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Notre Dame Alumni E-Newsletter |
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Dear ,
As the saying goes, "March comes in like a lion...," so goes the exciting roar of activity here at Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy this month.
Our students are geared up for Irish Week and the long-held tradition of the Irish Games competition taking place next week, and as always the seniors will be fighting hard for the championship!
It is with joyful anticipation that we break ground this month on our new lower division campus in Pontiac. Meanwhile, we are celebrating strong increases in new student enrollment for the coming school year, as well as very positive growth in alumni giving to the annual fund.
It seems the spirit of the Irish is in full force throughout our campus, our alumni, our community and our supporters. This spirit is what makes Notre Dame such a special place.
Irish blessings,
Rachel (Alexander) Miller '00 (NDP)
Director of Alumni Relations
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Ann Arbor & East Lansing Traveling Irish Dinners!
Take a study break and join the alumni association for FREE PIZZA at our Traveling
Irish Dinners in the towns of the Wolverines and Spartans! Traveling Irish Dinners are a great way to catch up with alumni in your area, and are always a lot of fun too!
Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
The Brown Jug, Ann Arbor
Harper's Restaurant, East Lansing
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"All in the Timing" one-act comedies at NDPMA
March 22-24, directed by Meredith Gifford '02 (NDP)
 Notre Dame Prep Players will present "All in the Timing," a hilarious collection of one-act plays by the American playwright David Ives. This upper-division student production is directed by alumna Meredith Gifford, class of 2002 (pictured left).
Performance Schedule:
March 22, 23 at 7:00 p.m.
March 24 at 4:00 p.m.
NDPMA Pontiac campus, cafetorium.
Tickets $10, available at the door.
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Big Band Dinner Dance at Lafayette Grande - May 17
Featuring performances from NDP jazz band alums
The Notre Dame Preparatory Jazz Band Ensemble and its alums will present the 13th annual Big Band Dinner Dance on Friday, May 17, at the historic Lafayette Grande in Pontiac. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will include a buffet dinner, live music and dancing. A cash bar is available.
Join us for a fabulous night out and bring your dancing shoes! Tickets are $30 per person. Order tickets by May 3, 2013. Download Reservation Form
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Notre Dame Golf Outing at Wyndgate
 Alumni and friends are invited to join us for Notre Dame's annual golf outing on Monday, June 3, 2013, 1:00 p.m. start. This year's golf outing will be held at the Wyndgate Country Club's private course in Rochester, Mich.
In addition to players for the golf outing, the Parents Club is looking for help in the following areas to make the event successful: lunch, dinner or beverage cart sponsorships; hole sponsorships; and donations of items to the silent auction or raffle. If you are interested in participating, please contact Rick Sutkiewicz at 248.207.9788.
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The Lunch Bunch
ND's retired faculty and staff gather monthly
The Lunch Bunch is a group of retired NDHS and NDP faculty and staff, along with their spouses, who meet for lunch throughout the year. Their gatherings began in 2008 after the suggestion of retired math teacher, Kathy Downs. Then in 2009, retired NDHS teacher Roy Johnson's wife, Madryn, underwent hip surgery and was feeling blue, so she decided to schedule more Lunch Bunch gatherings so she could see her ND friends to lift her spirits. Madryn continues to schedule the Lunch Bunch gatherings, setting dates and locations and collecting RSVPs, and has unofficially became the Bunch's secretary. The group continues to gather every 5-6 weeks.
Current Membership:
Roy Johnson and wife, Madryn
Kathy Downs and husband, Richard
Tony Borton
Norm Kotarski
Hal Rice
Ken Parent
Kathy Bembas
Dolores Connors Elbode and husband, John
Kirby Smith and wife, Christine
Larry Sigel and wife, Nanci
John Parthum and wife, Marianne
Dennis Lynch and Dolores Lynch
Deacon Tony Morici and Betty Morici
Deacon William Kessler
Above, pictured from left: Hal Rice, Norm Kotarski, Madryn and Roy Johnson, Deacon William Kessler. To view more photos, visit our Facebook page.
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NDHS grads score Chevy commercial
Set to release fourth album
 Danny Methric and Tony DeNardo, both 1990 graduates of Notre Dame High School, are continuing their success with the band The Muggs, with a new album to be released in April, and a musical appearance in a 2013 Chevy Silverado 4×4 commercial.
"Full Tilt," the band's first live recording, will drop on April 26 after a record release party and concert at the Magic Bag in Ferndale. The album is the group's fourth and features the gritty, blues-influenced sound for which The Muggs are noted. They have toured the world in the past and plan a busy 2013 with concerts and festivals as well as another European tour in the spring.
Methric (pictured above, at left) is lead guitarist and vocalist, DeNardo (at right) plays bass and Todd Glass (at center) rounds out the group on drums.
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Alumni giving continues to grow
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is grateful for the support of its alumni and the alumni of its predecessor and its Marist-affiliated schools. Last year, for the third year in a row, giving to the Notre Dame Annual Fund by alumni has increased, in terms of the dollars received, number of donors and percentage of overall giving. And this year, we are forecasting yet another record year in terms of alumni giving.
Gifts to the Notre Dame Annual Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. These gifts are unrestricted in that they allow the school to spend where it's needed most in program areas throughout the school, ranging from financial aid, classroom technology and faculty support, to the arts and athletics.
If you have any questions about the Notre Dame Annual Fund, please contact Annual Fund Director Frank Castronova '89 (NDHS) at 248-373-2171, ext. 5, or fcastronova@ndpma.org.
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Alum works with the Department of Homeland Security
Patrick Foxworthy '04 (NDP)
 An early desire to "make things better" led 2004 Notre Dame Prep grad to Washington, D.C., and into a crucial role in helping to make America safer. Patrick Foxworthy is currently managing the development of new technology as a systems engineer with The MITRE Corporation, a McLean, Va.-based not-for-profit organization that provides systems engineering, research and development and information-technology support to the government to help address issues of critical national importance.
Foxworthy is improving the way the nation protects its citizens. "I'm part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) systems engineering Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), and the folks I get to work with at MITRE are very intelligent, thoughtful and driven," he said. "It's reassuring to know that people like that are working on the large, complex challenges that face our nation." Full Story
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Retired Notre Dame art instructor in retrospective show
Kirby Smith, retired NDHS and NDP art  faculty member, will present a lifetime of his personal artwork in an exhibit titled, "A Retrospective of Kirby Smith." Ceramics, paintings and photography, which Smith created over a 45-year career, will be on display June 4-29 at Studio 1219, located at 1219 Military Street, Port Huron, Mich. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. An opening night reception will be Friday, June 7, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Smith is inviting his former students, colleagues and all alumni and friends of Notre Dame to come out and share in this special celebration! For more information, please contact the alumni office at 248.373.2171, ext. 3, or alumni@ndpma.org. Studio: studio1219.com.
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Lower division building plans move forward
 Artist's rendering of new lower division building by Bryan Ureel '82 (NDHS).
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy's lower division (grades junior-kindergarten through fifth grade) continues to move forward as it prepares to open its new campus in the fall. The City of Pontiac's Planning Commission unanimously approved on February 6 the school's site plan to build its new lower division on the corner of Giddings Road and Walton Boulevard, about a block from the school's main campus.
Demolition of a number of buildings on the property is planned as well as renovation of the existing church building, which will house the lower school's administration, media library and activity center. A new, state-of-the-art, 12-classroom building that will be connected to the administration building has been designed and construction will begin soon, according to school officials.
"We believe that unless the state of Michigan makes major changes to our plans, our scheduled move from Waterford to Pontiac will take place as expected and on time," said Fr. Leon Olszamowski, NDPMA's head of school. "We expect to have state approvals by the middle of March. He said demolition of some existing structures will begin soon with major construction of the site beginning in April and continuing through July, finishing well before school begins.
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NDP competitive cheer finishes best season
The Notre Dame Prep Competitive Cheer team ended its best season ever by taking second place at the MHSAA Division 3 cheer state finals on March 2 at the Delta Plex in Grand Rapids.
The Irish were edged out by defending champion Richmond by 2.8 points.
NDP wowed the crowd, however, with their third-round performance and a score of 316.1.
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NDP student athletes take two of four state scholarships
Notre Dame Prep student-athletes, seniors, Madeline Blocki and Michael Broderick, earned two out of the four scholarships awarded this year by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
Each school year the MIAAA awards four $1,000 scholarships honoring top high school male and female student-athletes. Only student-athletes graduating during the current school year and who maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 as well as earn a varsity letter in at least two sports are eligible.
2013 MIAAA Scholarship Recipients:
Madeline Blocki - Notre Dame Prep
Michael Broderick - Notre Dame Prep
Ashley Carney - Jackson Northwest
Mark Taylor Janssen - Lakeland High School
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Senior to play football in France
Notre Dame Prep senior Joe Kutil, a quarterback on the Fighting Irish football team, will join 34 other graduating seniors from the U.S. on the American Worldwide Football team and play a football game next month in Paris against a national team from France.
The March 30 contest represents the first time a scholastic team from the United States will travel overseas to play another country's national team that qualified for the World Championships of American Football.
Players on this American Worldwide Football team come from a cross-section of the United States and represent nearly every corner and region of the country. Kutil, who signed to play football at Hillsdale College, will join his AWF teammates in Paris on March 24 after which they will tour many of the historical sites of France, including Versailles and the Normandy coast. Two days prior to kick-off the players will tour the D-Day beaches and the U.S. Cemetery and Peace Memorial on the bluffs above the sea. Kutil will be wearing his ND football helmet during the game.
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School receives official accreditation from ISACS
Keith Shahan, president of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), announced in late February that Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy has fully complied with all of the ISACS Standards for Membership and is re-accredited as a member in good standing. He said the ISACS visiting team report on NDPMA "was reviewed thoroughly by the ISACS evaluation review committee" after which the executive committee of the association's board of trustees recommended full accreditation.
ISACS is a membership organization of  more than 230 independent schools from 13 states in the U.S. Midwest region. Notre Dame has been ISACS-accredited since the school began in 1994-95 and shares such accreditation with Cranbrook, Country Day, Grosse Pointe Academy and The Roeper School.
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Shop Amazon, Starbucks to support Notre Dame
Purchases at 85 popular retailers generate rebates to NDPMA
It's EASY to support Notre Dame by making everyday purchases of groceries, gas, clothing, toys and gifts with the ScripNow! program. 85 popular retailers and restaurants like Amazon, Starbucks, Target, CVS, Home Depot and Macy's offer rebates to NDPMA of up to 16% of your purchase! You can fund-raise for Notre Dame while you shop, and it won't cost you anything extra. 
Register with Scrip
Use non-profit code 4D7L86L1594 to purchase retailer gift cards for your favorite ScripNow! brands.
Downloadable eCards are available, and you can send eGifts to your friends by email.
Contact scrip@ndpma.org with questions.
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Notre Dame seeking substitute teachers!
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is looking for substitute teachers to work periodically throughout the school year. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree. If you wish to be considered, please send your resume to vice principal Donna Kotzan at dkotzan@ndpma.org.
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List of upcoming class reunions:
If your graduation year ends in a 3 or 8, your class should be celebrating a reunion in 2013.
Considering planning a reunion for your class? The alumni office can help you get started. Call (248) 373-2171 ext. 3 or email rmiller@ndpma.org for details.
NDHS Class of 1963, 50-year
September 14 and 15, 2013. Dinner on Sept. 14 at Sterling Inn, Sterling Heights, Mich. On Sept. 15, 10 a.m. Mass at Old St. Mary in Greektown, Detroit, followed by a Detroit Tigers game. Contacts: John McCabe, (586) 822-5153; Don Herman, (586) 781-0220.
NDHS Class of 1965, 50-year
Contacts: Dennis Berger, dennisaberger@aol.com, (909) 223-4483; Fr. Leon Olszamowski, lolszamowski@ndpma.org.
NDHS Class of 1973, 40-year
Friday June 21 - afternoon golf scramble and 19th hole meet and greet.
Saturday June 22 - evening dinner dance
Sunday June 23 - Detroit Tigers game
Contact Frank Coppola at (586) 295-9375 or taxmanfj@yahoo.com.
Pontiac Catholic Class of 1973, 40-year
Event is in the early planning stage. Contact Nancy Mazza at nancylmazza@yahoo.com.
NDHS Class of 1978, 35-year
Will be planning a 35-year reunion for 2013. Class volunteers needed to help on the planning committee. If you are willing to help, please contact Ron Yanik at ronald0812@aol.com.
NDHS Class of 1989, 25-year
Reunion is in the early planning stages for a TBA date in 2014. Reunion committee in formation. If you would like to help, contact Gregory Simon at gsimon@ndpma.org, or Frank Castronova at fcastronova@ndpma.org.
NDP Class of 1998, 15-year Classmates are discussing plans for a reunion gathering via Facebook. If you would like to volunteer to help plan the reunion, please contact the alumni office at alumni@ndpma.org or Scott Lockhart at scottielockhart@hotmail.com.
NDP Class of 2003, 10-year
Reunion being planned for 2013. Reunion contacts: John Putnam, jmputnam07@gmail.com; Bridget Maher, bridget.leigh.maher@gmail.com; Aaron Bozicevich, abozicevich@gmail.com; Erin O'Brien, Emobrien8525@gmail.com; Cindy Kraus, c.e.kraus@gmail.com; Kristi Lewandowski, kristi.lewandowski@gmail.com; and Nick Giacona, nickgiacona@hotmail.com.
NDP Class of 2008, 5-yearReunion is in the early planning stages. Reunion contacts: Shannon Bartlett, SBartlett@pulse220.com; Katie Berlin, katherine.l.berlin@wmich.edu.
St. Frederick All Class Reunion 2013
33rd annual All Class Reunion will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2013. St. Frederick school building open for touring at 9:30 a.m. Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul, Pontiac. Luncheon at 1:00 p.m. at Santia Hall, Keego Harbor. Tickets available at Kennedy's Irish Pub, Waterford. For more information, contact st_freds_alumni@yahoo.com.
St. Michael All Class Reunion 2013
24th Annual All-School Reunion will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013. For more information, contact John Martin '51 (SM) at martinjd@wowway.com. For a complete list of reunions and event details, visit www.ndpma.org/reunions.
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We pray for those who have died:
Mary Wirth, mother of David Wirth '66 (NDHS)
Marguerite (LaFave) Miller '41 (SF). 3-5-13
Anthony Trupiano, father of Anthony Trupiano '85 (NDHS) and James Trupiano '87 (NDHS). 3-2-13
Mae Jean Modetz, grandmother of Daniel Modetz '01 (NDP) and Scott Modetz '04 (NDP). 3-1-13
Kenneth Hockenberry, son of Dolores (Taylor) Hockenberry '54 (SM)
Pauline Wojcinski, mother of Robert Wojcinski '65 (NDHS). 2-28-13
Mary Gerbino, mother of Joseph Gerbino '67 (NDHS). 2-28-13
JoAnn Schleicher, mother of David Schleicher '70 (NDHS), Glenn Schleicher '72 (NDHS), and James Schleicher '74 (NDHS). 2-27-13
Arthur Zelinsky, grandfather of David Zelinsky '05 (NDP) and Hannah Zelinsky '09 (NDP). 2-26-13
David Ritchie '78 (NDHS). 2-26-13
Melvin Ellison, father of Steven Ellison '82 (NDHS). 2-22-13
Mary Kouri, mother of James Kouri '69 (NDHS) and Robert Kouri '70 (NDHS). 2-22-13
Emil Macionski, grandfather of Kristina Macionski '04 (NDP) and James Macionski '06 (NDP). 2-20-13
Charles Hurtubise '47 (SM). 2-13-13
Raymond Samelak, grandfather of Mark Samelak '04 (NDHS) and Michael Samelak '07 (NDP). 2-12-13
James Colbert, father of Marshall Colbert '01 (NDP) and Jeffrey Colbert '06 (NDP). 2-12-13
Richard Clancy, grandfather of Thomas Clancy '04 (NDP). 2-11-13
Johanna Goralski, mother of Normand Goralski '73 (NDHS). 2-9-13
Janet Wesley, mother of Michael Wesley '72 (NDHS), grandmother of Steve Wesley '01 (NDP) and Mark Wesley '05 (NDP). 2-8-13
Matteo Leone, father-in-law of Joseph Borri '80 (NDHS). 2-5-13
Richard Marrone, father-in-law of Bradley Hensen '77 (PC). 2-3-13
Mary Coleman, widow of LaVerne Coleman '50 (SM). 2-3-13
Edward Olinzock, father of John Olinzock '74 (NDHS), Dale Olinzock '75 (NDHS), Paul Olinzock '78 (NDHS) and Alan Olinzock '80 (NDHS). 2-3-13
Michael Fabick '62 (NDHS). 2-1-13
Esther Vitaskinsky, mother of Rebecca (Vitasinski) Schvon '56 (SM). 1-29-13
We pray for the sick:
Philip Simon, father of Gregory Simon '89 (NDHS) and Richard Simon '85 (NDHS), who is experiencing health challenges.
Fr. John Bolduc, s.m., NDHS faculty member from 1966-68 and 1970-75, underwent coronary bypass surgery on January 24 in Atlanta.
Marne Housey, wife of Michael Housey '84 (NDHS). A prayer of thanksgiving that for the first time since her cancer diagnosis, Marne's brain tumor, which has no known cure, has completely disappeared from the MRI! We also pray for another clear MRI in April to show she is cancer-free.
Nicholas Ureel, 16-year-old grandson of John Ureel '58 (NDHS) and Joan Ureel, who is undergoing treatment and surgery for cancer.
Elaine Just, wife of Ed Just '66 (NDHS), was recently diagnosed with stage-three ovarian cancer. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Jim Mandl '66 (NDHS) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the week before Christmas. He began chemotherapy and radiation treatment in early January. He will have surgery sometime in late March or early April.
Joey Caretti, the 12-year-old son of Joe Caretti '84 (NDHS) and Lisa Caretti (Regina HS). The family asks for prayers as he continues to recuperate from various side effects related to his cancer treatment and bone marrow transplant.
Geraldine Kopitz, mother of Keith Kopitz '84 (NDHS), Bruce Kopitz '68 (NDHS) and Kevin Kopitz '79 (NDHS), and grandmother of Alexander Kopitz '11 (NDP), as she recovers from a broken hip.
Email your prayers and petitions to alumni@ndpma.org.
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March
12- Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
22-24 - "All in the Timing" NDP spring play
April
9 - Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
13 - Ann Arbor & East Lansing Traveling Irish Dinners
May
14- Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
17 - Big Band Dinner Dance at Lafayette Grande
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