Molloy Celebrates Successful Chicago Alumni Event

On August 25th, several members of the Stanner Alumni Center, including President Richard Karsten ’81, Communications Director Joe Sommo ’03, and Development Officer Matt Rizzotti ’04, set out for the “Windy City” to host a successful Chicago alumni chapter gathering. The event took place at US Cellular Field, home of the south side’s own Chicago White Sox. A beautiful suite was generously reserved for Molloy by local alum Bob Grim ’75, who is part of the broadcasting and marketing team behind the scenes for the hometown Sox. Stanners and their families attended the game and took full advantage of the suite amenities, which included comfortable seating, food, beverages, a dessert cart, and a great view of the game. Baseballs signed by White Sox star Chris Sale were also generously shared with attendees by team bench coach Mark Parent, who coached Rizzotti in the minor leagues several years ago.

Alumni attending the game represented five different decades of Molloy history. James O’Keefe ’62 and wife Ann traveled from the nearby suburb of St. Charles to connect with Stanner High. An enthusiastic alum, Jim chatted about his last visit to Briarwood, which occurred in March 2013 for his 50th anniversary reunion. He was the first person to sign up for this summer’s Chicago event, and expressed great excitement at the prospect of future outings in the Chicago metro area. Jim Verdirame ’78, a city local who attended with several family members, spoke about his memories of the Marist Brothers and Jack Curran, whom made a positive impact on his life. He has since had a successful career in the communications business.

Chris Barkidjija ‘85 attended with his two sons Andrew and Misha (pictured left). “Even though it was an ‘away’ game for Molloy, it was just like being back in Queens. It just goes to show it’s the people that make Molloy a special place,” said Chris. He also joked that his sons told him after the game, “Dad, all of the alumni tonight were just like you.” Chris’s response was simple: “Molloy and the Marists leave an indelible imprint on all of their students.” Allen Grgurovic ’93 brought wife Sara, son Aaron, and daughter Nina to the game to meet his fellow Stanner alums. Allen was excited to have the Alumni Center visit Chicago, and echoed Jim O’Keefe’s sentiments about future outings in Chicago. He’s also a huge fan of The Beehive! Another downtown local, Brian Duffy ’04, attended with wife Jessica and caught up with Rizzotti, his former baseball teammate at Molloy. Both reminisced about playing under Coach Curran and Assistant Coach Br. James Vagan. “It was a great turnout,” said Rizzotti. “We appreciate Bob’s generosity, as well as the enthusiasm shown by our diverse Chicago alumni. This event was a great building block for the future.”

Also in attendance were administration and faculty from nearby Marist High School, which is one of the seven schools wholly owned and operated by the Marist Brothers in the US. It was an opportunity to not only connect alumni with each other, but also connect them with the local Marist family right in their backyard. “Marist High School is a great school, and I was pleased to bring their leadership together with our alumni. Our Stanners were reminded that they are never too far removed from the traditions and values they learned at Molloy.” Richard, Joe, and Matt also took advantage of their time in Chicago by visiting the Marist High School campus, which resides in the suburbs southwest of downtown Chicago. Established in 1963, the school features a coed enrollment just over 1,700 and nearly 100 teachers on staff. The Stanner Alumni Center team sat down with Marist’s development staff and administration to discuss and compare best practices, share ideas, and look ahead to the future of Marist Catholic education. (Pictured: Richard Karsten ’81 chats with faculty & staff from Marist High School)

Around the School

iPads Distributed to the Class of 2019

Many alumni can recall September mornings gathered in the Jack Curran Gym; their first time together as a freshman class. Addressed on their first day by administrators and the Marist Brothers, freshmen learn about the traditions at their new school, the meaning of “Non scholae sed vitae”, and the standards of excellence all are expected to strive for. Alumni can also recall the next part of freshman orientation day, which for many decades included lining up to receive the year in textbooks, each one heavier than the last. While lugging around textbooks all year had its charm, it is one tradition that is close to extinction.

When Molloy rolled out its first ever one-to-one computing program in September 2014, there was great optimism for the success of this new education strategy. The decision to implement the program only into the Class of 2018’s curriculum to begin this new era helped facilitate a strong start, as administrators, faculty, and the school’s IT staff could more easily monitor students and their iPads. Day to day use, maintenance, and initial challenges were observed and logged, and a template for success was forged to handle a larger number of devices in subsequent years. Now, as Molloy gets set to welcome the Class of 2019 next week, the school is better prepared to seamlessly add a larger volume of iPads between both the freshman and sophomore classes this year. Molloy will see full one-to-one computing integration by the year 2017, when all class curriculums will feature iPads.

“The iPads are fantastic learning tools,” said IT Director CJ Mallia. “The textbook content, applications, and secure communication features allow our students to have all relevant information at their fingertips. We’re excited to see over 800 devices in use this year between freshmen, sophomores, and our faculty.” Molloy is on track to be among the largest schools to fully integrate one-to-one computing, which is in line with its consistent goal of being at the forefront of technological advances in education. “Being innovative certainly has its risks, because not all new technology becomes part of our lifeblood,” commented Mallia. “However, the iPad has been successfully adopted by numerous schools around the country, and the learning opportunities and technical support available set it apart from other devices. This is a great piece of technology that is here to stay.”

iPad distribution for incoming freshmen begins several weeks before the start of classes. Students visit Molloy for a two hour startup session. Basic instruction on the use, management, storage and care of the devices is provided by members of the school’s administration and IT staff. “The two hour sessions provide more than enough time to explain the ins and outs of the iPads,” said Mallia. “Most of the kids are already versed in the technology, but for those that aren’t it is an easy thing to pick up and start using right away. We really couldn’t ask for a better process.”

As Molloy’s second year of one-to-one computing takes shape, we will continue to cover the excitement of the program in The Beehive. Throughout the year, look for more information on specific apps utilized by students and teachers, as well as the safety components put in place ensure an outstanding learning environment for all students and teachers.

Upcoming Events

Stanner Alumni Reunion

• When: Saturday, November 7, 2015
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• Who: Classes of 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 & 2010
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

The Stanner Alumni Reunion is just over two months away, but we’re already seeing a great response from this year’s celebrating classes. If your class year ends in 0 or 5 (excluding 2015), you are invited to join us on Saturday, November 7th, here at Molloy for one of our biggest annual events! Past reunions have seen upwards of  600 alumni return to Molloy for the Reunion, and we’re expecting another large crowd this year. Space does become limited, so we recommend registering early.

For those traveling from out of town, a discounted hotel rate is being offered by the Courtyard Marriott at Laguardia Airport. Details are available on your event registration page. Your help is needed! Please spread the word and create a buzz for this year’s reunion. If you have any questions please contact the Stanner Alumni Center any time at (718) 441-9210.

Andrew Harvey Memorial 5K Fun Run

• When: Sunday, October 4, 2015
• Mass Start: 8:00am
• 5K Race: 9:00am
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

In one month, Stanners will look to make their mark in this year’s Andrew Harvey Memorial 5K Fun Run. The Fun Run is a family friendly race here in Briarwood that pays tribute to the memory of Andrew Harvey ‘98, a student who tragically passed away during his junior year. The event features a challenging 5K race and also includes a One Mile Race and “Little One’s Dash”, providing fun for the whole family and runners of all skill levels. All participants will receive a 5K shirt (please include shirt size for ALL of your ticket holders when registering). Coffee, cake, rolls, juice and other refreshments will be provided following the conclusion of all races. In addition, medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each age group and race type. For more information, please contact Frank Gambino ‘74 (email above).

Baseball Reunion – Three Weeks Away!

• When: Saturday, September 26, 2015
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• Who: All Former Baseball Players
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

The Archbishop Molloy Baseball Reunion is in just three weeks! Come out to Molloy on September 26 and show your Stanner pride! If you have not signed up, please follow the link below and sign up today. It only takes two minutes! It is poised to be a great day filled with food and beverages, as well as lots of laughs with former teammates. Please do not wait too long to sign up. If you are still in contact with your former teammates, please share this information with them! For more details please contact Matt Rizzotti ’04 (email above).

Alumni Oktoberfest – SAVE THE DATE!

• When: Friday, October 9, 2015
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• Who: All Alumni, Parents & Friends (Ages 21+ Please)
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Come out to Molloy on Friday, October 9th to enjoy brats and brews with classmates, family and friends! Our annual Alumni Oktoberfest is open to ALL members of the Stanner community. It will feature classic Bavarian style food, music, and décor as well as a prize raffle that all attendees will be entered in! This is a fun, relaxing evening with classmates and friends, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

Congratulations to Pat Rizzotti ’01 and his wife, Samara, on the birth of their first child! The Rizzotti family welcomed Aidan Patrick to the world on September 2, 2015 at 11:38pm. Aidan weighed in 8 pounds 11 ounces. We’re happy to report that parents and baby are all doing well!

On September 12th, Tom Harrison ’00 will be bicycling 100 miles from Central Park to Esopus, NY with seventeen other riders (Including several other Stanners) in order to raise money to support the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp. As many in our community know, the MHVC is a 9 week American Camp Association summer camp that serves the needs of children and adults with developmental, mental, and physical disabilities, deaf children, children living with cancer, pediatric patients from Harlem Hospital’s Family Care Center, and inner-city students. The camp has continued to provide a joy-filled summer experience for over 35 years. The MHVC is staffed solely by volunteers, meaning the efforts of Tom and his fellow Stanners will go a long way toward ensuring the long-term health of the camps. For more information on supporting the ride please contact Tom or visit www.esopuscamps.com. (Shout out to Tom’s fellow riders: Tom Lydon, Paul Krische, Ali Brennan, Damian Sciano, Pat Carroll, Brian Harrison, Noelle Harrison, Brian Davis, Johna Davis, Matt Waldron, Sean Kearney, Martha Ksepka, and Mike Kennedy.)

We are saddened to share the passing of Sgt. Thomas P. McGuire ’48, a decorated US Navy and Marine Corps veteran who fought valiantly in the Korean War. Sgt. McGuire passed way on April 13, 2015. He was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division and a recipient of the Navy Cross and Purple Heart. According to his son Thomas, “My father also served as a FDNY firefighter for 33 years in Ladder 16 Engine 39 located on East 67th Street. He was always proud to be a Stanner.” Please keep this American hero and his family in your thoughts and prayers. The following is from Sgt. McGuire’s official military citation:

“The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Thomas P. McGuire (MCSN: 1187571), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 8 January 1953. Leading his group in the assault against the right flank of a numerically superior enemy force occupying strongly entrenched positions on the crest of Hill 134, Sergeant McGuire exhibited exceptional leadership and repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile small-arms, grenade and automatic-weapons fire to rally and encourage his battered unit in the advance up the slope to reach the objective. With enemy resistance becoming increasingly severe as he approached his destination, he personally leaped into the trenches and fought at extremely close quarters, accounting for several enemy dead and silencing a concealed gun position which was halting the advance of his unit. Upon learning that the platoon commander on the left flank was severely wounded, Sergeant McGuire quickly reorganized his own squad and led his men to the opposite side of the hill where he assumed command of the remainder of the force. In the face of fierce hostile fire, he commenced his withdrawal and supervised the orderly evacuation of the dead and the wounded, assuring himself that all his men had withdrawn before he rejoined them and returned to friendly lines. By his daring initiative, great personal bravery and inspiring leadership, Sergeant McGuire contributed in large measure to the success of the assaulting group in destroying and demoralizing the enemy and in obtaining invaluable intelligence. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

It is with sadness we announce the passing of John R Lowe ’70. John earned his B.A. magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from SUNY Buffalo, and his M.A, in Linguistics from the University of Leicester in England. John’s life was dedicated to people and languages. He had lived in Europe for many years and mastered both French and German to the degree of native proficiency. Later he was an instructor at the American Language Institute at Sonoma State University (SSALI) in California. John also was a Foreign Language Tour Manager for New World Travel, using his talents, skills and his enjoyment of people to introduce Europeans to our American west and the beauty of its National Parks. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. Please remember John in your prayers.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Algirdas Silbajoris, father of Robert ’70 and Paul ’75. Mr. Silbajoris passed way July 28, 2015.

We were recently informed of the passing of Aldona Layer, mother of William ’63 and grandmother of Michael ’07. Mrs. Layer passed away on January 25, 2015. Please keep her and the Layer family in your prayers.

We were recently informed of the passing of John M. Minutaglio ’66. “He spoke fondly of his Molloy years, in particular his track career there,” said wife Sue Ann. John passed away on June 21, 2013. Please keep him in your prayers.

We were recently informed of the passing of James Drago ’54 on September 30, 2014. Please pray for James and his family.