magazine

magazine
A Publication for Alumni and Friends
of De La Salle Institute
126 Years Of Education In Lasallian Spirit!
Welcome, Archbishop Cupich!
Fall 2015

De La Salle Magazine
Fall 2015
Editor
Michael K. Walsh
Photography
De La Salle Archives
Root Studios/HR Imaging
Michael K. Walsh
Contributing Authors
Christopher Ahearn
Iris Gist Cochran
Paul Dirschl
La Toya Keys
Michael K. Walsh
Designer
Jacqueline Daniels
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
email to dmagazine@dls.org.
As a high school with as rich a tradition as ours, we know a thing or two
(or three) about achieving milestones.
Celebrating 125 years of providing an outstanding, Lasallian secondary
education to the students of Chicago? Check.
Incorporating Tablet PC technology into our curriculum and classrooms?
We were the first school to start that back in 2006 and it’s going very well.
Becoming one of two co-institutional high schools in the country? Did
that 13 years ago.
As justifiably proud as we are of our past accomplishments, we feel it’s
necessary to keep moving, progressing and growing. It’s time for us to
achieve our next goal.
And what a wonderfully historic goal it is!
De La Salle President
Fr. Paul Novak
With our Board of Directors setting an aggressive agenda of innovation and transformation, De La
Salle will merge our campuses and become a co-educational high school beginning with the 2017-18
school year.
While six of our classes are currently co-educational, in two years all of our classes will be coeducational.
As all of our students will be attending classes at 3434 S. Michigan, we want to make our Institute
Campus the best learning environment possible for our Meteors.
With that in mind, we will be embarking on a capital campaign that will allow De La Salle to remain
at the forefront of secondary education in Chicago.
Since De La Salle took ownership of the property on the northeast corner of 35th and Michigan,
it’s been our fervent hope and dream that someday we could expand our campus with classrooms,
offices, a new theatre and retail space in a sparkling new facility that would be used by everyone at
De La Salle as well as the local community.
The time has arrived to make that dream a reality.
We need everyone within the De La Salle community to make a commitment and an investment so
that we can accomplish our vision.
Maintaining our roots in the same location on 35th Street while continuing to grow and develop as
one of the top high schools in the Chicago area is something in which everyone at De La Salle has a
great deal of pride.
This is an exciting time to be a Meteor and we would love for you to play a significant part in our
success. Please join us and help De La Salle continue thriving as the place where the past is cherished
and great futures begin.
May God bless you and those you love with peace, health and happiness this fall.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us!
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Live Jesus in Our Hearts, Forever!
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.
www.dls.org
INSTITUTE CAMPUS FOR YOUNG MEN
3434 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVE • CHICAGO, IL 60616-3898
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
3647 SOUTH STATE ST • CHICAGO, IL 60609-1951
P 312.747.3471

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACADEMICS
Diane L. Brown Named Interim Principal 2
De La Salle Going Co-Educational In 2017 3
Colleges & Universities the Class of 2015 Will Attend 4
A Technology Infused Curriculum 5
A Picture Is Worth a 1,000 Words… 6-7
Meteors on the Move 8
Welcoming New Faculty for the 2015-16 School Year 9
An Improved Educational Experience 9
FAITH, SERVICE & COMMUNITY
Archbishop Cupich Celebrates The Mass Of The Holy Spirit 10-11
Tolton Center Reaches Milestone 12
PARENT PLACE
Save the Date! Important Dates for the Parent Association 13
Parent Association Chooses Leadership 13
Dancing with the Meteors 13
ATHLETICS
Meteor Fall Sports Update 14-15
DEVELOPMENT
A True & Dedicated Meteor: Jim Cunningham ‘46 16
Alumni Profile: Victor Megaro ‘81 17
Recap of 120th Alumni Banquet 18
Coming Home for Career Day at De La Salle 19
Estate Planning: What Will Your Legacy Be? 20
In Memoriam 22
Alumni Updates 22
Support De La Salle Through the Annual Fund 23
Promote Your Business by Advertising in D Magazine 24
De La Salle Institute
Board of Directors
2015-2016
Chairman
Mr. Paul D. McCoy ‘68
Vice Chairman
Mr. Prentiss J. Jackson ‘67
Members
Mr. Marshall A. Blake
Mr. George A. Bonomo ‘59
Mr. Victor M. Chavarria ‘69
Mr. Eugene L. Ferretti
Dr. Robert O. Graham ‘64
Honorable Patrick M. Huels ‘67
Sister Mary Alice Jarosz, SSJ-TOSF
Brother Michael Kadow, FSC
Dr. Scott A. Kier
Sister Valerie Kulbacki, SSJ-TOSF ‘L64
Mr. La Rue Martin, Jr. ‘68
Ms. Sharon R. O’Brien
Mr. Joseph D. Parente ‘84
Mr. Michael J. Passarelli ‘90
Mr. Thomas J. Sargant ‘62
Mr. Michael A. Tadin ‘69
Mrs. Cathryn P. Taylor
Mr. Thomas L. Taylor
Mr. James A. Vanek ‘64
President’s Council
Honorable William J. Aukstik ‘64
Mr. Michael G. Bansley ‘53
Mr. Michael F. Hickey ‘56
Mr. James R. Woodrow ‘53
Extollo Educational Foundation
Board of Directors
President
Mr. Michael G. Bansley ‘53
Vice President
Mr. James R. Woodrow ‘53
Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Michael F. Hickey ‘56
De La Salle Magazine 1

Leading the Meteors
Diane L. Brown Named Interim Principal
To say that De La Salle Institute holds great meaning for interim
principal Diane L. Brown would be an understatement.
“De La Salle Institute has been and will continue to be a major part of
my life,” she said. “I consider it both an honor and a privilege to serve as
the first woman principal at De La Salle, and I consider myself blessed
to have the opportunity to work in association with a highly-qualified
and professional Board of Directors, administration, faculty, and staff.
Together and in the spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle, we believe
in providing Catholic and Lasallian educational, extracurricular and
athletic programs geared toward teaching the whole child and touching
the hearts of all those whom we encounter.
“Teaching the whole child requires a dedicated attention to assessing the
academic ability levels of all of our students and providing structured
academic programs that will prepare them for post-secondary education
and the workplace upon graduation from De La Salle. To that end, our
efforts are dedicated toward strengthening, and altering when necessary,
our curriculum and extracurricular and athletic programs to ensure that
each and every one of our students leaves De La Salle armed with strong
Christian values, a quality education, leadership and social skills and the
ability for right thinking and sound judgment.
“To that end, the De La Salle administration places specific emphasis
and focus on our School Improvement Plan (SIP). This year, our
efforts will revolve around the implementation of Writing across the
Curriculum; the attention to our growing population of international
students; the expansion of online course offerings; the development
of specific and sequential courses of studies in the areas of STEM,
business and the health sciences; the exploration of daily schedule
options for added curricular opportunities; the increased usage of
technology to enhance curricular instruction; the improvement and
maintenance of the school’s ACT composite score above the national
average; the continuation of generated statistical data regarding student
college and career readiness; the increase of parental understanding
and involvement in college readiness strategies; the preparation of
our faculty and staff for the shift in 2017 from a co-institutional
to a co-educational environment; an increase in the provision for
collaborative opportunities among our faculty; and the improvement in
communication with all of our stakeholders.
“This is an exciting time for our school, and I am proud to have
the opportunity to work with a community of Board members,
administrators, and educators whose shared vision is dedicated toward
forwarding the good image of De La Salle Institute. Many years ago, I
was welcomed into this community, and I am thankful for the support
and myriad experiences which have sparked my growth as an educator
and which have helped shaped the person I am today.”
Brown has been lauded for classroom teaching at De La Salle Institute,
being named Teacher of the Year (1990-91), Exemplary Honors Teacher
(1992-93), Heart of the School (1993-1994), and Distinguished Lasallian
Diane L. Brown, Interim Principal
Educator (2011-12). In 2012, she was named a recipient of the Alumni
Association Honor Key Award. Throughout her tenure at De La Salle,
she has served as moderator and advisor to various extracurricular clubs
and activities, has served on the Chicago Archdiocesan High School
Leadership Council, and has served as the Chairperson for the Midwest
District Lasallian Mission Council. Brown currently serves on the Girls
Catholic Athletic Association Executive Board.
She holds a Bachelors Degree in English (1976) from Western Illinois
University and Masters Degrees in English Literature (1994) and
Educational Leadership: School Leadership (2002) from Northeastern
Illinois University. She is also a graduate of the Lasallian Leadership
Institute and is currently a candidate for a doctoral degree in
Educational Leadership for Teaching and Learning through Lewis
University.
A native of Chicago, Brown is a widow (Robert J. Brown, Jr.) with two
children, Dawn M. Gazda (deceased) and Michael R. Gazda (Class of
1998), daughter-in-law, Jennifer Gazda, and granddaughter, Katelynn.
She currently attends St. John the Evangelist Church in St. John, IN,
where she has resided since 2006.
2 Academics

ACADEMICS
De La Salle Going Co-Educational
In 2017-18 School Year
As De La Salle Institute begins its 126th year of educating Chicagoans,
the Board of Directors has set an aggressive agenda of innovation and
transformation for the school.
Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, De La Salle Institute will
merge its two campuses to become a co-educational high school.
In 2002, De La Salle became one of two co-institutional schools in the
nation when it established its Lourdes Hall Campus for Young Women.
Based on recent stakeholder survey results, however, the single-sex
educational environment is no longer the reason that parents choose De
La Salle Institute for their children.
“Our transformation to a co-educational curriculum is an historic
achievement for our school,” De La Salle president Fr. Paul Novak,
OSM, said. “We have long been at the forefront of educational
innovation, whether it was becoming a co-institutional school in 2002,
or becoming the first school in Chicago to implement a one-to-one
Tablet PC program and curriculum for our students in 2006.
In its 126 years of existence, De La Salle has graduated over 10,000
students with five former Chicago mayors among its distinguished
alumni.
“Our school provides an outstanding, Catholic, Lasallian, collegepreparatory
education to the young women and men of Chicago,” Fr.
Novak said. “Our faculty and staff do an exemplary job in preparing
our students for their great futures, whether our graduates attend the
top colleges and universities in the country, serve in the military or
contribute to the workforce. Ninety-six percent of De La Salle alumni
matriculate on to college.
“By becoming a co-educational high school, De La Salle will continue to
experience significant growth while providing many opportunities for
current and future scholars in a one-campus setting.”
“We are very excited about the multitude of benefits that becoming a coeducational
high school will bring to the De La Salle and Chicagoland
communities.”
De La Salle has continued to serve the Chicagoland area since 1889.
De La Salle is accessible through its own bus service as well as public
transportation including the CTA’s Green and Red Lines as well as Metra
service at the 35th Street station.
Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year,
De La Salle Institute will merge its two campuses
to become a co-educational high school.
Academics 3

The future is looking bright!
The Colleges & Universities the Members of
the Class of 2015 Will Attend is Impressive!
As is typically the case, the students who graduated from De La Salle last year are
attending some of the most prestigious colleges and universities across the country.
The Class of 2015 has enrolled in a wide variety of institutions of higher learning
having earned $6.53 million in scholarships and financial aid with a four-year
potential of $26.14 million.
Regardless of where the members of the Class of 2015 are continuing their great
futures in the fall, they do so knowing that everyone at De La Salle is incredibly
proud of them and all they have accomplished and will accomplish in the future.
Good luck, Meteors!
Arizona State University
Ball State University
Boston College
Bradley University
Central Michigan University
College of Coastal Georgia
DePaul University
DePauw University
Florida A&M University
George Mason University
Grambling State University
Howard University
Illinois State University
Illinois Wesleyan University
Indiana University – Bloomington
LaSalle University
Lewis University
Loyola University – Chicago
Marquette University
Miami University
Northwestern University
Pomona College
Purdue University
Saint Louis University
Saint Mary’s University – Minnesota
Saint Xavier University
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
United States Merchant Marine Academy
United States Military Academy – West Point
University of Dayton
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Michigan
University of Missouri
University of San Francisco
University of Southern Indiana
University of Tampa
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin – Madison
4 Academics

A Technology-Infused Curriculum:
The Foundation for Success at De La Salle
As one of the leaders in the field of technology in secondary education, De
La Salle is approaching its 10th anniversary of each student having their
own personal computer in the classroom. De La Salle began its Tablet PC
program at the outset of the 2006-07 school year.
The following is an informative composition written by De La Salle
Associate Principal for Curriculum and Learning Technology Paul Dirschl
as to the positive and varied impact of De La Salle’s technology-infused
curriculum on our students.
• The 2015-2016 school year marks De La Salle’s tenth year
incorporating technology into the classroom. The one-to-one initiative
continues to evolve with the current Class of 2019 receiving the Lenovo
Yoga 12.
The Lenovo Yoga comes equipped with an Intel processor, Windows 8, a
digitizer stylus and dual functionality in which students can type, write
and navigate via mousepad or touchscreen. The Lenovo Yoga empowers
each individual to limitless academic resources inside and outside of the
classroom.
Teachers are incorporating a technology-infused curriculum in the
classroom through DyKnow software. The DyKnow software allows
teachers and students to collaborate through PowerPoint integration,
delivering content, group work and polling students.
Instructors can share and annotate preexisting lessons or create new
lessons, create active learning through collaborative tools, quickly assess
student understanding and gather insight in real time during a lesson.
• The DyKnow software also has enhanced the online courses offered
at De La Salle. Entering the 2015-16 school year, De La Salle is offering
four online courses: Philosophy, History of Chicago, the American Civil
War and Creative Writing. The online classes at De La Salle are offered to
all students for course credit or additional credit towards college.
All online courses at De La Salle were created by the staff, keeping the
De La Salle student in mind. The approach taken by De La Salle makes
all online courses organic to our student body and matches the needs of
all students.
Online courses have incorporated video, podcasts, online submissions
and quizzes geared towards the 21st Century learner. Incorporating
online courses opens up a wealth of opportunity for year-round
learning, curricular enrichment and enhancement.
• In the classroom, De La Salle has enriched its curriculum through
offering coding, app development and incorporating 3D printing.
Students are applying their technological knowledge through inquiry
and application with the updated modern curriculum.
The coding and app development courses are allowing students to apply
technological practices that will further prepare our students for college
ACADEMICS
and the modern workforce. The 3D printing lab will allow students to
see their ideas in the classroom come to life.
Overall, the technology-infused curriculum continues to evolve and
progress to meet the technological needs of our students and challenge
them to incorporate modern inquiry and application inside and outside
of the classroom.
Academics 5

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words...
The 27th Alumni Banquet was held in the Hotel Sherman in Chicago’s Loop in December, 1920. The State of Illinois
Building (The Thompson Center) is currently at that location.
Adding to the Institute’s musical legacy in their
tuxedos and bowties was the quartet of Tony
Scalise ’59, Gene Pontillo ’59, Tom Pyrdek ’59,
accompanist John Gorun ’59 and Ron Grove ’59.
6 Academics
All 47 members of the 1940-41 Honor Club gather for a group photo outside
the main doors at 3455 S. Wabash.

ACADEMICS
Terry Pestlin ’73 – who portrayed Barnaby – and
Mark Losos ’72 – who portrayed Cornelius – practice
for the musical “Hello Dolly.”
One of the new additions to De La Salle in 1962 was the lab where the
students learned a foreign language through speaking and listening to
recordings.
Four members of the Meteors’ offensive line walk across the field
at Gately Stadium for the coin toss prior to a game in 2007.
Representing the Meteors were Gil Munoz ’08, Sal Perales ’08,
Rich Lopez ’08 and Al Kerwin ’08.
Among the most popular clubs in 1997 was the Radio
Controlled Car Club as members designed, built and
operated their own vehicles. The moderator of the Radio
Controlled Car Club was current faculty member Mark
Jackowiak ’88.
On their way home from school in the 1980s, this group
of Meteors lets everyone know their school is #1.
Academics 7

Meteors on the Move
Vive La France! Viva Espana!
In the summer of 2015, 28 students and five chaperones from De La Salle
enjoyed the experience of a lifetime as they traveled to France and Spain as
part of the Explorica Educational Tour program.
The Meteors began their excursion in Madrid, Spain where they visited
Parque El Retiro, the Reina Sofia (Pablo Picasso Museum) and the home
stadium of the Real Madrid soccer club (Estadio Santiago Bernabeu) among
other destinations.
Another of the Meteors’
experiences in Madrid
was an enjoyable
evening of Flamenco
dancing. Not only did
the students watch the
professional dancers,
they also participated
in the historic form of
dancing.
Sixto Avila ’16 participates in a Flamenco
dance during a dinner in Madrid.
During the walking tour
of Madrid, the Meteors
also visited the Plaza
de Espana, where they saw a statue dedicated to famous Spanish author
Miguel Cervantes, author of “Don Quijote.”
Following their time in Madrid, the Meteors headed for Barcelona. Among
the highlights of Barcelona were attending a neighborhood festival as well
as visiting the Camp Nou soccer stadium that is home to FC Barcelona.
After spending a full day enjoying everything that Barcelona offered, the
De La Salle contingent was on the road to Paris.
The Meteors spent their first day walking around the French capital before
The De La Salle traveling party visits the statue dedicated to Spanish author
Miguel Cervantes, who wrote Don Quixote de la Mancha, at the Plaza de
Espana in Madrid.
spending their second day on a guided tour that included stops at the Arc de
Triomphe, Champs-Elysees and Eiffel Tower. The group also visited the home
of the famous French soccer club, Paris-Saint Germain, as well as the Locks of
Love Bridge.
The final day in Paris was highlighted by a visit to the world’s largest art museum,
the Louvre, as well as a boat cruise down the Seine River. While in the Louvre,
the Meteors saw the Mona Lisa as well as many other wonderful paintings and
sculptures.
“Our trip to Spain and France was amazing,” De La Salle faculty member
Antonio Maldonado said. “We had an outstanding group of students who not
only were well behaved and respectful, but they were engaging and not afraid to
indulge in the European culture.
“We visited many famous places and ate some delicious food. In addition, this
was the first year where as a group we decided what additional sites and areas of
interest we wanted to visit that were not in the itinerary.
“All in all, the tour was fun and exciting and we can’t wait to go back.”
Gabino Coss ’15 and De La Salle Spanish instructors
Antonio Maldonado and Francisco Martinez ’98 enjoy an
amazing view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
8 Academics
The Meteors pose for a photo next to the field at Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

An Improved Educational Experience
Over the summer of 2015, five classrooms on the second floor of the
Ryan Building on the Institute Campus were completely renovated.
Seniors Alex Cruz ’16, Aaron Funes ’16 and Joel
Granados ’16 take notes and research information
during Mr. Steve Hopkins’ class.
Classrooms 213,
214, 218, 219 and
220 received brandnew
HVAC (heating,
ventilation and
air conditioning)
units along with
new lighting, doors,
dropped ceilings and
whiteboards while also
receiving new coats of
paint.
In addition, each of the classrooms also received updated flooring as
vinyl tile was installed.
The cost of renovating each classroom was $25,000 apiece.
Two of the science labs (Rooms 215 and 216) also had their renovations
– that had begun in 2013 – completed at a cost of $12,000 each.
Concluding the
renovations was
the installation
of new
carpeting in the
second-floor
hallway of the
Ryan Building.
ACADEMICS
In all, there
were 80 student
tables added
to the five
classrooms
Students in Mr. Antonio Maldonado’s sixth-period Spanish
along with class participate in a question-and-answer session with their
160 student
instructor.
chairs,
five teacher’s desks with chairs and five lecterns.
If you are interested in supporting the renovation process at De La Salle
with a generous contribution, please contact Iris Gist Cochran, De La Salle’s
Director of Development, at (312) 842-7355 ext. 152 or cochrani@dls.org.
De La Salle Institute Welcomes New Faculty & Staff for 2015-16 School Year
De La Salle Institute proudly
announces that the following
individuals have joined
its faculty and staff for the
upcoming 2015-16 school year.
New faculty members at the
Lourdes Hall Campus for
Young Women are Veronica
Cornejo ‘07, Kenya Madison-
Gabler, Fred Muehleman
and Anna Ray. Muehleman
had taught at De La Salle
previously in his career.
Claudette Hillock will serve as
the administrative assistant.
Cornejo will teach religion as
well as serve as the Assistant
Director of Admissions at
the Lourdes Hall Campus.
Madison-Gabler will teach
French, Muehleman will teach
religion and United States
history and Ray will teach
English.
New faculty members at the
Institute Campus for Young
Men are Dawn Aulet and Dan
Mergens. Aulet will teach
acting, drama, creative writing
and American literature.
Mergens will teach United
States history while also
serving as an assistant
hockey coach.
John Grubisich ‘08 will
teach religion at both the
Lourdes Hall and Institute
Campuses and also will
coach football.
De La Salle welcomes each
of these faculty and staff
members to our school
and wishes them a very
successful 2015-16 school
year.
Welcome to
De La Salle’s new faculty & staff for the 2015-2016 school year.
Front: Claudette Hillock, Dawn Aulet, Anna Ray, Veronica Cornejo ‘07
Back: Fred Muehleman, John Grubisich ‘08, Dan Mergens
Academics 9

Celebrate The Holy Spirit!
Archbishop Cupich Celebrates
Mass of the Holy Spirit at De La Salle
During his celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit
on Sept. 16 in the Parmer Activity Center, Archbishop
Blase Cupich provided the students, faculty, alumni and
friends of De La Salle a deeply moving and inspiring
sermon about spirit and loving people when they most
need it.
After the Mass had ended and in keeping with his
background of being a true man of the people who is
filled with spirit and love, Archbishop Cupich posed for
photos with those who wanted one.
And to show that he is a man of the times, His
Excellency even posed for a great selfie with some of our
students that ran in the Chicago Tribune.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/media/chi-tribarchbishop-selfie-20150916-photo.html.
On behalf of everyone at De La Salle, we would like to
sincerely thank Archbishop Cupich for celebrating the
Mass of the Holy Spirit and beginning our school year
in such an uplifting, memorable and wonderful manner!
To view pictures from the celebration, please visit our
website: (http://www.dls.org/apps/album/#!albumREC_
ID=97772&s=23).
Interim principal Diane Brown welcomes
Archbishop Cupich to the Institute
Madeline Vega ’16, Corina Perez ’16, Danie Botica ’16 and Daniel Freeman ’16 had the privilege of
serving the Mass
10 Faith, Service & Commnity

FAITH, SERVICE & COMMUNITY
Mayors of the City of De La Salle Maribel Munoz ’16 and Tomas Cortez ’16
proclaim Archbishop Cupich Day at De La Salle
Erin Hughes ’16 and Amiel McBride ’16
present the gifts to Archbishop Cupich
Members of the Sister’s Angels’ Campus Ministry Team meet Archbishop Cupich
after Mass
Retired De La Salle math teacher Kamaal
Khazen greets the Archbishop
Archbishop Cupich
provides some
words of insight and
encouragement to a
Meteor
De La Salle Director of Computer Services, Br. Chris Oddo FSC,
receives the Eucharist from Archbishop Cupich
Faith, Service & Community 11

Tolton Center Reaches Milestone
Tolton Center is celebrating its 25th Year
That is 25 years of Tolton Center providing adult education and family literacy
services to underserved adult learners and their families in Chicago’s Little
Village, Pilsen, and Bronzeville neighborhoods.
Over these 25 years, Tolton staff has fine-tuned our program and has been
recognized both locally and nationally. Tolton Center students and volunteers
have been honored as Illinois Secretary of State Spotlight on Achievement
award-winners each year for the past 10-plus years. In fact, in 2014, six of 11
student award-winners were Tolton Center students.
Unfortunately, due to the current state of Illinois budget impasse, Tolton
Center is at risk of not being able to continue to offer these essential services to
Chicagoans most in need.
In this 2008 photo, a Tolton student improves her
mathematical proficiency.
We at Tolton Center wanted to share the impact this could have on students like Eva.
Eva has been studying English with us for the past two years. She and her family have
participated in our Family Literacy program and have gone on so many of our field
trips.
She helped her oldest daughter through the high-school application process and has
worked with many of our adult students so that they too can complete the process for
their children.
“If there are no English classes, I won’t be able to speak with my children’s teachers,”
Eva said. “And that is the most important thing. It’s important because I want to know
how my kids are doing in class, what they are learning during the day and how are they
progressing.
“More than anything, I want to know what they are doing so I know about their
homework. It is so difficult to find a good interpreter. I have to wait a long time for an
interpreter at the school and at the doctor’s office.”
A mother and daughter enjoy each other’s company while
sharpening their computer skills in 2006.
Tolton Center and many other adult education programs across the state help students
to become more engaged citizens and parents. We support parents, like Eva, in being their child’s first and most important
educator.
Please support Eva and all the students at Tolton Center and at other adult education centers across the state by contacting
your local representatives and letting them know how important these services are.
Celebrate our 25th year in adult education by advocating with us for those most in need!
For more information about Tolton Center, please contact:
Lawrence Blakley ‘83, De La Salle’s Vice President of External Affairs
(312) 842-7355 ext. 142 or blakleyl@dls.org.
12 Faith, Service, & Community

PARENT PLACE
Parent Association Chooses Leadership
De La Salle would like to thank the following individuals who
will comprise the Board for our Parent Association for the 2015-
16 school year.
Serving as
president will be
Mona Edwards.
The vice president
will be Janel
Inniss. The
treasurer is Torina
Bedford and
Christine Scalise
is the secretary.
The freshman class
representative
is Shanita
Akintonde.
Thank you to each
of these individuals
for providing their
time and talents
to making the De
La Salle Parent
Association the
successful entity
Mona Edwards
it is.
For more information on the Parent Association or to find out
how you can help, please contact Chris Ahearn in De La Salle’s
Office for Advancement at (312) 842-7355 ext. 154
or by email at ahearnc@dls.org.
Parent Association
Save-The-Dates
November 19, 2015
Parent Association College Readiness Meeting
The Parent Association has partnered with Student Services
to present a meeting on getting your student and family ready
for college. A speaker will address parents regarding financial
aid after high school, how to prepare your child for college,
how many colleges you should visit or apply to and what you
as a family should be looking for in a prospective college or
university.
February 14, 2016
2nd Annual De La Salle Family Gala
Students are encouraged to attend this dance with a special
adult figure in their lives. The De La Salle Family Gala on
Sunday, February 14th includes a buffet dinner with dessert,
dancing and door prizes to celebrate this special night. Since
it is Valentine’s Day weekend, what better way to say ‘I love
you’ or ‘thank you’ than to bring your family to the dance and
celebrate with the ones you love. Tickets are $30 each or $60
per couple.
March 10, 2016
Parent Association Internet Safety Meeting
A speaker will discuss what parents can do to ensure your
child’s safety on the Internet.
May 12, 2016
Parent Association End of the Year Meeting
For more information on the De La Salle Parent Association,
please contact Chris Ahearn at (312) 842-7355 ext. 154 or
ahearnc@dls.org.
Dancing With The Meteors
The Parent Association hosted “Dance Night at D” on
September 12. Those who attended brought food, drinks
and their dancing shoes to the Hilton Commons for a
wonderful evening.
Parents had two dance instructors on site to help teach
new and old dances, as well as a DJ who took over to finish
the night.
We would like to thank everyone who planned and
attended this memorable event and look forward to seeing
everyone next year!
Parent Place 13

Fall Sports Update
Football
The varsity Meteors were 3-4 overall with a 27-20 victory
at home over Catholic League Green rival Fenwick
highlighting the season. Ronald Seals ’16 tallied twice
for the Meteors, scoring on an 80-yard kickoff return and
a 24-yard pass. Through the first five games of the season,
Seals was De La Salle’s leading receiver with 18 catches
for 169 yards and one TD.
Boys Soccer
Currently the Meteors were 4-11-1 overall and 1-3
in the Catholic League. In nonconference play,
De La Salle posted wins over University High,
CICS and IC Catholic Prep. In Catholic League
competition, the Meteors defeated St. Francis de
Sales.
Boys Golf
Sal Garcia ’16
Among the top performers thus far for De La Salle
were forward/midfielder Sal Garcia ’16, forward/
midfielder Kyle Robinson ’16, defender/goalie
Fernando Moreno ’16 and defender
Uriel Cortez ’17.
Freddy Kappel ‘18
Over the course of the season, the Meteors recorded
victories over Catholic League rivals Mount Carmel
(218-222) and St. Joseph (204-238). The top player for
De La Salle was Freddy Kappel ’18.
Also contributing for the Meteors were Matt Carroll
’17, Max Masquelier ’18, Khalifah Muhammad ’16
and Luis Rogel ’17.
A highlight for the Meteors was the girls’ team
victory over Noble Street – Muchin Prep (26-30).
Finishing first was De La Salle’s Daniella Nino
’18. In the boys’ competition, De La Salle’s Gabriel
Rocha ’17 was second.
The Meteors also posted a dual nonconference win
over Rich South as the girls (17-45) and boys (22-
38) both prevailed.
14 Athletics
Cross Country

ATHLETICS
Girls Swimming
The girls swimming team garnered its initial
victory of the season as it defeated host Solorio
Academy 81-78 in nonconference competition.
The Meteors’ 200 medley relay team of Mya
Wallace ’19, Leslie Garfias ’18, Leticia Bradsfield
’19 and Erin Hughes ’16 posted a winning time of
2:13.16.
The quartet of Bradsfield, Jazmin Garcia ’17,
Mia Hayford ’16 and Hughes prevailed in the 200
relay (1:53.63), while the foursome of Wallace,
Hayford, Bradsfield and Hughes also placed first
in the 400 relay (4:10.78).
Individually, Wallace won the 200 IM (2:31.41)
and the 100 butterfly (1:10.84), while Hughes was
victorious in the 50 free (26.58).
Girls Tennis
The Meteors began their season with a 4-1 victory
over GCAC opponent Queen of Peace. In the
ensuing match against GCAC foe Resurrection, De
La Salle lost 4-1 despite a three-set victory at No. 1
singles by Joya Wright ’17.
Also contributing during the season for the
Meteors were singles player Kaiya Wheaten ’19
and the doubles tandems of Karina Utreras ’16
and Olivia Nunez ’17, Olivia Garcia ’16 and
Caroline Wood ’19 and Corina Perez ’16 and
Adrianna Mena ’18.
Kelly Lewis ’16 and Dominique Arcieri ’16
Girls Volleyball
The Meteors were 14-4 overall as of the
printing deadline and ranked No. 9 in the Daily
Southtown’s Top 10.
Along with victories over GCAC opponents
DePaul Prep, Resurrection, Queen of Peace
and Bishop McNamara, De La Salle recorded
wins against nonconference foes Oak Lawn and
Whitney Young. In tournament play, the Meteors
were second at the Chicago Christian Tournament
and fifth at the Maine East Tournament.
Middle hitter Kelly Lewis ’16 (pictured on left)
was chosen to the All-Tournament First Team at
Chicago Christian while libero/defensive specialist
Dominique Arcieri ’16 (pictured on right) was
selected to the All-Tournament Second Team.
Joya Wright ’17
Athletics 15

Farewell, our friend...
A True and Dedicated Meteor
James O. Cunningham ’46
De La Salle mourns the loss of James O. Cunningham ’46, a former Christian Brother (Brother Jarlath John, FSC) and
friend, who passed away on September 2, 2015, just two weeks shy of his 87th birthday. Those of you who were lucky
enough to know Jim knew that he was athletic, aggressive, energetic, combative, empathetic and generous.
Jim grew up in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. His early life revolved around his siblings, sports and pets. After
graduation from De La Salle, he attended the University of Illinois before entering the novitiate in 1950. Jim also did
graduate studies at St. Mary’s University, Loyola University, the University of Ohio and the University of Oregon. He always
considered himself a lifelong learner.
In his many assignments as a Christian Brother, Jim taught at De La Salle Institute in Chicago from 1953-57. He left to
complete an eight-year mission in Nicaragua before returning to De La Salle in 1965. Jim was a strong presence both in the
classroom and the gym where he was a dedicated football and basketball coach. The tremendous impact Jim made on De
La Salle was recognized by those he taught and coached.
Jim left the Institute in 1968 and married Karen Marie Kelly in 1969. His major career as a school psychologist brought
him to Coos Bay, OR where he and Karen raised their daughter. After retirement in 1997, Jim put his many adventures into
stories that featured episodes of taxi driving in Chicago, toboggan rides with his nieces and nephews and pickup basketball
games in the city projects.
He followed in life this quote: “A life of service is the only life worth living.” Jim took care of the homeless, taught at a prison
and cared for several animals at a time.
With Jim’s passing, a true Meteor has left us. His memory will remain in our hearts forever as a teacher, an inspiring coach
who knew what he was doing and an athlete in his own right.
De La Salle alumni and friends plan to establish a scholarship in memory of Jim. If you would like to support this
scholarship, please contact Iris Gist Cochran at 312-842-7355 ext. 152 or cochrani@dls.org.
16 Development
May Mr. Cunningham rest in peace.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever!

Alumni Profile: Victor Megaro ‘81
DEVELOPMENT
Victor Megaro is a 1981 graduate of De La Salle. For 26 years, Megaro has been a member
of the Chicago Fire Department, serving the last 21 years as a fire marshal. Megaro is also a
training coordinator in the Office of Fire Investigation for the Chicago Fire Department.
In his professional career, Megaro has received several awards, culminating in 2011 when he
earned the “International Fire Investigator of the Year” and the “Harry P. Schaeffer Fire
Investigator of the Year” Awards.
Here is a question-and-answer session with Megaro – whose stepson, Anthony Slawson ’14,
was chosen Theatre 100’s Thespian of the Year in his senior year – as to how his De La Salle
education prepared him for a life of dedicated and committed service to the people of Chicago.
Q: How did De La Salle influence your life?
A: I attended Robert Healy, a very good public grade school. All of my classmates were almost exactly like me. They were poor, white,
Irish, Italian or Mexican. We all pretty much lived within three blocks from our school.
When I started at De La Salle, it was amazing to me how many different types of people were out there. It was an entire new thing for
me. Before high school, I thought everyone worked as a carpenter, plumber or another trade. Computers were just coming out.
When I started high school, I made a lot of new friends of different races. Some of the friends who helped me with computer
programming were of a different race. To this day, a lot of my close co-workers are of different race than I.
Q: How did De La Salle prepare you for life after high school?
A: In my line of work as a fire investigator, compassion is the key when interviewing victims of fire. Be it caused by intentional or
accidental factors, it is a very sad and traumatic time for the fire victims.
Compassion does more than get more from the interview. I let the victims know that there is hope after devastation.
Q: What are some of the most important things you learned at De La Salle?
A: I learned to have more compassion while attending De La Salle. The Christian Brothers’ way of teaching leads by example. Nobody
ever tried to force any student how to live their life. The school just quietly accomplishes that by leading, not pushing.
Q: Who were some of the teachers who influenced you and why?
A: Brother Edward and Brother Joseph. Brother Edward was my freshman homeroom teacher and he taught more than
schoolwork. He liked to talk about “work” and what it means to be a good worker at whatever you choose to do in the future.
He also had the hands of a boxer and I was a little too intimidated to ever think about disagreeing with him. Brother Joseph was
probably the teacher who taught me compassion. He never had a negative thing to say about anyone.
Q: What are some of your fondest memories of De La Salle?
A: Junior and senior retreats were great memories for me. Intramurals was fun as was woodshop with Mr. (George) Jaros.
During the senior retreat, one of the female chaperones dedicated a twig into the fire for her friend who was paralyzed in a motorcycle
accident. Her friend was a very good friend of mine who I had not seen since his accident two years prior.
I got to reconnect with him after that. That made me think people are put into your life for a reason.
Development 17

Alumni Banquet Recap
De La Salle Celebrates 120th Annual Alumni Banquet
On October 2, De La Salle had the distinct pleasure of
welcoming over 180 alumni and guests to the Crystal Tree
Country Club in Orland Park, IL for the 120th Annual
Alumni Banquet.
Not only was it a chance for the Meteors to renew
acquaintances and enjoy each other’s company in a wonderful
setting, it also provided the opportunity for John Lynch ’65
and Leon J. Wright ’73 to be lauded as these distinguished
alumni were presented with honor keys and feted for their
contributions to the Institute over the years.
We would like to thank everyone who attended the 120th
Annual Alumni Banquet and congratulate John and Leon
on their achievements. We will see you next year!
John Lynch ’65 addresses the crowd as Fr. Paul
Novak, OSM, and alumni association president
Steve Burrows ’91 look on.
Leon Wright ’73 celebrates receiving the honor key with his
wife, Theresa (right), longtime De La Salle faculty member
Kamaal Khazen (left) and current De La Salle students
Kenneth Koster ’16 and Martin Duran ’16.
Members of the Class of 1990 get together to celebrate their
silver anniversary.
Development 18

DEVELOPMENT
Meteors Come Home to Share
Success Stories on Career Day
On October 1, 24 Meteors came back to the Institute to participate in Career Day. After addressing the students
at the Institute Campus for Young Men and enjoying lunch, the guest speakers then concluded their day by
sharing their success stories with the students at the Lourdes Hall Campus for Young Women.
Everyone at De La Salle would like to thank Joseph Jaycox ’54; Robert Terzich ’54; James Chaloupka ’65;
Martin Kosiek ’70; Malek Rihani ’72; Jay Derby ’73; Leon J. Wright ’73; Tony Brooks ’75; Michael Passarelli
’90; Michael Robinson ’91; Charles Johnson ’92; Damon Smith ’92; Kevin Thompson ’92; Herbert Keeler
’93; Shakirudeen Amuwo ’96; Tariq Fleming ’96; Eric B. Horn ’96; Rachel Poole ’06; William Colletti ’07;
Erin White ’07; Ross Martinez ’08; Claire Moravec ’09; Ricardo Perales ’09 and Konrad Kukowski ’10 for
providing their insight and expertise to our students.
Welcome home, everyone!
Radio personality Ross Martinez ’08 speaks to a class
on the Lourdes Hall Campus.
Erin White ’07 enjoys coming back to the Lourdes Hall Campus to
participate in Career Day.
A great group of alumni came back to De La Salle for Career Day.
Development 19

What will your legacy be?
De La Salle’s Legacy Circle recognizes alumni and
friends of De La Salle Institute who have provided for
the school in their estate plans. We remain grateful to
those individuals who remember De La Salle with a
bequest or other means of deferred giving.
What will your legacy be? Creating a will is an essential
part of securing your legacy and your family’s future.
Without a will or trust, state laws determine how your
estate is distributed and your wishes may not be fulfilled
as you intended. By thoughtfully constructing an estate
plan, you can ensure that your family and your legacy
are as you desire it to be.
A gift by will, also known as a bequest, is an easy and
flexible way to make a meaningful gift to De La Salle
Institute. A bequest will last a lifetime and make a
difference for countless Meteors who hope to follow in
your footsteps.
For more information, you can contact De La Salle’s
Director of Development, Iris Gist Cochran, at
312.842.7355 ext. 152 or cochrani@dls.org.
20 Development

20 Development

Alumni Updates
In Memoriam
Brother James McDonald, FSC, passed away
on Oct. 4 at the age of 89. Br. James was a
Christian Brother for 71 years.
Among the schools in which he served was
De La Salle. He worked at the Institute from
1974-89 as a guidance counselor. Br. James
(pictured in 1988 yearbook) retired in 1989.
Survivors include his sister, Colette Regan
of Poplar Grove, IL, and the De La Salle
Christian Brothers.
Br. James was interred at Resurrection
Cemetery in Romeoville, IL.
Please contact De La Salle’s Director of
Development, Iris Gist Cochran,
at (312) 842-7355 ext. 152 or
cochrani@dls.org for memorial information.
Eternal rest grant unto Br. James, O Lord, and may
perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all
the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us!
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Live Jesus in Our Hearts, Forever!
Alumni updates
1965: James J. McGivney retired in 2013 after 29 years as a special
agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. He then served as
a congressional liaison and a regional director with a national drug
prevention education organization in Washington, DC. McGivney
resides in Cornelius, NC and can be contacted at jjmcgivney@gmail.
com.
1982: Terry Robinson works in the information technology field as
a technician. He resides in Alexandria, VA and may be contacted at
terryrobin2@comcast.net.
2004: Joe Pletsch is an usher and also works in a soup kitchen. He
resides in Chicago and his email address is JoeDLaSalle@aol.com.
2010: Konrad Kukowski is employed in the technology field and
lives in Chicago. His email address is Konrad@radkon.org.
2014: Jeremy Siegel is a student and resides in Chicago. His email
address is jeremypayton@sbcglobal.net.
2015: Kyra White, who is attending the College of Coastal Georgia,
was chosen the Southern States Athletic Conference Attacker of the
Week in women’s volleyball for Sept. 7.
White, a 6-foot-1 freshman middle blocker, led the 2015 Fairfield
Inn and Suites Mariner Invitational with a .429 hitting percentage
with 40 kills and 10 errors in 70 total attacks. Congratulations, Kyra!
In Memoriam
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. Philip Adamovitz ‘64
Mr. Michael Bracken ‘68
Mr. James O. Cunningham ‘46
Mr. Michael A. Hayes ‘65
Mr. Thomas J. Higgins ‘58
Mr. Francis A. Oskvarek ‘48
Mr. John G. Ryan ‘49
Mr. John R. Winkler ‘45
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.
Retraction
St. John Baptist De La Salle, pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
In the June 2015 issue of De La Salle Magazine, it was
inaccurately reported as part of the In Memoriam
section that Mr. Ryan J. Greenan from the Class of
1999, Mr. Nick LoCoco from the Class of 1987 and
Mrs. Janet Higgins from the Lourdes Class of 1958
were deceased.
We are happy to report that Mr. Greenan, Mr.
LoCoco and Mrs. Higgins are indeed alive and well
and we extend our best wishes.
De La Salle Magazine regrets these errors and offers
our sincerest apologies.
22 Development

Support De La Salle’s Annual Fund
DEVELOPMENT
Since 1889, De La Salle has been one of the greatest educational leaders in the city of Chicago. Through the
generous support of our alumni and friends, the Institute proudly remains at its original location at 35th and
Michigan, engaging minds and touching hearts. It is a symbol of the Christian Brothers’ steadfast dedication to
Lasallian education.
As a valued member of the De La Salle community, you make a tremendous impact on our academic life and the
school’s capacity to prepare our students, instilling in each a passion for learning. Please help us reach our goals
of $800,000 (1,300 donors) this year by making a gift to De La Salle’s Annual Fund.
As we enter into our 126th year, we would like to share our current goals with you. With your help, we will
continue to provide a firm foundation for our Meteors.
Ongoing classroom renovations
(8 classrooms) - $25,000/classroom
Upgrade of network and faculty technology - $200,000
Growth of the endowment - $500,000
Scholarship and operating support - $800,000
Thank you for your generous support of our students! For more information on the Annual Fund, please contact
De La Salle’s Director of Development, Iris Gist Cochran, at (312) 842-7355 ext. 152 or by email at cochrani@dls.org.
Development 23

Advertise in D Magazine
Promote Your Business - Advertise in D Magazine!
Are you looking to promote your business? Space is now available for advertisement in the
D Magazine at these introductory rates. Your business can gain exposure to thousands of
De La Salle alumni, parents and friends.
Winter Issue
(Circulation to ~ 5,000)
Business Card $75.00
¼ - Page Ad $150.00
½ - Page Ad $250.00
Full Page Ad $500.00
Spring/Summer Issue
(Circulation to ~ 6,500)
Business Card $75.00
¼ - Page Ad $150.00
½ - Page Ad $250.00
Full Page Ad $500.00
Fall Issue
(Circulation to ~ 17,000)
Business Card $150.00
¼ - Page Ad $250.00
½ - Page Ad $500.00
Full Page Ad $750.00
All Three Issues!
Advertise in all three magazines and get one ad free!
Business Card $225.00
¼ - Page Ad $400.00
½ - Page Ad $750.00
Full Page Ad $1,250.00
24 Development
For more information, please contact
Iris Gist Cochran, Director of Development,
at 312.842.7355 ext. 152 or email at cochrani@dls.org.

25th Annual D-Final Event
DEVELOPMENT
Join us for the 25th Annual D-Final Event in April 2016 in the Parmer Activity Center.
Watch exciting men’s college basketball
while having a great time with your friends and fellow Meteors!
For more information, please contact De La Salle’s Special Events Manager,
La Toya Keys, at (312) 842-7355 ext. 146 or keysl@dls.org.
Celebrate the silver anniversary of the D-Final Event with us!
9th Annual Great Futures Gala
The 9th Annual Great Futures Gala will be held on April 29, 2016
at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at 160 E. Pearson St. in Chicago.
The Gala, which is hosted by the Extollo Educational Foundation,
promotes education and provides opportunities for the students of De La Salle.
For more information, please contact De La Salle’s Special Events Manager,
La Toya Keys, at (312) 842-7355 ext. 146 or keysl@dls.org
Development 25

Office for Advancement
3434 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60616-3898
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.
Have You Considered a
Planned Gift to De La Salle?
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 3092
Chicago, IL
Address Service Requested
Facebook: www.facebook.com/delasalleinstitute
Twitter (School): www.twitter.com/DLSMeteors
Twitter (Athletics): www.twitter.com/MeteorAthletics
Instagram: @delasalleinstitute
YouTube: www.youtube.com/delasalleinstitute
Entrance Exam
for Class of 2020
De La Salle will be holding its entrance exam
for young women and men who are interested in
attending De La Salle and becoming members of
the Class of 2020 on January 9, 2016 at 8 am at
the Institute Campus for Young Men at
3434 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago.
The exam fee is $25 and students are asked to
bring two No. 2 pencils.
For more information,
please contact John Brogan,
De La Salle’s Director of Admissions,
at (312) 842-7355 ext. 147 or broganj@dls.org.
De La Salle
Fall Theatre Festival
Come to the Ayres-Conway Theatre to watch
members of De La Salle’s award-winning Theatre
100 program participate in the Fall Theatre
Festival.
November 19 – 5 pm
November 20 – 7 pm
November 21 – 5 pm
For more information, please contact
Sam Fitzgerald,
De La Salle’s Theatre 100 Artistic Director, at
(773) 650-6800 or fitzgeralds@dls.org.