Law/Finance Networks Joint Event – REGISTER NOW
- When: Thursday, June 18th, 2015 | 6:00 pm
- Where: Venable LLP at Rockefeller Center (1270 6th Ave, 24th FL)
- Admission: Free
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
Archbishop Molloy High School is excited to announce the return of its professional networking event series with a joint event serving our Law and Finance Networks. All alumni working in or studying law and finance are invited to attend the event at Venable LLP in Manhattan. Admission to this event is free courtesy of Venable LLP. The evening will feature a guest speaker, hors d’oeuvres and other refreshments, and networking opportunities with other Stanners. Our speaker is Michael Manley, a Venable partner with an impressive business resume as well as experience as an in-house lawyer and outside counsel. We will also hold a business card raffle, with one lucky winner taking home some great Molloy gear. This is a great chance to make connections with other alumni in the Stanner family. If you have any questions please contact Craig Katinas ’93 at ckatinas@molloyhs.org. Thank you to our friends at Venable LLP for hosting our spring event!
Please note: Only pre-registered guests will be admitted as space is limited.
29th Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic Welcomes over 330 Golfers, Establishes New Benchmark for Success
Monday, May 4th was another great day for Archbishop Molloy High School. The 29th Annual Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic, hosted at Plandome and North Hills Country Clubs, welcomed over 330 alumni, sponsors and friends for a great round of golf on a sunny, clear, amazing weather day. “You really couldn’t ask for a better day to play golf,” said Maria Ford, Molloy’s Alumni Relations Director who officially retired just a few days ago. Since 1987, the Stanner Golf Classic has raised over $2 million for Molloy scholarships thanks to the generosity of our community. These funds have directly impacted dozens of students and families in need of financial relief. For many it is the difference between attending Molloy and pursuing their education elsewhere. Maria had been the lead organizer of the Classic for the past 18 years and has seen many students benefit from these scholarships.
Initial reports have indicated that this year’s outing has exceeded expectations, as Molloy is estimated to have raised over $155,000 for its scholarship program – a record breaking number and testament to the commitment and care of our community. “This is an incredible achievement, and I’m so happy to retire on such a positive note,” said Maria. “After working on this outing for almost two decades, I’m proud to say that it continues to get better and better every year. Thanks to the work of the Golf Board and volunteers, and the generosity of the alumni, parents and corporate sponsors, Molloy has been able to not only sustain this amazing tradition, but make it stronger. Everyone really deserves congratulations on making this year’s outing such a great success.”
The Stanner Golf Classic began with a gourmet brunch featuring omelet and waffle stations, a hot food buffet, pastries, salads, coffee and homemade juices. After collecting their complimentary golf balls, tees, ball markers, and Under Armour pullovers – and taking a few practice swings – each foursome set out to their starting hole. As golfers progressed through their game they had the opportunity to participate in a number of prize holes including Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive, Double Your Money, and Hole in One – the prize for the latter being a two year lease on a brand new car (sponsored by Jim Ingenito ’86 of Central Avenue Chrysler and Elliot Cohen of Rallye Mercedes-Benz of Roslyn). Food, beverages, and other refreshments were offered throughout the course by a friendly and accommodating wait staff. “The camaraderie out on the course is a big part of what makes our outing so fun,” said Maria. “Alumni like to reminisce and compete against each other, while our corporate sponsors occasionally like to talk business. Molloy has traditionally provided a fun and relaxing day that lets golfers have the experience they want to have.” After each foursome finished up, everyone headed to the clubhouse at North Hills for a cocktail reception.
At this time, Maria and President Richard Karsten ’81 welcomed guests and introduced this year’s scholarship recipients. The first recipient, Victoria Rey, was awarded the John Gibbons Memorial Scholarship. The eighth grader from Louis Pasteur Middle School spoke to a full clubhouse. “I chose Molloy because it has challenging academics, is very competitive in athletics, and offers so many extracurricular activities that I hope to be a part of,” said Victoria. “This scholarship will afford me the opportunity to attend one of the best high schools, and I will be on the road to a successful future.” The second recipient was Jillian Burke of Floral Park Memorial School. Jillian was awarded the Jim Kinnier Scholarship. Unfortunately, Jillian was unable to attend the event as she continues to recover from recent surgery, but she and Victoria will both be welcomed with open arms by their new Molloy family this fall. (Pictured: Victoria Rey is joined by President Karsten, Br. Thomas Schady, Jim Kinnier, and the Gibbons family)
“Every student deserves the right to attend Molloy,” said John Fazio ’87, this year’s Golf Chairman. John, the Vice President and Senior Project Manager at G. Fazio Construction, has been a Golf Board member since 1998 and one of the Classic’s biggest proponents. “This outing is so important. To have the opportunity to help make attending Molloy a reality for more kids is a humbling experience,” said John, who did a great job this year in recruiting new sponsors to support the Classic. This year’s Honorary Chairman, John Coster ’74, echoed Fazio’s sentiments. “Molloy has provided so many people with a great foundation for life. It prepared us for college, the workplace, and helped us become better people. We have to keep that in mind when considering future generations of students.” Coster is the President of Jzanus Consulting Inc., a consulting practice focused on revenue enhancement, clinical information, financial turnaround, and compliance and regulatory services. (Pictured below L-R: John Fazio ’87, Richard Karsten ’81, John Coster ’74, and Jim Kinnier)
During dinner, which featured a gourmet buffet with carving and pasta stations, guests had the opportunity to bid on any of the 23 silent auction items up for grabs. Silent auction prizes included Yankees, Giants, and Rangers tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, weekend getaways, high quality wine and liquor gift baskets, golf threesomes and foursomes at private clubs, a 60 inch Sharp HDTV, and other unique items. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on
two outstanding live auction prizes. The first: Dinner by President Karsten. This four star dinner is prepared by Molloy’s President himself and satisfies 8-10 dinner guests. This dinner has been a popular auction prize in recent years, and this year it did not disappoint. Dinner by President was auctioned off for an incredible $10,000 to an anonymous bidder. The second live auction prize: Diner for four at 8:00pm on a Friday night at the renowned Rao’s Restaurant in Manhattan. Securing dinner at Rao’s is an extremely tough task, but the rare dinner could be had by one lucky bidder at the Stanner Golf Classic. The Rao’s package went for an amazing $6,000 winning bid. (Pictured: President Karsten points to a bidder while wearing his chef’s jacket)
As the evening neared its conclusion, there was one more opportunity to win big. At this time, Maria Ford made her way to the podium to assist in this year’s raffle drawing. The winning tickets and prizes were:
- 1st Prize (2 Tickets to Super Bowl 50) – Ticket # 78711
- 2nd Prize (4 Days & 3 Nights in Las Vegas) – Ticket # 01310
- 3rd Prize (40” Sharp HDTV) – Ticket # 02630
“While this may have been my last outing, the school’s work will never be done,” said Maria. “I encourage the Stanner family to continue nurturing and growing the Stanner Golf Classic next year and in the years to come. Molloy helped two more students this year, but there will always be more in need. Giving them the opportunities to succeed not for school, but for life is what this is all about.” (Pictured: Maria accepts a bouquet of flowers from a student following a toast and standing ovation)
Thank you to all who volunteered or gave so generously to the Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic. Please contact the Stanner Alumni Center at (718) 441-9210 for more information on this year and next year’s outing. Click below to view our photo gallery or to download this year’s Golf Journal, which features many Stanner businesses!
Download the 2015 Golf Journal
View Full Photo Gallery from the Stanner Golf Classic
Matt Rizzotti ’04 Joins Alumni Center Staff
The Stanner Alumni Center is excited to introduce Matt Rizzotti ’04 as the newest member of its staff. Matt has assumed the role of Alumni Development Officer, which will give him the opportunity to work directly with alumni in a number of different ways. Matt will be active in coordinating events throughout the year, as well as working with alumni to continue long-standing traditions and forge new and exciting initiatives. Matt has been an active alumnus for over 10 years, having worked previously at the school as a Teacher’s Assistant and as a coach for the Varsity baseball team. Matt also maintained a close relationship with the school during his years as a prospect playing in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Matt brings a special enthusiasm to the position, as well as firsthand knowledge of Molloy, its history, and its mission. We hope you will join us in welcoming Matt to the team, and encourage you to reach out to him with thoughts or questions. Matt is reachable via email at mrizzotti@molloyhs.org.
Alumni & Parents Enjoy Sold Out Wine Tasting
On Tuesday, May 19th, over 40 alumni, parents and guests gathered at Molloy for what was our most successful wine tasting event to date. Molloy’s wine tasting series, which began in 2012, invites the adult members of our community to participate in an intimate and professional wine tasting class in a friendly setting. The class is led by in house wine enthusiast and English department chair Jim Sheehan ’75 and sommelier Mike Garvey ’84. This year, Jim and Mike showcased a diverse selection of red and white wines representing several different countries and flavor profiles. Ample time was given to savor each wine, allowing participants to analyze and compare their experience between each glass. Instruction was given on what to look for in terms of color, transparency, aroma, and, of course, taste. Jim and Mike also parlayed some of their knowledge of the regions and methods from which the wines originated, making for an informative and entertaining evening. The class left participants with a better appreciation for all wines, regardless of price, and encouraged them to think a bit more about their choices in the future. Special thanks to all of our participants, to Jim and Mike for their volunteer efforts, and to FLIK Food Services for their delicious food.
View Full Photo Gallery from our Wine Tasting Event
Around the School
Class Remembers PFC Willett In Recognition of Memorial Day
Several history classes continued the tradition of honoring PFC Louis Willett ’63 in anticipation of Memorial Day. Students visited the Willett’s Hall of Fame portrait and were read his Medal of Honor citation. An excerpt from the citation:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Willett distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company C, during combat operations. His squad was conducting a security sweep when it made contact with a large enemy force. The squad was immediately engaged with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and pinned to the ground.”
“Despite the deadly fusillade, Pfc. Willett rose to his feet firing rapid bursts from his weapon and moved to a position from which he placed highly effective fire on the enemy. His action allowed the remainder of his squad to begin to withdraw from the superior enemy force toward the company perimeter. Pfc. Willett covered the squad’s withdrawal, but his position drew heavy enemy machine gun fire, and he received multiple wounds enabling the enemy again to pin down the remainder of the squad. Pfc. Willett struggled to an upright position, and, disregarding his painful wounds, he again engaged the enemy with his rifle to allow his squad to continue its movement and to evacuate several of his comrades who were by now wounded. Moving from position to position, he engaged the enemy at close range until he was mortally wounded.”
“By his unselfish acts of bravery, Pfc. Willett insured the withdrawal of his comrades to the company position, saving their lives at the cost of his life. Pfc. Willett’s valorous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.”
Students prayed for PFC Willett and all heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and our freedoms. Special thanks to retired US Navy Captain Larry Seible ’63 for donating the beautiful floral arrangement (pictured with students) placed under PFC Willett’s portrait during Memorial Day Weekend.
Screening of “Permission” Draws Full Theater
Molloy recently had the privilege to screen an original short film directed and produced by two talented alumni. Thomas Ashton ’12 and Patrick McCarthy ’12, friends at Molloy and now at NYU, used the halls of Stanner High as the backdrop for “Permission”. The film depicts a teacher, played by McCarthy, who meets opposition from colleagues and parents when he insists on screening a graphic war film in class. McCarthy’s character wishes only to teach his students the real lessons of history without sugar coating them, but he quickly finds that not everyone shares his passion. The film features Molloy students and faculty among its extras, as well as several notable locations around the school including classrooms, the faculty café, the General Office, and the city park. Before screening the film to a packed theater, Ashton and McCarthy thanked all who participated in making the film as well as those who came out to see the finished product. President Richard Karsten ’81 also thanked the filmmakers and wished them well moving forward. “It was a great event,” said Mr. Karsten. “We are very proud to support our alumni in their endeavors, and I would encourage others to contact the Stanner Alumni Center in the future if they have something creative they would like to share with our students and faculty. Not only will it help our alumni, but our students get a chance to see that maintaining a relationship with their alma mater can be very beneficial to them.”
Science Symposium Showcases Student Projects
Juniors and seniors showcased a variety of science proposals and projects during Molloy’s annual Science Symposium. Students researched and presented a diverse set of topics including memorization skills, developmental disabilities, gender stereotypes, and computer programming. Sebastian Chamorro ’15 programmed his own word-based computer game in which the player must garner a majority vote from a group of 10 world leaders, each with their own unique personality and tendencies. Another project, presented by Camille Dupiton ’15, considered the relationship between memory and music. Could listening to the same music during study time and while taking a test improve your performance? A similar research project by Peter Maisano ’16 and Rose Maisano ’16 replaced listening to music with chewing gum, and weighed whether or not doing so while studying and during a test would result in a better test score. Students explained their projects to interested classmates and faculty and received great feedback thanks to the interactive nature of the Symposium. The event program also gave special recognition to students who presented research projects during the NYC Science & Engineering Fair. These included Julia Brandt ’15, Sebastian Chamorro ’15, Vida Ekhlas ’15, Justin Esposito ’15, Carla Hanna ’15, Jessica Netto ’15, Valerie Rico ’15, and Kangyi Zhao ’15.
Sports Updates
Congratulations are in order for our JV and Varsity softball teams, who both brought home hardware this spring. The JV squad beat St. Francis Prep for the Diocesan Championship last week, while the Varsity softball team captured the Diocesan, City, and State CHSAA Championships. The state title came against St. Anthony’s. Molloy put up a solid 3-1 victory combining excellent pitching with timely hitting. It was the first time Molloy’s Varsity softball team won the state title since 2012. On the baseball side, our JV baseball team advanced to the CHSAA Playoffs, while our Varsity team is battling All Hallows to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
Elsewhere, the Molloy golf team was invited to help run a Grand Opening Tournament for Donald Trump at his new golf course in Ferry Point. Stanners got to meet a few celebrities at the tournament, including Giants Hall of Famer and TV personality Michael Strahan. Pictured with Strahan are students Michael Tamarro, William Klein, and Kristen Niklaus.
Other Upcoming Events
St. Ann’s Communion Breakfast
When: Sunday, June 7th | 10:00am- Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
- Who: St. Ann’s Alumni
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
Molloy’s St. Ann’s Communion Breakfast will take place Sunday, June 7th. This event honors our original Stanners, the alumni of St. Ann’s Academy. Whether you graduated from St. Ann’s, attended as a youth or migrated to Molloy in 1957, we would love to see you here on Manton Street. The breakfast will be preceded by Mass in our recently modernized first floor chapel. We also hope to have several Marist Brothers in attendance. Those attending should plan to arrive by 10:00am. To RSVP, please contact Mrs. Merl Doyle at or mdoyle@molloyhs.org.
Rich Kisielewski ’70 recently saw his fourth adventure novel published by Wolfsinger Publications. da nuts follows Harry Mickey Shorts, a street wise private detective, as he investigates foul play leading up to the “Under 18 World Championship of Poker” tournament. Harry, at the behest of his son Max, goes undercover to explore the world of Internet poker, along the way rekindling interest in his ex-wife and his relationship with his two children, complicating his own life amidst his investigation. According to the author, da nuts “gives the reader a feel for what goes on in the world of internet and live poker, both upfront and behind the scenes. Elements of humor, suspense and surprise twist and turn throughout. Together they keep the pace fast and provide the main character, Harry Mickey Shorts, with a trip you will be glad you didn’t miss.” Rich’s novel is available on Amazon.com. More info can be found at www.richkisielewski.com.
Robert Pasqual ’77 recently sold his condo and purchased a house. The Stanner connection? David Garcia ’03 was the realtor for both transactions. Robert and David took a photo after each closing, which you can view above. “David did a great job. I would definitely recommend him,” said Robert. Check out more info on David HERE.
Alyssa Goldbach ’07 graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine with academic honors. She looks forward to completing her residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.
Mike Baxter ’02, famously known for preserving Johan Santana’s no-hitter as an outfielder for the New York Mets back in 2012, was recalled from Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs on May 20th. This is Mike’s fourth stint in the big leagues with his fourth different club. He previously played for the Dodgers in 2014, the Mets from 2011-2013, and the Padres in 2010. Though he has had limited playing time thus far, we wish Mike the very best and hope he takes advantage of each opportunity in the Windy City!
Joseph Papavero ’04 and wife Vanessa welcomed their second little baby girl into the world on Monday, April 20, 2015. Olivia Grace came was born at 7:46 AM weighing in at 6 lbs. 14 oz. and measuring 19 inches in length. Congratulations to mom and dad, and her big sister, Ava Marie.
At the St. Patrick’s Day Parade several weeks ago, Greg Coburn ‘69 was preparing to march with some friends from Manhattan College to begin the parade. As Greg walked by the Marist College contingent he heard his name called out. He looked over and was excited to see Br. John Klein with Br. John McDonnell. Br. Klein was a former colleague of Greg here at Molloy, while Br. McDonnell was once one of his home room teachers. Greg stopped to say hello, chat for a few minutes, and take the accompanying photo. “You never know when or where you will run into a Molloy connection,” said Greg. “It was a great way for me to start off the parade.” (Br. Klein, Br. McDonnell, and Greg pictured below)
Net TV’s “Currents” program recently aired an interview with St. John’s Track & Field Coach Tom Farrell ’61. | VIEW THE INTERVIEW | Currents caught up with Tom during the Tom Farrell Classic, an annual spring Track meet hosted at the university. We have included the video below. Tom is a Stanner Hall of Famer and former Olympian. In 1964, Farrell competed for the United States in the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Farrell placed 5th in the 800M race. Proud, but not satisfied, Farrell would work even harder to achieve greater success. In 1965, Farrell won the United States National Championship in the 880 yard race, and several years later won the US Olympic Trials (Track & Field) at 800M. This victory, along with his general record of excellence, would earn him another opportunity to represent the United States in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. He was again tasked with running the 800M race for his home country. This time, Farrell took home the Bronze medal for his country with a time of 1:45.46. Using his “back in the pack” tactical strategy, Farrell was able to muster the strength and speed he needed down the stretch to make up ground and reel in the medal.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Julius Skalka ’46.
We were recently informed of the passing Thomas Testa ’80. He had been living in Henderson, Nevada. Please keep Tom and the Testa family in your prayers.
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