November 2022 | News for NDCP Alumni
“Live a good life, be kiND to others”-Brian Murray '03
On October 22, the Class of 1960 celebrated over 60 years of being a Don and its accomplishment in establishing an endowed scholarship for future Dons. Their celebration was hosted on campus with a Mass, tours of the school and a lunch provided by Tom Walter '65 of Tasty Catering. A special thank you Frank Corrado '60 and Ken Rusk '60 who assisted in the reunion planning, Tom Walter '65, who sponsored the lunch and to Joe Bilas '23 who conducted the tours.
“Because of Covid, the reunion was two years late, but very welcome. For the guys who couldn’t make it, we’re going to follow-up with a Zoom call at the end of November. Each of the 23 alums in attendance stood up and talked about what an important part ND has been in their lives. John Costello, a retired dentist from Chicago, had the group laughing with tales of student hijinks and faculty antics during the school’s early days.
In welcoming remarks, I was one of reunion’s organizers who told the group, ‘we’re here to celebrate the history and accomplishments of generations of people who have been part of Notre Dame. Our school is a proud place and we are proud of our part in making it so. We hold our heads up. We’ve run a good race and as we go forward into that good night, we still cheer the green and the white and we salute the Dons of Notre Dame.’” -Frank Corrado '60
"The spirit and love of ND endures for over 60 years. How great it was to pray and socialize with your classmates. Being a Don is very meaningful even after 60+ years. We remembered and prayed for those Dons who couldn't be there but wanted to be."
Respectfully, Ken Rusk '60, Ole#71
A special recognition goes to the Class of 1960 for establishing an endowed Class of 1960 Legacy Scholarship! Over $100,000 was raised by this class within a year. They rallied together over emails, phone calls and mailings as a way to reunite yet support NDCP during the COVID hiatus. As a result, they leave behind a class legacy for future Dons. Thank you Class of 1960 for your incredible accomplishment!
Veterans Mass and Military Wall Tribute
On November 13, we prayed in unity for our nation's veterans and honored our own military alumni by unveiling the latest names added to the NDCP Military Tribute Wall. A special thank you to the soccer program, which joined us in prayer, our celebrant Fr. Dan McCarthy, Deacon Jim Ernst '67, who assisted with Mass, the Niles Honor Guard, which presented the colors, Kappy's Restaurant, which donated the light refreshments and the Notre Dame students from Mr. Patrick Madigan's class, who wrote thank you cards for our Veterans.
Click HERE to view Photos
Peter Flanagan'59 USMC
Jon Ozog '59 USA
Donald Ryan, Jr.'59 USA
Hobie Jackson'60 USMC
Steve Lombardo'60USA
John Roberts, Jr.'60 USA
Robert Finch '61 USA
Dennis Murphy '61 USAF
Ed O'Gara III '61 USN
John Runtz '61 USA
John Semerau '61 USA
John Tarpey '61 USANG
Charles Keil '62 USA
Ronald Polakowski '62 USAF
John Thomas '62 USN
Robert Runtz '63 USA
Ronald Boncler' 64 USA
Alan Kei l'64 USA
Robert Swietek '64 USMC
Jerome Ryndak '65 USA
Joseph Hammes '66 USA
John Nelson '66 USA
Thomas Nelson '70 USMC
Lester Cisniewicz '72 USN
Michael Grudzien' 72 USMC
Scott Davis '90 USAF
Nick Georgoulis '91 USMC
Steven Lewis '05 USAF
Kevin Kukla '15 USMC
Brendan Sanders '16 USMC
Lucas Tyler '20 USANG
On October 29, family, friends and NDCP staff celebrated and honored the 2022 Hall of Honor inductees for their support, commitment and service to NDCP; Bill Starr '64, Mike Marrese '73, Steve Jankowski '94 and Kevin Clancy '98.
Congratulations to these outstanding alumni. Their heartfelt speeches clearly emphasized their deserving recognition and the significance Notre Dame has on their lives. A special thank you to Brian Mulcrone '64 who assisted with the photos.
Click HERE to view photos
Click on their images to hear their induction speeches
On October 26 and November 9 alumni returned to campus to offer offer college, personal and professional advice for current students as part of the Lifetime Learning Program. This unique mentoring program pays tremendous dividends to current Dons as they learn first-hand experiences and advice from highly successful NDCP alums. This one of a kind mentoring program for the current Dons offers them the essential life skills to lead a fulfilling life.
The Lifetime Learning Program is seeking additional alumni mentors for next year. If you are interested in sharing your words of wisdom, professional experience, and life skills, please contact Andy Pope '77, Lifetime Learning Organizer at andypope@sbcglobal.net
Click Here to view photos
Athletic Wall of Fame Nominations
The Athletic Wall of Fame nominations are now OPEN! To nominate a stellar alumni athlete, go to https://www.nddons.org/WoFnomination. Deadline for submission is 12/16.
Ceremony details coming soon!
A Message from Coach Hennessey
regarding 2022 Turkey Bowl
ND Football Alums,
First it was Covid (2020), then it was practice for the Prep Bowl (2021) - two years without the famous Alumni Turkey Bowl has put it on the back burner. For a few other reasons, like safety and month-long aches and pains, we have decided to close the book on the Turkey Bowl for 2022.
Many have participated - thank you so much, and many have donated money to the Coaches Scholarship Fund - thanks so much for your support over the years. We need your support NOW with a new project. Please check into the "Giving Tuesday" Project and donate to the New Legends' Field Turf on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Take Care, Mike Hennessey
Shay Boyle's November Message to the NDCP Families
Dear Notre Dame Family,
This has been an epic fall to celebrate the accomplishments of our Dons and athletic teams. At every turn, there is great news! READ MORE.
This year Giving Tuesday will be part of the RENEW LEGENDS campaign for the replacement of our current football, soccer and lacrosse turf field. We challenge every class from 1958-1999 to raise $10,000 per class and every class from 2000-2010 to raise $5000 per class. Whether you were an athlete or not, the history made at Legends Field during your time at NDCP was felt by all of us. Help us to continue to make history and best support our Dons.
Attention Class of 2002! Your 20th class reunion is December 3 at Moretti's Edison Park! Registration is open! RSVP HERE. Fellow classmates, Mike Pisula and Alex Palmeri are spearheading a 20-year reunion. It's time to reunite!
Al
On November 2, 2022, Notre Dame College Prep hosted an alumni panel during the Hesburgh Scholar meeting, which consisted of five amazing alumni from various professions.
They were a phenomenal group of presenters that had great advice to offer the current Hesburgh students. Thank you to the fellow Hesburgh alumni who participated in the panel discussion. Click Here to read some of the transcript from the panel discussion.
Calling all Hesburgh Alums! After the successful Hesburgh Alumni panel earlier this month, the Hesburgh program wants to highlight more of you! Please fill out this short form so we can learn what you have been up to since graduating from Notre Dame. We would love to highlight you in the Hesburgh Program.
Notre Dame College Prep Elects Three Alumni to Board of Directors Notre Dame College Prep is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Bontempo (‘02), Tom Draths (‘03) and Fr. Brendan McAleer, C.S.C. (‘07)
to the school’s Board of Directors.
Jim Larocca '66, a former U.S. ambassador, was elected Chair of the Board of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) in Alexandria, VA, which is administered by United Way. As president of the Basilica of Saint Mary St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) in Alexandria, the 42 volunteers of this group became recognized as "first responders" during the Covid outbreak. The SVdP Society provided over a million dollars of financial support to needy families between April 2020 and September 2022. In addition, Jim was awarded an Honorary Ph.D. for Public Service by the University of Portland, another Holy Cross educational institution.
Congratulations to Dave Kasper '60 and his wife, Carol who were named the 2021-22 "Family of the Year” by the Knights of Columbus #10540 St. Anne’s Parish, Gilbert, AZ. Dave's family was chosen from 325 families. They were recognized for their work in the Luggage Project for foster care children. Typically, the children who enter into foster care have to quickly collect their belongings which resorts to putting their personal items into plastic garbage bags. This gently used Luggage Project can provide dignity and self esteem for them during a traumatic time. There are 15,000 children in foster care in Arizona and this Project was generously accepted by all Knights throughout state of AZ.
NDCP Football Watch Party
A big shout out to John Eshoo '92 of Jet's Public House for hosting the NDCP vs St. Ignatius Football Game Watch Party. His place was packed with ND fans for the IHSA Elite 8 playoff game. Even though the game did not end in ND's favor, it was a great showing of NDCP spirit and support for the Dons.
Looking for gift ideas for your favorite Don? Look no further! 10% Off Everything Code: GIFT
Limited Time Only! Get your order in by 11/28 for a Christmas delivery! To order, go to https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/illinois/niles/notre-dame-college-prep
Get Your
ND Dons Flag
Show your school spirit with an ND Dons flag! Great for tailgates, man caves and college dorms! To purchase a ND flag, visit www.nddons.org/NDCPflag. Please order by 12/15 for Christmas delivery. Supplies are limited!
Matt Patek’s '03 small company, American Vintage Manufacturing makes faux vintage signage at their Wisconsin workshop. The perfect Christmas gift for any ND alum!! Get your Honorary Notre Dame Dons Way signs in either Green or Blue at the link below. 20% of sales will be donated back to NDCP!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmericanVintageMfg
Email: Matt@americanvintagemfg.com
Congratulations to our newest National Honor Society members! The NHS Induction Ceremony was held on October 24, where 47 inductees and their families gathered in the Chapel and later enjoyed dinner celebrating these individuals' outstanding scholarship, service, leadership, character.
Burke Scholar Video
Here's another video highlighting the greatness of the NDCP Burke Program. This video was presented at the 2022 Burke Scholar Event. Over 300 guests attended the Burke Scholar Event on November 5. It was an outpouring of ND pride, love and generosity. Click HERE to view the video.
Video produced by Peter Maniscalco '10, NDCP Creative Content & Social Media Associate
NDCP Business Sponsorship
Do you own a business or a service and would like to promote your business to the NDCP community? Consider becoming a NDCP Business Sponsor. This program, which can give your business great marketing exposure at a reasonable cost even in today's current business climate. All who are interested, please contact Mike Marrese '73 (847-779-8665) or email mmarrese@nddons.org
Catholic Foresters offers competitive life insurance and savings plans to Notre Dame College Prep alumni, parents, students and staff, providing investments in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Catholic Foresters can help Notre Dame or your favorite Catholic Charity by naming them as the beneficiary of their Fraternal Legacy Rider which pays an additional 5% in tax free death benefits to the Catholic Charitable Organization of your choice.
For more information, go to http://www.catholicforester.org/