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| Volume #6 Issue #3 Date: March 2020
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| ARIZONA ALUMNI: Baseball Spring Training Game on Friday, March 13
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Arizona alumni and "snow birds," join fellow Friars next Friday, the 13th of March: Alumni and friends will once again gather for the Chicago Cubs vs. White Sox spring training match-up in Glendale!
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| FBA Event in Chicago on Friday, March 20
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Alumni lawyers and legal professionals: Join fellow Friars and members of the Fenwick Bar Association (FBA) on Friday, March 20th, at Fado Irish Pub, 100 W. Grand Ave., Chicag0, for an early evening (4:00 - 7:00 p.m.) of friendship and networking. Event ticket purchases include a raffle to win a trip to Ireland in late August to watch the Fenwick football team play in Dublin! (The day before Notre Dame plays Navy, the Friars play Notre Dame Prep of Scottsdale, AZ.) Tickets start at $40 each.
Discounted ticket price for law-school students.
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| Thank You for Helping
Fenwick to "Raise the Shield!"
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On Februrary 20th, Fenwick's 4th annual day of giving, nearly 2,000 donors gave more than $150,000 in a 24-hour period! Thanks to all who found it in their generous hearts to give back to the Friars and help us "Raise the Shield!"
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Student raised nearly $1,800 ...
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... and they had fun at the Pep Assembly TUG 'O WAR vs. the faculty!
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| ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON
Local TV Personality Cortney Hall '99
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Ms. Hall now is co-host of "Chicago Today" on NBC (Channel 5).
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Between the Chicago Auto Show & NBA All-Star Weekend in town last month, "Chicago Today" NBC co-host Cortney Hall was very busy! Still, the Fenwick alumna took time to talk with her alma mater for a blog/profile during Black History Month:
Cortney Hall remembers feeling nervous – again. The Fenwick alumna (’99), now an Emmy-nominated TV journalist, was back among Friars, preparing to deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2016. The problem: She was sitting near Andy Arellano, her old speech teacher. Twenty years earlier, Mr. Arellano had seemed “so scary,” not just to Ms. Hall but to generations of Fenwick sophomores. Contrary to her on-air vivaciousness on NBC-TV’s “Chicago Today” show (Channel 5), Hall insists she was a shy 15-year-old.
“We looked at speech class as a ‘gateway to graduation,’” she recalls, adding that she felt prepared four years ago. “That’s what Andy does. He prepares his students and makes them feel confident about getting up and talking in front of other people. Speech class was tough at the time, but he also made it entertaining. He taught skills that I have carried with me throughout my life and career.”
Click the button below to read on ...
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| FENWICK WINTER CARNIVAL:
A Big Hit with the Little Children
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The 2nd Annual Winter Carnival, held in the Lawless Gymnasium on February 9, drew 400 people to Fenwick! We loved having all of the little ones in the building and creating a fun memories. We’ll see you next year!
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| ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON
Physics ‘Star’ Dr. Dan Chang '85
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Dr. Chang works at the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab near Pasadena, CA.
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| 28 years after earning dual degrees from MIT, a fellow Friar let present-day students glimpse his Jet Propulsion Lab work for NASA:
When alumnus Dan Chang, PhD. ’85 returned to Fenwick last November, he felt right at home talking to students in the school library. Ever since immigrating to northeast Illinois from Taipei, Taiwan, in 1976, Dr. Chang has had an affinity for libraries and books.
Chang was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist in 1984-85. Ten-year-old Chang spoke no English when he came to the United States. His father was a diplomat for the Taiwanese consulate in Chicago. During the summer, when their mother was working as a medical technician, his sister Anne and Dan went to the public library “almost every day,” he told the Forest Park Review eight years ago, “and I read every book about physics, space and aviation.” Before applying for a scholarship to Fenwick as an eighth grader, the future rocket scientist attended Grant-White, and then Field-Stevenson elementary schools.
“Let’s talk about the universe,” Chang engaged one group of science students last semester, as he booted up a customized PowerPoint presentation. Over the past four decades, there have been some rather astonishing developments as the field of astronomy became less Earth-centric, he told present-day Friars: “When I was in high school, we didn’t know there were other stars with planetary systems. Now, we know there are nearly 4,000 exoplanets!”
Click the button below to read more:
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| STUDENT BLOG: "Optimism and Reality"
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By Eva Szeszko '20 (Park Ridge, IL)
“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” How Freddie Mercury and Queen -- the '70s rock band and the 2019 film -- inspired Eva Szeszko, now a Fenwick Friars' senior, to orate on the topic of optimism and reality:
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| FACULTY FOCUS:
Science Teacher Mr. Timothy Menich
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Midway through his fourth year at Fenwick, Woodridge, IL native Tim Menich enjoys teaching biology and anatomy/physiology.
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| What is your educational background?
TM: I have a B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Spanish with a minor in secondary education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I also have a M.S. in Biology from Clemson University.
What did you do prior to becoming a teacher at Fenwick?
TM: Teaching at Fenwick was my first job out of college. But throughout my college career I was a barista, chemistry teaching assistant and a coordinator for an after-school program.
What are you currently reading for enjoyment?
TM: I am currently reading The President Is Missing by James Patterson. I do not do a whole lot of reading for enjoyment, but when I do, it is almost always a book by James Patterson.
What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?
TM: I am a total political junkie so I spend a lot of time outside of the classroom following all of the political articles and polls that come out on a daily basis. I also enjoy playing volleyball when I can find the time and spending time with my dog, Sawyer. Read more.
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| Friar Bagpiper to March in the
Motherland on St. Paddy's Day!
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Conor Corcoran '21 performing at the Special Olympics "Polar Splunge" fundraiser at North Ave. Beach, Chicago, on March 1.
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Fenwick junior Conor Corcoran (Elmhurst, IL) and his father, John '87, soon will begin packing for a trip to Dublin. Conor is a new member of Chicago's famous Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band. Young "Corks" has been learnin' the art o' bag pipin' from his dear fader an' trainin' hard fer dese past 14 months.
On a more serious note, the cross-Atlantic trip will be an emotional one for the Corcorans. Part of the reason for their traveling to the Emerald Isle is to go "to the west of Ireland to lay some of my father's ashes in the old family cemetery in County Roscommon," John explains. The kilted Conor plans to pipe "Amazing Grace" while his grandfather's ashes are being strewn.
John and Cindy Corcoran's two older daughters also went to Fenwick: Bridget '16 will graduate from St. Louis University in May and is applying to physician-assistant schools; Colleen '18 is U.S. Air Force ROTC and an electrical engineering major at SLU. Conor wears a different uniform when he plays football for the Friars. He very well may play the bagpipe in August when he and his teammates take the field to play Scottsdale's Notre Dame Prep in Dublin!
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| Fenwick Supporters Reduced Their IL State Income Taxes by $1.1 Million in Two Years!
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Through the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship (TCS) program, in calendar years 2018 and 2019 Fenwick supporters cut their state income tax bills by about $1.081 million and provided nearly $1.4 million in financial aid scholarships to Fenwick students through scholarship granting organizations (SGOs).
Although Governor Pritzker vowed to dismantle this program prior to its legislated expiration at year end 2022, that effort has gone nowhere; in fact, there is optimism among the large SGOs and Cardinal Cupich that this program will be extended beyond 2022 and made permanent.
On Thursday, April 2, a representative of SGO Empower Illinois will be at Fenwick High School to discuss the mechanics and success of the TCS program, the outlook going forward, and how you may be helpful in making sure it continues. We heartily welcome and encourage you to join us at 6:00 p.m. in the Gearen Library for a presentation and Q&A. It should last no more than an hour.
Many more people could take advantage of this program to reduce their IL taxes and help Fenwick’s most deserving students. Perhaps you are one of them. Please come to Fenwick on April 2 to learn more.
If you have any questions, please contact Chris Ritten, V.P. of Institutional Advancement: critten@fenwickfriars.com, (708) 948-0350.
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| COLLEGIATE FRIARS: 2018 Classmates
Frayne Lewis and Sophia FioRito
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Two college sophomores: Lewis (left) is enrolled at Loyola Chicago, while FioRito is at the U of I in Champaign.
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FRAYNE LEWIS
Fenwick Graduation: 2018
Hometown: Westchester, IL
Grade School: St. Luke (River Forest)
Current School: Loyola University Chicago
Major: International business (finance minor)
Summer Internship: A requirement of graduation is an internship for a minimum of one semester. Therefore, my goal is to obtain an internship at an established firm. Currently, I am searching for a firm that will mentor me a lot about the business world as well as provide an opportunity for future employment.
Career Aspirations: School is super important to me, but music is one of my biggest passions. I’ve had some very cool achievements so far like being on the radio station 107.5 WGCI numerous times, performing multiple shows and events, and meeting stars like Chance the Rapper, Saba, Twista and so many others through my craft. Academically, I have maintained being on the Dean’s List since my first year at Loyola with a 3.7 GPA. After college, I want to be highly involved in the business world with hopes of traveling the world for work. Read more.
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SOPHIA FIORITO
Fenwick Graduation: 2018
Hometown: Oak Park, IL
Grade School: Sandburg Middle School (Elmhurst)
Current School: University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Major: Economics (business minor)
Summer Internship: GuidePoint Security in Hinsdale
Career Aspirations: To work in cybersecurity sales or lead marketing efforts for a large corporation.
Fenwick Achievements/Activities: National Honor Society, Presidential Scholar, Pro Life Club President, Photography Club, Track, Community Outreach
Fenwick teacher who had the most influence on you: Mrs. Esposito was a very influential person who taught me beyond the principles of physics. She emphasized the power of prayer every day. During her class, my youngest brother was in the hospital -- I was struggling, and she saw this. She took the time to offer comfort and advice going above and beyond her responsibilities. She has a heart of gold and I will always be grateful for her compassion, ability to exceed expectations and care for every one of her students. Read more.
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| ATHLETE OF THE MONTH:
Swimmer Connor McCarthy '21
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Congratulations to Friars' swimmer/co-captain Connor McCarthy, a junior from Elmhurst, IL, who had quite the month in February:
At MCAC’s (conference)
200 Medley Relay Fly Leg- 2nd
200 Individual Medley- 3rd
100 Fly- 2nd
400 Free Relay- 2nd
At IHSA Sectionals
100 Medley Fly Leg- 2nd- Qualified for State
200 Individual Medley- 2nd- Qualified for State
100 Fly- 1st- Qualified for State
400 Free Relay- 1st- Qualified for State
At IHSA State Finals Tournament
Medley Relay - 12th in Illinois
400 Free Relay - 7th in Illinois
Connor's twin brother, Liam, is a Fenwick teammate in the pool.
ALUMNI NOTE: The McCarthy twins' great-uncle is astronaut and Friar Hall of Famer Dr. Joe Kerwin '49.
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| 68th BLACKFRIARS GALA:
Friday, April 24, at Drury Lane
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|  | New Fenwick HOF inductee
Bob Callahan '67.
| |  | New Hall of Fame inductee
Tracy Brooker.
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Fr. LaPata, O.P. '50.
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Please join us for the 68th Annual BLACKFRIARS GALA! This fun evening of dinner, dancing and live bidding will take place on Friday, April 24, at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace. Registration is now open and reduced priced tickets are available until this Friday, March 6th.
This year, we will induct Mrs. Tracy Q. Brooker and Mr. Robert J. Callahan '67 into the Hall of Fame, as well as honor Rev. Richard C. LaPata O.P. '50 with the Lumen Tranquillum Award. The event will be hosted by the families of Mr. Thomas J. ’67 and Mrs. Jane Monaco, Mr. Edward O. ’80 and Mrs. Jodi Pacer, and Mrs. Jeanne Ritchie and the late Mr. William H. Ritchie, Jr. '50.
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| Sign Up for "FriarsConnect"
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FriarsConnect recently went through an upgrade in its design! Log in or sign up today to check out Fenwick’s exclusive alumni platform. Nearly 1,000 members of the Friar Community have signed up for this service that keeps you connected to your fellow Friars.
FriarsConnect allows you to:
- Find jobs and opportunities where you can work with your fellow Friars
- Cultivate meaningful mentoring opportunities
- Connect with and organize the powerful relationships available via the
Fenwick community - And so much more!
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| Get Your Fenwick Gear from the Friar Shop!
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As we embark on the month of March, thoughts of Spring are dancing in our heads here at The Friar Shop! On March 12th, the Friar Shop will be selling merchandise at the Fenwick Mothers' Club Fashion Show, their largest fundraiser of the year. We will debut many fabulous NEW items for Spring at the show, and these items will be added to our online store soon along with several new items that have recently been added.
As always you can visit The Friar Shop Online Store for popular spirit wear items and accessories for you or your favorite Friar. We have items the whole family will enjoy! Show your Friar Pride in style…check out our online store today.
Happy Spring from The Friar Shop!
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| PAVING THE WAY:
Purchase a Friar Courtyard Brick!
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Personalize a gift for the Friars in your life. Commemorative bricks can be purchased now for installation in the summer of 2020 in the ever more beautiful Fenwick Courtyard. (Orders are due by June 5, 2020). A brick makes the ideal birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduation gift!
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| Know a Classmate Who's Not Receiving FAN?
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Do you know a Friar who is not receiving the Fenwick Alumni News (FAN) e-newsletter every month? All we need is her or his email address! Please have the person contact us at communications@fenwickfriars.com.
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Fenwick Bar Association Event
Friday, March 20
Class of 1960 60th Reunion
Friday & Saturday, May 15 & 16
Friar Classic Golf Outing
Friday, June 12
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Spring is about to break! Please consider making a gift to help ensure that every class of
Fenwick graduates is as prepared for their college years as you were.
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Have something to share with your fellow alumni? Please send all of your alumni news and happenings to Peter Durkin '03, Director of Alumni Relations (pdurkin@fenwickfriars.com).
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| Follow Fenwick on Facebook,
Instagram and Twitter
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Fenwick High School is owned and sponsored by the Dominican Friars
of the Province of St. Albert the Great headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
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