De La Salle”
and recruiting runners, walkers and donors to participate in the
Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2011 in
support of De La Salle, one of the newest charities partnering
with the marathon. If you are interested in joining Team De La
Salle, please email us at marathon2011@dls.org and you will
receive an informational packet.
More event information can be found at www.dls.org/events.
Purchase a table or Super Raffle tickets today!
20 Alumni Connection
Registration begins on February 1, 2011. Don’t delay!
Alumni Connection 21

Alumni Connection
Alumni Updates
1941
Ed Fietz worked in the manufacturing industry in the accounting and
sales fields. He lives in Portage, IN and may be emailed at ekf@copper.net.
1952
Lawrence Schultz is retired and living in Anderson, IN.
1961
Stephen Juska is retired and lives with his family in Orland Park, IL.
His email address is siaajuska@aol.com.
1964
Joseph Sarna is retired and living in Chicago. His email address is
sarnajoe@hotmail.com.
1965
John T. Peoples is a security consultant and lives with his family in
Houston, TX. His email address is xfed@att.net.
1966
Gregory Dust is a police advisor serving in Afghanistan. He resides in
Nixa, MO and his email address is gpdust@msn.com.
1967
Robert Esposito is a director of sales in the design and manufacturing of
visual packaging industry. He lives in Burr Ridge, IL and his email address
is bobespo@merrills.com.
1969
Richard Kos retired from General Motors but is working as an emergency
manager and paramedic. He resides in Durand, MI and his email address
is rskos@hughes.net.
1971
Joseph Satraitis is a security officer and lives in Chicago. His email address
is lugan55@gmail.com.
1972
William F. Galka Jr. is a manager for Aramark Co. and lives in Chicago.
His email address is jr3912@sbcglobal.net.
1974
Raymond Kutz is an electromechanical technician in the grain, flour and
feed industries and resides in Rochester, IL. His email address is
sox20@juno.com.
Tom Mitchell ‘66
of Mitchell’s
The central lesson that alumnus Tom Mitchell ‘66 learned while at De La Salle is
now the key to his business success at Mitchell’s Tap in Bridgeport. As a student
at the Institute in the late 60s, Tom recalls how he was exposed to different people
from different communities, and how De La Salle taught him to treat everybody
equally. He applies that same principle
to create the welcoming atmosphere of
his neighborhood establishment, which
is known to regularly attract an eclectic
crowd of patrons from the community.
The 1930s art deco motif, with all original
wood, and spacious outdoor patio appeals
to the variety of alumni, business people
and local students who call Mitchell’s
their community hang-out. Tom also
“The central lesson that
alumnus Tom Mitchell
learned while at De La Salle
is now the key to his business
success at Mitchell’s Tap in
Bridgeport.”
remembers the great friendships he made at De La Salle, both with his classmates
and also the teachers: “You could really talk to people, and receive both spiritual
and intellectual guidance”. And it was that friendly, collegial student body, learning
to accept others for who they are, that created what Tom calls such a great ‘family’
that now exists among the alumni of De La Salle. For that family to remain for
years to come, Tom advises young Meteors to respect everyone, have reverence for
the older generations and provide guidance for the younger generations to come.
Mitchell’s Tap
3356 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL
773.927.6073
Sunday-Friday
11am-2am
Saturday
11am-3am
www.mitchellstap.net
Ray Chin ‘67
of The Phoenix
If you’ve ever visited neighboring Chinatown, you’re sure to have seen the long
lines of patrons waiting to get seated at The Phoenix at 2131 South Archer Ave.
Co-owner, Ray Chin ’67, is proud of what has become one of the best restaurants in
Chinatown. The Phoenix has been rated as having the best Dim Sum delicacy, and
“De La Salle is a career
oriented institution –
you have to think about
how to make a living in
your future. The school
prepares students to think
in a business sense”
also the best egg rolls. They serve many
of the authentic dishes found in Hong
Kong, Shanghai and China. Ray first
got involved in the restaurant business
fifteen years ago as he entered into the
venture of what is now a hugely popular
Chinese Cantonese cuisine restaurant. It
was his positive experience at De La Salle
that Ray quotes as having prepared him
for such success. “De La Salle is a careeroriented
institution – you have to think about how to make a living in your future.
The school prepares students to think in a business sense.” Ray knows a lot about
business ventures, as he is also President of R M Chin and Associates, a project
management construction company in the neighborhood. His successes in life
come from his solid Catholic education he received during his time at De La Salle.
“Learning the basics of a Catholic education, you come away applying that in the
business world, where you have to be considerate of others.”
The Phoenix
Classical Chinese Cuisine
2131 South Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
312.328.0848
Dim Sum Daily
Sat-Sun, 8am-3pm
Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm
Dinner
Fri-Sat, 5pm-10:30pm
Sun-Thurs, 5pm-9:30pm
www.chinatownphoenix.com
1978
James O. Worthington III is a supervisory probation officer and lives with his
family in University Park, IL. His email address is wjamesdawn@aol.com.
1979
Robert Solofra is a business analyst in the legal profession. He lives
in Chicago and his email address is bobsolo@dearborntower.net.
Patrick Townsend is a region manager for the Chicago Park District. He
and his wife, Sonia, are the proud parents of Jennifer ’06 and Julianna ’14.
Townsend’s email address is trickit24@yahoo.com.
Peter Zagorski works in the advertising field as a senior art director and lives
in Chicago. His email address is peter.zagorski@eicoff.com.
1980
Frank Ornelas is an operating engineer in the construction industry as
well as a restaurant owner. He resides in Chicago and his email address is
ornelasfrank@aol.com.
Adam Fisher lives in Chicago and works in education. His email address
is adam.feesh1@gmail.com.
1984
Ernest Chan works in the IT field and lives in Libertyville, IL. His email
address is echan@bcbsa.com.
Patrick Colton is a metal fabricator in the manufacturing industry. He
resides in Plainfield, IL and his email address is fish66@sbcglobal.net.
1985
Robert Prokaski is an operations manager in the beverage industry. He
resides in Broomfield, CO and his email address is rprokaski@water.com.
1988
Steve Driscoll is a vice president and business owner in the restoration/
construction/remodeling industry and lives in East Peoria, IL. His email
address is sdriscoll@menoldinc.com.
1989
Jorge Alvarez is a crane operator for US Steel and lives in Hobart, IN.
His email address is jalvrz219@live.com.
1990
James Loverde is a software consultant and resides in Chicago with his
family. His email address is loverde@gmail.com.
1991
Brian D. Heslin and his family reside in Winchester, MA where he is
a supervisor. His email address is sancho2929@yahoo.com.
1993
George Morris is in the engineering and consulting industry as a project
environmental scientist. He lives in Chicago and his email address is
geomor3@yahoo.com.
Juan Antonio Ortiz Jr. works in the armored transportation industry and
resides in Bolingbrook, IL. His email address is juan.a.ortiz.jr@hotmail.com.
22 Alumni Connection Alumni Connection 23

Alumni Connection
Alumni Updates
1994
Henry Florez is a real estate developer and the president of The Nili
Group, a Chicagoland real estate company. He resides in Chicago and
his email address is buy@theniligroup.com.
1995
Richard Camacho is a service manager in the HVAC industry. He resides in
Chicago with his family and can be reached at rjcamacho1977@gmail.com.
1999
Douglas Bermudez works in the IT consulting and outsourcing industries
and resides in Chicago. He also married Rossana Santandrea on July 24,
2010. The family resides in Chicago. Bermudez’s email address is douglas.
bermudez@paulrevere998.com.
Leonard Rosas lives in Mangialo, Guam. His email address is
navconsounding@aol.com.
2000
Carlo Garcia is an actor and artist working in the entertainment and
nonprofit fields. His email address is livingphilanthropic@gmail.com and
his websites are www.carlogarcia.com and www.livingphilanthropic.com.
Rocky’s
Host of Young Alumni Club Event
on January 20th
Located on the corner of 31st and Wells, Rocky’s has successfully been serving the
people of Bridgeport and members of the De La Salle community since it opened in
August 2009.
“The majority of our business is the neighborhood. And the neighborhood is De La
Salle. So in essence, De La Salle has made us,” said Rocky’s co-owner Frank Castro.
Castro along with his cousin, Frank Rende, got together to open Rocky’s, which
features two bars with big screen televisions, a beer garden perfect for those Chicago
summer nights, and a menu with delicious Italian sandwiches and bar food. Their
drink menu includes specials like the Drunk Arnie, Root Beer Float, and the Rocky’s
Creamer. If you’re not in the mood for the bar scene, Rocky’s has a huge Brunch
Buffet every Sunday from 10AM-2PM for only $10.
“The West Bar is full of everything from fresh fruit, Danishes, eggs, fritatas, pasta,
and chicken wings and so much more,” Castro said.
Rocky’s was chosen for this year’s De La Salle Young Alumni “Beat the Winter
Blues” Party on Thursday, January 20, 2011. Young alumni gathered to have drinks
and appetizers and to reconnect with each other.
“It’s always fun to get together with people you haven’t seen in a while and just
sit and laugh. It brings back so many memories of such a special time in all of our
lives,” said Margaret Grabowski ‘06.
2002
Lauren Giampa is a teacher’s assistant and lives in Oak Lawn, IL.
Her email address is luckylauren60652@yahoo.com.
2003
Aquee Easley is in supply chain engineering in the pharmaceuticals
industry. He resides in North Bergen, NJ. Easley’s email address
is aquee.easley@gmail.com.
2005
Pedro Guerra is a personal banker in the financial services industry.
He lives in Chicago and his email address is pedroguerrajr@gmail.com.
2006
Matthew Thibodeaux-Major resides in Chicago and is working as
a supervisor. His email address is thibodeauxmajor@yahoo.com.
2007
Matt Synowiecki resides in Chicago. His email address is
mattsyno@gmail.com.
Rocky’s
234 West 31st Street
Chicago, IL 60616
312.842.9200
Open Weekdays
11am-2am
Saturday
11am-3am
Sunday
10am-2am
www.rockyschicago.com
Alumnae Updates
1965
Christine (Smith) Jalove is a retired teacher and lives in
Romeoville, IL. Her email address is mombie47@sbcglobal.net.
1966
Lorraine (Rezek) Cerwin is retired and residing in Temecula,
CA. Her email address is lorrirose@hotmail.com.
1970
Karen (Wojtalewicz) Friedberg is a nurse educator and lives
in Bloomingdale, IL with her family. Her email address is
kfriedberg@elgin.edu.
1971
Elaine Olkiewicz is a medical registration clerk and lives in
Manteno, IL. Her email address is coffeeeed@comcast.net.
1981
Gina (Nuzzo) Catezone is a paralegal and lives in Chicago.
Her email address is gcatezone@vedderprice.com.
1986
Paula (Ramirez) Beahan is a teacher at St. Damian Grammar
School in Oak Forest, IL. She resides in Oak Forest with her
family. Her email address is pbeahan@wideopenwest.com.
Mini-Meteors
Molly & Kylie are daughters of
Richard Blake ‘95, Nick and Matt
Boehm are sons of Assistant Athletic
Director Mike Boehm ‘92, Ally Boehm
is daughter of Tom Boehm ‘97 and
Nick Plumb is a Future Meteor.
From left to right:
Molly Blake, Nick Boehm,
Kylie Blake, Matt Boehm,
Ally Boehm, Nick Plumb
De La Salle Institute extends its
deepest sympathies to the families
of the following De La Salle and
Lourdes alumni and friends who
have recently passed away:
Mr. Richard E. Bara ‘61
Mr. Lawrence D. Blakley
Mr. Thomas P. Brown ‘53
Mr. Francis M. Connors ‘66
Mr. James H. Curfman ‘47
Mr. Brian G. Donovan ‘79
Mr. William J. Egan ‘65
Dr. Kenneth J. Fitzgerald ‘41
Mr. Thomas P. Granahan ‘57
Mr. Francis M. Holler ‘65
Mr. Thomas J. Horan ‘30
Mr. Thomas E. McFee ‘49
Mrs. Frances V. Novak
Mr. James J. O’Mara ‘32
Mr. Ralph T. Padilla ‘71
Mr. George W. Quinn ‘49
Mr. Lawrence T. Riordan ‘41
Mr. Robert E. Ryan ‘60
Mrs. Mary E. Scheck
Mr. Gary Strock Sr.
Mr. Gail D. Wakefield ‘42
Mr. William J. Warwick ‘52
Mr. Walter J. Wojak ‘60
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.
24 Alumni Connection Alumni Connection 25

Office for Advancement
3455 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60616-3827
312.842.7355
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.
Non-Profit Org.
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PAID
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Chicago, IL
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20th Annual
-FINAL
Sponsored by Parente &
Norem, P.C. - Attorneys At Law
Monday, April 4, 2011
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Fourth Annual
Great Futures Gala
Honoring Mr. Michael A. Tadin ‘69
an event to benefit de la salle institute
Friday, April 29, 2011
University Club of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
De La Salle Institute
Parmer Activity Center 3455 S. Wabash Ave.
$30 (Admission/Beverage/Food) • $35 Ticket at the Door
Facts About D-Final
• NCAA Basketball Championship
Game Broadcast on 4 Big Screens
• Unlimited Food and Drinks
• Games & Cash Prizes
• Silent Auction
• Super Raffle Drawing
With a $15,000 Grand Prize
Join Team
De La Salle!
More
Info!
For additional questions,
please contact Mike Walsh,
Communications Coordinator,
at (312) 842-7355 ext. 145
or walshm@dls.org.
All proceeds of the D-Final Event
go toward the De La Salle
Meteor Athletic Program
and general scholarship fund.
www.dls.org
Reach your fitness goals
& help us reach ours!
De La Salle Institute proudly announces its partnership
with the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
as one of the newest charities.
Run, walk or volunteer with Team De La Salle!
Please visit www.dls.org/development/marathon.jsp or
e-mail marathon2011@dls.org for more information.