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BACRoads Introduces “Class Notes”

Read about what our alums and their families have been up to this past year!

Class Notes: March 1, 2009 thru March 31, 2010

Written by Gayle Dobbs

1949
In October 2009 Bridget (Scholl ’49 SHA) Beck, of Cleveland, GA, celebrated her 80th birthday with close family and friends. The birthday party was hosted by her daughter, Jeanie, in their home. Alumni present at this special gathering, who came from great distances to celebrate, included Bob Kelley ’51 of Brooklyn, NY, and Bob ‘53 and Helen Preston of High Point, NC.

1957
Joseph Perry ‘57 and his wife recently renewed their wedding vows on their 50th wedding anniversary.  Their son LTC Joseph Perry, Jr. is serving in Iraq as a doctor with the 14th Medical Support Hospital.

Edward J. Quigley ‘57 published a book entitled Fly Fishing Advice From an Old Timer: A Practical Guide to the Sport and its Language.  A recent book review stated that, “Reading it, you come away with really ingenious ways to stay comfortable in cold/hot/windy weather … get the right equipment and flies … make a cast, land a fish, and more. It’s the kind of book you browse cover to cover then keep handy forever!”  Ed’s book can be found on Amazon.com.

1959
Jeb Ladouceur ’59 held a book signing and reading at Borders book store in Stony Brook, Long Island, NY in August. The former English major and Abbey Players member addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the store, reading from and discussing his newest thriller Calamity Hook. It was the novelist’s third engagement in many years at Borders. He has made fifteen appearances at New York area venues since Frisco, the first book of his trilogy, published in 2007. Completing the acclaimed sequence is The Palindrome Plot (2008). Notable among Mr. Ladouceur’s achievements at Belmont Abbey was his portrayal of Lago in Othello under the direction of Father John Oetgen in ‘56. The Smithtown, NY author credits Father Matthew McSorley, O.S.B. for nurturing his interest in fiction writing.
“At the end of the school year,” says Ladouceur, “Father Matthew gave me a cherished gift, as was his custom with each of his students; mine was a 1956 New York Times Book Review supplement. I recall thinking Father optimistic in the extreme in suggesting that such a gift might possibly be appropriate for me … but how secretly thrilled I was to get it!”

1962
Fr. Paschal Morlino ‘62, of Baltimore, MD, was recently elected Vice President of the North American Association of Benedictine Oblate Directors.

1968
After 41 years, John Farr ’68 retired from his career in public education.  In his recent 11 years he served as Superintendent of the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District in Flemington, NJ.  Over the years, he taught elementary school Social Studies, was a Social Studies Supervisor, and served as elementary school principal and assistant superintendent.  He reminisced that his education at Belmont Abbey College served him very well and he has never forgotten the years spent in class with Father Anselm Biggs.

1969
Chuck Collins ’69, of Jacksonville, NC, retired from his second career December 31, 2009.  He retired as Executive VP of a $670M Marine Federal Credit Union in Jacksonville, N.C.   This follows his first retirement from the USMC.   Chuck was presented North Carolina’s prestigious “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” by Maj. Gen (Ret) Bob Dickerson on behalf of Governor Beverly Perdue.  This was in recognition for his work both in the Marine Corps and with Marine Federal in creating civilian jobs in Easter N.C. and for his local civic and charitable work.  Chuck’s wife, Pat (Rafferty, SHC ‘71) Collins, entered retirement January 31 2010.  She worked over 25 years teaching in various North Carolina schools, finishing her career as the Media Specialist with Carolina Forest Elementary School in Jacksonville, N.C. After obtaining her Masters in Library Science from ECU, she spent her final teaching years in the Library/Media field.  In early February 2010, they took a five week celebratory vacation to Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

1971
James Smith ‘71 retired in July 2009 after 37 years with Cape May County, NJ. For the past 17 years, he served the position of Director of Planning.

1972
Joe Murphy ‘72 retired in January 2004 and moved to Atlantic Beach, NC. Joe and his wife Cindy recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They have two children, Michelle and Joseph, who reside in Florida. Most of Joe’s time is spent sailing or working on his boat, the SEAFROG.

1976
Gerry Sheeran ’76 – Auditor Hero.  When a mild mannered auditor walked into the Wachovia bank in Alexandria on October 3, 2009, little did he realize he would witness a robbery and be called to an act of heroism.  When the robber leaped over the teller’s gate, Gerry seized the moment to exit the bank, warned others from entering, and called 911 staying on the phone at the request of the police. He then followed the suspect as he left the bank enabling a helpful description and location.  Thanks to Gerry’s calm, quick thinking, and willingness to serve, a person of interest was soon apprehended.  Please join us in applauding Gerry’s heroic effort!!

1977
Mary Cheaney ‘77 was named the National President of the American Women’s Society of Certified Public Accountants for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

1979
Celeste Rousseau ’79, of Charlotte, NC, won the Lash Group Values Award for 2009! “Throughout her 15+ years experience at Lash Group, Celeste has demonstrated her commitment to our values as well as to countless patients and healthcare providers that she has supported through various operational programs. Her written nomination mentioned numerous of Celeste’s accomplishments but this one stood out: ‘Patients are privileged to have Celeste as their advocate’. This is a tremendous honor for Celeste that also includes a financial award as well as a trip to ABSG University (AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group; Lash Group is one of the components of ABSG) where she will be honored again.”

1982
Martin Barker ’82 and wife Robin are happy to announce that their son Brendan (16) achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 393 in Glendale, WI on August 15, 2009.  The “Eagle Scout” is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scout program of the Boy Scouts of America and is held for life, thus giving rise to the phrase “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”  Requirements include earning a number of merit badges and demonstrating Scout spirit, service, and leadership. It also includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout.  Congratulations on this high honor!

Dr. Kevin L. Burke ‘82, of Springfield, IL, has recently been named the Director of School of Kinesiology and Recreation at Illinois State University.

Dennis Noble ’82 heads up Gaston county athletics. Gaston County Schools’ new Athletics and Driver Education Director has worked in the county for 24 years and is long on administrative experience. Noble’s duties include overseeing the county’s middle school and high school athletic directors. Dennis Noble, an assistant principal at North Gaston High School since 2005, was approved for the vacant position beginning August, 2009.

1985
Theresa M. (Harting ’85) and Shiraz Kapadia ’85, of Stow, OH, have a daughter and two sons. Rachel (20) is studying Speech Pathology at Kent State. Daniel (18), also at Kent State, is majoring in Aeronautics and Traffic Control. And, Joseph (16) is a sophomore in High School.

1987
Lieutenant Colonel Tim Russell, 1987, recently completed a tour in Iraq with the Partnership Strategy Group-Iraq where he played an integral role in writing the Iraq Strategy.  He returned to Germany serving as military strategist for United States Army Europe and NATO and is pending assignment to the Northern, VA/Washington, DC area.  “I want to thank the Abbey for supporting our troops and their families and kindly ask that you continue to keep them in your prayers.”

1988
Marty Hutchins ’88, of Gastonia, NC, painted “hometown heroes” to honor six of his church members who served in the U.S. military during World War II and the Korean War.  Their family members submitted photos of the veterans, which Hutchins integrated into his creative work.  He was inspired by these noble men and sought a way to recognize veterans from his church community. As an Art teacher at Highland School of Technology, the idea of honoring those who protected the freedoms of our hometowns and around the world through the strokes of his paintbrush came naturally to Hutchins. After an unveiling ceremony with the families and church members of the soldiers (one who is still living), the painting hangs prominently in the church parlor. Hutchins hopes this painting will be the first in a series to recognize homegrown heroes for their service, noting that one canvas isn’t enough to do justice to these men.

1991
Father Richard Sutter, L.C., an alumnus of the Class of ’91, was ordained to the priesthood in December 2009. Because of the influence Belmont Abbey College had on his religious vocation, Father Richard asked to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Abbey and was the principal celebrant at the Conventual Mass in the basilica. There was an informal reception for Father Richard in the Lowry Alumni House following Mass.

1992
Michael Donahue ‘92, of Hickory, NC, graduated from the Hickory Fire Department rookie school on November 18, 2009.

1993
Christy (Simcox ’93) Dooley, of Charlotte, NC, was on campus in September for a visit and spent time catching up with former history professor Dr. Frank Murray.  She has begun the process toward her Masters program at UNCC (library science).  She and husband Ryan have three children: Christian (9), and the twins Payton (6) and Logan (6).

Reena Khubchandani ’93, of Hong Kong, along with her husband and three children were in the states visiting family in the Charlotte area.  Reena hosted a lovely lunch at a local restaurant in celebration of her youngest son’s first birthday. Many close friends and Abbey alumni were present, including Lucy (Khubchandani ’93) Nizinski and husband Eric; Bob Healy ’68 and Bernice; Diane (Witkowski ’84) Sullivan; Fr. Kieran Neilson ’54; Stanley Dudko ’60, and Jasia Dudko ’63). BAC staff Peggy McGlohon and Gayle Dobbs were also there.

1994
Kim (Brogdon ‘94) Laudner and husband Mike announce the birth of their twins, Stiles Vincent and Emma Kathryn, born on May 17, 2009.  The children were baptized at Belmont Abbey on July 26. Kim, Mike and the twins live in Clover, SC.

Cristi Mauney ‘94 was named Teacher of the Year at Carr Elementary in Dallas, NC. In her 15 years of teaching she has enjoyed working with her students and helping them learn, grow and overcome challenges. Along with teaching, she enjoys being a sponsor of Carr’s Student Council Club and working with the children to help those in need in the community. Cristi loves teaching because every day is a new and an exciting one where she can make a difference in many children’s lives.

Christophere Skinkle ’94 and Alessandra (Tona ’95) announce the birth of their daughter, Emma Leigh, born on June 10, 2009.  Emma was baptized at Belmont Abbey on August 1, 2009.

1995
Will ‘95 and Katie Esser announce the birth of their third child, Matthew James, born on November 3, 2009.  More good news, in June 2009 Will was featured in the 2009 Charlotte Business Journal, “40 under 40″ – a list that highlights those making a difference in business and in the community.  Will’s most valued mentor is his grandfather, a quiet man who taught more with his example of faithfulness, joy and love than with words.  This life-lesson has served Will in one of his most cherished civic accomplishment of the past year, which was working with Room at the Inn (RATI), a safe haven for pregnant women and their children.  As President of RATI organization, he has helped develop their capital campaign in building the nation’s first college-based maternity and after-care residential facility.  Will also volunteers his time on the Mecklenburg County Communications Committee and the Belmont Abbey College National alumni board.  Will is a partner with Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein and his practice includes commercial litigation, bankruptcies and foreclosures. 

1997
It is with great joy that Maria (Ferguson ’97) and Dave Buerkle ’96 announce the birth of their seventh child, Matthias Stephan, born January 11, 2010, weighing in at 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 22 inches long. Maria explained that he was her first water birth which made the delivery very fast and less laborious.  Congratulations Maria and Dave!!  

1998
Billy Schiffiano (‘96) and Kelly (Gallagher) Schiffiano (‘98) of Charlotte, NC, announce the birth of their fifth son James John Bosco Schiffiano, born November 21, 2009, weighing in at 9 lbs, 8 oz.  James joins big brothers Vincent (10), Joey (7), Oliver (5) and Tommy (3).  Billy is a manager with Good Will Publishers, Inc. and Kelly is a stay-at-home mom, home schooling their children, busing them around to gymnastics, karate, and all other activities.

1999
“Hello from Rome!” In April 2009, Aaron Condon ‘99, his parents John ‘69 and Toni Condon and family friends, Darrel ‘69 and Joan Doré spent 10 days in Italy. While at the Vatican, they were able to meet with Deacon Richard Sutter, LC ‘91 for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. Aaron also recently got engaged to his love, Mary Shaw. Their wedding is set for January, 2011.

Billy (‘99) and Judy Miller, of North Olmsted, OH, announce the birth of their third child, Natalie Elise, on September 15, 2009.  Natalie joins older sisters Kaitlyn and Alexis.

Joseph W. Jackson ‘99 and Lynette Grypp were married on July 18, 2009 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Cincinnati, OH.  Fellow classmate, Aaron Condon ‘99, was a Groomsman. Joe and Lynette will spend the next two years teaching at the Taipei American School in Taipei, Taiwan.

2000
Brandi Burke-Hicks ’00 received an M.Ed. in Humane Education from Cambridge College in June.  Brandi and her husband Gregory make their home in Maryland.

After completing her B.A. degree in Psychology from Belmont Abbey College, Angela (Dalba ‘00) Campbell earned a BFA degree in Studio Art and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Library and Information Science.

2001
Tiffany Murph ’01, of Concord, NC, writes, “It is with great pleasure that I am able to proclaim: ‘Graduate School is over!’”  Tiffany finished her Master degree in Library Science degree at East Carolina University in December 2009.  It was a hectic 4 1/2 years juggling family, school and work, but she has no regrets.  The MLS degree will open many doors in the future and she is thankful she took the opportunity to complete the degree when she did. Her future plans are to get some much needed rest and to concentrate on the two most important roles in her life as wife and mother. She will continue working part-time evening LRC assistant with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College LRC South until she (hopefully) transitions to librarian status and continue working part-time in the evenings.

After graduation, Carl R. Wilander ’01, of Loxahatchee, FL, earned his J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento in 2007. During law school, Mr. Wilander was a member of both the Mock Trial and Moot Court teams, as well as the Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court.
Prior to joining Wilkes & McHugh, P.A., Mr. Wilander served as an Assistant State Attorney in the State Attorney’s Office in Tampa. His other previous experience includes certified legal internships at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and the Felony and Misdemeanor Bureau of the State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial Circuit. Mr. Wilander is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida and is a member of the Florida Bar and Tampa Bay American Inn of Court.

2002
Nicholas Ferris ‘02 and his wife, Angie, are proud parents of Nicholas Connor Ferris, born May 1, 2009.  Nick and Angie currently reside in Savannah, GA.  Connor is also the grandson of Edward ‘73 and Annamarie (SHC ‘68) Ferris of Pawley’s Island, SC.

John ‘02 and Kate (Matthews ‘03) McCune announce the birth of their 3rd child, Aidan Thomas, born March 11, 2010.

Rob Rodite ‘02 and Christina (Turner ‘04) Rodite announce the birth of their daughter, Reese Caroline Rodite, born on February 10, 2010.

J. Zaworski ’02 and wife Katie (James ’05) were married by Abbot Placid in August 2007 at the Belmont Abbey Basilica. After a couple of years of married without children, they are now proud parents of Hannah Grace, born August 14, 2009, weighing in at 6 lbs., 13 oz. and measuring 20 in. long. CJ, Katie and Hannah Grace make their happy home in Pensacola, FL.

Catherine (Rumore ‘02) Hahn and her husband Jeff have been blessed with their 4th child, Blaise Augustine Hahn. Blaise was born June 30, 2009 at 7lbs 6oz and 20in. long. She joins big brothers and sister, John Paul, Joseph and Ann Marie.

Michele (Sander ‘02) Richardson and husband Steve have a daughter, Karstyn (1 yr) and live in Phoenix, AZ.

2003
Joe Klinker ‘03 and wife Colleen live in Durham, NC with their two children Gracie (2) and Justin (1).  Joe is a lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard and currently earning a graduate degree from the University of North Carolina.

John Plecnik (’03) has accepted a tenure track position in the law school at Cleveland State University.

Carrie (Perrine ‘03) Sorgi was on campus for a visit and dropped by the alumni office.  She and her husband Jay are  the proud parents of a 5 month old son. They were blessed with their first child, Anthony Gianpaolo Sorgi on November 23, 2009. He weighed in at 7 lbs.10 oz, and was 19 inches long. The Sorgis currently reside in Milwaukee, WI.  Her job as a professional nanny will resume soon and the good news is that she can bring her son with her to work!

2004
Matthew Newey ‘04 has been promoted to Operations Manager at Pro-Ed, Inc., an educational publishing company in Austin, TX. Matt recently completed his MBA at St. Edward’s University in Austin.

Matt ’04 and Lori (Woody ’04) Tortorich announce the birth of their third child, a son, William Michael, born March 2, 2010.  William joins his older brother and sister, Matthew and Catherine.

2005
Rachel (Hoffman ‘05) Bielefeld and husband Ben, of Charlotte, NC, announce the birth of their first child, Charlie. He was born April 12, 2009 and weighed in at 8 lbs 4 oz.  Congratulations!

Joseph Firmin ‘05 and Saray del Prado Palos were married on August 1, 2009 at the Sanctuary of San José, in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Brother Robert Williams, O.F.M. Cap. ‘05 was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Church in the Bronx.

2006
Ben Safranski ‘05 and Christina Maher were married on a snowy January 2, 2010, in Auburn, Maine.  Members of the wedding party included Sean Sabo ‘06, Sean Dunne ‘05 and Jonathan Gareis ‘10. The Pressimone family provided music for the ceremony. Ben and Chrissy make their home in Latrobe, PA.

2007
Debi (Jacobs ’07) and Chris Cone ’07 were married April 4, 2009 on Tybee Island in Savannah, GA. It was a beautiful wedding and many Abbey classmates were on hand to witness this special event. Catherine Mobley ‘07 was a bridesmaid and other Abbey graduates in attendance were Meredith Maher ‘07, Jessica Taylor ‘07, Tom McGraw ‘08, and Nadine Ntumba ‘10. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Jamaica and reside in Savannah, GA.

2008
Tyler Loftis and his wife Sarah announce the birth of their son, Robert Mason Loftis, born January 9, 2009.

In Loving Memory:

1930 – Emily Lowe, Hurst, TX – October 12, 2009
1934 – John Gettemans, Oak Brook, IL – May 29, 2009
1937 – Harold Thomas, Greenville, NC – February 28, 2010
1939 – Doris Jenkins, Belmont, NC – April 19, 2009
1939 – Raymond “Pat” Patterson, Hilton Head Island, SC – November 24, 2009
1941 – SHA – Bridget Scholl Beck, Cleveland, GA – April 15, 2010
1941 SHJC – Willie Harrelson, Charlotte, NC – January 14, 2010
1942 – Rev. Raymond J. Geyer, O.S.B., Belmont Abbey Monastery, NC – July 26, 2009
1942 – John Brison, Gastonia, NC – July 31, 2009
1945 – Rev. John Oetgen, O.S.B., Belmont, NC – October 10, 2009
1946 – James Heracklis, Gastonia, NC – March 16, 2009
1946 – Therese Dennis, Mount Holly, NC – September 27, 2009
1949 – Girard Angelo, Hazleton, PA – June 20, 2009
1949 SHA – Bridget Scholl Beck, Cleveland, GA – April 15, 2010
1950 – F. Vernon McCracken, Richmond, VA – September 16, 2009
1952 – Walter Lucas, Charlotte, NC – February 29, 2010
1952 – Charles Sparks, Belmont, NC – October 7, 2009
1954 – James Cole, Gastonia, NC – January 31, 2010
1957 SHJC – Sr. Pauline Mary Clifford, Belmont, NC – December 12, 2009
1958 – Eugene Kincaid, Pineville, NC – May 26, 2009
1960 – Ted Costner, Gastonia, NC – July 6, 2009
1961 – Joseph Muzenrider, Warner Robins, GA – November 22, 2009
1961 – Kevin J. Walsh, Gainesville, VA – February 27, 2010
1963 – John Pillion, The villages, FL – July 20, 2009
1965 – Lenny Brown, Boynton Beach, FL – July 27, 3009
1966 – Alan Main, Dallas, NC – July 11, 2009
1966 – Charles Sailliez, Deltona, FL – July 17, 2009
1968 – Paul Nicorvo,  Green Valley Lake, CA – July 31, 2009
1973 – Kevin Murphy, Holmes, NY – December 30, 2009
1970 – Stephen Laughey, Alpharetta, GA – March 15, 2009
1970 – Roger Niosi, New Hyde Park, NY – January 24, 2009
1971 – Robert Cranford, Flat Rock, NC – February 25, 2010
1973 – Kevin J. Murphy, Holmes, NY – December 30, 2009
1986 – Ann Marie Bridges, Grover, NC – October 1, 2009
1992 – Rina (Agriss) Blair, Johns Island, SC – September 20, 2009
1997 – Thomas Rozycki, Denver, NC – December 4, 2008