Over 550 Celebrate at Stanner Alumni Reunion

#StannerReunion was trending on Saturday, November 1st, as Molloy welcomed over 550 alumni and guests back home to Manton Street. The Reunion is one of the largest events on Molloy’s calendar each year, and it has only gotten bigger and better in recent years. This growth is due to a number of factors, not least of all the increased participation of dedicated alumni volunteers who undertake the time-consuming task of tracking down their classmates. Alumni often move or change email addresses between reunions, but they don’t always remember to update their records with Molloy in the process. In turn, our volunteers spend months making phone calls, sending emails, and writing personalized letters, which adds up to hundreds of alumni reuniting – sometimes for the first time in decades. Most successful this year was the Class of 1964, whose volunteer committee consisting of Greg Spano, Barry Mastellone (pictured), Larry McNamara, Gene McParland, and Tom Kraemer helped bring over 100 members of their class back to Molloy, which is a new record for the 50th anniversary reunion (over 130 in attendance for ’64 if counting guests). In addition, our ’64 volunteers organized a class gift for the first time. Their efforts resulted in over $22,300 being donated to Molloy’s scholarship program on behalf of the Class of 1964. Truly impressive work, and we could not be more thankful for their generosity.

The Stanner Alumni Center also saw the use of Facebook event pages and groups help younger coed classes connect with each other, allowing them to spread the word about the reunion faster and more frequently. 2014 marked the first time that two coed classes reunited on the same night, and the classes of 2004 and 2009 didn’t disappoint, as both had strong showings. The Class of 2004’s Facebook event page, created by Laurence Lau ’04, rallied over 60 alumni for their 10 year reunion. The Class of 2009 brought 90 members of its class together for its 5th anniversary in a similar effort through social media. Despite being more popular with coed classes, the Class of 1974’s Facebook page helped bring nearly 30 alumni back for their 40th anniversary thanks to the work of volunteers like Dan Rizzi, Thomas Lynch, and Paul Galbraith. Thank you to these and all classes for doing your part in helping us to bring your classmates back to Molloy in such amazing numbers.

We would be remiss, however, if we did not praise the efforts of Alumni Relations Director, Mrs. Maria Ford. Maria has been the main organizer of the class Reunion, as well as the Stanner Golf Classic, for over 17 years. She has enjoyed great success during her tenure, including achieving record breaking attendance numbers for both events in recent years. The 2014-15 school year will be Maria’s last at Molloy, however, as she officially announced her retirement planned for the end of spring. “Maria has been an outstanding colleague and friend to many, and has established lifelong friendships with countless alumni and other members of our community,” said President Richard Karsten ’81. “I extend her my sincerest thanks for her hard work and dedication in hosting countless successful events as well as helping many of our scholarships to flourish for nearly two decades. She will be missed, but she has left us a wonderful legacy to build upon here in the Stanner Alumni Center.”

The evening itself began with a well attended Mass of Remembrance and later featured the Stanner Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (more on this later in The Beehive), cocktail receptions, class photos, dinner, dessert, and a heavy dose of nostalgia. Some aspects of the school have been updated in recent years, such as the William J. Murphy Library, the student cafeteria, and the first floor chapel. Even the Ralph DeChiaro Theater and Captain Marsloe Gym are new to many alumni. Despite these changes, the campus still emanates that same familiar feeling it has always had. No matter what changes may occur, it will always feel like a homecoming. The Marist Brothers are still a daily presence, the faculty is still second to none, and the traditions that were an important part of student life then have remained so today. From the Class of 1949 through the Class of 2009, alumni returned to Molloy on November 1st not only with excitement to see each other, but with great pride in being Stanners. We would like to thank everyone that returned to Molloy to celebrate at this year’s reunion, and we hope to see you at future events. Also, don’t forget your reunion takes place every five years! Please take a few moments to browse class photos below, as well as the full gallery on Molloy’s Facebook page. 

View full photo gallery from the Stanner Alumni Reunion.

Molloy Inducts Four into Hall of Fame

Many individuals in the Molloy community lead remarkable lives of faith, honor, service, or academic or athletic excellence. Their commitment to the Marist Mission, and to what it means to be a Stanner, is often an important aspect of their lives. Ultimately these leaders of our community are nominated for induction into the Stanner Hall of Fame. On Saturday, November 1st, Molloy inducted four such leaders into its Stanner Hall of Fame.

The ceremony, which took place in the Ralph DeChiaro Theater as part of the Reunion festivities, welcomed nearly 250 alumni and friends in support of Molloy’s newest Hall of Famers. First, Sister Elizabeth Bickar, of the Sisters of Charity, accepted her hall of fame honor. “Molloy means so much to me,” said Sr. Elizabeth, who spent over 25 years as a teacher and administrator at the school. “Thank you to the Marist Brothers who, for 33 years, have shared with me their charism for making Jesus known and loved through the Catholic education of youth,” said Sr. Elizabeth. “I am so grateful for the friendship of these inspiring men who encouraged me, mentored me and worked with me on behalf of Molloy students. Their spirit of simplicity has often revealed to me the face of God.”

Next, Dr. John Scileppi, PhD, ’63 accepted his induction with great pride. Dr. Scileppi pointed to the lessons of his teachers at Molloy as the foundation for much of what he accomplished in his career. Among those teachers were many Marist Brothers who inspired him to pursue the order himself. Though he did not complete his pursuit of becoming a Marist Brother, he has been a lifelong advocate of Marist Charism. In addition, his support of social justice and civil rights causes, as well as his impact academically and spiritually at Marist College and other educational institutions across the United States, have left an indelible mark on many of his students and colleagues alike.

Police Officer John Williamson ’86 lost his life in the line of duty on October 8th, 1993. On that day, Officer Williamson valiantly answered a call for help from fellow officers in the 34th precinct. After helping to diffuse a dangerous situation, Officer Williamson returned to his vehicle where he was attacked without warning and left critically injured. He later passed from his injuries. Officer Williamson’s courage has never been forgotten. His insistence and willingness to help others, sometimes putting himself in harm’s way to do so, has been an ongoing inspiration for his family, friends, members of the NYPD and city leadership, and those of us in the Molloy community. Accepting the honor for the late Officer Williamson were his sister, Nancy Burns (pictured), and members of the Meenan family, who were among his closest personal friends.

Lastly, Molloy honored Rear Admiral Robert F. Duncan, USCG, ’68 with induction into the Stanner Hall of Fame. Duncan has been a leader in times of crisis (TWA Flight 800, Egypt Air 990, JFK Jr. Plane Loss), and has served in roles from attorney for the Maritime Interception Force to Chief Counsel and Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard. His leadership following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita helped save hundreds of lives, and his work has been commended by such dignitaries as former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former President George H. W. Bush. “I have always regarded it as a sufficient honor to call myself a Stanner,” said Duncan. “The course our lives take is greatly shaped by the values we learn, and internalize, during our formative years. I was most fortunate to have been introduced to great values at home. These were shaped, sharpened, and deepened by the faculty, staff, and the student body at this most special institution.”

Upcoming Events

Thanksgiving Liturgy

• Where: Molloy | Jack Curran Gym
• When: Wed, Nov 26th | 10:45 am
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Alumni are invited to attend this year’s Thanksgiving Liturgy on Wednesday, November 26th. The Liturgy will begin promptly at 10:45 am so please plan to arrive shortly ahead of the start. Following the conclusion of the Liturgy, alumni will be invited to enjoy light refreshments in the newly modernized student cafeteria. Many favorites among Molloy’s faculty and staff will make themselves available in the cafeteria to welcome our alumni home, catch up, and take photos. We’re all very excited to continue this tradition with our alumni and look forward to your homecoming!

The Stanner Players Present “The Matchmaker”

• 7:00 pm Performances: Nov 20th, 21st & 22nd
• 2:00 pm Matinee: Sun, Nov 23rd
• Tickets: $5 for Molloy students & children under 12 | $10 for adults
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

The Stanner Players are making final preparations for their 2014 Fall debut, with “The Matchmaker” by Thornton Wilder slated to open on Thursday, November 20th at 7:00 pm. Opening night will be followed by three other performances on consecutive days, all happening in Molloy’s Ralph DeChiaro Theater. According to the Thornton Wilder Society, Matchmaker is a “farce about love and money” that brings several unlikely couples together to “find happiness in 19th century New York.” Second year Stanner Players Director Shannon Winters ’06 has selected an all-star cast of Molloy talent, and all are ready to put on a great show for our school community. Reservations can be made in advance at stannerplayers@gmail.com or by leaving a voicemail at (347) 441-0015 with your name, the date of the show, and number of tickets needed. Come out and support the Stanner Players next weekend!

Stanner Alumni Get First Win at Cross Country Meet

This past weekend at Van Cortlandt Park, Stanners made history by winning their first ever alumni race during the CHSAA Cross Country Intersectional Championship Meet. An alumni race has accompanied the student races at this meet for many years, and though Molloy has taken part in the tradition numerous times, it has never been able to secure the elusive first place championship plaque. In 2014, however, our Stanners finally stand atop the leader board with a winning score of 22, edging out rival Chaminade’s 24 and Fordham Prep’s 26. Keys to the success of the Stanner team were Pat Goldberg ’13 (13:59), Anthony Morales ’09 (14:31), Joe Mayer ’09 (15:16), Walter Rodriguez ’12 (15:37), Bill Schroeder ’79 (16:12), Ed Kenny ’83 (17:31), Rob Rossi ’81 (21:06), Pete Heinz ’87 (22:08), and Jim Mahoney ’74 (23:20). “It was awesome,” said Coach Jeff Gallagher ’88. “Molloy has run this race for so long, and we’ve come so close at times, it’s great to finally get over the hump.” Pictured left are top three finishers Pat, Anthony, and Joe.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RACE RESULTS

The student races of the day also proved successful for Molloy, as our boys Varsity cross country team (pictured) placed fifth – qualifying them for the state championship this weekend at Bowdoin Park for the first time since 1998. Their five man team average time was 13:53. Competition was fierce with public, Catholic, and other private schools aspiring for the top five qualifying spots, making Molloy’s finish all the more impressive. The girls Varsity team also ran a great race, finishing eighth with a 17.36 average time. Though the team did not qualify for the federation state championship, two individual runners from the team, Michelle Armogan ’16 and Carolyn Crocker ’16, did qualify. Congratulations to all of our runners, and good luck representing Molloy at the state championship race!

Other track notes: The boys Varsity track team won the Brooklyn/Queens Championship for the third year in a row. Individual Champion Alex Goldberg put up a 13:09.06 time. The girls Varsity team finished second in their pursuit of a Brooklyn/Queens title. The JV boys and girls track teams both won Brooklyn/Queens Championships, while the freshman girls track team finished fourth in their Intersectional Championships.

Around the School

Sports Update

Molloy sports collectively enjoyed another successful fall season in 2014.

Soccer: Our boys Varsity soccer team took home the Brooklyn/Queens Championship and reached the City Championship game. They also qualified for the State Championship Tournament. The boys JV soccer team also played extremely well, winning the Brooklyn/Queens Championship and reaching the City Championship game. On the girls side, the Varsity team won the NSCHSAA “A” Divisional Championship, while the JV team reached the semi-finals of the NSCHSAA “A” Division. Varsity players Diana Gorga ’15, Kelly Grogan ’15, and Lindsay Wynne ’16 were named All-League athletes. Julia Greene ’15 was named MVP of the championship game.

Coach Judy Zink: Girls Varsity soccer coach Judy Zink has had a challenging yet rewarding year. She was named Molloy’s Varsity coach last spring after many years serving as the school’s JV coach. Shortly after accepting her new position, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After bravely undergoing surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, which lasted through most of the summer, she began running practice for the Varsity team as early as August. Her team went on to win a tournament at Forest Hills High School, which is named after her father, and eventually the NSCHSAA “A” Division Championship. Judy was named Coach of the Year by her fellow league coaches.

Tennis: The girls tennis team reached the finals of the Diocesan Championship.

Cross Country: The boys cross country team won the Sectional Championship on the Varsity, sophomore, and freshman levels, while the girls cross country team finished second in the Sectional Championship.

Swimming: The girls Varsity swimming team have enjoyed an undefeated 3-0 start thus far, while the boys Varsity swimming season is scheduled to begin on November 22nd. The boys freshman swimming team advanced to the championship game.

Volleyball: Molloy’s girls Varsity and JV volleyball teams both reached the semi-finals of the Diocesan Tournament.

Bowling:  The Varsity and JV bowling teams are both currently in first place in their respective divisions.

(Sports photos courtesy of the Yearbook Staff)

Author John Florio ’78 recently took time out of his busy schedule to volunteer as a guest speaker here at Molloy. John sat in during a creative writing class and shared stories about how he discovered his love of writing. He then offered advice to students on how they can be more creative when writing both academically and personally. John also fielded questions about different creative writing styles and strategies. John has had three books published in recent years, including his first novel, Blind Moon Alley, and its follow up, Sugar Pop Moon. These fictional tales describe the experiences of Jersey Leo, an albino bartender working during prohibition. John also collaborated with his wife on One Punch from the Promised Land, which puts the lens on former boxing champions Leon and Michael Spinks. Punch was reviewed by such high profile media figures as Bob Costas of NBC Sports and Jeremy Schaap of ESPN. During his visit to Molloy, John donated a signed copy of his first novel to our school’s library, which is currently on display and available for any student to check out. Thank you, John! For more information on John and his novels visit www.johnfloriowriter.com.

Another Stanner author, Raoul Wientzen, MD, ’64, also recently made a donation to Molloy’s library. Dr. Wientzen sent two copies of his acclaimed first novel, The Assembler of Parts, to his alma mater for use in its William J. Murphy Library. The novel, a tale of love and imperfection, was named one of the “Best Books of 2013” and one of the “Best Debut Fictions of 2013” by Kirkus Review, and was named a semifinalist for the Cabell First Novelist Award. “I owe this book to Molloy and its faculty,” said Dr. Wientzen, who is a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases. He also spent over 30 years as a faculty member at Georgetown Medical School. When not writing, Dr. Wientzen is the Medical Director of the Rostropovich Foundation, a small NGO that works in international health for children. Special thanks to Dr. Wientzen for his generous book donation.

We are saddened to share the passing of Janice Pasqual, wife of Morris Pasqual ’74. Janice passed away after battling an illness. She is survived by her husband, brother, and three loving children. Please pray for Janice and the Pasqual family during this difficult time.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of William C. Daly, father of Theodore J. Daly, MD, ’73.