Molloy’s Library

– Built in 1957, Re-imagined in 2011

When Archbishop Molloy High School was built in Briarwood, in 1957 its library was a brand new facility that would sustain and serve students and faculty for over 50 years. Over that span the library endured everyday use by so many students. Improved furnishing and the acquisition of several new computers did occur in 1998 when the school received a substantial gift from War Veteran William J. Murphy, class of 1942. Murphy, who grew up at St. Ann’s Academy  located at Lexington Avenue and 76^th Street in Manhattan, recognized the need to further develop the resources necessary for the daily instruction of a modern education. Still, the infrastructure of the facility was not equipped with the technological demands and advances of 2011, which have so dramatically evolved over the last 50 years. Internal discussions by faculty, administration, and the school’s directory lead to the decision to completely re-imagine the library in an effort to create a welcoming, modern environment that could carry Molloy through the next several decades.

Extensive planning, competitive bidding, intense negotiation and attention to detail allowed for exceptional results as the library was stripped down and rebuilt inside and out. “Gino Fazio of G. Fazio Construction was an integral member of the design and construction team. When you work with Gino, you understand one thing quite clearly: there is only one way to do things – the right way,” said Molloy President Richard Karsten ’81.

“Technology plays a key role because of the research lab as well as students’ demands for online information,” said Karsten. More than one linear mile of cable supports the technological advances implemented during construction. The newly modernized William J. Murphy Library features an expansive research lab supported by 40 laptop computers dedicated to online research, a unique college preparatory center, new energy-efficient lighting, climate control, a multi-media conference room serving both faculty and students, and a state-of-the-art library database which serves as a more efficient, green solution in maintaining records. New carpeting along with wood-crafted furniture cap off an extraordinary transformation. The new features of the library directly address the daily needs of everyone at Molloy. Improved lighting, climate control, and furnishing affords students the level of comfort necessary to study more effectively. Students and faculty have access to materials in all formats: both analog and digital. Juniors and seniors in high school are increasingly challenged by the rigorous college application process, making it imperative for students to have the proper tools necessary to navigate through the process every step of the way. A key design feature and a tribute to the past, the original mahogany book cases were restored, refinished and reinstalled into the new library. Additionally the conference room table was crafted from the 54 year old, reclaimed wood. The over 5,000 visitors at Molloy’s recent Open House could not believe their eyes as they toured the school’s new jewel. “It truly is a world class, collegiate facility now at the disposal of all who call Archbishop Molloy High School home,” said Brother Thomas Schady, the school’s Principal. “We are very proud of this accomplishment and look forward to fully utilizing our brand new library every day.”

On Thursday, October 13^th the library’s namesake, William J. Murphy, returned to Molloy for a special rededication ceremony hosted by the school’s president, Richard Karsten, class of 1981. Following an blessing by Msgr. John McGuirl ’63, The crowd, comprised of some of the school’s most generous benefactors, reveled in a heartfelt speech from Murphy, who worked as an educator himself for 28 years at Fordham Prep and later the Fordham campus at Rose Hill. Murphy shared an anecdote about one of his former students that never visited a library in his lifetime.  Murphy took this cue to later improve Molloy’s library in an effort to make sure young people could have every opportunity to utilize an efficient research facility, one that contains some of the most essential resources in their educational journeys. The rededication was a pivotal moment for Molloy according to Murphy, who insisted on dressing well for the occasion. “This is the first time I’ve worn a tie in over 20 years,” Murphy said with a smile. “It has been a very long time, but this is extremely important to me.”

Karsten believes the library’s history will continue to hold relevance for students today. “The new William J. Murphy Library is the physical embodiment for my vision of Molloy in this millennium. Preserving the traditions of the past.  Setting an example for the present and with the support of the Stanner community, together we ensure the future.”

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Alumni Night Recap

Mike McGuire ’81 of Trinity Restaurant & Bar in Floral Park opened his establishment on Thursday, October 20th for an Alumni Night. The evening, sponsored by Molloy’s Badges Alumni Network, was a low-key affair for alumni to meet up with friends, make new ones, and network professionally. Also in attendance were some popular Molloy current and past faculty and staff members including Mr. John Diorio, Mr. Joe Smith, Mr. Chris DeSarno, Mr. Ed Shannon ’84, Mr. Ed Cameron, and Mr. Lou Santos, and Mr. Brendan Cloonan ‘01. Stanners (of legal age!) in attendance enjoyed a scotch tasting, cigars and selections from a hot buffet provided by Trinity Restaurant. We had a great showing of alumni and there has been strong support for similar events in the future.

Around the School

Metro Classic

On Sunday, October 30^th Molloy’s Jack Curran Gymnasium hosted MSG Varsity’s taping of the Metro Classic for the second straight year. The Metro Classic is an annual all-star double-header featuring outstanding high school basketball talent in New York City, Long Island and Hudson Valley. This year the games also benefitted two individuals battling cancer, Calisha Clark (former star player at Wyandanch HS) and Sherrill Porr (sister-in-law to Delores Brajevich, who has an award in her name given out at half-time). The ladies game, which started at 1:30 PM, featured 3 players from Molloy’s Varsity team: Amani Tatum ’13 returning for the second time, Carolyn Gallagher ‘13, and Kamille Ejerta ’12. Though our Stanners fought hard and tallied up a ton of minutes on the court as their Boros took on the rival Burbs team, it was the Burbs that emerged victorious in the final minutes of the contest. The Boros even held at 38-37 point lead at halftime, but the Burbs doubled up their score and played strong defense to claim victory 74 – 65. Molloy’s C.J. Davis ’14 was elected to the mens team, however he was unable to play in the game. Still, the Boros faced off against the Burbs, putting on an exciting contest for a packed house with the Burbs eventually pulling out a win 119-105. The games were both filmed in high definition and will air later this year on MSG Varsity Network. We will bring the official air dates to you when they are announced. Thanks to all alumni, students and friends who came out to support our Stanners.

Sports Update

Coach Donald Mooney is very proud of his Varsity Girls Tennis Team, who went undefeated as they captured the Diocesan Championship. The team finished the season 8 – 0 and went on to beat Bishop Kearney in the first round 5 matches to 0. In the finals Molloy defeated The Mary Louis Academy 4 matches to 1 to win the title (each competition has 5 matches: 3 singles and 2 doubles). The team has since become a state semi-finalist. Elsewhere the Girls Varsity soccer team is an NSCHSAA divisional finalist and the Girls JV soccer are NSCHSAA divisional champs! Girls Varsity and Freshmen Cross Country are diocesan champs. JV Volleyball are diocesan champs while Varsity Volleyball are diocesan finalists. Boys JV Soccer are semi-finalists in the city-wide playoffs while Boys Varsity Soccer are planning on playing in the semi-finals of the city-wide playoffs. Molloy’s Boys Varsity soccer team is competing tonight at St. John’s University in a semi-finals playoff game. The team is playing hard in honor of teammate Justin Thompson, who was severely injured during an accident several weeks ago. While Justin is still working on his recovery, he is cheering full-on for his teammates.

Homecoming Weekend:

Thanksgiving Liturgy

Dear Friends,

The Thanksgiving homecoming weekend is a special time of the year at any high school, but perhaps even more so here at Molloy. Being part of a community that embraces the true meaning of Thanksgiving is one of the many aspects that makes Archbishop Molloy High School such a remarkable place.

It begins on November 23rf when the Stanner Family will once again come together on the eve of Thanksgiving for our annual Liturgy and celebrate in the Jack Curran Gymnasium.  All alumni are welcome to join us and celebrate. The mass will begin at 8:00 am. Following the Mass there will be an opportunity to gather at a reception in the cafeteria, and to visit with administration, faculty, and staff throughout the building.

Homecoming events will continue on November 26th with the return of the Stanner Classic 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. It will be a terrific day for both alumni and current students to win bragging rights. It is going to be great to see the gymnasiums packed with competitive games and sportsmanship that is synonymous with Molloy Athletics.

The weekend is capped off with Stanners packing the Curran Gymnasium to cheer our Boys Basketball Varsity and Varsity B teams in their pursuit for another championship.

The spirit of the season moves Stanners to celebrate, reach out, to share blessings, and to give thanks. From the moment you walk into the main doors on Manton Street, the spirit of the holiday is evident. Individually, in small groups, and as a larger family of Marist Brothers, religious, students, alumni, parents, faculty, administration offer their prayers, and service in a variety of ways.  Stanners do this with a joy that is contagious to those who surround them.

Molloy is a great home to all Stanners.  I am thankful for all of the alumni who share their time, talent, and generosity ensuring the school mission remains alive and vibrant for the next 118 years.  I am grateful to our outstanding students here with us now who are eager to make their mark on the world. I am also very thankful for the Marist Brothers, administrators, staff, faculty, and the team at the Stanner Alumni Center who bring to life our school motto “Non scholae sed viate” everyday.  I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our alma mater and you, our alumni.

On behalf of the entire Stanner community here at Molloy, I extend our prayers that you and your family enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Craig M. Katinas ’93

Stanner Classic 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

REGISTER ONLINE NOW! The 3 on 3 Tournament is back! On Saturday, November 26th Molloy will host the Stanner Classic 3 on 3 Tournament during homecoming weekend for both current students and alumni in the Jack Curran Gymnasium. Check-in for the tournament will begin at 9:45 AM and the tournament’s length will depend on how many teams we have registered by the day of the event. Spots are very limited and there will be no guarantee of a spot if you do not register in advance online. There will also be a double-header including out Varsity A and Varsity B boys basketball teams later in the evening, which we invite all registered attendees to watch and cheer on our Stanners. The alumni fee of $35 will include:

• Reversible Jersey (4 players per team MAX)
• Spot in 3 on 3 Tournament
• Ticket to Varsity double-header
• Pizza
• Soda / Water

Spread the word and help us make this event a mainstay for years to come. Once again we are expecting a large turnout for this event, so please register early. For more information please contact Craig Katinas ’93 at ckatinas@molloyhs.org or Chris X. Dougherty ’91 at cdougherty@molloyhs.org.

Other Upcoming Events

Molloy Lawyers Alumni Event

Attention all Molloy Lawyers, Attorneys, students of law and all those in law/legal services! Online registration is now available for our Inaugural Molloy Lawyers Alumni Event on Wednesday, November 9th at 6:30 PM at Archbishop Molloy High School. We’ve already received an excellent response from a diverse group of alumni looking to get involved with this event, which will give interested Stanners the opportunity to network and discuss the industry in a friendly and professional forum. The evening will include a panel of distinguished individuals working in law and discussions will be facilitated by The Honorable Henry B. Pitman ’71 (US Magistrate Judge / Southern District of NY) and moderated by Reaz Jafri ’83. The main topic of the evening will be “Making Your Mark”. Admission is free and attendees will enjoy light refreshments and hors’ d’oeuvres in addition to good company. Those interested should register online or RSVP to Craig Katinas ’93 at 718.441.9210 or email ckatinas@molloyhs.org.

Director of Student Activities Mr. Ed Cameron has helped lead the Molloy Pipes and Drums band for many years. He has a great passion for this musical style and continues to share that passion with students at Molloy in addition to several alumni. Cameron and his brother Lachlan, along with alumni including Brian McGuire ’97, Paul Boland ’99, Byrne O’Sullivan ‘98 were part of the recent World Pipe Band Championship team in Glasgow, Scotland. Of 230 bands, including 8 representing the United States, the Stanner team prevailed above every other band. The competition was judged on piping, playing unison, drumming, and overall sound and execution. “It’s like the Super Bowl of pipes and drums,” said Cameron. “We won our division against 36 bands from Scotland, Ireland and Canada before winning the championship.” Ed says they couldn’t expect to win, rather they practiced non-stop and hoped to do well. The band has been performing in many different venues and competitions since their formation in early 2010, and they call this championship the icing on the cake.

Jesse Roman ’97 is now Varsity Baseball Coach at Fort Bend Christian Academy High School in Sugar Land, Texas. Jesse coached for 5 years with the Kinkaid School in Houston. He was a member of the two-time championship team at Molloy and a pitched at Rice University before playing professionally at first base and in the outfield with the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres. Jesse now takes the leadership skills and determination he learned from Molloy and his years of experience to his new endeavors.

Rohan Narine ’02 and Aminta Kilawan ’06 attended an event celebrating the start of the fall sales season at the Trump SoHo Hotel Condominium at 246 Spring Street. More than 250 real estate professionals (including Rohan) were present to tour the property, which featured luxery condos, a 6,000 square-foot pool deck, and one of 11 duplex penthouses. Rohan and Aminta are pictured with Mark Menendez, Executive VP and Director of Rentals at Prudential Douglas Elliman, the largest New York real estate services company.

aThomas Chiofolo ‘82 and his wife are pleased to announce the birth of their son Matthew Joseph, who was born on October 18, 2011. Congratulations to the Chiofolo family!

We are sorry to share news of the passing of Mrs. Mary Frances Doyle, mother of former School Directory Member John F. Doyle ’77. Mrs. Doyle passed away on October 12^th after a long battle with breast cancer. The Doyle family suggests any memorial contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research. Please pray for the Doyle family.

Jeffrey Karcz ’64 passed away suddenly on October 6th in Florida while on duty as a US Postal Service Mail Carrier. Jeff is survived by his wife Carol, and his children Michael, Jeffrey, Laurie and Christopher as well as his grandchildren. Please pray for the Karcz family.

Mr. Steven J. Borhi, father of Steve Borhi ’93 and grandfather of Stephen Tanico ’10, has passed away. Please keep Mr. Borhi’s family in your thoughts and prayers.