Reflection #45 (Only 1031 to go!): The more things change...

      I had to pay a visit to "1076" (Saint Ignatius for those of you not in the know) last week, and as I passed by a classroom, I saw Mr. Ed Ernst proctoring an exam, so I poked my head in the door to say, "Hi!" It caught my attention that each student was using a "laptop" (Is that the correct term?) computer. Ed came out of the room momentarily, and told me that, not only do they take the exam on the computer, but the test is automatically and immediately corrected and graded electronically. Holy ....!
     I had heard that, within the next few years...maybe next year...there will be no textbooks; all texts will be electronic. It's a whole new world. I was reminded of the time, many years ago, when an alumus came to a basketball game, and, when I went to greet him, he just shook his head and said, "This isn't my school anymore." I have some peers who would just shake their collective heads and say, "This isn't our world any more."
     While I have to admit to a certain “comfort” in the methods and styles of my earlier years, I also recognize that change is inevitable. Do I like the internet? It doesn’t matter whether I do or not, so, “Yes!” I like it.
     Ed was also very excited about something else when he greeted me. Had I seen that an Ignatius cross-country runner had won the 3A state championship? Jack Keelan was the first Ignatian to win the state meet since Mike Patton did it in 1980. Carm Pintozzi and Jim Connelly would have been so proud. (Apologies to all of the other fine and dedicated "cross" coaches for my naming only those two. They were the ones that I knew best.)
     In addition to Jack Keelan's accomplishment, I discovered that the girls' swimming team came in 8th in the state, after having won the state sectional. One young lady, Nikol Lagodzinska, came in 3rd in the 100-free at state.
     Finally, in a sport that has special significance for me, the Ignatius soccer team, under the venerable Jim Luzzi (How old do you have to be to be considered "venerable"?) ended their season with a 20-4-1 record, making it to the championship game of the state regional, and losing a hotly-contested game to Hinsdale Central High School.

     This coming Sunday, Dec. 2nd, Ignatius is holding its annual Open House, and I'm especially interested in attending this year, because my granddaughter, who is a freshman, is playing in the orchestra. Grandma and grandpa will be there, cheering her on, but trying hard not to embarrass her by telling everyone in ear shot who she is, and that she is the BEST ONE...even though she is.

     I hope that you had a fabulous Thanksgiving. My wife and I had great weekend. In addition to an elegant turkey dinner at our son and daughter-in-law‘s home on Thursday, an offspring got married on Saturday. It was very much an Ignatius affair, since the beautiful bride and groom and all their siblings are Ignatius alumni. This also included the minister from the class of ‘86.
     This is really just an excuse to say that, I had a delightful conversation with Adrian Garibay, ('84), who is Director of Registration at U.S. Soccer Federation. His kind words about the role that Saint Ignatius has played in his life certainly lifted my spirits...as if my spirits needed lifting when one of my children gets married.
     Additionally, my wife and I were the happy beneficiaries of the kindness of John Tan, also '84, and his lovely wife, Zara, who drove us from the reception to our hotel. Thank you again, John and Zara.

Reflection #44 (Only 1032 to go!): Oh, What A Year!

     Sadly, I read of the passing of Fr. John Reilly, S.J.  The death notice stated that he died while in residence at the facility in Columbiere, Michigan, a retirement home for Jesuits of the Chicago Province.  At this point in my life, many of my former Jesuit friends and colleagues reside there.
     Father’s passing is one more emotional loss for us “old-timers”.  You are no doubt aware of the passing of Jim Connelly and the physical problems of Frank Raispis.  There are others of my generation of Ignatius personnel who have been dealing with serious health issues, but that’s not for me to disclose.
     Father Reilly was an integral part of my early years at Ignatius.  I started teaching in 1961, and Father Reilly was teaching English. In the fall of '63, he became assistant principal.  In 1967, Fr. Reilly was made principal, and in 1971, he started a four year stint as president.  This was a very difficult period in the history of Saint Ignatius.  The number of Jesuits was in decline, creating the need for an increase in the number of laymen, and, thus causing the tuition to jump dramatically. That, in turn, caused a decrease in the size of the student body.  There were times when future of the school was in doubt.  This was the challenge that was laid at Fr. Reilly’s feet as he became president.
     For those who never knew Fr. Reilly, he was a very tall man...I'd say 6'5'' or better.  I have to admit that I never knew him very well on a personal level.  The Jesuits and the laymen had a good working relationship, but it should go without saying that laymen and Jesuits lead very different lives. Laymen went home to their families; Jesuits, priests, brothers and scholastics, lived at the school, ate with one another and shared the events of the day with one another.
     Father Reilly was also a man of great passions in an "O'Mara-esque" fashion.  He might have a very angry response to a request, but, after an initial reaction, he would discuss the idea calmly and logically, looking for a way to fulfill the request in a viable manner.  Pat O’Mara could "rip you apart" with a word or look, but with “Big John”, it looked like that might not be a euphemism.   When Father got mad, your best chance was to not make eye-contact, turn quietly an walk away...quickly.
     The fact is, though, he was a man of great kindness and empathy.  I am aware of at least one instance when, he was confronted by a teacher that he expel a student for an egregious action, Father talked to the student, and discovered the underlying cause of his actions.  Because of the sensitive nature of the cause, Father was not free to explain his “non-action“, much to the dismay and anger of the teacher.  Such was the depth of his courage and compassion.

     I was moved by the dedication of the 1975 Prep, the yearbook. At the risk of violating copyright laws, a portion of it reads:
“Since Fr. Reilly is a graduate of the class of ’46, he is the only person in the history of St. Ignatius to come up the ranks...from student to President.
As Fr. Reilly moves on to Loyola University he will always be a part of Ignatius. He will be remembered for his years of dedication and service. He is a gentleman. He believes in Ignatius.
This then is John Reilly’s book because Ignatius is John Reilly’s school.”
      God bless you, Father Reilly. Rest in peace.

Reflection #43 (Only 1033 to go!): Going Co-ed (Part II)

     A few months ago I received an email from Maria Dunn, class of '83, suggesting that I give a shout-out to the 17 young ladies who entered Saint Ignatius as seniors in the fall of 1979. She referred to them as heroic figures, and I agree. I vowed, when I started writing my reminiscences a couple of years ago, that I wouldn't do any research, but I have to admit to going through the 1980 yearbook to get their names.
     They were Maura Allen (now the academic asst. principal at Saint Ignatius), Susan Carroll, Susan Chomicz, Colette Hughes, April Chou, Ann Duggan, Mary Foote, Susan Gardner, Adriana Hartray, Colette Hughes, Kellie Klotz, Ana Manglano, Jane Oldershaw, Brenda Patterson, Margaret Sheridan, Victoria Simmerling, Julie Steward, and Rosalie Valenti. If I made an error in the list, please forgive me; research was never my best thing. That's why I became a math teacher...never had to write a term paper.
     There were 63 girls in the junior class during the '79-'80 school year, and the faculty increased from 4 women to 14 in that year, which included a woman as asst.-dean. I can't confirm that the 17 seniors were necessarily "more heroic" than all of the juniors. In all cases, they had to leave familiar surroundings for a new and different environment. The same might also be said of the girls who entered as sophomores.
     I have wondered how this particular group of junior and senior girls was chosen for admittance. Were the seniors chosen solely on the basis of their grades in their previous school? Did the "legacy" aspect play a role (That is, sisters of boys who had already attended St. Ignatius.)? There were so many talented girls that applied that, I have been told, for a few years, the cut-off point on the entrance exam for the girls was higher than for the boys in an attempt to maintain a gender balance. There was the fear that, if there was too great a female majority, the boys would stop applying. The administration was not prepared to become an all-girls school. To be honest, that was never officially confirmed to me.
     For me, it was a new experience. While I had gone to a co-ed high school, I had been teaching in an all-boys school for 18 years. I wasn't sure how different things would be. There were some obvious differences, but it wasn't the traumatic change that I had been concerned about. For example, girls were likely to reacted differently to reprimands and punishments than will boys. While nobody likes to be reprimanded, if I scolded a girl, not only was she mad at me, but so were her 5 closest friends. If he boy is reprimanded, he might become surly, but, likely as not, his friends would tease him for having gotten in trouble.
     By far, to me the biggest change was in reacting to some of the women who joined the faculty. The so-called “woman’s lib” agenda was still a part of the social atmosphere. Some might argue that it is. Over the course of the first few years, I was made aware of the “fact” that females wanted to be referred to as “women”, not "ladies". That surprised me. I would prefer to be thought of as a “gentleman”; not just a “man”. I was informed that the psychological and cultural differences between boys and girls were learned; men are more aggressive than women is because fathers bought guns for their sons at Christmas instead of dolls. It probably wouldn’t have altered the argument that my father didn’t buy my Christmas presents; my mother bought all of my gifts.
     Anyway, the transition was great. That may or may not be a universal opinion, but I certainly am very happy that since fall of ’79, young women have been admitted. In the interest of full disclosure, my 3 daughters, as well as my son, all graduated from Ignatius. One of my granddaughters is there now. I’m thrilled.

Reflection #42 (Only 1034 to go!): Going Co-ed (Part I)

Reflection #42 (Only 1034 to go!): Going Co-ed (Part I)
     The period of time from 1963 to 1974 was a pretty hectic, and troubling, time in our nation. Even at Saint Ignatius, it was reflected in small acts of "civil disobedience"...students refusing to leave the gym at the end of an assembly, while chanting, "Hell, no; we won't go!"...and not so small events...the "walk-out" by students in support of racial equality.
     The 6 years following '74 seemed to become more gentle. It included leisure suits and disco. But there was still the push-and-pull of social struggles. One was the “women’s right” movement. Without going into detail, women were demanding greater participation in areas that had originally been the domain of men. Women wanted to be doctors, not just nurses, pilots instead of "stewardesses" (female flight attendants in today's vernacular), and CEO’s instead of secretaries. Well, you get the idea.
     That brings me to Saint Ignatius’s participation. I did no “research” for this reflection; I’m telling it as I remember. If others have a different, and perhaps more accurate, recollection, so be it. As I recall, sometime in 1978, Father Bowen convened a committee (of which I was a member) to consider whether Ignatius should admit young women. If this were going to happen, it had to be decided before the entrance exam was given in January of 1979.
     The deliberations and concerns were interesting. For example, several members of the committee, reflecting the feelings of alumni, thought that the tradition of the school as a male-only institution should be preserved. My biggest concern centered around the location of the school as it related to the communities that had populated Ignatius up to that point. Would parents from Beverly, for example, be willing to send their daughter to the near-west side of Chicago. (What if we went co-ed, and no girls showed up.) As I recall, when the final vote of the committee was taken, it was decided that more “demographic” study/investigation was needed.
     These proceedings occurred before the summer of ‘78. When we returned to school after the summer break, we found out that Fr. Bowen had made the decision: We were admitting women in the fall of 1979. There were some fascinating sidelights to this event. While a motive probably included doubling the potential student "pool", there was also a "rumor" going around that a state legislator had put some pressure on Fr. Bowen to go co-ed. I don't know if that was true.
     Another interesting phenomenon was that, while some alumni voiced their opposition to going co-ed, several were still willing to send their daughters to us. Some folks associated with a Catholic girls’ school in the area felt that Ignatius going co-ed was responsible for their having to close, because we drew of too many of their prospective students. I couldn’t say whether that was the case, but, since then, other all-boys’ schools have since gone co-ed, and girls’ schools in their areas have remained vibrant. Years after Loyola Academy, Marist and Fenwick went co-ed, the so-called "sister" schools are still going strong...as far as I know. Some of the boys' Catholic high schools went co-ed by merging with, being absorbed by, neighboring girl's schools
     As far as I know, Saint Ignatius was the first all-boys school in the Chicago area to go co-ed. Nazareth Academy in Lagrange Park was a girl's school that admitted boys sometime earlier.

     The next "Reflection" (Part II) will be about the first school year that young women were a part of the student body.

Reflection #41 (Only 1035 to go!): A Terrible Summer

---

     Two blogs ago, I wrote the following: "On your prayer list, add Jim Connelly. He experienced a health problem, happily not life threatening." I was terribly, and sadly, wrong. Today, Saturday, Sept. 1, I attended the funeral of my friend, James Vincent Connelly. A wonderful teacher, coach, father and one of my best friends.
     A little less than 2 months ago, Jim was hit by a stroke, but after a short period of time, he seemed to be recovering. It would take time, but he'd be OK. Maybe not fully back, but good enough. Then, a couple of weeks ago, he contracted pneumonia and went down hill from there.
     Having known Jim since 1967, both professionally and socially, I hold and cherish my memories of him. I’ve always known that Jim was a fine teacher and coach, and a wonderful father and husband, but the week prior to his death, and his wake and funeral, gave me a better sense of how good he was.
     During that last week, his whole family convened at his bedside and kept watch over him night and day. The children that lived out of town came from as far away as Afganistan, Romania, New York and Minnesota, joining the rest of their family to be with their father.
     During the wake and funeral, the expressions of awe, admiration and gratitude for him, by his former students and athletes, were overwhelming. So many told me that he was the "best teacher" that they ever had, and many said that he influenced their life choices.
     I didn’t know Jim as a teacher, coach or father. I knew him as my friend ... someone with whom I could chat, kid around and, sometimes, have a beer. Looking back on that, I get a guilty feeling because I realize some of my sadness is selfish. When I realized that Jim was probably not going to make it, I was confronted by my losing a friend and by my own mortality.
     Jim’s life is to be truly celebrated. Twice on the day of his funeral, family members exclaimed that he wasn’t perfect, and he never meant to be viewed that way. I respectfully disagree. He may not have meant to be viewed as "prefect", but Jim Connelly was the PERFECT Jim Connelly. He never wavered from that, and I never had to wonder which Jim Connelly would show up.

    Sue and family, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  Jim,  safe home, my friend.

Reflection #40 (Only 1036 to go!): We Call Him "Doc"

        I wasn't around for the first 90 years of the school's existence, but over my years at Saint Ignatius, four men hold a unique position as pillars, if you will. The 4 to whom I refer all started in the years from 1967 through 1971, and all are either still teaching (Luzzi and Kizilevicus), or retired after the turn of the 21st century (Jim Connelly and Don Hoffman). I have already written about three of them: Luzzi, Kizilevicus and Connelly. To complete the circle...oops, square...I meant square...this article profiles Don Hoffman.
        Don Hoffman came to Saint Ignatius from DePaul Academy in 1968, the year it closed, primarily as a librarian, but he also taught a few Latin classes. Eventually, he began reducing his library responsibilities and increasing his teaching load. Over the years, he has taught Latin and ancient history. Maybe there were other courses, but those are the ones that I'm familiar with.
       I don't know why Don Hoffman's grammar school classmates nicknamed him "Doc", but it was, at least, prophetic. No, Don is not a doctor, nor does he have a doctorate, but he is a man of unfathomable intellect and academic achievements. He certainly has a scholarly manner, but did he have that persona in grammar school?
        What seems to drive Don’s scholastic pursuits is his interest in, and loyalty to, the church, Saint Ignatius College Prep, and the classics (I don't know. Can you be "loyal" to the classics?). A case in point is exemplified by what happened in 1984 when a water pipe broke in the school library. While Don was assisting with moving the materials to a safer spot, he came across the schools archives. They were in such a mess, that he took several courses at a local university in archival organization, then did an internship for the Chicago Archdiocese so he could organize St. Ignatius’ archives. Don officially retired as a full time teacher in 2002 , but he continues to be the school’s archivist.
         During his 44 year association with Saint Ignatius, Don was a grader and advisor for the College Board's AP Latin exam. He was, also, one of 5 indexers in the United States for the Catholic Library Association. The index is a bibliography of all things Catholic. This position required that he be able to read and understand five languages, plus English, and place article and documents within the bibliography based on their content.
         Using his knowledge of canon law, Don continues to assist those seeking an annulment of their marriage on the required procedure. Additionally, he is tutoring students in Latin who are being home-schooled, and this fall, he will be teaching church Latin to seminarians at St. Joseph Seminary.


         This isn't even the complete list of his academic activities past and present, but it gives a pretty good idea what I meant at the beginning when I said, "He is a man of unfathomable intellect and academic achievements." I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Reflection #39 (Only 1037 to go!): Finally!

           I officially retired as a full-time teacher in 2004, but I still love teaching, so for the last 6 years I have taught an "Intro to Algebra" class to in-coming freshmen.
         This summer was the best. In terms of my enjoying the classes, these kids were super. Oh, they ran the usual gambit of more or less talented, more or less committed to learning, and stronger or weaker math backgrounds, but in terms of spirit and personalities, they were second to none. If it weren't for the drive to and from school each day, I could have stayed with them all year.
          The course is designed for students whose parents feel they could use a little bolstering in their skills. Truth be told, there are more reasons for why a student is enrolled into the class, but that is the aim of the course.
         Occasionally, someone will ask me if kids are harder to teach now than they were in previous decades. NO! But the culture is different. Earlier in the summer, Matt Walsh, class of '64, was reminiscing about how Carmen Pintozzi would walk up and down the aisle in the classroom and give a "love-tap*" with his St. Norbert's class ring to the top of an "unruly" student‘s head. (*not Matt's word.) Matt claims that his skull still has imprint from that ring. I'm guessing that he was exaggerating for dramatic effect...but maybe not.
        An advantage to my being an “old-timer” is that I have a pretty good handle on what the in-coming freshmen need to know going into Algebra I, and I believe I can help.


On the other hand...

             I was told once that the per cent of our strength and energy that it takes to get out of a chair is approximately the same as the decade of our age; that is, since I am 73 years old, it takes about 70% of my energy to get up from a chair. (I'm not sure if that takes into account the volume of the grunt that accompanies such an effort.) I don't know if that's true, or how accurate the per cent is, but I will generalize that to say, whatever the correct fraction is, it holds for every activity that I under take...including coming to school to teach each summer.
          I live near Joliet, and each summer morning for the last 6 years, I have left the house at 5:30 am. and driven for an hour or so to get to school. This is NOT a complaint. Did I not say, "I love teaching?" However, since everything that I do takes a greater per cent of my allotted energy than it did when I was a young man, at the end of each summer I wonder if that will be the last year. We'll see!

            Now for the "wellness" up-date: I'm sure by now that you are aware that Mr. Raispis had an accident and has a long recovery ahead. Happily, he's well on his way. But, at 85 years old, it is a very slow process. Over the last couple of years, Frank has been "impatient" with the limiting effects of his physical condition, but at least he could get to school to tutor, and he could show up at special events involving alumni. Just imagine how frustrated he is now, mostly lying on his back, and occasionally sitting in a chair. Keep him in your prayers.
            On your prayer list, add Jim Connelly. He experienced a health problem, happily not life threatening, a few weeks ago, but he also has a lengthy recovery ahead of him. Jim is in his late 70's, and, as with Frank, his recovery time does not coincide well with his personal schedule.
                Lord willing, a few weeks...or months...from now, I'll be able to report that all are back to normal.

Reflection #38 (Only 1058 to go!): What a month!!!

     I have been "lax" in posting my blog for the last month. My excuse: This has been a very busy and very stressful month. Besides teaching summer school, I attended three graduations, two of my grandchildren's and the Ignatius graduation.
     At the Ignatius graduation, I was honored to have received an award from the school, celebrating my 50 years of service. As a part of the honor, I was allowed to give a short speech, and it seemed to be well received. Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love to speak, but this certainly added to what made the month "busy and eventful".
     I was going to take the easy route and post my speech as my next blog, but Ryan Bergin beat me to it. He posted the speech on the Ignatius web-site. The theme was to encourage the graduates, as they go through life, to think for themselves. There is no shame in making a mistake or having an incorrect opinion, as long as you assess your thoughts, and correct the flaws when they are discovered. For the poor soul who gets taken in by some slick, smooth talking "snake oil salesmen", then spends time and effort trying to justify his error, there is no honor.
     I already mentioned that, after the Jubilarian Mass and reception, Frank and I visited Joan Terracina, the former assistant to several of the school's treasurers in the second half of the 20th century. I've made it a point to either call her or visit her just to make sure that she knows that she is not forgotten. FYI, she's doing well in her retirement. She needs a little help getting around, but at a "fine" age, she's good.
     Last week, Wednesday, June 27, was the annual Ignatius Golf outing which honoed Joe Gentile for his tremendous support of our school.
     The stressful part: The big (and bad) news at school is that Frank Raispis fell and hurt himself. For the two days following the fall, he was doing well, but he had broken some vertabra in his neck and they had to be surgically repaired. Immediately afterwards, he had a very serious reaction to the surgery itself, and confined to lying on his back for about four weeks with some pretty heavy doses of meds.
     Happily and thankfully, he is now in a rehab facility and receiving therapy. At 85 years old, Heaven only knows how long his complete recovery will take, but at least he’s on the mend.

     I’ve got a few other blog topics lined up for the near future. One is a blog that Dr. Jane Delaney wrote while on a working trip to China. The other was prompted by Maria Dunne, class of ’83. Maria’s email to me reminded me that I had wanted to tell about the experience of going from an all-boys school to co-ed.

>Well, I've got three more weeks of teaching, so I may be a little sluggish yet again. I fully intend to procrastinate, but I'll do that tomorrow.

Reflection #37 (Only 1059 to go!): Working Backwards

       It was quite a day.  I'm going to use a "Seinfeld" device and start from the last event and work backward...or is it forward?    I'm also going to drop a few names with which some/many of you are not be familiar.  On Friday (5/25/12) afternoon, Frank..."Mr. Raispis" to you...and I visited Ms. Joan Terracina, who was the secretary-to-the-treasurer for many years.  I’m not sure the exact number of years, but she started before I came to Ignatius in fall of '61 and retired around 1990.
      Through the good times and bad, Joan had to deal not only with the challenges of the job, but the challenges of the "unique"  personalities and temperaments of the men for whom she worked.  These men who were her bosses were good and qualified administrators, often confronting unimaginably difficult problems...especially in the realm of finances.  Joan some how was able to soldier on efficiently, while treating the rest of the staff with cordial grace.
     In anticipation of meeting up with Joan, I thought about Ellie Rapata in the Principal‘s Office, Anne Jendro at the switchboard, and Lorraine Krupa in the Dean’s Office.  If I remember correctly, Lorraine had the nickname of “Sarge” among the students, but never to her face.  These women, as well as many others, were the glue that kept our institution working on a day-to-day basis.  (Ellie and Anne are no longer with us, God rest their souls.)  
     Anyway, Joan is doing well.  One doesn’t ask a lady her age, but I believe that she is in her ‘90’s.  She needs assistance in order to get around, but her memory and her spirit are great.  

     Before Frank and I visited Joan there was a reception and lunch for the “jubilarians”, a gathering of alumni who had graduated at least 50 years ago.  The oldest alumnus was from the class of 1939. I had a nice long chat with Fr. Jim Creighton (class of 1947), the rector of the community back in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.  Not every student would have known him because his role was more involved with the Jesuit community than with the school itself.  However, he knows a lot about the behind-the-scenes occurrences that were important to the life of the school.   He told me the story of how Bob Hope came to put on a benefit for Ignatius..."Hope for St. Ignatius" in December of 1976.   Nothing sinister, but it was interesting and clarified some old stories.  Then during lunch, I had the privilege to sit with Don Hoffman. He is a great and generous man, but a private man.  I’m going to write a blog about him in the near future.
       I also want to give a shout out to John Tracy, who I saw at lunch and who has just been inducted into the Catholic League Hall-of-Fame, an honor richly deserved, and probably long over due.

     “Finally”, the day started with the end-of-the-school-year Mass.  The seniors had their Baccalaureate Mass the night before, so they were not there, and their "2012" banner was retired.  For those of you too old to know what that means, now there is a banner for each class (year) that is displayed in Holy Family Church during school Masses.  It's a nice, fairly new tradition.  In church, the pews that are usually reserved for the senior class was occupied by the "jubilarians".
     Fr. Ross Pribyl, S.J. was the celebrant, and, as usual, gave an excellent homily.  The longer I've gone to Masses, the more I realize how uncommon that is.   I had a strange experience as I sat in the back of Holy Family Church listening to beautiful voices that came from our students as they sang and recited the prayers.  Suddenly, I was overwhelmed by the feeling that I was home.  It was both emotional and spiritual.  It was just a warm safe relaxing feeling.  All kinds of  poignant memories swept over me.
     Also, at the end of mass, the awards for the students-of-the-year were awarded.  I’m embarrassed to admit that I had trouble hearing the names of the freshman and sophomore recipients, but I made a point of asking for the name of the Junior-of-the-Year Carmen Pintozzi Award winner.  It was Katie Loftus.  I don’t know the young lady, but for those of you who know my story, you’ll know why that has a special significance to me.  If you know Katie, congratulate her for her achievement.

     OK, so this isn’t the most exciting blog ever written.  Looks more like the world’s longest Facebook entry, but for me it was a really nice day.

1076 Reflection #36 (Only 1060 to go!): Odds-and-Ends

>First, Tuesday (May 1st) was Frank Raispis' 85 birthday. Frank is a humble man, who shies away from “gratuitous” attention, so I wouldn't have mentioned it, but, when I pulled up the Ignatius website, there was the announcement with his picture. For those of you who might not have seen him lately, he does need some help getting around, but he's sharp as a tack. He comes into school twice a week to tutor (Latin, what else). My dad use to refer to ungrateful people as having a "what have you done for me lately?" attitude. In Frank's case, he poses that same question to himself. In his case, it's worded, "What have I done for you lately?"

>Spring seems to be the season of the alumni. On April 21st, the reunions for the classes of '86, '92, '97 and '02 were held. I truly enjoy seeing the alumni, and hearing their stories. Does it sound corny if I say that I am very proud of them/you? If it does, so be it. Even the students who weren't all that they could have been...which, to some extent, may include everyone, including teachers. Any teacher who was totally satisfied with their body of work is probably slightly delusional. Just saying!

>While the occasion for the encounter was not a happy one (a wake for their father), it was good to see that the Kunkel Brothers, Bill ('74), Tom ('77) and Jeff ('79), were all doing and looking well as were their sister and mother. Bill chided me, good-naturedly, to write blogs more often. While that ain't gonna happen, it was a very nice compliment none the less.

>Also on the alumni-front, over the last month and a half, I've enjoyed separate luncheon visits with Don Siliunas ('79)...Dr. Donatas Siliunas to you...and Joe Fisher ('67). Don, besides his work in the medical field and helping his wife raise their four children, has been a force in improving the facilities at the Lithuanian World Center in Lemont.

>Joe and I meet to celebrate our common April birthday-month...not the same day...every couple of years. Along with everything else that he does, he still works with the other guys in his class to organize get-togethers for the class of '67. Besides the Ignatius Golf Outing (June 27), their group is going to gather for a Sox game on July 25th. (If anyone else, either from their class or near that class is interested, you are welcome. If you can't get ahold of Joe or Marc Petrone, contact Sean Maccready, the Ignatius Alumni Director, or me.

>In the last blog, I listed several alumni who were listed in Wikipedia as having gained some degree of "celebrity". I also invited anyone who had some other names to add to the list to contact me. Don Wlodarski ('67) gave me a good one...Tom O'Hara('60). For those of you who are too young to remember, Tom was the first Illinoisan to run the four-minute-mile, and he set and held the world record in the in-door mile in the '60's. I seem to recall that he was favored in the '64 Olympics, but was stricken with the flu during those games. He certainly deserves a nod.

> Additionally, how about Marc Davis ('86)? He is an NBA ref who occasionally appears on TV, and is sometimes actually "high-lighted" during the sports segment of the news...as happened a couple of nights ago. (No! It wasn't a scandal!)

>Noel Vivar (class of 2000) has offered to up-date the Wikipedia item if we can come up with other worthwhile "celebrity" names.

Reflection #35 (Only 1041 to go!): Fame, If You Win It...

     My wife and I watch the TV detective show, Mentalist, and when we told our daughter, JoAnn, about it, she noted that the female lead, Robin Tunney, attended Ignatius in the mid-'80's.   She transferred after her sophomore year. Still, it's always fun to find out that a "celebrity" walked our hallowed halls.
     When I brag about St. Ignatius to some of my friends, I will often "drop" a celebrity name.    Since these friends are kind of old, the one name they'll recognize is Bob Newhart (George Robert Newhart in the 1947 class picture). This is usually followed by our recalling famous Newhart monologues. Then we talk about our medications. (Staying focused is a bit of a problem; some of us them are really old.)
     In my last blog, referring to Andre Braugher's character talking about the Jesuits, I "googled" his name to check some facts. From there I did a little "daisy-chaining" from his entry to Saint Ignatius, then to "notable alumni", and I found a list of notable alumni.
     The list is interesting, but somewhat inconsistent...or at least incomplete. Because of the length of the list, I modified it a bit, based on which names I recognized.
          Among the actors and radio and journalism personnel included:
            Bob Newhart (1947) Jack Higgins (1972), Sun-Times editorial cartoonist Vyto Ruginis (1974) Michael Wilbon (1976), sportswriter and television Casey Siemaszko (1979) and personality Nina Siemaszko (1988). Andre Braugher (1980) Sonari Glinton (1992) Reporter NPR

      I don't know if Tony D'Souza ('92) counts as a journalist.    He is a author who has written books about his experiences in the Peace Corp.    Does that count?    Similarly, Chris MacNamara (also '92) has been published in the Tribune, though his "real" job is something else.
     There were a lot of political figures, but when one considers the number of lawyers that Ignatius produces, that's not terribly surprising. Also listed are a few priests who have risen to position of prominence, but I was surprised by the omission of Fr. Bradley Scaeffer, SJ (‘67) who was the President of the Jesuit Conference, a very prestigious position within the order.
     While the list includes John Mulaney ('00), who wrote for Saturday Night Live, missing were playwright James Yoshimura (‘68) and his brother, set designer Leo Yoshimura ('65).    Folks like Richard Driehaus(‘60) and Melody Hobson (‘87) fall into somewhat non-generic categories. While I get a broom to sweep up the names that I dropped, if you’re interested in the complete list, go to the “wikipedia” entry for Saint Ignatius Chicago (not our website), then find "notable alumni".
     Also, if you go to the list and think of a name that was omitted (maybe your own?) and deserve a “shout out“, either email me at james.spalding@ignatius.org or by some other means, and let me know.   I'd love to compile a more complete list.
     In a future “reminiscences”, I’d like to mention some alumni who have significant achievements in areas that do not bring "celebrity" status to them.
      

Reflection #34 (Only 1042 to go!): The Jesuits

     In the mid-90's, during an episode of the highly acclaimed TV police drama, Homicide*, Officer Frank Pembleton (played by Andre Braugher, SICP class of '80) is talking to a nun. In the course of their conversation, Officer Pembleton says that, in his Catholic grammar school, the nuns taught him how to behave and what to think, and he felt perfectly safe. After graduation, he went to Saint Ignatius High School, and the Jesuits taught him to think for himself...and he hasn't felt safe since.
     That was a great line and it touched on what is essential to a Jesuit education. The great Saint Ignatius math teacher, Pat O'Mara attended both St. Ignatius and Loyola U. Those who knew Pat would agree that he could be quite outspoken when he felt an issue needed to be addressed. More than once I heard Pat say he learned that from the Jesuits. The Jesuits had taught him to think for himself, and they also taught him to have the courage to speak out for a just cause.
     St. Ignatius de Loyola formed the Society of Jesus to educate young men to be able to go out into the world to propagate and defend the faith. In doing so, they played a major role in the counter-reformation that stemmed the tide of Protestantism in 16th-century Europe. To me, what characterized a Jesuit education was an emphasis on knowledge and critical thinking. At Loyola U, we were inundated with philosophy courses...24 hours of mostly Saint Thomas...and I was a psych major with a math minor.
     It may be counterintuitive, but life is easier when someone else does our thinking for us. (We see that regularly in politics, but don't get me started.) Thinking for oneself correctly requires intelligence and knowledge and a large dose of humility.  Few things are more difficult for the intelligent person than to recognize and admit to an error.  A favorite saying of mine, from the Jillian Luzzi Compilation of Great Quotes, says, "Your absolute certainty that you are always right absolutely prevents you from knowing when you are wrong."
     When I started teaching at Saint Ignatius, I was often chided by teachers at other Catholic high schools who told me how easy I had it teaching only "smart" kids. (Actually, it wasn’t always that easy.) I'd usually smile, agree and turn away. I didn't argue, and I didn't disagree, but that was, and as far as I know still is, the mission of the Jesuits...to train the brightest students, giving them a strong moral compass so they can be good leaders. When I look at the achievements of so many of our alumni, I feel that we do a pretty good job.

     (*Regarding the Homicide series, not only did Andre Braugher graduate from St. Ignatius, but one of the show's writers, James Yoshimura, was from the Ignatius class of '68. While the drama was set in Baltimore, it seems more than a coincidence that Saint Ignatius and the Jesuits were mentioned.)

Reflection #33 (Only 1043 to go!): Odds-and-Ends

     This past Friday, March 2, I was at the Ignatius Law Luncheon, an event that I always enjoy. Frank Raispis and I represented the old-timers among Ignatius personnel.  According to John Tracy, he's getting pretty close to joining our ranks. (Welcome, John! Ahh, the golden years. You’ll love it. Bring a lot of Advil with you.)
     I was able to chat with so many folks, mostly former students...too many to name, but always up-lifting to hear about their lives.  There were several who were running for “judgeships”. (I hope that’s the right word.) I highly recommend that any Ignatians who are in the law profession come to the Law Luncheon, at least to check it out, and see what the association has to offer.
     Going to these events with Raispis is always fun/interesting.  There were actually people lined up to say, "Hi!" to him.  I'm proud to call him my friend.  At the same time, it gives me the sense of what it must be like to be invisible.  To use an old line, if Frank were standing on the balcony next to the Pope, I'm pretty sure a lot of people would be saying, "Who's that guy standing next to Frank?"
     During Father Caruso's short talk, he encouraged the group to come to "Gloriam 2012", this year's fund-raiser.  Happily, yesterday the notice came out announcing that the event is sold out.
     That brings me to my second point. (or is it my 3rd?)    In my last blog, I pointed out two reunions that centered around the years that these alumni were students.  However, besides the Law Association, there are at least two other groups of Ignatians who are connected professionally.  There is also the Business Society which has their luncheon in November (tentatively November 2^nd this year) and the women’s society which is a professional networking group.
     These subsets of alumni give everyone an opportunity to stay involved with, and even take advantage of, the school community. If anyone is interested in getting more information about any of the groups, or what other groups might be available, contact Sean MacCready, the Alumni Director at Ignatius.

     Finally, my wife prompted me to write the following item...much against my better judgment:
     I trust that you all know that the Pythagorean Theorem says, "In a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides."
     In the pre-Columbian days of North America, the native Americans had their own version of that famous theorem. Based on the legend from one of the tribes, three Indian women were about to give birth. It was believed that if a baby was born on the pelt of an animal, the child would grow to possess the good qualities of that animal.
     When the first woman's time had come, her husband went out into the wilds and slew a mountain lion, and, on that skin, a baby boy was born. When the second wife's time had come, her husband slew a mountain tiger, and his wife had a son.
     When the third woman's time came, her husband slew a mountain hippopotamus and brought back its skin. On that skin, twin sons were born.
     The Indians came to understand that “The squaw of the hippopotamus is equal to the sons of the squaws of the other two hides     (Get it?  The square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides.)     That’s all for now folks; I’ll be here all week. Oh, ya! I apologize in advance to all Native Americans for the last item, and for all of the times that I told that story in class. ”.

Reflection #32 (Only 1044 to go!): Reunions

     I don't recall the exact year, but it was around 40 years ago. During the half-time of an Ignatius varsity basketball game, I was walking through what-was-then the commons, and I saw an alumus from a few years earlier standing by himself with a lost look on his face. I said, "You look like you've lost your best friend. What's up?" He said matter of factly, "This isn't my school any more."

     I tried to reassure him that sure it was, but even I thought that sounded pretty lame. As I continued on my route, I felt a little bad and thought about the incident. It's not uncommon for deans, principals or presidents during commencement speeches to assure the graduates that they will always be an important part of the school community and the school will always be their "home". I've been to enough graduations to know whereof I speak.

     As I thought about this fellow, it occurred to me that "his school" consisted, to a large extent, of his classmates. It was the four years of shared experiences, good and bad, that constituted his school more than the bricks-and-mortar.

     That brings me to the real point of this "reminiscence". Three Fridays in a row over the last month, there were gatherings of alumni. Two were "mini-reunions"* with alumni from a couple of different eras, and the third was the induction of four new members into the Athletic Hall-of-Fame. (*By mini-reunions, I mean gatherings of alumni that are not generated by the school, but by one or more of the members of a class or classes.)

     The earlier reunion, on Jan. 27, was organized by members the class of '67, but was not restricted to that class. In fact, there was a member of the class of '61 as well as a couple of men from '68. There may have been others, but those are the classes that I am aware of. The other reunion, prompted by Mark Kosiek ('73), centered on the early to mid-70's, although John Reilly ('63) was there in addition to Cas Baczinskas ('68). In fact, Cas came to both reunions. These reunions consisted of a lot of reminiscing and catching up, along with pizza and pop or beer, after which the fellas went over to the basketball game.

     Frank Raispis and I were at the reunions as "links", if you will, to the days when these men were students at Saint Ignatius College Prep or High School (depending on the years). I'd like to think that we've helped to fulfill the promise made at graduations. He and I really do care about Ignatians, past, present and future and we enjoy our visits. We have tried to stay as involved in the school as our age and energy...not what it once was...permit.

     An important last point is that NO ONE got hit up for contributions. There were just some former classmates with shared experiences renewing there friendships, catching up on each others lives and recreating "their school" for a couple of hours. Oh, ya! A whole lot of laughing.

Reflection #31 (Only 1045 to go!): The Omen

     For more than 40 years, one of my best friends on the Ignatius faculty has been Jim Connelly.  I can almost hear some of you, who knew both of us, say, "You have got to be kidding!" What can I tell you? No accounting for taste...on either of our parts. Where I tended to have a laissez faire (French for "fairly laz...er...ah...laid back") approach to teaching and coaching, Jim is a "by the book" kind of guy. "Be in your seat when the bell rings; don't tell me you have A.D.D. You're either an Ignatius student or you're not." I think a good "model" of what he is like is seen in the movie "Stand and Deliver". If you haven't seen it, it's worth a look.      Pat O'Mara, also one of the "giants" at Ignatius, always had the deepest respect for Jim. No matter how tough Jim seemed to be, the students knew what was expected and he always gave the students, even the weaker ones, a way to succeed.
     Jim tends to be a private person, and I was reluctant to write a "reminiscence" about him because I didn't want to disclose anything too personal.  "You can't un-ring a bell".   Mary Jo and I are close friends with Jim and Sue, and last week we met for dinner.   Sue told us that their daughter Mary ('87) reads my "reminiscences" and enjoys them. (Hey, Mary! How are things goin'?)   Anyway, I take that as an omen, so I throw caution to the wind and write about her dad.
     The basis for our friendship, I think, has been our trust in one another.  With Jim, you know exactly what you'll get.   He does not "broadcast" his private life, but you don't have to know him for very long before you become aware of how he sees the world.   In the interest of full disclosure, I don't always see things in the same way.   He and I don't argue about our respective view points, but we are open with each when the occasion arises.
     Jim's bio isn't all that unique for a teacher.  Jesuit high school in New York City, Notre Dame degree in civil engineering, taught at De La Salle "Institute", before coming to Saint Ignatius in 1967, where he taught math and social studies and coached track and cross country until he retired a couple of years ago.
     Jim and Sue have been married well over 50 years.  (Apologies, Sue, for putting the word "well" in there.)
Things become more interesting when I tell you that they have 15 children, biological and adopted, and have been foster-parents for a slew of other children. Describing Jim Connelly without mentioning his family would be like trying to understand him by looking at his shadow on a wall.
     To add some texture to his image, he is a staunch Catholic, patriot and family man...a good man.  The real proof of the influence that Jim and Sue have had on their children is that 3 of the 15 are officers in the armed forces,  one is married to an FBI agent and one is going into the priesthood.   Through their efforts in providing a loving, caring home for so many children, both Jim and Sue have been awarded the Dei Gloriam Award from St. Ignatius and the Family Exemplar Award from Notre Dame University.
     Each time that I've written a blog about a person, I've tried to find one or more adjectives that help to describe that person. A word, possibly the first word, that comes to mind when I think of Jim is "courage". I have never known him to back down from saying or doing something that he felt was right no matter what the possible consequences. He would never let an injustice or a wrong go unaddressed.
     Over the years, Jim has stirred passion in students, both positive and negative. I've known students who would "run through brick walls" for him and those for whom his style was, perhaps, more rigid than they would have liked.  My kids loved Mr. Connelly; often their friends were...shall we say "anxious".
     For my part, thanks, Jim, for being my friend.

Reflection #30 (Only 1046 to go!): A Lesson in Astronomy

     On Friday, February 3, four men will be inducted into the Saint Ignatius Athletic Hall-of-Fame...Mark Kosiek ('73), Ed Hogan ('66), John Supplitt ('75) and Gerry Brockhouse, the athletic director in the early to mid-’90‘s. The induction will formally occur prior to the boys' basketball game that night.
     Mark has been working on organizing a gathering of alumni from the '60's and '70's for the following Friday night. I have been in contact with him regarding that, so I emailed him a congratulations on his nomination. He thanked me and added that two of the men who were most influential in his life at Ignatius were his varsity coach, Bob Gabric, and Fr. Mark Link, S.J.  Good choices!  Those two men are two of my choices also.
     Mark’s statement caused me to consider how we are influenced by other people and events in our life. Since I am something of a astronomy buff, it struck me that our lives aren't all that dissimilar from the lives of heavenly bodies...at least relating to the paths that they take and how they are affected by other bodies.
     When I was a young man, in my 20's, men like Frank Raispis, Pat O'Mara and Fr. Link were my idols. For the record, there were many others. Metaphorically, these men created the gravitational pull that guided my path much as the Sun "pulls"* the Earth. (*"pulls" is not the correct word, but is useful for our purpose here.)  I can’t think of any one event in which they caused me to change course; it was their constant and total presence. That’s one kind of influence. To wit, my plan was to be like Frank, living my life as a bachelor, dedicated to the education of the young men at Ignatius.
     Another type of influence is the sudden or short-term influence that causes a change in trajectory, much as occurs when a large asteroid hits a planet. Such an event for Ignatius was the Bob Hope concert, "Hope For Saint Ignatius", in 1976.  That not only affected the financial status of the school, but changed how the school was perceived by the community.  Suddenly, we were a viable entity again.  At least that's my take on it.
     These occurrences can be positive or negative.  I’ve probably learned more about living by things that I shouldn’t have done...or things that others shouldn’t have done...than by trying to copy someone else’s good actions.  There are too many “negative” instances for one small essay.
     Back in the summer of 1971, I was talking with a group of friends about a camping trip that I was planning with some of my sophomore basketball players; it’s more enjoyable with company. Among the friends was a lady with 3 young children who had been widowed a couple of years earlier. She off-handedly asked if I needed a “den-mother”...half in jest, all in earnest.  She thought that this might be a safe way for her and her children to break the monotony of just sitting at home all summer. Being the good soul that I am, I said, “Sure.”
     That’s how my life changed immediately and dramatically ... like a meteor hitting me on my path. It completely altered my "trajectory". (For the sake of full disclosure, the boys who were on the trip will verify that the entire trip was extremely innocent)  But the path had changed! Good-bye, Raispis-life model!
     Not only did my life’s plan take an immediate hit, but the gravitational pull of being a husband, father and grandfather has changed the way I view things, and do things...all to the better, I hasten to add. Not only did I inherit 3 great kids, followed by one of my own a year later, but as a result, I have the eight best, most beautiful and intelligent grandchildren in the world I wouldn’t lie about a thing like that!