Stanners in DC, MD, and VA…Unite!

Archbishop Molloy High School is coming back to our nation’s capital for the Gonzaga High School DC Metro Classic! Last year, over 30 Stanners from the DC Metro area came together to see Molloy go 2-1 in the tournament. Let’s get a great turnout this year and help give our boys Varsity basketball team a “home field advantage” on the road! The weekend schedule is as follows:

Friday, December 13th

• 6:45pm game time versus Coolidge (DC) at Gonzaga High School (19 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC 20001)
• 8:00pm (tentative start time) Stanner Alumni Reception to follow the Varsity game at The Dubliner. Hosted by President Richard Karsten ’81 and the Stanner Alumni Center. (4 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001)

Saturday, December 14th

• Should Molloy win their opening round game they will play at 8:30pm
• Should Molloy lose the opening round game they will play at 5:00pm
• Either game would be played at American University (4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)

For tournament tickets and pricing, please visit www.gonzagadcclassic.org. If you would like to attend the Stanner Alumni Reception at The Dubliner on Friday evening, please contact Alumni Development Director Craig Katinas ’93 directly at ckatinas@molloyhs.org or call (718) 943-3151 to RSVP.

Alumni Return During Homecoming Week

Thanksgiving is a special time at Molloy. It allows all of us to pause and reflect on what is most important in our lives, and also gives alumni an opportunity to reconnect with their alma mater. Recent graduates, home from college for the long weekend, often use this time to visit the school, meet with their former teachers, and even see friends who are still enrolled. Homecoming actually began unofficially two weeks ago, as a number of alumni trickled in for surprise visits. Knowing they could not attend our planned Homecoming events, they took time out of their busy schedules to stop by Manton Street and let us know what they’ve been up to lately. The following week, Molloy welcomed back a larger group of eager alumni during its annual Thanksgiving Liturgy on Tuesday, and several days later during a special prayer service, which accommodated alumni who were excited to renew their Marist roots. The prayer service was reminiscent of an old Stanner Homecoming tradition originally founded by the Marist Brothers. Br. Dan O’Riordan ’85, Br. Mike Sheerin, Mr. Mike Germano ’93, and Mr. Carl Semmler led the prayer service, between them representing several generations of Campus Ministry and faculty leadership here at Molloy. “It was great to be back at Molloy for the Homecoming,” said Br. Mike, who taught at Molloy during the 1980’s and now serves on the Marist Brothers evangelization team. “The Prayer Service was a good beginning to this renewed tradition and I hope it grows as time goes by.” Following the service, alumni were invited to a reception as well as the kickoff of the Varsity basketball season. Both the boys and girls Varsity teams claimed victory, capping off a great night and another wonderful Homecoming. Thank you to all alumni and friends that dropped in. We hope to see you all again soon as we approach Christmas!

Around the School

Scholarship Recipients Say “Thank You”

Thousands of Stanners have benefited from the gift of scholarship support throughout the course of our school’s history. The generosity of our donors is humbling, as they show their care for our students and their educational endeavors in extraordinary ways. They typically ask for nothing in return – other than the hard work and success of our talented scholarship recipients. Still, we thank our donors for their commitment to our mission here at Molloy. In this way, it is also important for our scholarship recipients to show their thanks, and maintain a clear line of communication with those who have helped to facilitate their success and, in some cases, enrollment at Molloy. “Saying thank you is special, and let’s a donor know that his or her scholarship is greatly appreciated,” said Alumni Development Director Craig Katinas ’93. “A student expressing their thanks, however, is an even more personal gesture that reinforces the importance and very real impact these gifts have at our school.”

Nearly 200 scholarship recipients recently attended a meeting in which members of Molloy’s admissions department, Stanner Alumni Center, and administration spoke of the importance of saying “thank you.” “You are the best of the best,” said President Richard Karsten ’81. “Expressing your gratitude is a key to your continued success, and it means a great deal to those who have helped give you this remarkable opportunity.” The recipients learned more about the relationship between donor and student, and have since worked hard on letters expressing their thanks to these generous individuals. Students used their own words, talents and creativity in writing the letters, allowing their personalities to shine through. In the end, our students gained a deeper understanding of the weight their scholarships hold, and their letters substantiated the level of gratitude everyone here at Molloy holds for our humble community of donors. To everyone who has donated to Molloy’s scholarship program recently and in the past, please know that we are so thankful to you for giving the gift of education. CLICK HERE for a full list of the named scholarships that benefit our students every day.

Volunteer Opportunity: Stanner Games

Stanner Games is just over a month away, and Molloy’s track & field coaching staff and student athletes are gearing up for another exciting event featuring some of the best high school runners in the country. Stanner Games is a nationally recognized track meet, and the volume of runners and events throughout the day calls for a large number of volunteers in varying capacities. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at the next Stanner Games on Saturday, January 11th, please contact coach A.J. Power ’84 directly at apower@molloyhs.org.

Second year US Air Force Academy Cadet Melissa Gabriel ’12 spent some time during Homecoming Week speaking with students about her experiences in the academy so far. “On June 2nd, 2012 I graduated from Molloy. On June 18th, 2012 I was in basic training.” Melissa used pictures of her own first year of training to showcase how demanding the academy can be. “At the beginning you are taught that you must carry on the tradition of the graduates that have come before you,” explained Melissa. “You cannot disappoint them. You have to be ready to represent what the Air Force Academy stands for. You accept that responsibility.” Through the many challenges presented by the academy, Melissa learned much about herself and her limits. While she admitted that the academy has been tough at times, she appreciates the education she is receiving. “It can be intimidating, but I’m getting a free education and getting paid too. It’s not that bad!” Melissa hopes that sharing her experiences will help educate others about the unique life experience the USAF has to offer.

In March 2012, Stephanie Lanza ’05 announced in the Beehive her engagement to Sean Ryan ’05, an NYPD officer and fellow Molloy classmate. On October 12, 2013, Sean and Stephanie officially became husband and wife! The excited newlyweds shared a few of their wedding photos with us, which you can view above. Congratulations to the happy Stanner couple!

Tim Hanna ’07, a coach at Columbia University, is seeking out Frisbee enthusiasts around NYC who may be interested in taking part in his “Ultimate Disc Clinic of Queens.” The clinic welcomes all ages and offers friendly training in a fun yet competitive atmosphere. Click the flyer for more details. Tim looks forward to working with fellow Stanners!

Kanad Ghosh ’11 visited Molloy recently and shared his college experience with interested seniors. Kanad is currently a junior at the University of Pennsylvania where he is studying molecular biology and English. “I always loved science,” said Kanad. “I also really enjoy writing. For me, the two subjects mesh well together. I’m interested in med school after earning my undergrad degree, and maybe eventually becoming a surgeon.” Speaking to students about his college experience, Kanad discussed the application process from his perspective, as well as how it feels being a freshman in new surroundings.  Kanad also described his experience applying for financial aid, living in a dorm, and choosing a major. While he has not yet studied abroad, he has considered it, and described the benefits such an experience can have for students. “Living in a dorm can make you independent, but studying abroad can make you culturally aware, and it emerses you in a new environment that you must learn to adapt to,” explained Kanad. “In terms of Financial Aid, it’s a big deal in terms of practicality. It can seriously affect where you go to college.” Speaking about Molloy, Kanad had no regrets. “Nobody’s really prepared for the workload that is dropped on them in college, but I was more prepared than other people might have been because of Molloy.”

We are saddened to share the passing of Patrick P. Gribben Jr. ’51 of DeWitt, Michigan. Patrick passed away on September 11th, 2013 at the age of 80. Patrick served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Upon his discharge he joined the Public Relations department of United Parcel Service as well as attended NYU. Later, after moving to Michigan, he served as the public affairs director fo the Michigan Dental Association and then president of the Delta Dental Plans Association. After his retirement, he served as the president of the Delta Dental Fund, which provides grants to support dental health care. He was an active public servant, volunteer, and philanthropist throughout his life. His love of aviation and travel led him to many different countries and continents. He is survivied by his wife and travel companion of 53 years, Dawn Ann, his daughter Dr. Deirdre Wickham and her husband David, his son Mark and his wife Susan, and his grandchildren Kelsey Anne, John and Charles. Please keep the Gribben family in your prayers.