2024 President's Impact Report

Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81

President

Bro. Joseph Bellizzi, S.M. ’78

Principal

Brian Crimmins ’95

Chief Operating Officer

Chris Hanley ’80

Executive Director of Advancement

Deborah Kendric P ’22

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

Guy LaCognata ’15

Director of Communications and Marketing

Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M. ’59

Director Emeritus of Development and Alumni Relations

Mary Naglia

Creative Lead

Jenna Bianco

Graphic Design Assistant

Element Media

Photography

Patrick Reichart '01

Peter Vanderberg

William Clemens '14

Joseph Caso

Michael Bruno '90

Contributors

Office of Advancement

(516) 742-5555 ext. 444

Office of Communications and Marketing

(516) 742-5555 ext. 492

President's Letter

Dear Chaminade Family,

A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives. JACKIE ROBINSON

One of the favorite parts of my job is visiting with the various alumni chapters throughout the country. Sure, sometimes the travel is a pain, but the connections and relationships with our alumni that I get to experience far outweigh any travel woes!

Whether it is a conversation with an older alumnus about his days at Chaminade or recounting a story from class with an alumnus I taught, or sharing a long overdue thanks to a student that made a difference here – there is a commonality to every conversation I have at these alumni events. The shared brotherhood that every alumnus has is sometimes hard to put into words, but for those who walked these hallowed halls at 340 Jackson Avenue, it is palpable. Behind all the stories, the conversations, and the friendships is the enduring impact that Chaminade High School has had on thousands of lives. I have been blessed and humbled these past 42 years to witness that impact in so many ways.

You have heard me say before that the Chaminade experience is relational, it’s about people. From your first day here as a student and for the ensuing years beyond your graduation, the relationship endures and grows. These relationships fuel and energize the impact we have every day both here on our campus and extending around the world, wherever our Flyers find themselves.

This is Chaminade’s first impact report – and it will be an annual publication. Different from the regular Chaminade News, the impact report will enable us to step back each year and witness to the various ways Chaminade has impacted the lives of so many in the Chaminade Family and beyond. You will be able to read about the impact our faculty, current parents, CAPA, and alumni are all having within the walls and outside the walls of Chaminade every day.

In this issue, you will read about an initiative that I am personally so proud of, the Flyer Partnership Program, and the impact this program is having in our school and beyond. You will read about two very dear couples who have had a collective impact on Chaminade that knows no bounds. They are an inspiration to all of us! You will read about the academic and athletic achievements of our students – they continue to inspire me!

Paraphrasing the great Jackie Robinson, Chaminade is important because of the impact it has on so many lives. Thank you for continuing to make a difference in our world and enabling us to have an impact for our students during their four years here and beyond – an impact that is truly transformational!

Go Flyers!

The Epitome of Impact

It’s a refrain he has repeated countless times over the last two-and-a-half decades:

A man stood near the water. One of his feet was in a boat; the other still on the dock.

In order to get in the boat, he had to step forward. He had to commit.

Since 1999, Bro. Joseph Bellizzi, S.M. ’78, has shared this image with thousands of students, parents, and faculty members. It’s an easy analogy to appreciate when you consider its source. “Bro. Joe has embodied that man in the boat for more than the last 25 years,” said President Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81. “His total commitment to the mission of Chaminade High School is seen clearly in his consistency of service. He has dedicated his life to this – to us.”

In his tenure as principal, Bro. Joe oversaw a period of remarkable expansion. Significant campus additions such as the PFC, AAC, and Dolan Family Science, Technology, and Research Center complemented the implementation of more technologically modern learning environments and greatly expanded course offerings.

All the while, Bro. Joe kept the boat steady and sailing forward.

“Standards matter to him – he is a detail-oriented man and leader,” added Bro. Tom, who is Chaminade’s president and worked closely with Bro. Joe for the last 13 years. “His ability to think through various scenarios and potential solutions has been a huge benefit. As a result, Chaminade has enjoyed a period of remarkable growth and progress.”

Such advancement has been one of the many products of Bro. Joe’s unassailable work ethic. Consider this recent day of leisure:

“First, there was the setup for the next day’s communion breakfast,” recalled Chaplain Fr. Peter Heiskell, S.M. ’86. “Then, we headed over to Hofstra to watch the Varsity Basketball Team win the championship. Right after that, we had a meeting here on campus, and he went straight from that to a CAPA dinner before catching the school play…”

“All of this time, he’s dressed in a suit…” said a smiling Fr. Peter, who paused before adding, “…and this was on a Saturday.”

In his new role as provincial of the Province of Meribah, Bro. Joe’s weekends are likely to remain similarly active, but he is confident Chaminade’s next principal, Mr. Robert Paul ’92, is more than capable of executing the responsibilities of the office.

“He is totally ready,” said Bro. Joe. “There is no doubt that Bob is going to do a great job. Appointing our school’s first lay principal is a milestone consistent with the teachings of our founder, Fr. Chaminade, who relied heavily on laypeople to defend and promulgate the faith, as seen in the importance he placed on the formation of sodalities.”

Bro. Joe’s impact extended far beyond the doors of the principal’s office, as he established genuine, personal connections with countless students, parents, and faculty members through the years.

(If you see “Wednesday” and think, “Smile Day,” you’re one of them!)

“He understands people and makes them feel comfortable,” said Fr. Peter, who will serve as the new assistant provincial alongside Bro. Joe. “He puts the faith out there. Every day, dozens of students he taught as freshmen flash him the peace sign as they walk into the building – his exegesis! He is always so creative and positive.” “Brother Joe leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment and transformative leadership that has profoundly shaped the fabric of Chaminade,” reflected Mr. Paul, who has served as the school’s assistant principal of academics since 2017. “His tireless efforts have shaped our institution's course and inspired a culture of excellence and commitment that will resonate for years to come."

“I have never seen Bro. Joseph turn anyone away,” added Mrs. Carolyn Doodian, who is Bro. Joe’s administrative assistant. “No matter how busy he is, his door is always open for faculty, students, and staff. He is always ready to listen and give good advice on how to solve issues.”

As Bro. Joe begins to chart the course for the future of the province, he offered one last reflection on the labor of love that was his past quarter century: “It was a joy. It was a joy to work with everyone – faculty, staffs, administrators, parents, students – everyone. I was able to witness so much good from so many people in so many different ways. For that, I will always be grateful,” he said.

Since 1930, our faith-filled mission is to provide the Chaminade experience to as many qualified young men as possible.

PRESIDENT BRO. THOMAS J. CLEARY, S.M. '81

Each day, 1700 young men travel from across Long Island, New York City, and New Jersey to benefit from that experience.

• Albertson

• Amityville

• Astoria

• Atlantic Beach

• Auburndale

• Babylon

• Baldwin

• Bay Shore

• Bayside

• Bayville

• Beechhurst

• Belle Harbor

• Bellerose

• Bellmore

• Bethpage

• Bloomfield

• Blue Point

• Bohemia

• Breezy Point

• Brentwood

• Brightwaters

• Brooklyn

• Calverton

• Carle Place

• Center Moriches

• Centerport

• Central Islip

• Cold Spring Harbor

• Commack

• Copiague

• Coram

• Deer Park

• Dix Hills

• Douglaston

• E Atlantic Beach

• East Islip

• East Meadow

• East Moriches

• East Northport

• East Norwich

• East Rockaway

• East Williston

• Elmont

• Farmingdale

• Farmingville

• Floral Park

• Flushing

• Forest Hills

• Franklin Square

• Freeport

• Fresh Meadows

• Garden City

• Glen Cove

• Glen Head

• Glendale

• Glenwood Landing

• Great Neck

• Great River

• Greenlawn

• Greenvale

• Halesite

• Hampton Bays

• Hauppauge

• Hempstead

• Hewlett

• Hewlett Neck

• Hicksville

• Holbrook

• Hollis

• Holtsville

• Howard Beach

• Huntington

• Huntington Station

• Inwood

• Island Park

• Islip

• Jackson Heights

• Jamaica

• Jericho

• Kings Park

• Kings Point

• Lake Grove

• Lattingtown

• Lawrence

• Levittown

• Lido Beach

• Lindenhurst

• Little Neck

• Lloyd Harbor

• Locust Valley

• Long Beach

• Lynbrook

• Madison

• Malba

• Malverne

• Manhasset

• Manhasset Hills

• Manorville

• Maspeth

• Massapequa

• Massapequa Park

173

DIFFERENT CITIES/ TOWNS

• Medford

• Melville

• Merrick

• Middle Village

• Mill Neck

• Miller Place

• Mineola

• Mount Sinai

• Neponsit

• Nesconset

• New Hyde Park

• New York

• North Babylon

• North Baldwin

• North Bellmore

• North Hills

• North Massapequa

• North Merrick

• Northport

• Oakdale

• Oakland Gardens

• Oceanside

• Old Bethpage

• Old Brookville

• Old Westbury

• Oyster Bay

• Patchogue

• Plainview

• Plandome

• Point Lookout

• Port Washington

• Port Jefferson

• Port Jefferson Station

• Queens Village

• Rego Park

• Richmond Hill

• Rockaway Park

• Rockaway Point

• Rockville Centre

• Roosevelt

• Roslyn

• Roslyn Heights

• Saint James

• Sands Point

• Sayville

• Sea Cliff

• Seaford

2 STATES

• Setauket

• Shirley

• Smithtown

• Sound Beach

• South Hempstead

• Southampton

• Springfield

• Stewart Manor

• Stony Brook

• Syosset

• Uniondale

• Valley Stream

• Wading River

• Wantagh

• West Babylon

• West Hempstead

• West Islip

• Westbury

• Westhampton Beach

• Whitestone

• Williston Park

• Woodbury

• Woodmere

• Woodside

The Chaminade Experience is Global

A humble beginning of a 145 young men in 1930 has transformed the lives of tens of thousands across the world. Our vast network of 22,000+ alumni has landed in all 50 states and 19 countries all over the world.

50 STATES

19 COUNTRIES

A Community Built on Generosity

We must courageously modify methods and forms that have nothing about them that is immutable in order to adapt to the varying needs of time, place, and customs.

BLESSED WILLIAM JOSEPH CHAMINADE

The transformative power of a Chaminade education is renown. And since its founding, Long Island area families have found a way to send their boys here. We have always been a community of students and families making sacrifices for the Chaminade experience. This is as true today as it has ever been.

But some things at Chaminade are not as they always have been. For several years now, the school has successfully transformed to a faculty and administration of both Marianist and lay educators. In its early years, Chaminade benefited from the “living endowment” in the form of dozens of brothers and priests serving the school. Today, there are 14 Marianists living at Chaminade, with lay men and women filling many of the faculty and staff positions. So too has the academic experience transformed; the dynamic interactive programs amount to an exceptional, modern academic experience which include an incredible number of nine PhDs on faculty facilitating it.

What do these changes mean for the continuation of our community’s legacy?

We remain committed to offering our students the best educational experience possible, constantly improving curriculum content and programs. We invest in technology-supported learning and in attracting and retaining top faculty talent. We invest in an athletic program that fields the largest number of participating men’s sport teams on Long Island. We invest in over 50 clubs and activities that allow our students to develop their wide array of talents. We invest in the spiritual development of our students through our active campus ministry activities and retreat houses.

Delivering on these commitments, investments and maintenance of our first class campus facilities comes at significant and continually rising costs. The Administration and Board of Advisors focus their efforts on balancing the ongoing need to enhance the Chaminade experience while keeping tuition as affordable as possible. The tuition for the 2024-25 academic year will be $17,300, a 5.9% increase from last year. We understand the challenge that presents to many Chaminade families. The quality of a Chaminade education over the years has consistently improved while holding tuition reasonable versus the broader education market. It is an administrative and philanthropic triumph! Today, for Chaminade, philanthropy is as important as it has ever been.

History of Impact

For many decades, philanthropy has played a profound role in Chaminade’s continuing evolution, beginning in earnest with the establishment of the Torch Fund, the foundation of Chaminade’s fundraising efforts, in 1987 and in 1998 with Chaminade’s first capital campaign, Challenge 2000: Opening the Door to Opportunity. By building relationships based on trust, Chaminade has shown its donors that the school truly is the most impactful place for them to focus their philanthropy. They’ve seen what their money does here; it builds and sustains our community.

Most of us are aware that one of the most consequential functions of the Torch Fund is to keep the life-changing experience

that is a Chaminade education accessible to families. In its first year, the fund provided $60,000 in total to offset tuition by approximately $35 per student. Now 37 years later, the fund contributes almost $4 million annually to offset operational expenses which would otherwise be passed on to parents as tuition increases. In fact, over the past 15 years, the Torch Fund has contributed an annual average of almost 11% of the operating budget in order to hold tuition costs down. As we face increasing operating costs, maintaining the level of budget support, via the Torch Fund, will continue to be a major organizational need and priority.

As Chaminade’s educational programming has become more sophisticated, so too has its funding model and the Torch Fund is a mechanism for doing decidedly more than maintaining affordability.

While the Torch Fund does empower the school to give young people a chance at an outstanding education, some of whom never would have had one otherwise, it also allows us to innovate programmatically, to keep faculty pay exceptionally competitive in a market that includes the highest-paid teachers in the country, to make extensive campus improvements, to grow our curriculum, to update and enhance technology, to fund athletic programs, and to offer expansive extracurricular programs in areas ranging from woodworking to spiritual retreats to aviation.

It is philanthropy – through the Torch Fund and the handful of campaigns that we’ve successfully completed – that enables Chaminade to not only meet our current needs but to plan, ambitiously, for the future. It is both a crucial aspect of our everyday revenue structure (tuition does not equal the cost of running Chaminade) and the lever that emboldens big progress. It is essential.

Strategic Investments

To date, we have leveraged the philanthropy so generously entrusted to the school to make strategic investments to ensure Chaminade continues to meet an outstanding academic standard, as well as to nurture mind, body, and soul. We have met the “living endowment” of our Marianists brothers and priests with its necessary counterpart: a dynamic financial endowment. Leveraging both, we have been a community at its best, strategically investing and activating financial contributions based on the needs of our community, immediate and long term.

By June 30, 2024, the Torch Fund will have cumulatively contributed $115 million to Chaminade, $53 million towards tuition support and $62 million in facilities expansion and development. Donors can readily see that as our endowment grows over time, it is also has positive impacts on our current needs.

In addition to the Torch Fund support to the school, our scholarship programs today provide more than 200 students with close to $2 million in financial aid (fewer than five years ago, the number of students served was significantly lower).

Arguably, the most significant change to the level of accessibility of the school from a financial perspective in decades, Access for All was a tremendous solution, but of course, when the vision for it came into focus, the school had then to figure out how to finance it. Yet, once again, as soon as we began to ask, we were overwhelmed by the community’s response. Chaminade alumni and CAPA have made extraordinary gifts to the fund helping to raise the initial $30 million – each precious, each making an unequivocal and life-long difference for young students on Long Island and the surrounding areas who might never have applied due to the financial circumstances of their families.

Always Grateful, Never Complacent

Where Chaminade High School sits was once a potato field. The school’s founding Marianist brothers and priests built much of the school with their own hands and will power. Athletic teams of the late 70s will recall that, during practice twice a week, they moved bricks for the brothers’ construction of the swimming pool. Most alumni will recall the Marianists efforts with woodworking which are still present throughout the campus.

Across our history, when the school community has to construct a swimming pool, to build new classrooms, to build an athletic center, a stadium, a Science Center – it has been possible because of the commitment of the community. And because of philanthropy.

Today, as the pace of change in the world continues to accelerate, it’s clear Chaminade must be nimble and responsive to ensure our community is able to thrive regardless of what the future may hold. Philanthropy directed toward the school enables exactly that. These are gifts not just of money, but of time and talent, and Chaminade intends to cherish and honor them by continuing to pursue an ambitious agenda for its future.

At Chaminade, we believe in and pursue continuous forward movement. It is, and has always been, our community and donors who allow that to happen.

The Crimson & “Gold” Standard

Investing in Academics

Chaminade’s approach to its academic formation of young men has always rooted itself in the treatment of the entire self: mind, body, heart, and soul. Throughout the school’s history, the academics have continued to meet the challenges of a changing world while remaining steadfast in the founding mission of excellence. What does a Chaminade graduate look like in four years? This question, among many others, inspires a roadmap for every Chaminade man who progresses through four years of academic achievement. Investing in our students means investing in all aspects of their education.

“We are always cognizant of the balance made between innovation and preserving the spirit of the Chaminade mission,” reflects Mr. Grey Kay ’98, assistant principal for curriculum and technology.

“The vision of what we want young men to leave Chaminade with is at the forefront of every consideration made in the development of our academic program.”

“We hope students use their Chaminade education as a conduit into exploring their own interests and specialities," adds Mr. Bob Paul ’92, assistant principal of academics, “to find those passions through opportunities across all academic disciplines. We want students to be able to create connections between disciplines and have the tools to reach out to alumni in those fields of interest.”

To invest in Chaminade's academics means to grow a learning community that goes beyond the high school years. Students have, at their fingertips, an alumni network of invested academics and professionals willing to cultivate learning opportunities for students.

“We have a huge academic wellspring of connected alumni," states Mr. Kay. “With our over 90-year legacy, students are given a network of connections in almost every kind of field of study.”

To invest in academics at Chaminade means also investing in teachers and professional development. “Our focus is always the students,” explains Mr. Paul ’92. “But our biggest investment is the teachers. We need to invest in our teachers, forever.”

“Investing in professional development has many parts,” states Mr. Robert O’Keefe ’04, director of instruction. “There is a financial and personnel allocation necessary to create practical pedagogical improvement. This has come in the form of the Instructional Design Team, or IDT for short. IDT has worked with the broader faculty to raise our already high instructional standards.”

“IDT supports teachers through targeted conversations around pedagogy, which includes strategies on assessments and in-class activities,” adds Mrs. Michelle Cicillini, a coaching member of IDT. “I find my own teaching practices uniquely benefit from these conversations with my peers.”

WHEN TEACHERS COLLABORATE, STUDENTS BENEFIT.

“Professional development for our teachers benefits their own classroom techniques allowing them to become more effective in adjusting to new changes and challenges in 21st-century learning,” adds Mrs. Colleen Aprile, a member of the IDT.

Investing in Chaminade academics means always leaning into both legacy and innovation. “We have seen significant curricular evolution, including more rigorous and specialized coursework,” says Mr. O’Keefe. “Our instructional practices, specifically the manner by which we as a faculty create rigor and build support in the classroom, have changed drastically. We are a far more agile, adaptive, and intentional faculty. Our motto, Fortes in Unitate, has never been truer in the classroom. We recently received the highest College Board distinction as a Platinum Honor Roll School in the Class of 2023, which testifies to the dynamism of our efforts.”

Whether it be grappling with scientific or historical inquiry, Chaminade students invest their time in diverse, innovative, and intentional academic pursuits that create, for them, a voice in the global learning community. “We are always looking forward to what ways new academic programming can benefit our students,” states Mr. Kay. One such preliminary enterprise is the use of “Shared Studios,” interactive portals where students can connect with students from all over the world in real time through interactive lessons in language, history, citizenship, and science. Through new opportunities that connect students to other learning communities, we help our Chaminade Flyers break out of the proximity of understanding and step into the world of learning.

The Marianist hallmark of top-notch, faith-based education continues to thrive. The academics at Chaminade will never stop innovating and changing to meet the needs of the students growing into the world as men of faith, intention, and wisdom. Investing in academics means more than investing in programs or activities, but investing in the lives of all those a part of the shared mission of excellence.

Decades of Dedication

Chairman of the Board of Advisors Reflects on Chaminade’s History

It was a bit more than half a century ago – 1965 or 1966. Sock hops were out, mop tops were in, and entomology was the farthest thing from anyone’s mind when the talk turned to Beatles.

It was in 103 – one of those classrooms off the main hallway that looks out on Jackson Avenue.

It was during a Latin II class taught by Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M. ’59.

It was Dick Kearns, a 15-year-old rhythm guitarist from East Williston, who thought it appropriate to offer his two cents to the second-year Marianist educator:

“Bro. Hartz, I can’t help but notice that your brand-new loafers are missing their pennies,” explained the solemn sophomore. “So, I wanted to give you a couple of shiny new ones for your shoes.”

Silent for an instant, the room exploded in laughter as a smile crept across Bro. Richard’s face.

For the young Bro. Richard, it was among the first of countless classroom interruptions he would encounter over the decades.

For Kearns, it was among the first in a lifetime of contributions to Chaminade.

“I can’t imagine our lives without Chaminade,” admitted Mo Kearns, Dick’s wife of 55 years. “We dated throughout high school – those were our formative years. I look back on that time and remember having so much fun. The foundations of so many lifelong friendships can be traced back to those years at Chaminade.”

After graduating from St. Bonaventure University, newlyweds Dick and Mo moved into their first home on Wellington Road, just a few blocks from Chaminade’s campus. Frequently, Bro. Richard (now clad in sneakers) would wave hello to the young couple as he passed by their home while on one of his notorious neighborhood jaunts.

In 1986, shortly after becoming a partner at Price Waterhouse, Dick was approached and asked to take a more active role at Chaminade – namely, as president of the Alumni Association. At the time, the Golf and Tennis Open was the primary source of fundraising for the school, but a more comprehensive program (which would ultimately become the Torch Fund) was starting to take shape.

“The golf outing pushed it all in the early years,” recalled Kearns, fondly reminiscing about the trips notable alum Dick Haverland ’59 would take to Long Island for the annual event. “He would come up from Princeton every year to play in the outing; he was so loyal – what drove him to do that? The dedication that so many of our alumni have to one another and to Chaminade is remarkable.”

Over the years, Kearns believes that it has been this combination of consistency and care that has fueled Chaminade’s advancement.

“From the start, our alumni have been just so positive,” said Dick. “In recent decades, Chaminade has been able to grow bigger, bolder, and better. Each step has given us more confidence to try the next big thing, whatever that may be – and the Torch Fund has fueled it all.”

In his role as chairman of the Board of Advisors – a title he has held since 1992 – Dick has played a key role in the expansion of Chaminade’s campus and course offerings.

“It’s easy to see the fundraising impact when you look at an aerial view of our footprint – all 10 buildings,” he admitted. “But there has also been a significant return on other investments in the school – such as technology in the classroom and compensation for faculty and staff.”

In recent years, the Executive Committee members of the Board of Advisors have played a crucial role in Chaminade’s growth, partnering with the school’s administration to help manage $35 million in revenue, 200+ employees, multiple facilities, and an $80 million endowment. From Dick’s perspective, the secret to Chaminade’s success is its continued status as a “big, family business.”

“The hard work and unselfishness of so many key advisors have allowed us to ensure the welfare of Chaminade,” he explained.

“This shared vision has brought us so many ideas and motivated more people to get involved. For years, we have been blessed to have the support of alumni like Dick Haverland and Lou Gerstner ’59. Now, we see the torch being passed to the next generation – alumni like Kevin Conway ’76 and Neil Fitzpatrick ’91.”

Through the years, the bonds between the Kearns and Chaminade families have grown quite deep – a fortification perhaps best exemplified by the close relationship Dick and Mo share with the Marianist Community.

“The Marianists are our family, and we are theirs. They are at every family event,” said Dick, who counts two sons (Brian ’91 and Greg ’94) and three grandsons (Ryan Urkiel ’08, Brendan Kearns ’20, and Liam Kearns ’24) as fellow graduates.

“They are just the best – the Marianists understand that spirituality is important, but so is having a balance and finding time to enjoy life,” added Mo, the niece of noted Chaminade track and field stars Jerry (’48) and Jim “Spike” Daly (’52). “And if it’s not fun, we aren’t interested in doing it!” she added.

“To say that Mo and Dick Kearns have had a massive influence on Chaminade High School would be an understatement,” said school President Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81. “They bleed Crimson and Gold! Their relationship with Chaminade has been on all levels. They have been dear friends of the Marianist Community for decades, strong backers of the Torch Fund, advocates for our mission, and, most importantly, they have provided clear guidance and direction to Chaminade High School, particularly in Dick’s role as chairman of the board for over three decades.”

Though supporting and shepherding Chaminade through the years has proven quite edifying, the Kearns’ vision remains focused on the future.

“As we start traveling down the ‘tarmac’ leading to our 100th anniversary in 2030, we must recognize that this is both a celebration and an opportunity,” explained Dick. “Our alumni are just so positive; their passion for Catholic education is deeply rooted. It is their support that allows Chaminade to thrive, not simply survive. It’s invigorating.”

“We are just so lucky to have experienced it,” added Mo. “It’s indescribable. You can’t help but leave Chaminade with a sense of belonging, and as a result of that, you never truly leave.”

Nearly six decades removed from their encounter in Latin II class, Bro. Richard smiled as looked back on his many years alongside Dick and Mo.

“Their capabilities distinguish them,” he reflected. “They are incredibly astute, especially in business and finance, but it is their total commitment to Chaminade High School which has stood out over the years.”

“Their value is incalculable.”

Going for the Gold!

Athletics Raise the Bar in Sportsmanship

Everything speaks. Perhaps one of the first things prospective and returning students alike notice about Chaminade when they arrive on campus is the expansive athletic fields surrounding the school. From Gold Star Stadium to the subtle archway of the Activity-Athletic Center rising over Jericho Turnpike, the grounds of Chaminade exude an air of athletic intentionality characteristic of a thoroughly-spirited Marianist institution. Over 50% of the student body is involved in at least one sport, many participating in more than one sport every year.

Mr. John Honerkamp ’93, Chaminade’s athletic director, reflects on the importance of a comprehensive athletic program in forming young boys into men of honor. “My job is to serve the mission of the school, making sure all our student-athletes are able to grow on and off the field. We do this by always asking critical questions about how we can provide to our students: What does legacy mean in the athletic world? How can our athletic program contribute to the formation of our students into everything they hope to be?

Athletics has a unique chance to balance drive with affirmation, risk with refreshment, challenge with triumphs.”

By sending their sons to Chaminade, families not only give them access to facilities specifically designed to cater to their athletic needs but also invest in an expansive coaching program. “We truly believe that students can only grow surrounded by coaches and mentors ready and willing to walk with students through both the challenges and successes of a fitness program.”

“Our dedicated coaches, many of whom work simultaneously as teachers and homeroom moderators, really dedicate themselves to the team,” recalls Honerkamp. “Under their direction and support, teams rise to the occasion together, navigate losses together, and form a familial spirit necessary to engage with life beyond Chaminade.”

As Chaminade has grown, so has athletic programming. With the most recent addition of rugby to its sports offering, the athletic department fosters a sense of continuing education for student

and alumni athletes. “We have come to really tap into the wisdom and experience of our alumni athletes,” states Honerkamp. “A lot of our coaches share in partnership with the mission of building the strength of all students. Some of our coaches have been here for many years, a testament to how community-oriented our program has been and continues to be. Coaches, staff, and trainers alike contribute to the larger sense of community in the Chaminade athletics program, a program that would not function without the resources necessary to provide for all involved.

,

Training for a sport does not limit itself to strength and agility on the field. “Now more than ever, we have the resources to cultivate healthy habits for our students,” states Honerkamp. “With Lessing's Hospitality at the helm of our new cafeteria services, we are looking at how to bring more students opportunities for sports nutrition.”

The legacy of Chaminade athletics involves many generations of students and alumni, each returning across all three seasons to support and cheer for the Flyers. “We are working constantly on ways of imagining our current athletic endeavors within the historical context of Chaminade’s athletic achievements,” states Honerkamp. “We currently are working on an updated online resource that will feature the rosters and season records of our sports teams throughout the years.”

Chaminade also honors its legacy with the Athletic Awards Reunion. Designed specifically with an eye towards honoring those who have given back to Chaminade athletics, the “Ring of Honor” was instituted in 2023. “The Ring of Honor takes place at our athletic reunion in order to recognize those individuals who have given themselves in service to our program and our students,” reflects Honerkamp. “We hope to establish a precedent for honoring coaches and teams who have helped grow our Chaminade Family.”

The Chaminade athletics program honors its legacy by never resting in providing new opportunities for all students - to grow the spiritual, physical, and mental health of all who walk across the campus.

A Legacy of Involvement

Exploring Three Decades of CAPA Dedication with Mr. Stephen Melley

In the heart of every educational institution, there are individuals who not only cherish its values but also actively work to uphold and advance them. One such individual is the past president of the Chaminade Alumni Parent Association (CAPA), Mr. Stephen Melley. With a family legacy woven into the fabric of Chaminade, his journey through various roles in CAPA offers a unique perspective on the organization's impact and mission.

Q: What is your role in the Chaminade Alumni Parent Association?

My current role in CAPA is that as past president. I joined CAPA when my youngest son, Daniel, graduated from Chaminade in 1992. Another son, Michael, graduated in 1988. My grandson, Collin, graduated in 2020. Since joining CAPA, I have held several positions: secretary, treasurer, mail coordinator, and president. I was president of CAPA for the years 2006 and 2007. After my two years as president, I remained on the CAPA Board for the next 10 years. I also operated the postage machine for our monthly CAPA mailings until we recently converted the mailings to email.

Q: What about your sons' time at Chaminade motivated you to join CAPA?

During the eight years that my sons were students at Chaminade, I saw how they developed into good Catholic young men, and during those years, they received an education that prepared them for college and their future careers. The education at Chaminade was superior and made it possible for them to be accepted to the college of their choice. I realized that they enjoyed their time at Chaminade. They were both active in sports and other school activities and did very well academically. I also realized there was something special about the school that appealed to me as well.

Q: What made you decide to be part of the CAPA mission to “keep alive and perpetuate an active interest in the Chaminade Family” even after your son had graduated?

As you said it is the “Chaminade Family,” and as a family we stay together. When the eight years for my sons were over and I heard of the CAPA membership, I thought it might be worth looking into. Although I was not familiar with CAPA, I decided to join the group and viewed it as a way of staying connected with Chaminade. It was a good decision for sure.

When I arrived for the first opening Mass and social, I was welcomed at the front door and asked if I would like to help out in the kitchen. The rest is history. At the next CAPA events I continued to help out in the kitchen and met such wonderful Chaminade alumni parents who were all so friendly. It was the beginning of a lifelong membership in the CAPA family of friends. To this day I am close friends with many members of CAPA.

Q: What impact has being a member of CAPA had on you?

As a member of CAPA I am able to give back to Chaminade in a small way and thank the Marianist brothers and lay faculty for all the good work they did for me and my family. Chaminade always stressed the importance of service to others, and this was a chance for me to give them my service.

Q: At its best, how does CAPA impact the Chaminade Family and the education it provides to young men?

CAPA is a strong part of the Chaminade Family. If you notice, the Torch Fund is strongly supported by CAPA members year after year. Also our activities provide additional financial support to the school. At the end of each school year a contribution from CAPA is made to the school. It is another way of saying thank you for the education our sons received while students at Chaminade. CAPA also supports the jazz concert every year, which is another way that we financially support the music needs of the band and glee club.

Q: What is your best memory from an experience you had as a CAPA member, or what CAPA event do you look forward to each year and why?

My best memory from an experience as a CAPA member was during the year I was CAPA president. We had a bus trip to Founders Hollow. At Founders there is a space between two rooms that could cause someone to trip if not careful. So I stood at the doorway and told each person to watch their step all afternoon. At the end of the day Bro. Tom said that I was now the official “step brother” of the Marianist Community. I believe I am the only one! To this day Bro. Tom and Bro. Tim refer to me as their step brother.

There are two CAPA events that I look forward to each year: The Communion Breakfast every November and the Day of Recollection at Meribah during Lent each year. These are two spiritual events that continue the mission of Chaminade and help the CAPA members to take time out for some spiritual time and reflection.

Q: If you were to meet an alumni parent who was considering joining CAPA what would you say to the person?

I would say: try it for one year. I know that after one year you will be ready to renew your membership. I tried it, and I am still part of CAPA some 30 years later. This year CAPA is celebrating its 60th anniversary. For an organization to last that long it must be special. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of CAPA.

1930 LEGACY SOCIETY

Planned Giving Options

Please consult your tax professional/financial advisor for assistance in determining the ideal planned gift for your financial situation. For more information about establishing a legacy gift at Chaminade, please contact Executive Director of Advancement Chris Hanley ’80 at (516) 742-5555 ext. 509 or email chanley@chaminade-hs.org.

An Everlasting Impact

Among the most impactful benefactors in Chaminade’s 94-year history, Richard “Dick” Haverland ’59 passed away on December 9, 2023, surrounded by Rosemary, his wife of 58 years, and their loving family.

“He was a most generous person – very kind,” reflected Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M. ’59, Chaminade’s director emeritus of development and alumni relations. “In fact, he was the first person I knew as a student at Chaminade, as he sat behind me in homeroom. He was very smart and capable as a high-school student, and he remained so his entire life.”

Haverland graduated from Princeton University in 1963 before earning his MBA at Stanford in 1965. He was a titan of the insurance industry, holding high-level executive roles with Progressive, Continental, and Highlands Insurance Group during his career.

A remarkable golfer who won a number of senior tournaments, Dick was a regular at Chaminade’s annual Golf and Tennis Open each June.

“He was a prince,” recalled Dick Kearns, chairman of Chaminade’s Board of Advisors for over three decades. “He had an incredible career professionally, but he remained affable and approachable. He was beloved – and so generous. He trusted us to use his gifts the right way.”

As Chaminade’s single-largest donor, Dick, along with Rosemary, has been remarkably generous over the years. However, one phone call in late 2012 is etched in Bro. Richard’s memory:

“It was a Monday afternoon – right around three o’clock –and I was about to start my weekly Sodality meeting when the phone rang,” he said. “I might not had taken the call if it hadn’t been Dick, but I certainly was glad I did, because he was calling to tell me that he and Rosemary wanted to make an unrestricted gift of $5 million to the Torch Fund!”

“I don’t recall much from that week’s Sodality meeting, but I do remember heading down to Bro. Tom’s office to share the good news,” admitted a smiling Bro. Richard. “The Community had drinks that evening!”

More recently, upon the launch of Chaminade’s Access for All program, the Haverlands again gifted $5 million to help jumpstart the need-based financial aid initiative.

In a 2021 interview following this donation, Dick famously offered the following rhyme: “I like to do my giving while I am living

– so that I am knowing where it is going.”

“Dick was very unpretentious,” said Bro. Richard. “His generosity made a Chaminade education available to countless students who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to attend.”

“Through their generosity, the Haverlands have changed lives,” stated President Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81. “When I have had the occasion to share a meal with them over the years, I was continually struck by their kindness and humility. They could not have been more down to earth. I would be visiting them to thank them for their support, and they would be the ones trying to thank me for the work we do at Chaminade!”

Though his absence certainly will be felt, especially at events like the Golf and Tennis Open, Dick Haverland’s impact on Chaminade endures:

“Through his friendship, loyalty and generosity, he has made his presence at Chaminade permanent,” explained Bro. Richard, “and that’s a marvelous thing.”

The Flyer Partnership Program

Now in its sixth year, the program offers young men and women with special needs a place to learn job skills, to feel a sense of belonging, and to further develop a sense of purpose. Typically, a student is slowly integrated into the school community a few days a week and assists in a variety of departments including physical education, library, alumni, maintenance and cafeteria. Each young adult has his or her own set of talents and limitations, so Chaminade has learned to identify those skills and adjust to every individual. The primary goal for these students is to become as independent as possible within a real life employment setting. Students are learning to complete job-related tasks while acquiring important skills they can generate in the future. Gradually, the individual role and time spent at Chaminade increases for each participant.

The goal of the Flyer Partnership Program has not changed: to increase the daily interaction between the students with unique abilities and the student body as these young men and women learn transferable job skills in a real-world setting. Rebecca Ryan and her staff from Positive Behavior Support Consulting and Psychological Services have taken over the day-to-day operations of the program. They set schedules and establish goals for the students. Coaches Maitry Beria and Parisa Simoni accompany them to Chaminade several times a week where they continue to work in the various school departments. Ms. Simoni commented, “We are so happy that Chaminade is giving our students the opportunity to come out of their shells, learn wonderful social skills, and make a real impact on the school.”

Sharing the Chaminade Experience With Our Community .

Several years ago, Chaminade News introduced the Flyer Partnership Program to the school’s community at large. The program began when Mrs. Donna Kosina called Bro. Tom and asked if the Chaminade experience was even slightly possible for her son Charlie. Her older son, Michael ’15, had a wonderful four years at the school, and Donna wanted Charlie to be a part of the Chaminade Family as well. Charlie has Down Syndrome, so the traditional route through Chaminade was not an option. Little did she or Bro. Tom realize the impact this conversation would have on both Charlie and the Chaminade community. The Flyer Partnership Program, though not yet named at that point, was on its way to doing its own part in the advancement of Chaminade’s mission. The entire school community embraced the students with open arms as they quickly became part of the school’s community.

Chaminade has also benefited from the program as these young men and women have become an integral part of several departments. For example, Charlie Kosina has become a vital part of the Maintenance Department. His immediate supervisor, Mr. Carlo Mansueto, recently said, “Charlie is now one of our best workers; wherever he is assigned he gets the job done quickly and efficiently. We love to have him on board!” Most importantly, the student body has welcomed our newest Flyers with open arms and hearts, as these fine young men and women have become more of part of the day-to-day life of the Chaminade Family.

Viktoriya Khokhlova:

Singing Through New Voices

From Kiev to Mineola: How a Ukrainian opera star reinvented herself at Chaminade

Mrs. Viktoriya Khokhlova was recently asked when and why she stopped singing. Given her illustrious operatic background, the question came as no surprise to her. She simply replied in her distinct Ukrainian accent, “I’ve never stopped singing, but now I make music through my students!” Mrs. “K” as she is known by the boys at Chaminade was born in Kramatorsk, the Donetsk region of the Ukraine, part of the former Soviet Union. Her vocal talent and love of music was recognized at the early age of 13 by the Fine Arts Ministry, and her track of education was quickly established. She was accepted into Murmansk Music College, a professional music training program while simultaneously completing high school. She earned her Masters Degree in performance from Kharkov Conservatory by the age of 24. Before the young Viktoriya Khohklova knew it, she was headlining at opera houses throughout the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

1986, however, would see the horrific nuclear disaster of Chernobyl strike in Ukraine; its environmental impact would linger for years. Upon the advice of the leading scientists, Mrs. K decided to emigrate with her husband, Dimitry, a mechanical engineer, and their toddler daughter Maria. At that point, they filed visa applications to Germany, Australia, and the United States. After a few years of waiting, they were granted asylum in the United States

and would settle in New York. “We had absolutely nothing,” she would admit, “we would have to completely start over.”

Anyone involved in the opera world would agree how difficult the profession is, but for Viktoriya the language barrier was particularly intense. Her work ethic would prevail however, and she would ultimately sing at venues like Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and at the United Nations. She performed famous arias like Puccinin’s Madame Butterfly, Verdi’s Don Carlo, and Masasci’s Cavalleria Rusticana. She even traveled back to the Ukraine yearly to perform her favorite operas.

Like most artists, she would also teach vocal lessons just to make ends meet when she wasn’t working. Teaching soon became a new passion. “I loved and still love watching students grow their talents.” After working at several schools, Mrs. K found herself giving vocal lessons at Chaminade High School. Recognizing the emerging talent of her students, she formed the first Vocal Chamber Ensemble in 2010. Before she knew it, Mrs. K also found herself conducting both Chaminade Choruses, serving as the vocal coach for the Darby Players, giving music lessons, and teaching the freshman music course. This year, she added two levels of AP Music Theory to her repertoire. Chaminade has become her home as she is constantly preparing her students for concerts, Masses, prayer services, music festivals, and the Spring Musical.

One of the highlights occurs when the Vocal Chamber Ensemble performs at Carnegie Hall. Once again, Vickoriya Khokova finds herself on stage at Carnegie Hall, only this time conducting her hand-picked ensemble!

One would be remiss if he or she neglected to mention the work ethic Mrs. K imparts to her students. Chaminade alumnus and now professional opera singer Tom Lynch '12, said “Mrs. K taught me many things during my days at Chaminade. She laid the entire groundwork for my musical career. One of the most important things she developed was our discipline through music. That discipline has carried me to wonderful places such as singing with the New York, Vienna, and Philadelphia Harmonics as well as other opera companies. Even through that rigor, she always taught with kindness, patience, and would often advise me based on the experiences of her own career.”

Current president of the Chaminade Chorus, senior Charles Bruno, provided his own insight into Mrs. K’s contribution to the school: “She passionately teaches and challenges all her singers to discover and refine their own voices. She demands both excellence and dedication. She is clearly one of the hardest working teachers at Chaminade as she is always willing to share her immense talents.”

Mrs. K officially became a United States citizen in 2001, but in 2009 she truly found a home at Chaminade where she could share her many gifts with hundreds of young men.

Navigating Faith and Education

The Miller Family's Journey Through Chaminade

In the heart of our community, the Miller family stands as a testament to the transformative power of Chaminade's educational ethos. With three sons already flourishing under its guidance and a fourth eagerly awaiting his turn, Mr. and Mrs. Miller share their unique insights into the school's profound impact on their children's social, personal, and educational development, and how Chaminade has impacted their family’s life and faith.

Q: What impact has a Chaminade education had on your sons so far, in terms of their social, personal, and educational development?

Our boys have developed a palpable level of confidence that is evident in their academic, social, spiritual, and athletic pursuits. They carry themselves differently and feel comfortable exploring new things and facing new challenges. Our boys have shared with us that they feel prepared for college based on the level of the curriculum and collaborative nature of the teaching environment in a smaller setting that promotes participation and development of relationships amongst students and teachers.

Q: Teachers, coaches, and activity moderators at Chaminade see the development of each student as an ongoing process in partnership with parents. As a parent of one graduate and two current students, what impact do you have on their education? Have you had any memorable experiences with Chaminade teachers or coaches?

As parents, the most important thing we can do is to “buy into” the Chaminade process and encourage our sons to avail themselves of all the opportunities that Chaminade provides. We encourage our sons to advocate for themselves, to seek help from the faculty and staff when needed, and to own their experience. Faculty and staff relate to the boys with words and deeds that they can understand and convey the importance of

personal responsibility. The Chaminade motto—the Chaminade man does the right thing, at the right time, because it is the right thing to do, regardless of who is watching—is ingrained in the boys and is a moral compass that they carry with them after they graduate.

The faculty and staff of Chaminade truly care about the boys. Whether it is in the classroom or on the field, we have been impressed and moved by acts of kindness and concern, demonstrated by teachers, administrative staff, and coaches alike. Our boys have all devoted themselves to Flyers’ football and the relationships they have developed with their peers and coaches runs deep and has endured beyond graduation. Their memories from the locker room and team meetings always makes them smile, even if we don’t know the meaning behind their grins, which their mother prefers to remain a mystery.

Q: When making the decision about where to send your boys to high school, what was the deciding factor in Chaminade’s favor?

Our boys were exposed to Chaminade at early ages through CYO basketball and swimming, attending Chaminade summer sports camps, and by a certain very enthusiastic Chaminade alumnus with whom we are close family friends. Once Michael, our 2022 graduate, was accepted and started, it was a foregone conclusion that the rest of the brothers would follow. Seamus and Declan embraced the Chaminade Family with gusto, and Eamon, our 11-year-old, is already sold. We are strong advocates of faith-based education and have made the sacrifices to send our children to Catholic elementary and secondary schools. While many schools can claim rigorous academics and plentiful athletic and other extracurricular opportunities, there aren’t any high schools that can offer all that Chaminade can in

a faith-based environment that boasts an alumni network that rivals those of the best colleges and universities.

Q: Faith development is something we take very seriously as not only something we teach in our religion classrooms, but something we strive to live out everyday in a variety of ways at Chaminade. Have you experienced that through your sons’ time here?

Aside from the central role that prayer and the liturgy play in the daily life of the Chaminade student, the boys are encouraged to live their faith and carry it with them as a guide in their everyday lives. They are not only taught the history of our faith but have developed a deep understanding of what it means to be young Catholic men in today’s world. I [Stacey] am a product of public-school education in West Islip, and while I had a memorable and competitive educational experience, as well as faithful, practicing Catholic parents, dinnertime did not typically include religious discussion, and often times, debate, as it does at our dinner table today. The boys have deepened and expanded my knowledge of our faith.

Q: How has being a Chaminade parent impacted your own lives? How have you personally engaged with the Chaminade experience through your own involvement at the school?

Chaminade plays a big role in our house—with four sons (a 2022, a 2024, a 2026, and a hopeful 2030) – there is no lack of Crimson and Gold. As parents of children in Catholic schools, we have always felt an obligation to be involved and support our children and their schools. We approached Chaminade with that same spirit and have been afforded opportunities to develop relationships with faculty, staff, coaches, and other families through volunteering our time and saying “YES” when asked to help. We started slowly with volunteering at Parents Club events and ultimately ended up serving on the Parents Club Board. Additionally, we have served, and are serving, as members of the Senior Class Gift Committee, and Mike is also a member of the Torch Fund Committee. Being involved has provided invaluable insight into the challenges and needs that Chaminade faces and the ways that parents can become involved to bridge the gap.

Q: One thing we hope for at Chaminade is that the relationships we build with our students and their families will not end on graduation day. How do you see your relationship with the Chaminade family continuing in the lives of your sons as well as your own?

We have thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Chaminade and look forward to continuing to be able to support Chaminade and be part of our sons’ lives as alumni. Our two oldest boys look forward to watching our 2026 and 2030 (hopefully!) sons have the Chaminade experience and the shared bond they will have as Chaminade alumni. Eamon, our youngest, has said

that he will need the male camaraderie that his brothers have enjoyed at Chaminade since when he hopefully begins at Chaminade in 2026, Declan and Seamus will be off at college and Michael will be a college graduate – 2026 will be a busy year for the Millers.

Q: Can you share one specific Chaminade memory you have with each of your sons?

Although Michael’s experience at Chaminade was altered due to COVID, the relationships he developed with his classmates is deep and endures into college—he knows what’s going on at Chaminade before we do! In 2022, we were able to have a post-graduation dinner with a core group of his friends that truly capped off and celebrated a unique four years. This past fall, we were so lucky to have our sophomore and senior as members of the Varsity Football Team. It was a special experience for them as teammates and brothers. Seamus was named season MVP for football (the Captain Joseph Terzi Award) which was a special recognition for a kid that only became a football player as a freshman and was a true leader during a very challenging season. Finally, we just learned that Declan (our sophomore), who is an aficionado of Lessing’s cafeteria enhancements, voluntarily takes a pause before lunch every day to attend adoration. The confidence that Chaminade instills in the boys to practice their faith unapologetically and without shame or fear of ridicule is perhaps one of the most remarkable achievements of the Chaminade experience.

Q: What advice or encouragement would you offer to current or future Chaminade parents?

The advice that Bro. Joe shares with every first-year student at the start of the 3-C Program—to step off the dock into the Chaminade boat with both feet—applies to parents as well. Trust the process, get involved, and know that the best interest of the boys is always at the forefront of every decision that the administration makes. There’s an adage that says choosing where you go to college is a 40-year decision. In that same vein, choosing to enroll at Chaminade is a 44-year decision. The days may seem long (and often challenging), but the years fly by and the gift of a Chaminade education and experience is invaluable. One day, your sons will thank you.

For nearly a century, Chaminade High School has thrived on a Marianist educational characteristic of adaptation and change. We have and will continue to face the future calmly, balancing acceptance and adaptation. To quote Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, “New times demand new methods. We must courageously modify methods and forms that have nothing about them that is immutable in order to adapt to the varying needs of time, place and customs.”

As we begin preparing for our 100th anniversary in 2030, we do so with the words of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade as a guiding light for us. We recently began the first steps in preparing a strategic plan for Chaminade High School. We will spend the first half of 2024 planning and building the plan itself. This will be done with the involvement of our administration, faculty, and staff. This will enable us to spend the second half of 2024 and into early 2025 testing the viability of our plan with various external stakeholders (i.e. alumni, parents, CAPA, and friends).

If ever there was a time to offer your insight and perspective - to help shape the trajectory of Chaminade’s future - it will be over the next year. We will provide various ways for our Chaminade Family to participate in this important initiative. The next few years, leading up to our 100th, will be exciting and most consequential in Chaminade’s history as we dream, strategize, and work hard to make our vision a reality. Thank you in advance.

Forever Soaring Beyond Chaminade

Impacting Lives Through Volunteering

From those first tentative steps up the giant staircase as freshman to walking across the stage at graduation, the young men who come to Chaminade arrive with the expectation of growing in mind, body, and soul. While their four years at Chaminade are formative, the implications and impact extend a lifetime. Specifically, the spiritual growth of the Chaminade Man continues beyond graduation. The opportunities for students to grow in their faith are abundant. Young men learn about their obligation to their fellow man and through Campus Ministry put those values into practical application. But what happens when a young man graduates? For many, those lessons and experiences gleaned from four years at 340 Jackson Avenue are put to use daily.

Danny Jimenez is a member of the Class of 1998 and a local musician. When a group of alumni were planning a visit before Christmas to the Ronald McDonald House, Jimenez volunteered, and he made it a trip the residents will never forget. He led over 80 residents in a sing along, complete with dancing and revelry. Rather than simply show up, he made this a cherished memory. “Just to bring some joy to them was amazing,” Jimenez said. “I love giving back, and it made me proud to be a Flyer. It’s all about giving back

to the community.” This giving did not go unnoticed either. Patricia Callahan from Catholic Charities of Long Island noted, “While our homes are always grateful for visitors, not all step up the way you did. The comradery brought tears to my eyes.”

With its vision being to exercise the talents and gifts received at Chaminade through service to others, the members of the Washington DC-Baltimore Chapter are actively living the mission. Mr. Kevin Burke ’88, in conjunction with Father Vincent DeRosa ’99, has helped guide the DC alumni in many spiritual and community outreach programs. One longstanding tradition is the wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. “Each fall, we set aside a Saturday to gather at the tomb and lay a wreath in remembrance of our Gold Star alumni,” Burke said. A Mass celebrated by Father Vincent, pastor of Saint Mary Mother of God in Washington, D.C. at the historic Old Post Chapel is celebrated.

As Burke highlights, the DC chapter has many active members of working professionals looking to reach out into the community. “Through Father DeRosa’s vision and local connections, we have been in communication with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. This division of Catholic Charities does amazing work supporting those in need throughout the Washington D.C. and Maryland communities. We are collaborating on a DC chapter day of service in the spring wherein we will offer our time and talents to assist in refurbishing one of the many Catholic Charities run facilities in the area,” Burke remarked. The DC chapter has also been paired with the Catholic Charities Kennedy School and is looking to continue working with the diocese.

Through the work of the Office of Alumni Relations, in coordination with groups like Catholic Charities, former students remain forever Flyers, giving back to a world that has given them so much.