Panther Tracks 2016 Spring Edition

PantherTracksM A G A Z I N E F O R T H E A L U M N I A N D F R I E N D S O F S E A T T L E P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L

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THE UNEXPECTED PATHS 2

HELPING EVERY STUDENT SUCCEED 8

ROBOTICS PROGRAM LAUNCHES 16

A COUPLE SUMMERS AGO, I was walking in our plaza in the early evening when I came upon an alumnus who was checking out the construction of Adelphia Memorial Hall.

We had a really enjoyable conversation. At one point he asked me if Prep admitted kids with learning needs. I told him that we certainly do if the need is moderate. I described our Learning Resource Center and the many students who receive help there and how it is viewed so positively at Prep, a source of pride and not one that carries a stigma.

He told me that it was different for him when he went to Prep. He was a member of “E” class. I knew that at one time Prep had four different classes in each grade, ranging from the high of A down to D, but had never heard of an E class. He said that he and a few other students had been admitted on a kind of probationary status, E class guys who could move up to D class.

D class graduates sometimes get grief from their classmates even to this day. But here is something I’ve noticed about those guys: As a group, no class has been more successful than D class graduates in starting and growing businesses, working deals and trying out ideas no one else had thought of.

Why? One reason, or so I think anyway, is that many D class graduates possess qualities that aren’t valued so much in the classroom, but are highly valued in entrepreneurs. One is outside the box thinking, something that isn’t often rewarded in school. Staying within the lines may earn an A, but venturing outside them can earn a million.

Another quality is adaptability. Imagine, for example, a very bright D class student who suffered from undiagnosed dyslexia. Year after year he would have to adapt to various learning challenges, finding ways to make things work that were different from how things worked for others. That builds up problem solving skills that students who learn on straighter lines never have to master, and thus never have to learn.

And then, of course, that D class student would have to learn how to deal with failure. This actually goes to Prep’s motto: “Virtus in Arduis.” Building character through difficult things. It’s about grit, a quality in short supply but one that many D class graduates

possess in abundance. Those who reach adulthood without ever having experienced failure in high school are floored when it is first encountered. The D class guys? Been there, done that. Time to pick up and move on to the next opportunity.

In more recent years, studies have verified what most know intuitively: There are multiple intelligences and what is considered high intelligence in one context is not in another. A D class student, for example, might have been low on what it takes for a great score on a Latin grammar test, but really high on the kind of social intelligence that leads to great deal making. Our brains are so complex; it is what we do with them that matters.

A few years ago we adjusted our admissions policy to reflect our belief that we accept families when we accept students. Therefore, siblings are given the highest consideration when we make admissions decisions, and that includes siblings who have identified learning differences. This has

required more resources and more cooperation between classroom teachers and the Learning Resource Center. All have responded generously.

The results have been fantastic. Under the leadership of Dr. Regina Melonson, the students who receive help in

our LRC are thriving. Emphasize that “help” part. Expectations are not lowered for these students – same workload, same classes, same grading scale. They just rightfully receive help to make up for a specific learning need. In fact, students who get help in the LRC are some of the brightest students, and best young people, on our campus.

Prep has always been blessed by a rich blend of abilities in its student body. However, in talking to many alumni, I don’t think that Prep always recognized that richness as a blessing. The D class graduate I met that summer evening was grateful to hear about this change, and I was happy to tell him about it.

Kent HickeyPresident, Seattle Prep

Our brains are so complex; it is what we do with them that matters.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

FROM THE EDITOR

Dear alumni, parents & friends,

I am excited to share this latest issue of Panther Tracks with you, now

with a subtly updated design. In order to meet our goal of providing

you with a magazine that is both engaging to read and beautiful to look

through, we wanted to give the layout more “breathing room” between

articles and plenty of space for large photographs. I hope that you enjoy it.

The theme of this edition is “Unexpected Paths,” and I had the privilege

of speaking with several alumni from the 90s who have found their way

into careers that they wouldn’t have expected as Prep students, or even

as they first started out as young professionals. I’m sure there are many

other interesting stories of Panthers who have experienced the rewards

and trials of unanticipated changes in direction, be it professionally or

personally. If you’re one of them, we would love to hear about it.

For myself, this new Panther Tracks design is, in part, influenced by

my own unexpected career path. After working for a wonderful school in

Colorado for several years after college, a series of unrelated opportunities

led me to piecing together jobs as a freelance photographer. This, in turn,

led me all around the country, and eventually to Seattle.

Now, at Prep, I am thrilled to have a position that still allows me to

take out the camera, documenting the amazing lives of our students

and alumni. Taking a short trip down to Seattle’s Central District and

the Seattle Bouldering Project to take photos of Chris Potts, ’97, for

this magazine was certainly a highlight for me, both for the creative

opportunity and to continue making personal connections with the

people who make Prep such a wonderful community.

I feel privileged to be able to help share your stories with each other.

If something in this edition inspires you to do so, please don’t hesitate to

reach out or drop by and tell us. Even if you’re camera shy.

Wishing you a picturesque spring,

Ben Mawhinney

PantherTracksMAGAZINE FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF SEATTLE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

FEATURES

2 The Unexpected Paths Four grads from the 90s share their stories of finding success in unexpected ways

8 Helping Every Student Succeed Prep’s Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides a supportive, inclusive academic environment for students with diagnosed

learning differences

10 A New Era for Seattle Prep and Seattle University The Jesuit Virtual Learning Academy (JVLA) expands Matteo Ricci College and Prep course options next year

16 New Robotics Program Integrated system design focuses on engineering, math, biology, computer programming and human and machine interaction

31 Education is the Basis for Everything The Christiansen family on why supporting Prep’s Endowment Fund matters

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 Sports Update18 Alumni News & Events22 Class Notes32 In Memoriam

ABOVE: Parents of Past Prep Students (POPPS) will gather again

on April 23rd. Check out all of our upcoming events on page 21.

ON THE COVER: Gavin Purcell ‘92 takes a quick break for a snapshot (in his Seattle Prep sweatshirt!) on the set of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Read about Gavin’s path to becoming a writer and co-producer of the show on page 6.

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SEATTLE PREP PANTHER TRACKS | SPRING 2016 | 1

2 | SEATTLE PREP PANTHER TRACKS | SPRING 2016

The Unexpected PathsFacing graduation from Prep in the 90s was

both an exciting and daunting time: influences

like Seattle’s grunge and punk rock counter

culture were juxtaposed by a world adapting to

gigantic leaps in technology and business. For

these four Panthers, the trip from Adelphia

Hall into their careers in the new millennium

did not follow a defined path, but the results

have been as meaningful as they are diverse.

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As a Prep Student, what did you think the world was going to

be like when you became an “adult”? Did you think you’d stay

connected to your alma mater?

I was pretty sure that, even back at Prep, it would be

impossible for me to work in a profession in which I’d

be confined to an office or actually have to sit still for

any extended period of time. Norm Hardy (Prep faculty

member) can attest to how difficult it was to keep me

focused. So, naturally, I had imagined myself a writer/rock

musician/college professor…too bad that didn’t work out.

I’m actually a bit surprised about how connected I

remain to the Prep community. Last week, I had separate

lunches with a classmate and two different parents of

classmates. I’m still very close with many of my classmates

and former teachers. I’m lucky in that I catch several Prep

baseball and Mariners games with Ed Paulter (former Prep

faculty member and coach) every year.

Tell us the story of what brought you to this point in your

profession. Did any Prep experience influence your career?

Although I’d never climbed until after Prep, I distinctly

remember being in Mass at St. Joseph Church, daydreaming

about climbing on the ceiling, planning routes, checking out

the angles. Actually, the architecture of the walls at Seattle

Bouldering Project is probably informed by the ceilings of

St Joes! After grad school (MFA in Creative Writing, UW in

2005), I taught Outdoor Education and History and coached

baseball in Portland for five years. My main climbing

partner was trying to start a gym in Seattle and he asked

me if I would like to partner with him in business. We were

laughably under-qualified – we didn’t have any money, no

business experience, and probably a slim chance of success.

It was inconceivable to me that I would have done

anything in any way associated with “business”. But Prep’s

education, which to me did a good job of balancing the

humanities with math and sciences, certainly provided a

foundation for me in both college and business. I try to run

our business with many of the values that Prep ingrains.

Do you have any stories about formative Prep experiences?

Probably not that you want to print in Panther Tracks!

Likely my biggest takeaway from Prep was the degree to

which several of the faculty kept an eye out for me. I was

pretty wildly rebellious, and it would have been just as easy

to have written me off. But some of the faculty, many of

whom were at Prep for decades (Norm Hardy, Ed Paulter,

Paul Peterhans, Dave Thomas, SJ, to name just a few), were

really supportive, regardless of how much time I spent in

JUG. There were also a lot of Prep parents who kept an eye

out for me, so I really appreciate that I had a community that

wouldn’t have otherwise been available.

What part of 90s culture influenced you the most?

I was pretty strongly influenced by the music and art

coming out of Seattle in the early and mid 90s. I didn’t

have the best family situation and I was really drawn to the

ideals of rebelling against superficiality and living with

intentionality and integrity. Actually, although Nirvana

and the Jesuits don’t have a lot, ostensibly, in common,

there’s a similar ethos if you dig deep enough. I was also

simultaneously (and maybe contradictorily) an outrageous

baseball fan and a devotee of Edgar Martinez’s swing. Full

disclosure: I still listen to Pearl Jam and watch probably too

much Mariners baseball.

Chris Potts, ’97

Co-Founder of Seattle Bouldering

Project, a rock climbing gym in

Seattle’s Central District featuring

a fitness center, retail space, and

a new bar and restaurant in the

space opening this spring.

www.seattleboulderingproject.com


Katie Cantwell, ’96

Managing Director at KC Peaches and

Peaches & Green, a café, restaurant and

catering businesses based in Ireland and

Chicago, IL with a philosophy of sourcing

the best ingredients and applying simple

techniques to extract the maximum flavor

and nutritional benefits from the food they

serve. www.kcpeaches.com

Tell us the story of how you found

yourself starting your own food

business.

At Prep, I thought I would

move to New York and work in

something business related,

most likely a large company.

After graduation, I always loved

food and had imagined that I

would open a café with my best

friend, Julie (nickname Peaches)

when we retired. When the

opportunity arose to open the

location in Dublin, Ireland, I

took it!

I was working in management

consulting and was sent to

London then Dublin for a project.

While there, I met my business

partner, Vincent. Through a

strange series of events, we

decided to open KC Peaches.

Can you tell us about what at Prep

most influenced your career path?

I believe Prep taught us to

think outside of the box and to

take initiative. I believe both

skills are required throughout

life, both professionally and

personally. I am still close with

a number of my classmates and

cherish the time we had at Prep.

What typified being a teenager in

Seattle in the 90s for you?

I remember sitting at home

and talking for 1-2 hours every

Friday and Saturday night trying

to figure out the most fun thing

to do and then getting to go out

and enjoy time with friends. I

wish life were as simple now – it

was amazing! However, I would

not go back; I am so happy with

the way things have worked out.


As a Prep student, what was your sense of what life might look

like as an “adult”?

When I was at Prep, I was very different than I am

now, especially when I was a freshman. I was very quiet,

and more reserved. I was trying to figure myself out, and

Prep helped give me a safe space to explore things I was

interested in. When I first started, I kind of thought the

world was a pretty scary place. But I knew that I wanted to

see more of it and I knew I wanted to explore it.

Can you tell us the story of what brought you to The Tonight

Show?

After I graduated from Prep, I attended the University of

Washington. Going to college in Seattle was a really great

thing for many reasons, but it also really made me feel

like I wanted to get out of the city and explore. So when I

graduated from UW I immediately went and taught English

in Korea for a year, which I think is the greatest possible

experience that anyone that age can have: you get to see the

world basically for free at the perfect time of life to do it, but

you also have to work and make a life in a foreign country.

That experience really made me think about what I wanted

to do and who I wanted to be.

I also happened to meet Kim, a Canadian woman also

teaching in Korea, who is now my wife. When we came

back to the States, one of the things I’d always wanted to do

was write fiction, which was a passion that started at Seattle

Prep. I was involved with a Prep group called “Second Face”

and had some excellent teachers who really instilled a lot of

the discipline you need to have for creative work. Kim and

Gavin Purcell, ’92.

Writer, Co-Producer of The

Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

based in New York City.

www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show

As a Prep student, what did you think the world was going to be like when you became an

“adult”?

I can’t say I had a clear vision of what the world would look like as an “adult.” I was

blessed with parents who put traveling as a priority over physical objects. I went to live

in London and New York in the few years during and after completing the Matteo Ricci

Program. As a creative person, one could say the move to NY was inevitable, but honestly

I prefer nature to city life, but believe more strongly that you have to go where the work

is interesting.

Tell us the story of what brought you to this point in your profession.

I often say I stabbed forward somewhat blindly, knowing I wanted to be an inventor, a

designer, and an artist. However blindly I moved forward, I did take calculated steps to

go to design school, work for good companies offering good lessons (if not financial gain,

at least at first) and it took becoming a little bit older to get to making the artwork that

I am inspired to make. Currently, I’m in a moment of working on theory with schools

and institutions which involves less art making, but it all flows into the story of how you

create the work. Each job I’ve taken feeds into my work as an artist and vice versa.

Anna Telcs, ’97Head of Product at Not

Just A Label, a platform

for emerging and

independent designers

based in London, England.

www.annatelcs.com


I moved to Los Angeles, and I thought I was going to be a

writer. So I applied to one graduate program…and didn’t

get in. For a little time I was sort of floundering, working in

a restaurant and trying to figure out what I was going to do.

Then one day a friend of mine called and said there

was a job as a production assistant for a television show.

I’d never worked in TV before, but I knew I didn’t want to

be working in a restaurant. So I got on the show, which

wasn’t a great product but was a great job. My first day

my boss told me that my first responsibility was to clean

the refrigerator. I think Prep taught me that hard work

gets rewarded, so I got to it and cleaned the refrigerator

really really well. In the production meeting later that

week, someone said, “whoever cleaned that refrigerator

did really well, he deserved an award.” That’s when things

clicked for me, and over two years I worked my way up to

second producer.

From there I moved on to another network, and during

my six years there I started a daily, live, comedy talk show

about technology called “Attack of the Show.” Jimmy

Fallon was in LA at that time and really loved watching our

show, so when he was trying to put together what would

become Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, he brought me in

for a conversation. I wasn’t sure I wanted to leave such a

fun project, but a few hours after that conversation Jimmy

sent me an email saying he’d like to work with me. A few

weeks after that, Kim and I moved to NYC. That was in

September 2008, and everything has evolved from there.

Did any particular media or pop culture in Seattle make a

large impact on you?

For me, as an early 90s grad, I really remember how

Seattle was the center of this major movement in grunge,

and how, as a kid, it really felt like the eyes of the country

were on us as the epicenter of this major cultural movement.

Almost Live was a big thing for me. Speed Walkers, Middle

Management Suck-Up, all of that was amazing. Seattle was

the one place in the country that would postpone Saturday

Night Live, which is crazy! I think that really affected me

because I thought, “Oh, you can do this on a smaller scale.”

Do you have any advice for young graduates who are thinking

about starting their own careers?

Growing up in Seattle, which is not the center of the

entertainment business, it took me a long time to realize

that this is just an industry with a huge variety of jobs

available, and that it is totally accessible if it’s something

that you are passionate about. I wish more kids knew that.

I also think it’s important to just keep learning

throughout your whole life. If you stop finding ways to

learn more, it can really slow you down in your career.

Especially in this Internet era, if you can keep learning new

skills, there are jobs out there for you.

Tell us about what at Prep most influenced your career path.

I had a great group of friends while at Prep. Also, Collegio was a dynamic and intrepid

way of introducing the cross-pollination of the humanities. Everything is connected in

this world and the long format classes for Collegio helped show this relativity.

Were there any pop icons during high school that you looked up to?

I still love the music. From Nirvana to the Murder City Devils to TLC. I kept a few

pictures in my calendars of David Bowie and Iman, Iggy Pop, Andy Warhol, Cecily

Brown and Miuccia Prada, although cheesy to think about now, I looked up to these

bohemians and artists to see how it was possible to live as a creative.

Did you have a particular fashion style while at Prep?

I was thrifting almost daily on my bus ride home through the Ave, so most likely

a pair of wool sailor pants, which I eventually found in leather. I was also raiding my

parents’ closets for good pieces from the 70s and 80s. Back then it was much harder to

find what you were looking for, but this didn’t stop my friends and me from reinventing

what we found.

TUCKED INTO A CORNER on the top floor of McDonnell Hall is a place

where Prep’s mission comes alive on a daily basis. The Learning Resource

Center (LRC) provides a supportive, inclusive academic environment for

students with diagnosed learning differences. Sacred, open to growth and

loving underscore all that happens here.

Program director and school psychologist Dr. Regina Melonson

envisioned the LRC over twenty years ago. In her first year, she

helped 12 students with study skills support and standardized testing

accommodations. Today, LRC services begin when eighth graders take

the high school entrance exam and conclude when Prep graduates head

off to college ready to take charge of their own learning.

Caring. Helpful. Fun. Productive. Like a family. Visionary. Creative.

The compliments flow easily from students, alumni and Prep colleagues.

Alex Smith ’15 is a student at WSU who credits his college success to

the LRC. “I’m 100% more talkative in class now. In a college lecture hall,

that’s really important in building a relationship with your teacher.”

“The best part about the LRC is how devoted the people who work there

are to the students," shares one LRC user.

Natalie Wong ’14, a psychology major in the Interdisciplinary Honors

Program at Loyola University Chicago, is extremely grateful. “The women

at the LRC inspire me. They work so hard for very little thanks. They

deserve to know that they are appreciated and are making a difference

in their students’ lives every day. Seeing women in their positions has

inspired me to be like them when I am in the professional world.”

Melonson leads a team of dedicated educators who surround 145

student learners with respect and care, while raising the bar and holding

them accountable. Venicia Allen-Johnson, Amber Ferrese and Jessica

Worsham love their work, their colleagues and their students. They all

take ownership in the students’ successes and challenges. Students sense

their sincerity.

Allen-Johnson, a former middle school teacher, is a talented collaborator

with a mastery of student advocacy. Her thorough knowledge of each

backstory enables her to tailor a huge menu of services and resources into

a perfect blend of support for each student. She’s the glue that ties the

office to many departments across campus, including faculty, counselors,

athletics and student life.

Co-workers call Worsham a “true Renaissance woman.” Beyond her

math and science expertise, she helps students with papers and study

skills, and can easily take a pulse on an entire roomful of students. Her

genuine kindness and empathy makes one wonder if she’s ever had a bad

day.

Ferrese is the heart of the operation. Everyone who walks through the

door is greeted with “Hello, sweetie,” a sign of her maternal compassion.

She marries the tech savvy and level of detail necessary to maintain a

By Katrina Freeburg, CFRE, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving

ENDOWMENTS

HELPING EVERY STUDENT SUCCEED


database of over 500 students with an infectious sense of humor.

LRC staff help each student succeed by giving them what they need

when they need it, with dignity and respect. “The LRC empowers kids

to seek out the help they need discreetly or indiscreetly (as they wish),”

recalls former Prep parent Erin Cordry. That support also extends to

families. “Parents of students with learning disabilities and special needs

often feel they’re always fighting for, or defending, the need for services.

At Prep, it’s completely different. I could not have asked for a more positive

approach.”

The LRC impact is clear. “Without the LRC, I don’t think I would be

working as hard as I am,” writes one student. “I have learned to work hard

and do my work to the best of my ability.”

Another student is more direct. “Without the LRC, I would not be at

Prep anymore.”

Collegio teacher Cheryl Healy echoes this sentiment. “Without the

LRC, we would lose a lot of great kids. Part of our mission is to educate

all students. The LRC makes Prep stronger by allowing us to accept many

different kinds of learners and it supports a diverse number of students in

being successful.” It also reinforces Prep’s desire to enroll families, which

is sometimes a challenge when one sibling has a significantly different

learning style.

Alex Smith ’15 is a student at WSU who credits his college success

to the LRC. “I’m 100% more talkative in class now. In a college

lecture hall, that’s really important in building a relationship with

your teacher.” To learn more about endowments at Seattle Prep, visit www.seaprep.org/endowment.

Healy continues, “It’s another tool in the teacher’s toolbox. The LRC is

available daily for kids in a way we (teachers) aren’t able to be. They help

us be more effective because of the support and resources they provide

students. The LRC is one of the best programs at Prep!”

One LRC learner comments, “The best part is how much everyone is

not just willing, but wants to help in any way they can. You really get a

sense they are trying to make school work easy for you.”

Melonson reiterates her staff’s dedication. “We have team members

who watch kids in Coffeehouse because that’s where they can showcase

their talents and others, who although working part-time, will chaperone

a retreat because a student asked. We would all do this work, even if we

weren’t being paid for it.”

That commitment teaches students to give back as well. “The LRC is

like your best friend – always there when you need it,” says Smith. “It

made me a better person. Through their generosity I became more aware

of how to benefit myself and others. My senior year, I became an LRC

tutor to help freshmen.”

Service and generosity are additional components of the LRC’s success.

This year, 85 student volunteers serve as peer tutors and 85 others as

peer note takers. Generous donors to the Building Our Future campaign

created a dynamic new space in 2015 for this growing program. They

also expanded the LRC Endowment, established in 2006, to support the

incredible services inside its walls, including professional development

for the LRC staff, outside tutoring services, external diagnostic testing

and testing materials.

Smith thanks LRC donors for helping students whom they may never

meet. “Your donation helps more than you can imagine. To the kids in

the LRC, it means a lot to get the help they need to succeed. No one wants

to feel unprepared for college. With the LRC, I feel more prepared than I

ever thought possible.”

Left: Dr. Regina Melonson working with a student in her office.

Below, clockwise from back left: Amber Ferrese, Dr. Regina Melonson,

Venicia Allen-Johnson, Jessica Worsham.


SEATTLE PREP IS ENTERING A NEW ERA in its longtime

partnership with Seattle University. As described in the

press release from the Jesuit Virtual Learning Academy, next

year Prep will be participating in two online classes that will

be taught by instructors at Seattle University’s Matteo Ricci

College.

One course, Arts and Cultural Identity, will be open to

Prep juniors (maximum 10) and another course, Ignatian

Discernment: The Art of Finding Your Way, will be offered

to Prep seniors (also a maximum of 10). Prep students will

be joined in their coursework by students from Verbum

Dei, a Jesuit high school in the Watts

neighborhood of Los Angeles. Students

at both schools will earn high school and

college credit. Prep has agreed to pay the

tuition for the students at Verbum Dei

and is seeking donors who would like to

support the “Verb” students.

This new articulation of Prep’s

relationship with Seattle University was

achieved after many months of discussion

between the schools. Prep juniors have had

the opportunity to “commence” to Matteo

Ricci College (MRC) for many years.

However, only 5-8 juniors per year have

exercised this option in recent years and,

of those 5-8 who do commence each year,

roughly half transfer to a different college

after their first year at MRC.

The problem of low numbers of

juniors commencing and high numbers

of commenced students transferring

has been compounded by the very low

number of Prep seniors who choose SU

after graduation. In the 2015 graduating class, for example,

only two Prep graduates enrolled at Seattle University. Over

the past months of review and discussion it became clear

to leaders at both schools that the commencing option has

been a primary reason for the low number of Prep graduates

attending SU.

Therefore, part of this new arrangement between Prep

and SU includes the elimination of the commencing option

for Prep juniors after the 2015/16 school year. Prep students

A New Era for Seattle Prep & Seattle UniversityBy Kent Hickey, President


will instead experience MRC through these two classes

and then, given the excellence of the MRC experience,

will be encouraged to continue studies at MRC or Seattle

University after their graduation from Prep. Additionally,

the Admissions Office at SU and College Guidance Office at

Prep will work closely together to create more opportunities

for Prep seniors to explore MRC and other programs at

Seattle University for their undergraduate studies.

Another goal of the new arrangement between SU and

Prep is to expose more students from other Jesuit high

schools to the outstanding education offered at Matteo

Ricci College and Seattle University. Certainly this will be

the case for Verbum Dei students next year, but as the joint

offerings between JVLA and MRC expand to other Jesuit

schools, additional students from across the country will

become better acquainted with the wonderful educational

opportunities available at SU.

In 1891 there was one school, Seattle College. Though

we are now two schools, our bonds remain strong. As we

prepare for our shared 125th anniversary celebration this

year, Prep and Seattle U are committed to continuing

to collaborate in the advancement of our shared Jesuit

mission. It is in this spirit that Prep and SU have entered

into this exciting initiative.

Seattle University, Verbum Dei and Seattle Prep Lead the Way in Jesuit School Collaboration (Press Release from JVLA)

Working with the Jesuit Virtual Learning Academy (JVLA), a relationship has been forged between Seattle Preparatory

School, Verbum Dei (Los Angeles), and Seattle University’s Matteo Ricci College to offer a series of collaborative, dual-

credit course experiences for select students at the two high schools.

This new partnership was spawned from the existing relationship between Seattle University and Seattle Prep

that originally produced the Matteo Ricci College (MRC). “Forty years ago the Matteo Ricci College was founded as a

collaborative venture between the university and the high school,“ stated the college’s Dean Jodi Kelly. “The college was

innovative – a serious break from the traditional model of schooling. While the college has evolved over time as the needs

of the university and high school have changed, our pioneering spirit has remained. This is the next bold step in our

history and I want to thank the presidents of our two great institutions for their vision and leadership.”

Through the new partnership, students from Verbum Dei and Seattle Prep will participate in two college-level courses

offered through the JVLA by Matteo Ricci College faculty. While versions of these courses are already offered online

through the JVLA for Jesuit and Catholic high schools, the hybrid design being developed for Verbum Dei and Seattle Prep

will be unique. “The online experience will be paired with brick-and-mortar experiences that will foster rich meaningful

exchanges between students from different cities and different school cultures,” explains JVLA’s Executive Director Jeff

Hausman. “This type of collaborative design has been on JVLA’s roadmap for years. We are excited to be playing a part.”

This announcement culminates a six-month strategic conversation. Said Seattle Prep President Kent Hickey, “Our

Jesuit network is truly special, and Seattle Prep was looking for a way of tapping more deeply into the network to broaden

the minds and hearts of our students. Verbum Dei is the perfect partner. Getting to where we want to be with this

initiative will take great effort and care. We look forward to the journey and the companionship.”

Verbum Dei High School is an all-male Catholic, Jesuit, college and career preparatory school complemented by a corporate

internship program, serving young men of Watts and the surrounding communities. Seattle Preparatory School is a Catholic,

Jesuit, coeducational college preparatory school. Founded in 1891, Prep serves 700 students from the greater Seattle area.

The Matteo Ricci College is Seattle University’s innovative accelerated Humanities college offering bachelor degrees in the

Humanities, Leadership, and Teaching. The Jesuit Virtual Learning Academy provides Jesuit and Catholic secondary schools

online and blended student coursework and teacher professional development – complementary resources schools use to

provide the best, most sustainable educational experience for their students.


S P O R T S U P D AT E


S P O R T S U P D AT EGirls Soccer

It is one thing to have high expectations, it is another to execute and reach those expectations. Before every game this past season, all of the members of the varsity soccer team wrote “November 21” on tape on their wrists. It was the date of the state soccer championship game and the young women wanted a visual reminder of where they expected to be at the end of the season. After nearly three months of hard work and commitment, the team found itself where it expected to be, the state final.

In the state final, the team proved worthy of its national rankings – #12 by Topdrawer Soccer/MaxPreps and #19 by NSCAA – and won the 3A title with a 1-0 win over Southridge of Kennewick. The skill of the team might be best summed up by Southridge coach Greg Sambrano who said, “They were the best high school soccer team I have ever seen. They were phenomenal. We battled, and they put us under pressure. Our kids battled and battled all game long. You’ve got to tip your hat to them. They’re phenomenal. We just couldn’t find a weakness.” The coaches, led by Andy Hendricks ’83, are extremely proud of the accomplishments of these young women and all of the young women in the program, including members of the JV and 3rd team. The strength of Prep soccer is its depth.

Boys Cross CountryLed by its seniors, the boys cross country team had a year filled with many big

improvements. The year started out with a big win for the sophomore boys group, who went down to the Woodbridge Invitational in Irvine, California and won the sophomore race out of 27 teams. The team continued to improve, but fell one place short of qualifying for the District Championships. With only two seniors graduating from varsity, Seattle Prep is excited for the future of the boys cross country team.

Girls Cross CountryA young team that featured eight underclassmen in its top ten runners, the girls

cross country team has a bright future at Seattle Prep. With great experience developed by running at the Woodbridge Invitational and competing against Metro’s best week in and week out, this determined group of runners will only get better. Special thanks to the seniors who put in hard work this year and showed improvement in their times over the course of the year.

VolleyballThe 2015 volleyball team ended the season with an overall record of 7-15. Despite

some very close losses in the tough Metro Mountain Conference, Seattle Prep was poised to make a run in the playoffs, after showing much improvement during the regular season. The Panthers excelled in playoffs finishing sixth in the Metro Tournament Championships with wins over West Seattle and Ballard. The volleyball team fought hard at the District 2 Championships, finishing 6th with a record of 2-3, with wins over Roosevelt and Lake Washington. Prep just missed a state entry by a few touches on the ball. With ten underclassmen on the varsity this past year, the future looks bright for the Panthers.

Co-ed GolfThe Seattle Prep golf team completed a great fall season, including fantastic weather,

with six girls qualifying for Metro and District action to be completed in May. With a 6-5 record for the boys and a 7-4 record for the girls, Seattle Prep golfers showed great improvement and a desire to get better throughout the season. Ultimately the boys had five players advance to the district tournament in the fall. The coaches are very proud of each player and want to say a special thanks to the seniors for their hard work.

FALL


Boys BasketballThe boys basketball team played one of the toughest

schedules in the nation with a team that featured only two seniors. Beginning with Metro action, Prep started 3-2 with a loss to the Garfield Bulldogs, ranked in the top ten in the country at the time. The schedule did not get any easier over Christmas break as the young Panthers traveled to Palm Springs, CA for the MaxPreps National Invitational Tournament where they met Chino Hills of California, the current #1 team in the nation. The Panthers battled for a quarter, but proved to be no match for high powered Chino Hills. Determined not to come home winless from the elite MaxPreps tournament, the Panthers won an exciting one point game vs Windward of Los Angeles. After returning home to Seattle, the team went on a six game winning streak highlighted by a scintillating one point buzzer beater over

FootballLed by a dedicated core group of seniors,

the football team advanced to the round of 32 in Washington state and finished with a 4-6 record overall. Despite facing a tough early season schedule, the Panthers rallied behind senior leadership and young skilled players to defeat Lakeside 35-17 and Bainbridge 28-7 to place themselves in a position to make the Metro playoffs. After a close loss to end the regular season, Seattle Prep rallied to defeat Chief Sealth in the first round of postseason action. With the young players improving and the seniors fighting to play another day, Prep battled to the end of the year but came up short in the round of 32 game against Glacier Peak High School.

Seattle Prep wants to thank Head Coach Bill McMahon and his staff for helping the young men become better people and better players last season. The Panthers welcome new Head Coach Aaron Maul and his staff to the Prep community for the 2016 season.

Girls SwimmingThe girls swim team had an amazing

season this year, finishing with a dual meet record of 5-1 with their only loss being to the 2015 3A State Champions. Every practice, the girls were eager to learn, work hard and continue to improve. Their efforts in practice were validated in their meets, as they posted faster times each competition. Choosing a “swimmer of the meet” or “race of the meet” was nearly impossible, as each meet there were several swimmers worthy of the title.

In the Metro League Championships, 23 Prep girls competed at a very fast Snohomish Aquatics Center to have an outstanding meet. Placing 4th overall in the fastest league in the state is no easy feat, and this group of girls worked very hard and was very deserving of this accomplishment. Following the Metro League meet, 11 girls competed in the Sea-King District Championships. To finish off the season, the girls had an outstanding State Championship meet. With two first places, an 8th place and a 15th, the girls placed 9th in the state as a team.

Of the 29 person roster this year, 15 of the girls are seniors and will be greatly missed next year! Their leadership and knowledge of both the sport of swimming and the expectations of being a Seattle Prep athlete set a great example for the underclassmen, and the coaches cannot thank them enough for everything they did in and out of the pool this season.

WIN

TER


Lincoln of Tacoma in the MLK Holiday Classic at the Showare Center in Kent. Prep would finish the regular season by facing the best in the Metro League, capped off by a win over Rainier Beach at home on senior night in a packed McHugh Gymnasium.

The post season would prove to be painful for the upstart Panthers, but also featured an “instant classic” in the first round of Sea-King District play. Prep would host a hot Lakeside team featuring the MVP and all-time leading scorer of the Metro League. The Panthers battled and clawed their way to a double overtime victory to move on in the district playoffs, and once again face the Garfield Bulldogs. The Panthers fought hard and made a few runs to keep it close, but in the end the Bulldogs proved too much. Next the Panthers would face Mercer Island in a loser-out game with the winner one game away from winning a state birth. It was a tough shooting night for both teams as each squad struggled to find its rhythm. In the end, Mercer Island prevailed sending the young Panthers out of the hunt for a state birth. Nine players will be returning to the

hardwood for the Panthers next season as the Panthers will be looking to capitalize on the valuable experiences gained from this season.

Girls BasketballThe girls basketball team was truly an

amazing group of players! Prep finished the season 12-12, eighth in Metro, with a 12th consecutive trip to the Sea/King District tournament. The Panthers started off slowly with a few injuries, and then finally started to play tougher, stronger and as a team for each other. This was a very young team and thus experience came with each practice and each game. After finishing the Metro regular season with an 8-7 record, the Panthers faced tough loser out games in the Metro playoffs. Despite this pressure on a young team, Prep showed great resolve in defeating both Ballard and Holy Names to advance to Districts. Despite playing Mercer Island tough, the Panthers fell in the first round of Sea-King District action.

This year’s team exceeded expectations for the 2015-2016 season as the year continued. With work in the summer, this young Panthers squad will only continue to improve. This will allow them to be better prepared and build additional team camaraderie for the 2016-17 season. Special thanks to the seniors and the Seattle Prep community who came out to support the Panthers.

Boys SwimmingSuccess in swimming is dependent on a

strong and lasting commitment as well as equal doses of mental and physical toughness. This year’s squad displayed those qualities admirably. From the “Mary Queen of Victory” cheer to the long hours of practice over Christmas break, this group showed the Panther spirit and competitiveness. In Metro action, the team went 5-2 including a thrilling two point victory over Blanchet. Two hard-fought and close losses to Lakeside and O’Dea spurred the team to keep training hard and focus on the postseason. In the Metro championships, the Panthers qualified all 19 members (a big feat on its own) and saw some amazing individual efforts and personal bests all around. The team was also able to come away with a solid 7th place finish overall.

The District meet had its ups and downs but Prep was able to put quite a few swimmers through to finals as well as qualifying an individual and several relays for the State Championships. The Panthers finished the season strong at the State meet winning the B final (9th place) in both relays with season best times. Congrats to the 2015-16 boys swim team on a great season!



AFTER PUTTING THE GEARS IN MOTION this

summer, Prep was excited to launch its new Robotics

program at the beginning of the school year. The group,

which typically meets a few days a week during the

Window block, is led by current Prep parent Willem

Scholten. Mr. Scholten brings over 10 years of experience

of introducing students from kindergarten through

college to the world of integrated system design focusing

on engineering, math, biology, computer programming

and human and machine interaction. “Everyone should

do robotics at least once in their school career” he is fond

of saying, and he particularly enjoys opening students’

eyes to the beautiful world of applied robotics.

Seattle Prep joined the VEX Robotics program, a

program that involves kids from elementary school (VEX

IQ), High School (VEX EDR) all the way through college

(VEX-U) in a fun and competitive way. VEX is active in over

37 countries with more than 15,000 teams all designing,

building and competing with robots throughout the year.

This program is particularly well suited for Prep, as it

allows small teams of students to be very hands-on in

the design, construction and programming of the robots,

and focuses on getting students to apply their theoretical

knowledge in the real world.

Prep students have already had several opportunities

to gain exposure to, and test their work against, students

and programs from around the state. For its first trial

run, the team spent a weekend on the campus of Central

Washington University, participating in a large, multi-

school competition this fall. To the delight of parents

Prep Launches New Robotics Program

Seattle Prep’s

Thomas C. McHugh

Gymnasium was

transformed into a high

tech arena in January,

as students from around

Washington State

competed at Prep’s

inaugural Robotics

Extravaganza.


PREP FORTOMORROW

Visit www.seaprep.org/giveBIG to learn how to make a gift to your class endowment, then encourage your classmates to do the same.

All donations made through the Seattle Foundation’s website will support endowments at Seattle Prep to help us Prep for Tomorrow.

For a list of endowments, visit www.seaprep.org/endowment.

PREP FOR TOMORROW

MAY 3

and Coach Scholten, Prep attained two awards while

competing in the event. First, the freshman team received

the “Judges Award,” which recognizes learning growth,

commitment and engineering accomplishments. Second,

the sophomore team was given the “Sportsmanship

Award,” which recognizes the helping of other teams by

being supportive and being positive.

Building on this momentum, Prep hosted its first

large robotics tournament with teams from across the

state in January. The Thomas C. McHugh Gymnasium

was packed and rocking with 46 robotics teams, made

up of over 300 competitors, plus support volunteers and

countless spectators.

Looking forward, Prep plans to field additional teams,

as well as enhance the basic skill training for the students

in CAD design, learning enhanced programming

techniques, and develop skills to design more advanced

game-playing robots. During the off–season (April

through June) the program will continue to undertake

various projects to help students receive the needed

practical experiences in engineering and fabrication. A

huge part of the second year and beyond will be reaching

out to students in middle schools and helping them get

involved in robotics, an experience that is both rewarding

and full of learning for our students as teachers and role

models.

The program loves to

hear from Prep alumni

who are interested

in helping us put on

Robotics tournaments

at Prep, for which we

always seek adult role

models as judges, referees

and volunteers. Contact

Director of Alumni,

Garrett Cook (gcook@

seaprep.org), and he

would love to make an

introduction!

MAY3

I donate to Prep on GiveBIG to honor the people who

made my education possible – my parents and teachers.

–Brett Franceschina ‘04

YOU CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR CLASS!

Spokane Alumni EventOn March 13th, alumni residing in Spokane gathered at O’Doherty’s

Irish Grille in downtown Spokane for a regional Panthers event. Alums

and their families were treated to appetizers, beverages, and a selection

of Prep gear as they shared stories from their days at Prep and fond

memories of Seattle. The Panther spirit is certainly alive and well in the

Inland Northwest!

Fr. Sullivan Annual Alumni RunOn September 5th, alums and their families gathered once

again at Lower Woodland on a crisp fall morning. Coaches

Mike Niggemeyer and Ben Sauvage hosted the event with the

Alumni Association in conjunction with the current Cross

Country Team’s time trials. After the current Panthers ran,

the alums got their chance, followed by the children. The

dozens of extra runners cleared the course and were given a

ranking and time and a free t-shirt. Thank you to those who

participated in this annual event and if you didn’t, come out

next year. We would love to see you! The first annual Alumni Wiffle Ball Tournament!Alumni Board Chair Brian DiJulio ’79 organized our first

Alumni Wiffle Ball Tournament on a blustery day in late

August at Ohno Playfield at Montlake. A few dozen alums

from various years battled the elements to play and reflect

as others stood with hot dogs and took in the action. In the

end, eight teams battled it out and we even got to see a home

run out of Prep alum and NBA stalwart Spencer Hawes ’06.

Thank you to all who came out and participated. We can’t wait

to see you next year, hopefully with the winds under 30mph.

Alumni News & Events

New York Alumni SocialAlumni in New York City gathered for a social on February

1 at Sidecar in the Upper East Side. We were thrilled that 28

alumni and friends were in attendance. Represented classes

spanned almost over 70 years, as attendees included Dan

Lyons ’38 all the way up to three recent alums from the Class

of 2015.


“Doc” Robertson Inducted into the Hall Of Fame

On Friday, January 15th, in

Everett, legendary cross country

running coach, John “Doc”

Robertson was inducted into the

Hall of Fame by the Washington

State Cross Country Coaches

Association. Longtime friend and coaching mate Mike Niggemeyer

was in attendance at the ceremony and said, “Doc had what must be

the most dominant ten years in the history of the state. I can’t think of

another program that had more sustained success.” Coach Robertson

spent several years at the helm of Prep’s Cross Country program and

also spent decades as an assistant coach and athletic team doctor for

Seattle Prep.

In his acceptance speech, Coach Robertson reflected,

The challenge as I see it for every XC coach is convincing high

school kids to accept the sacrifices in their social lives that consistent

daily training requires and then have them accept the inevitable

suffering that is racing a 5K. In essence, getting kids to do what they

didn’t think they could do, in large part by teaching them that consistent

hard work and paying attention to details matter. Not an easy task in

this day and age, and one that requires building a culture of success and

getting kids to buy-in.

Every coach has his or her own unique approach to accomplish this.

When I began coaching, because of my medical practice, I was only

at practice three days each week for the hard workouts. I quickly realized

that if I didn’t have a stronger connection with the kids they would be

less likely to buy in to the program.

The limited time of these workouts just didn’t allow us to get to know

each other very well.

To remedy this, I began calling each of them in the evenings at least

once a week for one-on-one conversations about any and everything.

How were their grades, were they getting the sleep they needed and

eating well? How were they responding to the workouts? Did they have

any “owies” of concern? Just getting to know them not only as runners

but also as individuals. It also gave me a chance to explain why we did

the things we did and what they could expect from upcoming workouts

and races.

Whatever benefit these calls may have had for the kids, they were a

great opportunity for me to get to know them better, get feedback on

the program and motivate them as best I could. As a result I felt their

commitment to the program steadily grow and as a result we became a

stronger team. Bottom line, they trusted me and the process more.

Congratulations on your most deserving award, Doc, and thank

you for your dedication to Seattle Prep athletics!

Homecoming 2015 a win on and off the fieldOn October 16th, Seattle Prep held its annual Homecoming

Game. While the Panthers delighted the crowd with a big win,

equally impressive was the number of alums who showed up to

cheer on the team. The night started with a tailgate sponsored by

the Seattle Prep Parents Association with food and beverage and a

special performance by a local drumline. Alumni of the 90’s also

celebrated the legacy of former head football coach Rollie Robbins

at an event at the West Seattle Golf Course Clubhouse organized

by James Rudolf ’96. The game was dedicated to Coach Robbins.

Current teacher, baseball coach and alum Max Engel ’96 along with

his newborn son, Rollie Engel, performed the honorary coin flip. An

exciting night was capped off by the large crowd being serenaded by

the football team with the fight song.


Prep Talks with Mark Titus ’90On December 3rd, we staged our first installment of PREP TALKS. This series features members

of our community sharing special skills and stories from their careers, answering student and

faculty questions and providing mentorship to students. The December 3rd talk was titled “The

Breach” and featured Mark Titus ’90. Mark is behind the film “The Breach” which looks at the

keystone species of the Northwest salmon. The film touches on issues such as river dams, farmed

vs wild salmon, the history of salmon in the Northwest and other keys to the salmon population.

The lecture included clips from the award winning documentary, a presentation from the director

and a question and answer period. Over 40 students and faculty were in attendance. Mr. Titus also

filmed part of his upcoming film on campus at Seattle Prep in conjunction with drama teacher

Adam Othman and with support from Prep’s film class.

33rd Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament A Success!On a sunny March weekend, Panther legends from both near and

far (including a player all the way from Colorado) laced it up for the

33rd annual Alumni Basketball Tournament and a shot at hoops

glory. The tournament featured three divisions, with the Class of

1994 winning the Ignatius Division, Classes of 2007/08 the victors

in the White Division, and the Classes of 2010/11 as the champions

of the Blue Division. In the title game, 2007/08 clenched the victory

and were crowned tournament champions. New for this year, we were

very excited to see a strong showing from our first women’s team,

led by Kari Luttinen ’11. Congratulations to all who played and our

victors. A special thanks to the tournament committee, led by Ted

Plumis ’92, and all our volunteers who made this another success. We

can’t wait to see you next year!


Alumni Night with the Addams FamilyOn February 20th nearly 40 alums and their family members

enjoyed the Seattle Prep premiere of The Addams Family. The

popular musical sold out several performances and had stand out

performances from Juan Bernal as Gomez Addams, Lily Dowling

as Morticia Addams, Lillie Brown as Wednesday Addams and James

Rheaume as Mal Beineke as well as the rest of the strong cast.

The Alumni Night provided complimentary tickets, reserved

theater seating, a pre-show reception and a question and answer

period with director Adam Othman and musical director Dr.

Huntley Beyer.

Thank you to all who joined us and we invite all alums to join us

next year for Alumni Theater Night.

APRIL 2016Friday, April 22nd: PARENT ASSOCIATION WINE GALA

Saturday, April 23rd: POPPS (PARENTS OF PAST PREP STUDENTS)

MAY 2016Thursday, May 19th: SEATTLE PREP ALUMNI GOLF CLASSIC, REDMOND RIDGE

JUNE 2016Thursday, June 2nd: BACCALAUREATE MASS

Friday, June 3rd: GRADUATION/DISTINGUISHED ALUM AWARD

JULY 2016Friday – Sunday, July 22nd – 24th: ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND

AUGUST 2016August 20th: PANTHER WIFFLE BALL CLASSIC ON OHNO FIELD AT MONTLAKE PLAYFIELD

SEPTEMBER 2016September 19th: MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

September 30th: HOMECOMING, WEST SEATTLE STADIUM

Rancho Mirage Alumni ReceptionOn Wednesday, December 30, alumni and friends gathered

in Rancho Mirage, CA, for an Alumni Reception along with the

families of Prep’s boys varsity basketball team. The team traveled

to Palm Springs over Christmas break to participate in the

prestigious national MaxPreps Holiday Classic, giving alums in

the area the chance to cheer on the Panthers over the course of the

tournament. The reception featured food and fellowship, as well

as a special piano rendition of the original Panther Fight Song,

performed by Josh Parker ’46.

UPCOMING EVENTSCALENDAR


1940sChuck McHugh ’42Chuck is enjoying his elder years at The Ida Culver

House Ravenna. Dr. John Mirante ‘50 also resides at

The Ida Culver House Ravenna.

Greg Lambert ’43Greg and Mary Kay

have 12 children, 18

grandchildren and 4

great-grandchildren.

Greg is a Navy pilot

and a graduate of

the University of

Washington. The

happy couple are still

very active traveling

and love going out on

their boat.

Class of ’45The class of 1945 gathered for the 70th consecutive

year in late August! Bob Markey ’45 organized

the luncheon at the Seattle Yacht Club. A strong

contingent of classmates shared a meal, stories and

many memories. Congratulations on this special

tradition!

George Taylor ’45George has been married to Norma for 63 years,

they have 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-

grandchildren. Family keeps them busy all year long.

George is still enjoying good health.

Jody Melia ’49Jody met his wife of 62 years at Prep’s Garrigan Gym.

He first saw her on a bus and it was love at first sight.

He still can’t believe that you can love someone so

much. He married at 21, she was 18. They had 7 kids.

1950sJohn Fitzgerald DDS ’51John is teaching at UW Dental School, Department of Oral Medicine,

mentoring junior and senior dental students and RDH (hygienic) on

treating medically compromised patients.

Fr. John Topel, S.J. ’52, Fr. David Leigh, S.J. ’55 and Fr. Bob Grimm, S.J.’65Fr. Topel (50 years a priest), Fr. Leigh (60 years a Jesuit) and Fr.

Grimm (50 years a Jesuit) celebrated together their Golden Jubilees

in October 2015. The three Seattle Prep alums concelebrated Mass

in honor of their dedication. Fr. Topel spoke in his homily about the

sacrifice of Jesus and how it extends to all of us, to act priestly. “And

so it is not Fr. John Topel or Fr. David Leigh or Fr. Bob Grimm who is

offering this holy sacrifice, but Jesus, our great high priest; we are the

agents who help you enact Jesus’ saving action in your own lives.” Fr

Topel went on to remark, “So your priestly task is the same as ours,

to empty yourselves out as servants of one another. That is what we

have experienced from all of you. We three have experienced that love

from our parents, the nuns who taught us and the Jesuit teachers at

Seattle Prep.” Congratulations to all three proud sons of Seattle Prep

and thank you for your dedication and sacrifice to our faith.

Mike Pigott ’54Mike continues his work as a tax professional and wonders how

many classmates are out there.

Tony Zimmerman DDS ’56Tony finally retired after a rewarding 49 year career in dentistry.

Recently, he spent two weeks with his wife, son and daughter visiting

Uganda, enjoying the beautiful countryside, very friendly people,

and donating soccer balls to many of the schools.

John Barnes ’56After graduating from Seattle U in 1962, John taught school and

coached in the Auburn School District. After retiring, he drove a

shuttle bus for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for 21 years,

retiring in 2013. He married Sandy in 1968. They have two daughters

and three grandchildren.

Jim Walsh ’56Jim’s memories of Seattle Prep are clouded by the uproar surrounding

the end of the Ice Age, he says. He was Seattle Prep’s first National

Merit Scholar in 1956, the first year the award was offered.

C L A S S NOTES


Mark Frisby ’60Mark Frisby ’60 has been named head tennis

coach for the Panthers. Coach Frisby brings

a wealth of experience to the court, having

coached at the high school and collegiate

levels.

1960sMarco Magnano ’60 and classmates from ’60On September 16th, members of the class of 1960 got together at the

Magnolia Pub. The event was a success and Marco hopes that they can

have several more get-togethers in the future and connect with even

more classmates.

Kelly Corr ’66

Kelly Corr has decided to retire and call it a career. He was recently on the cover of the 2015 Super Lawyers magazine with the feature

story titled “ We’ve got to get Kelly Corr, Why Nirvana, Alaska Airlines and Hearst wanted him around; Bill Gates and Courtney Love,

not so much.”

The article, by Ross Anderson, includes many aspects of Kelly’s life including his childhood

and family life, early career milestones and his success as a named partner in the firm, Corr

Cronin Michelson Baumgardner Fogg & Moore. When speaking of his childhood, Kelly

recalls being the eldest of five brothers, Casey ’73, Pat ’76, Chris ’79 and Kerry, their father

was a police officer and mother a nurse. The boys all went to Catholic schools growing up.

Lifelong friend and classmate Tom Keefe ’66 says, “It was a loving supportive family. Their

dad would come home from work, take off his sidearm, then sit at the dinner table and ask

each boy about his day.” Corr was a talented student who graduated at the top of his Seattle

Prep class and landed at Williams College in Massachusetts. He started thinking about law

and found himself as an intern for U.S. Senator Warren Magnuson. He recalls a conversation

between Sen. Magnuson, Sen. Scoop Jackson and Sen. Walter Mondale where Kelly was able

to observe a moment that shaped Kelly’s legal style. While Jackson took a hard line, Magnuson

instead took the tack that the people of Washington were hurting and if Mondale helped he

would appreciate it and not forget it. Kelly preferred the style of Magnuson.

Kelly has been a lead in cases involving Nirvana, Bill Gates, Hearst Publishing (Seattle P.I.), The Wilson Sisters and Alaska Airlines

just to name a few. He also was deeply involved in the State Bar Association, chaired the Young Lawyers’ section, worked on AIDS

issues and won the State Bar’s President Award in 1989. King County Superior Court Judge Richard McDermott says of Kelly, “He is

a lawyer’s lawyer, the kind of hardworking, skilled and intelligent attorney all of us would aspire to be.”

Congratulations on your great career and deserved retirement. We look forward to your next success as co-chair of the Class of ’66

Reunion committee.


Brian Gough ’67Brian is praying for some Seattle rain in Southern

California this year and looking forward to joining

Don Kardong ’67, Pat Irwin ’67 and Tom O’Leary

’67 at the Bloomsday Run in Spokane this spring!

Patrick Prociv ’69Pat flew from Seattle Prep directly to the UW,

banked hard right, and attended Clover Park

Vocational Tech, obtaining his FAA Aircraft

Mechanics Certificate in 1972. He has been

married 43 years to Michele Dorratcague, who

had volunteered at Prep dances. Pat worked for

US Navy Aviation at sea and shore. Over the

course of 38 years, Pat worked in many facets of

the professional general aviation maintenance

industry. A great joy for Pat is teaching this

honorable profession at South Seattle College’s

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians’ program. Pat

and Michele have three sons and one grandson,

Alex, aged three. A fond memory for Pat was

playing a part in 1977 of the restoration of Bill

Helsell’s classic Beechcraft Staggerwing airplane

(featured story in the Fall ’15 Panther Tracks). He

wishes to thank Bill for this opportunity and

Seattle Prep for the solid foundation for his life.

1970sClass of 1975The class of 1975 met for a reunion this fall for

a two-day event at Stafford’s Restaurant and

for a boat cruise. The event was led by Doug

Dragovich ’75.

1980s

Rocky Rhodes ’83In January, Rocky made a decision to benefit fellow Rotarian Tony

Falato. The inspiring story starts with Rocky’s move to Simi Valley

where he met Tony at their Rotary Club. When he learned his friend

needed a kidney, he volunteered to have a blood test to see if they were

a match. He was not, but Cedars Sinai is leading the nation in non-

matched donor transplants that are only possible with a living donor.

Rocky went ahead with the transplant, citing inspiration from his step-

mother who donated a kidney to a stranger at age 70. “If she can do it,

I can do it,” He said.

“Knowing that this really cool human being gets to stick around a little

bit longer, that’s pretty gratifying.” Rocky said. Here’s to great health for

both Tony and Rocky and thank you for your humility and generosity

of spirit.

Mykel Tulloch ‘8037 years ago Mykel spent

his first day in the United

States on the campus

of Seattle Prep and is

celebrating his first year

as a U.S. Citizen. Mykel

lives in Miami Beach but

remains an avid Seahawks

fan!


Bill Hall ’89Bill married Candice Bassell from Wichita,

Kansas at the Seattle Aquarium in August

2015. In attendance were Charlie Hall ‘94,

Brad Kaloper ‘89, David Martin ‘89, Kevin

Judson ‘89, Doug Spence ‘89, Aurora

(Almeda) Martin ‘89, Andy Taylor ‘89 and

the spirit of David Ames ‘89. Good times

were had by all and honeymoon is scheduled

for Tanzania in July 2016.

David Gravenkemper ’89David, his wife Stephanie and their two boys, Jack and Mikey moved to

Sydney, Australia in October. He is working for Major League Baseball

where he will be in ticketing and marketing for the six Australian

baseball teams.

1990sSean Connell ’94Sean has spent several years at the U.S. Chamber

of Commerce in Washington D.C. and has been

actively involved in the U.S.–Korea Free Trade

agreement and the early stages of the Trans-

Pacific Partnership that concluded last year.

Bryce Fisher ’95In January, Prep welcomed alumnus Bryce Fisher ’95 back to campus for a special ceremony in conjunction with the

NFL. As part of the NFL’s community outreach program, Bryce presented Seattle Prep with a golden football in honor

of his Super Bowl XL appearance as a Seahawk. The presentation celebrated the mutual success of Bryce as a player and

business leader and the role Prep played in his success.

Speaking of his time at Seattle Prep, Bryce said, “I learned to be more than just a 14 year old football player. Prep

is special because they require you to volunteer and give back. They work to make you a better person and it has

caused me to become the man and father I am today.” Congratulations to Bryce for his outstanding service

to the community and his success on the gridiron and thank you for your continued support of your alma mater!


Marc Dela Cruz ’97Marc returned to Seattle from New York last

November as a member of the cast of the musical

If/Then at the Paramount Theater, a show that

follows two different paths of a woman’s life. The

highly regarded musical starred Idina Menzel,

who starred in Rent, Wicked and the Disney

movie, Frozen, and Anthony Rapp of the hit show

and movie Rent. Marc grew up in the Magnolia

neighborhood and was especially proud to return

to the stage that launched his early career in some

of Seattle’s fine local productions. Some of Marc’s

other credits include, My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon,

Allegiance and High School Musical.

Molly Burns ’97Molly Burns and her husband Juan Fernandez

welcomed their beautiful daughter, Rocío Nella

Fernandez Burns, on December 6, 2015.

2000sJosephine Hidalgo ’97 and John Hidalgo ’00Josephine and John were spotted by the Seattle Prep delegation on a

pilgrimage to see Pope Francis in September of 2015!


Theresa (Hornick) Larson ’99Theresa is set to launch her first

book, Warrior, an autobiography

that will debut this spring.

Here is the description of her work:

In this inspiring memoir, a

former female Marine platoon

leader recalls the wars she has

fought—on the playing field, the battlefield, and inside

her own soul—revealing how overcoming the harrowing

circumstances in her life helped her ultimately redefine what

it means to be strong and what “perfect” really is.

Theresa Larson has lived multiple lives. At ten she was a

caregiver to her dying mother. As an adolescent, an All-Star

high school, college, and professional softball player. As a

young adult, a fitness competition winner, beauty pageant

contestant, and model. And as a grown woman, a high-

achieving Lieutenant in the Marines, in charge of an entire

platoon while deployed in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Theresa was battling bulimia nervosa, an

internal struggle that ultimately cut short her military service

when she was voluntarily evacuated from combat. Theresa’s

journey to wellness required the bravery to ask for help, to

take care of herself first, and abandon the idea of “perfect.”

In Warrior, she lays bare all of these lives in intimate and

vivid detail, examining extremely personal and sometime

painful moments and how, by finally accepting the help of

others, she learned to make herself whole. From growing up

in a log cabin outside Seattle to facing down the enemy in

Iraq, Theresa’s journey demonstrates that good health and

happiness is a daily, intentional act that requires persistence

and commitment.

Theresa hopes that through sharing her story, she will help

inspire others to empower themselves, embrace their inner

warrior and re-define strength. Startling and funny, terrifying

and triumphant, heartbreaking and inspirational, Warrior is

at heart a story of perseverance and success—of a determined

woman who is a model for everyone struggling to conquer their

own demons. Theresa shows that asking for help can be an act of

courage, and that we are stronger than we think when faced with

seemingly impossible odds.

The book is available on Amazon and select book stores

nationwide. Theresa has also offered alumni and friends two free

chapters at www.warriorthebook.com.

Maria (Papasedero) Vermeer ’00Maria and her husband Nick recently had a baby,

Amelia, who celebrated her first birthday on

November 30th. Maria and Nick live in Seattle

and Amelia is a sweetheart who brings a lot of joy

to their lives.

Clay Packard ’00Clay and his wife Meghan are expecting their first

child, a boy, in early April.

Jimmy Twining ’01Jimmy married Laura Smith at St. Patrick’s

Church in Tacoma on September 27, 2014, with

the reception following at Chambers Bay.

Wedding party included Seattle Prep alums Anne

Marie ’03, Jeff ’05 and Paul ’08 Twining, and Matt

Hunt, Nick Walker and Marcus Ohno, all class of

2001! Jimmy and Laura are living in Tacoma and

expecting their first child.


Laura (Blangiardi) Hosford ’04Laura and her husband, Ned Hosford, gave birth to a daughter, Isla

Mahealani Hosford, on August 12, 2015 in Seattle. They are overjoyed to

welcome her into their lives!

Vanna Waldron ’04Vanna is studying Nurse/Midwifery at Seattle University.

Mark Laughery ’05Mark spent the summer of 2015 working in Kenya.

Megan McClean ’06Megan graduated from Northwestern University, Feinberg School of

Medicine, in May 2015, Cum Laude and with high honors in her third

year core clerkships. She received her undergraduate degree from

University of Washington in Neurobiology in 2010. Currently, Megan

is completing her first year medical internship in the Chicago area. In

June 2016, she will transfer to the University of Missouri to complete

her residency in Dermatology. Congratulations, Dr. McClean.

Richard Maguire ’07Richard is attending medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School

in Norfolk and, after years of hard work, was commissioned an officer

in the United States Navy Reserve, Medical Corps. He is on track to

graduate in 2019 and intends to be on permanent active duty.

Kris Dales ’04Kris married Madalyn Alexander on August 15, 2015 in Mazama, WA. Kris is currently pursuing a Master of Arts Education

degree at Vermont College of the Arts. Madalyn is a fourth-grade teacher in Renton Public Schools.

Young Alums at Homecoming

Anne Marie Twining ’03Anne Marie recently moved back to Seattle and

is excited to begin a job in the Neonatal Intensive

Care Unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Anne

Marie received a Masters of Science in Nursing,

with Honors, from DePaul University in Chicago.

Sarah (McCarthy) Jaffe ’04Sarah married Colin Jaffe in September 2015 at a

ceremony in Brooklyn, NY. She and her husband

currently live in Brooklyn.


2010sJack DeShaw ’10Jack continues his ascent in the front office of the Seattle Mariners. He

started as a game day staff member and now is a full time event services

manager for the local baseball club.

Charlie Spencer-Davis ’11Charlie is working at Pennon Construction.

Brendan Larson ’12“Eight years later and we’re still celebrating Max Bertell0tti’s 13th

birthday. Nothing’s changed.”

Gabriela Chacon ’10Gabriella graduated from Arizona State University

in 2014. She is currently in her second year teaching

6th & 7th grade science at Connolly Middle

School in the Aspire Program for gifted students.

She was awarded the Tempe, Arizona

School District’s Rookie Teacher of the Year for

2014 – 2015 for her work in LEGO Robotics, Tempe’s

Geeks’ Night Out and her successful fundraising

efforts so her class could adopt an endangered wolf.

In the summers, Gabriela works as a researcher

for ASU in their Sustainability in Education

program where she will begin her Masters in

Education in the fall.

Jackson Clough ’12Jackson was featured in an article in the Whitman Pioneer highlighting his career on the basketball

court and how his role has changed due to an injury his senior year. Jackson suffered an Achilles

tendon injury early in his campaign and was ruled out for the season. The head men’s basketball

coach at Whitman College engaged Jackson and encouraged him to be a player coach. This took

Jackson’s leadership to a new level and he has excelled. Coach Bridgeland noted in the article that his

high school experience at Seattle Prep as a multi-sport athlete, a quarterback, point guard and pitcher,

made the transition a natural. “He was an extraordinary player before the injury but after the injury,

his leadership went to a whole other level.” Congratulations to Jackson on his maturity as a student

athlete. He is a proud example of the attributes that Seattle Prep is so very proud of.


Tere Calloway ’13Tere has transferred to Alabama A & M to play

football. He is expected to make an impact for the

Bulldogs in the upcoming season.

Andrew Hermann ’13Andrew, a current student at Xavier University, has put his Christian

Service experience to good use in the form of a program he named, Better

World Beans. While on his service trip to the Dominican Republic, he

spent time in the community of Franco Bidó in 2011. He has gone back

to the community every year since. He wanted to create a business that

would offer the farmers a competitive price for their coffee.

Says Andrew: “Better World Beans buys directly from a newly formed

cooperative of families in Franco Bidó. I pay the farmers more than 3

and 1/2 times what the normal commodity market has been paying

them and I work with them to assess needs and connect them with

resources and knowledge to improve their methods, grow better coffee,

and sustain the land. Because I hope to go into the field of Agroecology,

I am trying to introduce methods of sustainable agriculture that

can create better quality coffee, feed the community and create new

economic development.”

Good luck Andrew on your new venture and thank you for serving the

mission of social justice.

Joe Hardy ’14Joe had a great first year at the University of

Wisconsin, Madison. He ran all year and thrives

in the college and on the team. The Badgers went

to the NCAA Division 1 Championships in fall

2014 and Joe won the Big 10 conference 1500

championship in the spring of 2015.

Jordan Tolentino ’15Jordan is finishing his first year at the

U.S. Naval Academy and has recently

appeared in the school’s spring

musical.

Jonathan Khalfayan ’15Jonathan, a freshman at Stanford, is a proud

member of the #13 ranked Cardinal Lacrosse

Team and has scored two goals to date.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Submit your stories to Garrett Cook, Director of Alumni Relations, at [email protected].



SENDING THEIR SON Peter ’11 to Seattle

Prep was an easy decision for Jack and Ann

Christiansen. Both were raised with a when (not if)

you go to college mentality. “Education is the basis

of everything. We wanted Peter to be well-rounded,

to know there is a larger world out there,” said Ann.

“You’re a piece of a larger puzzle.”

As an only child, and the only member of his

St. John’s class to attend Prep, Peter stepped a

little out of his comfort zone, but Prep’s reputation

for academics matched the emphasis his parents

placed on education.

“My parents always stressed education. It’s a

privilege, not a right. They taught me to work for

it – and work hard – because it was such a great

opportunity. Looking back on it now, I’m very

grateful,” said Peter. “It was super well-rounded in

athletics, academics and socially. I’m just thankful

to be a Panther!”

Prep also reinforced the family’s value of

volunteerism and their Christian faith. The family

culture at Prep was equally attractive. Even before

Peter arrived, connections to the Prep community

became evident.

Family friends and Prep alumni, Kris Bundy

’79 and Michele Thornquist ’81, wrote letters of

recommendation for Peter’s application. Jack’s

friends and sailing buddies told stories of rumbles

in the Arboretum after the O’Dea football games.

“It almost seemed like the rumbles were just

as important, if not more so, than the games

themselves,” Jack recalled.

These conversations helped Peter start to realize

how big, and how small, the world really is. He was

joining a larger community. “Even now, when I’m

out in a Prep shirt or hat, people will approach me

and start telling me their Prep experiences.” Peter

recently played cards with Spencer Hawes ’06.

The two never crossed paths at Prep, but a lacrosse

buddy of Peter’s created the connection.

At Prep, Peter joined the football and lacrosse

teams, serving as the lacrosse captain his senior

year. Kairos was another highlight. It made such

an impact that Peter volunteered to be a leader his

senior year. Dr. Huntley Beyer nurtured another of

Peter’s passions: singing. “Choir was awesome! I

always enjoyed singing, and I had never done choir

before, but Dr. Beyer is the man and made it so

much fun.”

“As parents, we didn’t appreciate Prep until after

the fact. It was a grind when we were in the throes

of it (balancing academics and extra-curriculars).

‘What do you mean football went late?!’” Ann

recalls telling her son. “‘You have tutoring!’”

Peter’s gratitude is one reason he donates to

his class endowment every year. “My parents

blessed me with a great high school education that

prepared me to go to college. That is something not

everyone gets to do. If I can give someone else that

chance to get ahead in life and thank my parents at

the same time… It’s such a small sacrifice to give

such a great gift.”

Jack and Ann’s gratitude for Peter’s experience at

Prep is the reason they decided to leave a bequest in

their estate to the Class of 2011 Endowment. “Prep

gave Peter such a boost and head start in education

and life,” Jack said.

Ann remembers writing the tuition checks every

month. “It was tight, but I knew it was totally worth

it. Both Seattle Prep and St. John’s were worthwhile

investments. Peter’s college scholarships more

than covered what we paid at Prep.”

“We all want the best for our children,” Ann

added. “I feel for people who want that experience

for their child and can’t make it happen. Education

is the basis for everything; it’s never wasted.”

Updating their wills took some time, but the

decision to support Prep did not. “We waited 20

years to do this. We won’t take that long next time.

We had to ask ourselves, ‘Where do we want to be?

How do we make that happen? How do we preserve

our son’s well-being? Are there other organizations

we want to support?’

We think of it as a life plan – this is what we’ve

done so far and where we are. Our estate plans are a

guide to help those who are important to us. We’re

choosing to do it this way and it’s good. You try to

plan so many other things in life, so why not plan a

little now, so that the produce of your life is shared

with the people you want, in the way you want.”

Peter completely supports his parents’ decision.

“I think it’s a great way to continue their legacy, and

reach out to help people when they’re gone. You

can’t receive, unless you give first.”

EDUCATION IS THE BASIS FOR

EVERYTHINGBy Katrina Freeburg, CFRE

Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Is education one of your family values?For many people, estate planning

is a way to honor important

individuals and organizations in

their lives. You can provide for

your family’s future and leave

a legacy at Seattle Prep. Visit

prepfortomorrow.org to

learn more.

Individuals who make a gift to

Prep in their estate are invited to

join the Panther Legacy Society.

Contact Katrina Freeburg, Director

of Major Gifts and Planned Giving

at [email protected] or

(206) 577-2237 for details.

PLANNED GIVING


Richard Raymaker ’41Richard passed away December 2nd at

Northwest Hospital after a long illness. He is

survived by his loving wife Evelyn.

Robert “Bob” Logan McIver ’42Bob passed away on February 19th. He was

preceded in death by his wife Helen Strons

McIver in 2002. Bob was a lifelong Seattleite,

graduating from Prep and Seattle University.

He served in the United States Navy during

WWII as a radioman second class on the USS

Dupage.

He is survived by sons: Robert ’71, Terry

’72, John ’73 and James and his daughters:

Kathleen Gierzak, and Mary Jo Rerucha; and

ten grandchildren.

Stanley “Stan” Sifferman ’43Stan passed away on October 14th.

Following his graduation from Prep, Stan

enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He

was selected for the V-12 Naval College

Training Program and commissioned as a

2nd lieutenant in 1945. After the war, Stan

received his degree in meteorology from the

University of Washington and was hired

by Dr. Irving P. Krick for his long-range

forecasting and weather modification firm

in Denver. He returned to Seattle in 1961 to

work for the Boeing Company. He retired in

1990.

Stan loved watching local sports teams and

his passion was playing golf. Stan is survived

by his wife of 30 years, Frances “Rusty”; his

sons: Joseph ’69, Bob ’70 and Mark ’73; nine

grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother Paul ’48. He

was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen;

daughters, Mary and Peg; granddaughter,

Nikki; and second wife, Doris.

Richard “Rick” Eisen ’49Rick passed away on January 16th. He was

a native Seattleite and long-time resident

of Mercer Island. He attended St. Therese

School, Seattle Prep and the University of

Washington. He spent his entire career in

various managerial positions with the Bon

Marche. Rick was a devoted Catholic, an

The following is a list of deceased Seattle Prep alumni and friends who we were notified about by

March 11, 2016. Please join us in prayerful remembrance of those who have passed away.

avid theatergoer and enjoyed sports, music

and movies. He loved interior design and

remodeling as well as creating furniture

and decorative artwork. He is survived by

wife Chloe, son Kurt ’76, daughters Nicola

and Elizabeth, five grandchildren, four of

his eight siblings and many members of his

extended family.

Henry “Hank” Elliot ’49Hank passed away on November 21,

2014. Hank was born in Aliquippa, PA. He

graduated from Seattle Prep and received a

Bachelor’s Degree from Seattle University in

1954. He then served in the Marine Corps for

three years. He worked for IBM for 30 years.

His career brought his family from Seattle,

to Denver, to San Jose and Beijing then back

to Seattle for his retirement. After Hank

retired, he devoted his time to developing

charities, traveling and playing tennis. He

dedicated his skills and expertise to "build

the capacities" of numerous non-profits. This

work gave him the most satisfaction of his

professional career. In his death he donated

his body to research through the University

of Washington Donor Program.

Hank is survived by his wife of 63 years,

Betty; his children Suzanne, Kate, Nancye

and Carl Elliott ’81; and eight grandchildren.

Robert “Bob” Kokesh ’49Bob passed away peacefully at home on

September 23rd. He attended St. Edward,

Seattle Prep and Seattle University. After

graduating with a degree in English

Literature, he worked as a Surplus Line

Insurance Broker for Voigt Walker,

transferring to their Portland office in 1962.

In 1982, he started Kokesh & Co., which he

ran until he retired in 1997.

Bob was an avid hiker and loved exploring

the West Coast mountains. He shared his

love of the outdoors with his family on

skiing and fishing excursions. He always had

his Leica camera in hand to get the perfect

photo. After college, he traveled to Europe

via steamship and made several return

visits including business trips to Lloyd's of

London. He is survived by his wife, Arlene;

daughters, Vanessa and Theresa; and one

granddaughter.

Howard Buck ’50Howard passed away peacefully at his

home in Sammamish on November 17th.

Howard attended St. Mary Elementary

and Seattle Prep, followed by Gonzaga and

Seattle University, where he earned an MBA

in Finance. In college, he participated in

ROTC and served two years in the Army

as a Lieutenant in an ordinance division in

Germany. Howard was a loyal employee

of the Boeing Company for 45 years, and

retired as the Director of Finance for the

Shared Services Division. No one who knew

Howard could miss his infectious passion for

sports. In high school he played basketball

and baseball, and also played baseball at

Gonzaga University. He spent countless

hours coaching and refereeing youth sports,

sharing his passion with generations of kids.

He also played in the Old-timer's Fast Pitch

Softball League with his brothers and his

sons, and he was an avid golfer in retirement.

Howard is survived by his wife of 62 years,

Colleen Riley Buck, and his six children,

Michael, Gary, Teresa, Kelly, Sean and Brian,

as well as his 11 grandchildren and four great-

grandchildren.

Victor “Tony” Angelo Manca ’50Tony passed away on September 3rd. He

lived a full life surrounded by family and

friends. He grew up on Queen Anne and

mainly Capitol Hill, attended St. Anne and

St. Joseph grade schools, Seattle Prep and

Seattle University before graduating from

UCLA in 1954. He served two years as a U.S.

Army officer. He was known for his work at

Frederick & Nelson for many years as Food

Division Manager. He also worked in sales

at Weisfield and Manca Imports. For the last

30 years, he devoted his time and energy to

his real estate investments. He was an active

parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima, especially

enjoying coaching his children's grade

school sports teams. He had been a talented

pitcher throughout his grade school, high

school and college years, and sports always

INMEMORIAM


remained a primary interest, especially his

Seattle Mariners.Tony was married to Kathy (Humes) for 57

years and had four children: Anthony, John, Joe and Angela Gardner; 12 grandchildren, including Will Gardner ’19; and two great-grandchildren.

John “Jack” Tallman ’51Jack passed away in Roseville, CA on July

2nd. He was born in Chefoo, China, where

his father, a naval officer, was serving on a

destroyer on the old "China Station." As the

son of a naval officer, Jack’s family moved

often, and during his early years, he attended

more than 12 schools between kindergarten

and junior high school. Following his father’s

retirement from the Navy, the family settled

in Seattle where Jack was able to put down

some roots. He enrolled at Seattle Prep,

which, according to Jack was “run by the

splendid Jesuits who provided outstanding

role models.” He described his four years at

Prep as the most beneficial and influential of

his life.

In 1951, Jack entered the U.S. Naval

Academy and graduated in 1955. He was

awarded his Navy wings of gold on December

12, 1956, and began his career as a Navy

fighter pilot. He reported to the VF-64

squadron and began flying the F-3 Demon.

His first cruise was aboard the USS Midway

where he achieved Centurion status (100

carrier landings) as one of only a handful of

aviators to achieve that mark during the 1958-

59 cruise. For two years, July 1962 to June

1964, he served as an exchange officer, flying

with 899 Squadron at Yeovilton, England.

While there, he flew the DeHaviland Sea

Vixen and the Hawker Hunter T8.

Upon his return to the United States he

began flying the Navy’s most advanced fighter,

the McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom.

Jack earned a Master of Science degree in

Management at the Naval Postgraduate School

in Monterey, CA. He was promoted to Captain

USN and his last active duty assignment was

as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station,

Point Mugu, CA. Following his command of

NAS Point Mugu; he retired from the US Navy

in September 1983.

Upon retirement from the Navy, he

obtained employment with Northrop

Corporation in Pico Rivera, CA. He retired

from Northrop and moved to Grants Pass,

OR, where he was an instructor at Rogue

Community College, teaching business and

computer courses. His students nominated

him for inclusion in the 1994 edition of

Who's Who Among American Teachers.

In 1995, Jack moved to Colfax, CA. He

found happiness in his home on “Hayford

Hill.” He particularly enjoyed exploring the

North and Middle forks of the American

River, running, playing tennis, skiing in the

Lake Tahoe area and flying out of Beale AFB.

Jack is survived by three sons; John Tallman

Jr., Patrick Tallman and Michael Tallman;

and five grandchildren.

Don Isham, Jr. ’52Don passed away on September 9th.

Don graduated from the University of

Washington in 1956, with a B.A. in Political

Science, having worked summers at a

Ballard lumber mill and as a seaman in

the Merchant Marine. In 1956, Don began

serving as a carrier fighter pilot for the U.S.

Navy, flying a Douglas AD Skyraider and

he served as weapons officer on the U.S.S.

Midway during a deployment to Japan. He

joined the Naval Reserve in 1960, flying out

of Sand Point and Whidbey Island Naval Air

Stations, and retired in 1982 with the rank

of captain. In 1960, Don entered law school

at the University of Washington, and began

private practice in 1963, retiring in 2010.

Don was a member of the Northgate Rotary

Club, the Caribou Hunting and Fishing

Club, and the National Rifle Association,

and he supported charities assisting Native

Americans.

Don is survived by his wife Martha;

his ex-wife Victoria Isham; his children:

Brett, Brooke and Bryce Isham; and his

stepchildren Chap and Warren Taylor and

Martha Collins.

Richard “Dick” Tessier ’52Dick passed away on November 23rd.

Dick graduated from Seattle University in

1957 with a Bachelor Degree in Commercial

Science. He joined the ROTC and attained

the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Army

Reserves. While at Seattle U, he met Virginia

"Ginny" Stevens and they married June

4, 1958. In 1959, Dick started working at

Seafirst Bank/Bank of America and retired

in 1997 after 38 years of service. He held

a number of positions during his career

including Dexter Horton Branch, Industrial

Branch, Head Office, and Credit Manager of

Special Credits.

In 1962, Dick and Ginny moved from

Seattle to Kirkland, where they raised their

four children. Following Dick's retirement in

1997, Dick and Ginny built and moved to their

dream home at Wapato Point on Lake Chelan

in Manson, WA. Dick loved living there (busy

summers and quiet winters), spending time

with family and friends, boating, swimming,

golfing and snowshoeing. Dick was involved

in the community and was a member of

the Wapato Point Architectural Committee

and served on the Board of Division II

Homeowners Association. In 2012, Ginny

passed away, and in October 2014 Dick

moved back to the Seattle area to a retirement

home (Bellewood) in Issaquah to be closer to

his family.

Dick enjoyed coaching little league

baseball, following and watching Seattle's

sports teams, wine making with his banking

buddies, boating, fishing, traveling, collecting

antiques and art, reading and crossword

puzzles. Dick was an active parishioner of

the Catholic churches wherever he lived:

St Brendan (Bothell); St John Vianney

(Kirkland); St Francis de Sales (Chelan); and

Mary Queen of Peace (Sammamish).

Dick is survived by his children: Stephen,

Lori and David; and three granddaughters.

Dick is preceded in death by his wife Ginny

and son Mark.


James “Jim” Malneritch ’54Jim passed away on December 14th. He

was born Jan 17, 1937 to Martin and Helen

Malneritch. He was married to Patricia

Mullally for 55 years. Jim's Catholic faith and

his family were most important in his life.

He was preceded in death by his son Paul,

survived by his wife, Patty, his four children

and nine grandchildren.

Kenneth “Kenny” Flajole ’56Kenny passed away peacefully on October

26th. Kenny grew up in Bremerton and

commuted by ferry to Seattle Prep each day.

The friendships he made while attending

Prep were lifelong. Soon after graduation,

Kenny began a career at United Parcel

Service, where he would stay for 33 years. In

1959, he married the love of his life, Colleen

Moore, and they spent the next 57 years

together – never away from each other for

more than a few days at a time. Kenny will

be remembered for his quick wit, his home-

grown tomatoes, love of family and friends,

fondness of fishing and his dedication to the

Washington Huskies football program.

Kenny is survived by his wife Colleen, and

four children: Dennis, Brian, Theresa and

Douglas; nine grandchildren and one great-

grandson.

Thomas “Tom” McKay ’56 Tom passed away peacefully on Feb 28th.

He was the 12th of the 15 McKay children.

Like all of his siblings, he graduated from

Cathedral Grade School. He graduated from

Prep with honors in 1956. On graduation, he

joined the Jesuits, graduating from Gonzaga

University with honors in Philosophy,

English and Classical Languages in 1964.

After leaving the Jesuits in 1964, he stayed at

Gonzaga, receiving his Masters in Philosophy

in the summer of 1964.

In the ‘60s, Tom taught Philosophy at

Lewis College in Illinois, St Leo’s College

in Florida and Pacific Lutheran University

in Tacoma. From 1968 to 1976, Tom did

graduate studies in Philosophy at Tulane

University in New Orleans. There was a

break in his studies from 1970 to 1974 when

he returned to Seattle due to health problems.

He then went to Nome, AK and spent some

time there before returning again to Seattle.

After his studies, Tom was offered a position

teaching Latin in Arlington, VA. He taught

there until his retirement in 1991. During

this period, he earned many accolades from

parents and students alike.

Tom enjoyed spending time with his

students as well as his numerous nieces and

nephews. He traveled abroad as much as

possible, traveling to Europe and spending

time with his Irish nephews and niece when

they were growing up, and in later years with

their families. His brother, Victor, father of

the Irish McKays, had died suddenly leaving

a young family behind. Tom took a great

interest in their development and was like a

father figure to them.

In 2011, Tom returned to Seattle, settling

into Ida Culver House in Ravenna. There he

made many friends who will miss his unique

personality.

Michael “Mike” Salter Burris ’58Mike passed away at his home on February

11 surrounded by his loving family. Mike

was born in Minneapolis and moved with

his family to Seattle at age 10. He graduated

from Seattle Prep in 1958 and entered the

Jesuit Seminary the same year, intending to

fulfill a vocation as a priest. He earned his

degree from Gonzaga University, and had

ever since been a passionate follower of his

Zags' basketball program.

Mike began his teaching career at Jesuit

High School in Portland in 1968, while still

studying for the priesthood with the Society

of Jesus. In 1970, he decided to leave the

Society, prior to ordination.

He met and married Suzanne Koenig in

Portland, and in September 1972 they moved

to Seattle, when Mike accepted a teaching

position at John F. Kennedy Memorial High

School, where he would teach mathematics

for the next 42 years.

Mike's years at Kennedy were some of the

most fulfilling and meaningful times of his

life. Mr. Burris never thought of teaching

as "work" but rather as a labor of love. He

adored his job and was terribly fond of and

dedicated to the students he taught and the

friends he made, establishing relationships

that were treasured. He also enjoyed the

many summers spent working at Longacres

race track.

Mike is survived by Suzanne, his wife of

44 years; children: Christopher, Stephanie,

Matthew, Jennifer and Jonathan; and six

grandchildren.

Patrick “Pat” O’Brien ’59Pat passed away peacefully at home

February 3rd. Patrick graduated from Seattle

Prep and Seattle University and received a

Master's Degree in Education from Pacific

Lutheran University. He began his career in

education with the Bethel School District in

1965, where he was a teacher, principal and

district administrator. Upon retirement from

Bethel, Pat worked for the Steilacoom School

District as interim principal in various

schools and on many building projects. He

was an active member of WASA and Pierce County Principals' Association. He was also a member of Tacoma Country and Golf Club. Pat loved fishing, pheasant hunting, time spent in Hawaii and most of all his family

and friends.

Pat is survived by his wife of 50 years

Janet; children, Michael and Trish; and five

grandchildren.

John Logan ’60John passed away on Saturday September

6, 2014 with his family at his bedside. John

was a Road and Traffic Engineer for King

County for 30 years, retiring in 1992. He then

opened his own consulting business as an

expert witness, instructor and engineering

consultant and served on several national civil

engineering boards and committees. John

was a member of the Knights of Columbus

for over 50 years and Past Grand Knight K

of C - Council 676. In his semi-retirement

he owned and raced horses for the last ten

years at Emerald Downs with his partner

in crime Dino. With a sunny disposition


and a zest for life, a brilliant smile and those

bright blue Irish eyes, John always rooted

for the underdog. Two of his favorite sayings

were “You would know that if you read the

newspaper!” and “Silence is golden!”

John is survived by his wife Barbara

and children: John Joseph Logan, Jr. ’79,

Katherine Logan, Scott Stidell and Kimberley

Stidell. He is also survived by four

grandchildren, three great-grandchildren,

five nieces and nephews, and extended

family.

Gerald “Jerry” Lemmon ’62Jerry lived in Johnstown, CO and passed

away on September 18th. Jerry grew up and

resided in the Seattle area for most of his life,

attending Burien schools and then Seattle

Prep. Jerry worked at Unigard Insurance

in Seattle and Bellevue until moving to

Wisconsin in 2004.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sara Anne

(Evans); children: Mark, Douglas, Corinne

and Christina; and six grandchildren.

Eugene “Gene” McGrath ’62Gene passed away on September

12th. Gene completed 16 years of private education, graduating from Seattle Prep and Seattle University with a degree in Business and a Regular Commission in the US Army. He served in Vietnam as an Artillery Battery Commander and was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medals. After his military service, he had a 25 year career with US West Communications. Gene retired as the District Manager for Community Affairs for the Tacoma area in 1990. He and his wife, Cindy, moved to Southern Nevada in 1998 to enjoy the peace and beauty of the southwest desert. Gene also served on the boards of the Tacoma Rotary Club and the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, and was on the Parish Council of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Tacoma. In Pahrump, he was an active parish member in Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Gene is survived by his wife Cindy; children: Michelle, T. J., Keith and Scott; and

10 grandchildren.

Gregory “Greg” Rockwell ’62Greg passed away on October 25th in

Palo Alto, CA. Greg attended Seattle Prep, where he was student body president and continued on to Stanford University. He graduated from Willamette Law School and University of Washington’s Business School. Greg was appointed to serve on the Medical Disciplinary Board.

He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Wheatman Rockwell in 1969. They raised three sons and were married 46 years. Greg was very active in his Catholic faith. He loved daily Mass. In June 2006, he received Seattle Prep's Alumni Distinguished Service award. He shared his strong faith with his Jesuit priest friends. Greg was also involved in the Catholic Newman Center. Greg was a member of the Washington Bar Association, UW Club, Seattle Tennis Club and life member of the Seattle Yacht Club.

Greg is survived by his wife Mary, his mother Kathleen, his three sons, Mark, Ryan and Jamie; and four grandchildren. He also is survived by his siblings: Jim ’69, George, Lynn, Mary and Bobby.

Peter Grimm ’70Peter passed away on February 20, 2016.

He was born the middle son of nine brothers and raised on Capitol Hill with the other large Catholic families of the 50's, Peter developed a lifelong sense of the joy of the loyalty and inclusion that derive from team play. He never forgot those Jesuits who mentored him through his teen years at Seattle Prep and Seattle University ('74). He attended the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (now Midwestern University). It was during this period that he met, Dawn Winters and her daughter, Robyn Bell. They married and became a family in 1978.

After a residency in Radiation Oncology at UCLA, Peter was accepted to the Swedish Hospital Tumor Institute Group, and returned to his beloved Seattle in 1985.

When he returned to Seattle and his love of boating and fishing, Peter noticed a degradation of the fishing fields. He began raising salmon fry in incubators at his cabin on Hood Canal. He joined a consortium of fishermen, scientists, tribes, government entities and citizens known as the Hood

Canal Salmon Enhancement Group and later was honored to be on the board of Long Live the Kings, an organization that seeks to coordinate the efforts of salmon groups across the state.

Peter was a private practice physician who collaborated nationally and internationally with academic physicians and other clinical doctors to conduct research into the diagnosis and outcomes of prostate cancer treatment. His specialty was brachytherapy, a minimally invasive surgery that plants tiny short-lived radioactive seeds next to cancer cells. Introduced in Europe, he and his partner Dr. John Blasko of the Swedish Hospital Tumor Institute Group brought it to the United States and pioneered its development and implementation in the US in the late 80's.

In 2012, Peter left the group to establish the Prostate Cancer Treatment Center. Over his lifetime he personally treated more than 6,000 patients and trained more than 6,000 physicians in the procedure. He traveled throughout the world giving lectures, training, and consulting with policy makers in countries such as Japan, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Mexico, Argentina, and Spain. In addition to the numerous articles he published in scientific journals, he was the lead author of the Prostate Cancer Treatment Book, a handbook for patients with chapters written by an international expert in each treatment choice. He founded the Prostate Cancer Treatment Foundation, whose mission and purpose is to help patients make informed choices about treatment. Peter was granted three patented improvements that are in use today.

He was privileged to be asked onto the board of The Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, a new medical school starting up in Yakima. One of his proudest moments of 2015 was the graduation of the school's first contingent of medical students.

Peter is survived by his wife, Dawn, his son Justin ’99, his daughter Robyn (Bell) Vera ’93; three grandchildren; and his eight brothers: Thomas ’63, Robert, SJ ’65, Larry ’67, Gerry ’69, Chris ’73, Paul ’75, Scott ’76, Patrick ’ 77 and one sister, Suzie; as well as numerous nephews and nieces, many of whom are Prep alums or students.


SAVE THE DATE

P A N T H E RA L U M N IW E E K E N D

FRIDAY, JULY 22 6-8 P.M. Alumni & Friends Socialon the Seattle Prep CampusClass photos, campus tours and appetizers and beverages hosted by the Alumni Office.

SUNDAY, JULY 24 10:30 A.M. Golden Panther BrunchMass in Our Lady of Montserrat ChapelA special brunch will be offered for our Golden Panthers (Seattle Prep graduates of 50 years or more) in the Patricia & James Navone ’54 Great Room, hosted by the Alumni Association.

Welcome back to campus! Don’t miss Panther Alumni Weekend 2016. All alums are encouraged and welcome to attend. Make it a weekend to remember!

FOR MORE

INFORMATION VISIT

WWW.SEAPREP.ORG/

REUNIONS, CONTACT

THE ALUMNI OFFICE

AT (206) 577-2149,

OR EMAIL GARRETT

COOK, DIRECTOR OF

ALUMNI RELATIONS, AT

[email protected].

1931193619411946195119561961196619711976198119861991199620012006

HO

NO

RIN

G T

HE

CLA

SS

ES

OF

:

Friends:

Annabel Branigan, widow of Tom Branigan ’39

Eileen Brennan, wife of Robert Brennan ’59

Cecilia “Fritz” Carlson, mother of past trustee, Norton Carlson; grandmother of Craig Carlson ’83, Andy Carlson ’86 and Kathleen Carlson ’91

William David James Guppy, son of Paul Guppy ’77, nephew of Joe ’73, Tim ’79 and Mark ’80

Meg Healey Magee, mother of Kate Magee ’11 and Luke Magee ’13

Marian Martineau, widow of Napolean Martineau ’38

Sue Mecham, former Seattle Prep Development Office staff member; Managing Director of the Fulcrum Foundation

Cathleen Meyer-Parker, wife of Josh Parker ’46

Andy Royer, brother of Charlie Royer ’82 and Nancy (Royer) Lau ’83; uncle of Frances Royer ’18 and Chaz Royer ’19

Cecilia “CeCe” Ruttkay, mother of Brianna Ruttkay ’99 and Bryan Ruttkay ’99

Charlotte Ninneman Sollars, wife of John Sollars ’46, mother of Mark ’73 and John ’77

Jamie Stamper, brother of Geoff Stamper ’65 and Kevin Stamper ’66; uncle of Michaela Lynam ’11 and Natalie Lynam ’15

Dorothy Stitt, wife of Jim Stitt ’52; mother of Jim ’77

Mary Ellen Warfield, mother of Tom Warfield ’75 and Don Warfield ’83

Jerome Zech, father of Jerome ’70, Joe ’75, Jack ’77; grandfather of Ann ’00, Jerome ’02, Jessica ’09, Jennifer ’10, Meghan ’15 and Matt ’17

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING:Ben Mawhinney [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS: Garrett Cook [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT: Liz Brennan [email protected]

DESIGNER: Mathes Design

PRINTER: ColorGraphics

If you would like to send a letter to the editor, update your information, or contribute a written piece for consideration to Panther Tracks, please send the information to the address listed, or e-mail [email protected].

Seattle Prep is an inclusive community, and as such, publishes letters to the editor and class notes as submitted by our alumni and friends. These submissions do not necessarily represent the values or beliefs of Seattle Preparatory School.

Spring 2016Volume 25, Number 1

www.seaprep.org

Panther Tracks is published by:Seattle Preparatory SchoolKent Hickey, President2400 11th Avenue EastSeattle, WA 98102206-577-2141

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:

Jordan Alcantara ’10 [email protected]

Stephanie Benjamin [email protected]

Becky Burns [email protected]

Katrina Freeburg [email protected]

Shannon Hendricks [email protected]

PHOTO CREDITS: 2015-2016 Yearbook Staff, Michael Danielson Ben Mawhinney

FLAT IGGY

1. Cut out Flat Iggy.

2. Take Flat Iggy with you to work to oversee

your work productivity. Perhaps he

should sit at your dinner table to say the

blessing. Or, Flat Iggy could tag along on

your weekend trips or family gatherings.

Wherever you take Flat Iggy he will be

sure to brighten your day.

3. Mark the time you and Flat Iggy spend

together with pictures so you both have

keepsakes and memories that last a

life time. Then post on the Seattle Prep

Alumni Facebook page or share on Twitter

or Instagram with the hashtag #FlatIggy

or share at [email protected].

PanthersPREP

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSEATTLE, WA

PERMIT NO. 1082

2400 ELEVENTH AVENUE EAST

SEATTLE, WA 98102- 4098

www.seaprep.org

HOMECOMING 2015:

At the Homecoming festivities on October 16th, 2015, Panthers from many generations honored the life of former faculty and head football coach, Rollie Robbins. As a special tribute, Prep math teacher, freshman football coach and baseball coach Max Engel ’96, who played under Coach Robbins, performed the coin toss with his son, Reggie, and his newborn son Rollie, named after his former coach. The Panthers went on to beat the Bainbridge High School Spartans 28-7.

PARTING SHOT

Panther Tracks 2016 Spring Edition

Documents

Transcript of Panther Tracks 2016 Spring Edition