Alumni NOW

  

Dear McNicholas Alumni,

 

We hope you are looking forward to a wonderful summer. This will be the final issue for this academic year, but we will be back in the fall with monthly "Alumni Now" news.

 

The first home football game for the 2012-2013 season is scheduled for August 25, and we look forward to seeing you at our home football games in Penn Station Stadium!

 

This summer, class reunions for all years ending with a 2 and 7 will begin and run through the fall. If this is your reunion year, check for your reunion date. We hope you will plan to join your class celebration. Not only is this a wonderful time to reminisce but a great way to network as well.

 

McNicholas' own alumni theatre group, The Paradise Players, will perform Into the Woods July 12, 13, and 14 in the Jeanne Spurlock Theatre. For more details, visit the Alumni Events section below, or visit the McNicholas High School website.

 

The fall will bring about a new era for McNicholas, with all of our home football and soccer games being played in Penn Station Stadium on our all-weather artificial turf field. We have many events planned for our alumni and hope you will "save-the-date" for these upcoming special events:

 

 

August 25         First home football game of the season at McNick!

 

September 21 - 22

    • Grand Reunion Weekend
    • CYO Home Football Game
    • "Bash for the Boosters" hosted by the Athletic Boosters

October 12       Golf Outing at Stonelick Hills Golf Club

 

October 13       Homecoming Football Game at 1 p.m.

 

Thank you for your support this past academic year. We have had a record year of fundraising and are grateful for your generous support. McNicholas relies heavily on the support of our alumni, and this past year of generous giving has shown us the alumni clearly support the vision and direction of the school's mission. If you haven't given for this fiscal year, there is still time to do so. The fiscal year ends on June 30.

 

 Wishing you all the best for the summer!

 

 

Carolyn Adam
Director of Development & Alumni Relations

619-5817

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

Three Rockets land in Hall of Fame: Couzins, Doerger, and Sanders inducted into GCBHOF  

By Drew Schmidt '06

 

 

Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame
Former McNicholas basketball players Jerry Couzins '63, and Craig Sanders '97, and former basketball coach Jerry Doerger were inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame on May 9.

 

"Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-aye...my oh my, what a wonderful day" is one of the many comforting 'Doergerisms' heard for so many years in the hallways of McNicholas High School. Former McNicholas basketball coach Jerry Doerger ended his speech at the Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame induction with this ever so famous song he used to serenade his players, students, and campers with--a perfect metaphor that was truly a great night for the McNicholas community. On the evening of Wednesday, May 9, three prominent contributors to McNicholas Athletics were inducted in the same class of the Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame.

 

Inducted with the likes of Derek Strong (XU '90, 10 NBA Seasons), Nick Van Exel (UC , 13 NBA Seasons), among others, were McNicholas Hall of Famers Craig Sanders (Class of '97), Jerry Couzins (Class of '63), and Jerry Doerger (Head Coach 1975-2002). If anyone inside the Fairfield Receptions Banquet Hall hadn't heard about 'Rocket High' before, they did by the time they left. Doerger, Sanders, and Couzins, gave the appreciative Rocket alums and supporters in the crowd chills when reflecting on their days donning green and white. Hearing stories from Couzins and having experienced Doerger and Sanders first-hand brought back a number of great memories of some of the great basketball days in McNicholas history, which let the others in attendance know just how great tradition has been at McNick.

 

Couzins ('63) was a 4-year starter on the varsity team under former well-respected coach and former principal Ed Hoffer. While playing for the Rockets, Couzins averaged over 20 points per game and amassed 1,450 career points. His jersey is one of few retired and currently hangs in the McNicholas main gym. Couzins then played for the University of Cincinnati where he starred on the hardwood and competed on the baseball diamond as well. Couzins' career includes positions as Assistant Principal and Head Coach at Mariemont High School, where he won 225 games, Principal at McNicholas from 1996-1999, and Turpin where he was named FAVC Coach of the Year, He currently coaches basketball at Nagel Middle School and is married with 5 children and 8 grandchildren.

 

Jerry Doerger (McNicholas Head Basketball Coach 1975-2002), helped put McNicholas basketball on the map. With his intensity, passion, and competitiveness, Doerger instilled in his teams the toughness to compete at the highest level while also preparing his students and athletes for life after school and basketball. Taking over for Jim Stretch, there were big shoes to fill, but Coach was up to the challenge. After coaching at Moeller and XU, Doerger became head coach for the Rockets in 1975. In his 28 seasons at McNicholas, where he was also a guidance counselor, Coach set the all time wins record with 380 victories for McNicholas, won 15 Sectional Championships, 10 District Championships, and hung 5 State Final Four banners in our gym. While it was tough to see his exit, he went on to be head coach at Clermont Northeastern for 7 seasons. He has won 542 games as a head coach, and is always quick to thank his players and the Lord for every single victory. He is currently an assistant coach at Lakota East High School, but still has "Doergs' Dome" and the much deserved extra hardware to add to his self-constructed wall of fame in his basement.

 

Craig Sanders ('97) only played basketball for McNicholas for two years, but it was two great basketball seasons. For those two seasons, it was the highlight of my week to watch Craig's competitive nature, while under the direction of Coach Doerger. After coming to McNick from Batavia High School, Sanders didn't skip a beat. His ability to compete and get the best effort out of his teammates propelled him to score over 1,000 of his 1,834 high school points at McNicholas High School. He still holds the single season GCL scoring average (24.2) for all member schools and was named 1st Team All-State his senior season. After leaving McNicholas, Sanders couldn't have represented his alma mater any better. He became the all time leading scorer in NKU history (2,007 pts), all time three-point record holder (356), and a Division II All-American. Sanders resides in Batavia with his wife and three children. He is still involved in the game as a personal trainer and runs his own summer basketball camps

 

 

 

Bleachers, press box, and track find a home in Paradise

  

Bleachers are installed
On April 9, work began on the bleachers in Penn Station Stadium.  The bleachers will hold over 2,000 spectators when the stadium opens for home football and soccer games in Fall 2012.

 

Press Box arrives
As the installation of the bleachers reached completion on April 13, the press box arrived.  The bleachers and press box were made possible by a generous donation from TQL.  To read more about the donation, please see TQL donation moves McNicholas athletic complex toward reality.

 

Finished bleachers and press box
The finished product of the bleachers and press box were completed the week of April 16, just in time for construction to begin on the track.

 

Track Installation
Installtion of the 8-lane regulation track began the week of May 7 and will be complete by May 23.  The track has been made possible by a generous donation from Phil and Marilyn Finn from the Class of 1967.  To read more about the track, visit the McNicholas Milestone Online to read staffer Anna Redington's '14 story McNick adds track to Project Paradise.

 

To read more about  Project Paradise and the plans for the future or to donate to this campaign, please visit the Project Paradise webpage at www.mcnhs.org.

 

 

 

 paradise logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Introducing the McNicholas Green Pages eDirectory

 

The Alumni Association of McNicholas High School is pleased to announce the online publication of...

 

 

 Green Pages logo

 

 

Thanks to the many alumni and friends of McNicholas High School who submitted information, we have a robust directory of businesses and professional services owned and operated by our McNicholas community.

 

The next time you need a plumber, car dealer, restaurant, or cake decorator, don't turn to the Yellow Pages, click on the McNicholas Green Pages.

 

We are excited about supporting our alumni, parents, and friends of McNicholas and hope you will be too. The goal is to build and foster strong community and alumni relationships.

 

Submissions can still be received and updates will be made on a regular basis. Submit your information by going to the McNicholas Green Pages.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Sister Judi Keehnen '59 via email or at (513) 708-8790 or contact the Development/Alumni Relations office at (513) 619-5850.  As always, thank you for supporting our McNicholas High School community.  

 

 

 

 

McNicholas' 61st Musical, The Wizard of Oz, held April 20-22

by Sister Judi Keehnen CSJ, '59

 

On April 20, 21, 22, the McNicholas students presented the 61st annual musical The Wizard of Oz. The show included the floating Glinda the Good Witch, a high-flying Wicked Witch of the West, and flying monkeys.  When a musical selection has been repeated, it has been a tradition at McNicholas to invite the past cast/s back for an alumni night, which was held this year on April 21. Returning alumni were honored with a special announcement and recognition before the show began. There was an alumni reception in the library following the performance for the present cast to meet the past cast/s.

 

This year's musical had been presented at McNicholas two previous times: 1980 and 1998.

 

The reception included lots of conversation and sharing of memories as well as a beautiful and delicious cake made by Jane Favret Cervantes '70, owner of "Cakes Come True and Trifles Too."

 

 

Wizard of Oz April 2012

Spring Musical Alumni Reception: On the steps, L to R back:  Amy Powers Vennemeyer '77, John Vennemeyer '77, David Sandmann '04, Stephanie Dannemiller '98 (Dorothy in '98 Oz), Matt Suddendorf '98 (Lion in '98 Oz), Tom Salerno (former teacher and Music Director '80 Oz ) Gabrielle Gundrum Wadell '82 (Gloria in '80 Oz), 2012 Oz Director Liz Gundrum Ingram '78, Jerry Wiesenhahn '78, Mary Kay Puttman Wiesenhahn '71.   On the steps, L to R front row:  Lynn Powers McClellan '75, Marilyn Vennemeyer, Trish Powers Rahner '82 (Chorus in '80 Oz), Kay Clear Jabin '82 (Jitterbug in '80 Oz), Caitlin Ingram '07, Maggie Ingram '05, Lauren Kinker '00 (munchkin in '98 Oz), Hannah Aicholz '10, Kathleen Hiltz '10, David Sweet '10, Lauren Cox '11, Michael Voet '11. Front of steps, L to R:  Judi Keehnen CSJ '59 (former teacher and musical costumes '80 Oz), and 2012 cast members Aaron Vennemeyer '12 (Tin Man) , Molly Hiltz '12 (Dorothy), David Wiesenhahn '12 (Lion), Matt Gabbard '13 (Scarecrow), Scott Frenzel '14 (The Wizard), Kim Kollsmith '12 (Wicked Witch of the West).

 

 

 

  

 

Memorial Day Ceremony planned for May 28

by Ken Serger '69

The McNicholas Military Memorial Committee, in conjunction with members of the American Legion Post 484, will hold a short ceremony at the site of the McNicholas Military Memorial on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, at approximately 9:45 a.m.  This is an annual event wherein the American Legion contingent visits several local sites to recite a prayer, perform "Taps" and present a 21-gun salute.  They plan to be at the McNicholas Military Memorial at about 9:45 a.m. so if you plan to attend, you should arrive by 9:30 a.m.  The Military Memorial Committee will provide coffee, donuts and juice.  We welcome everyone to attend.

   

 

 

Student moderator receives award for service

by Maddie White '14, McNicholas Milestone Online reporter

On March 31, Student Moderator Gerard Kissel, received the Outstanding Service Award from the Katie Haumesser Foundation. Kissel was nominated for this award by Susan Haumesser, Katie's mother, who was always impressed with how well Kissel worked with the students while Katie was at McNicholas.

 

Kissel service award
Student Moderator Mr. Gerard Kissel receives the Outstanding Service Award from the Katie Haumesser Foundation.  Kissel is pictured his wife Janet, daughter Dani, and Katie's parents and her daughter Emma '14,

 

The Katie Haumesser Foundation was formed in 2006 after Katie, a 1996 McNicholas graduate, was killed by a drunk driver.  According to their website, the Foundation "is dedicated to providing assistance to children with special needs, and sponsoring scholarships for graduate students in speech and language pathology." Haumesser worked as a speech pathologist and dedicated her life to serving special needs children.

 

Kissel received the Outstanding Service Award during the 6th annual Katie Haumesser Benefit for Katie's House. "Katie's House" is a space within the Hearing Speech and Deaf Center that is being renovated through the Foundation as a place where kids can have their speech, language, audiology, and occupational therapy needs met. It also helps mothers and fathers who need support and education.

 

Kissel was nominated for this award for his outstanding service to the McNicholas community and to the students there. As the Katie Haumesser Foundation says on its site, the Service Award is given to someone who has "exemplary love and care for kids, demonstrates  great commitment, service, and leadership towards them, has strong moral character, and  serves as a role model for others in the community."

 

In her nomination, Susan Haumesser wrote, "Gerard Kissel was Katie Haumesser's favorite teacher at McNicholas High School not because Katie found herself needing his direction, but because he had the ability to look deep into another and read hearts.  Mr. Gerard Kissel loves kids and she could see this in him. He has devoted his entire professional career to help students find their path and strengths.  His commitment to his faith has played an important role in shaping our future adults."

 

"It was a real honor to receive the award," Kissel said, "I really like what the Foundation does and how it helps people. I'm glad that I could be a part of it."

 

 

Make plans for the Amazing Rocket Race 2012

Have you ever watched the AMAZING RACE and thought, "I could do that"? This is YOUR chance! Compete with friends racing around the McNicholas High School area, deciphering clues and participating in challenges. Be the first team to get to the end of the race and YOU WIN!   This is the inaugural race and party that benefits the McNicholas High School Football Program. Team spots are being sold now until the event is full. If you are interested, please contact Laura Wilson at [email protected] or Del Ehemann at [email protected]  about competing. 

 

The race will take place on Saturday, July 14, 2012.

 

Check in time will start at 4 p.m. and the race will begin promptly at 5 p.m. Start location and more information will be sent to each team via email several days before the race.

 

A post race celebration will be held at a secret location to honor the new champions. Dinner, dessert, beer, wine and music will be provided.

 

This race is limited to 40 teams of 4 members, so register early!  The entire team must sign a Waiver of Liability before participating in the race. Cost is $50 per team member if over 21, $45 per team member if under 21. Minimum age is 18.

 

Make checks payable to: Del Ehemann

Send checks and team information (all 4 team members' names and their email addresses) to:

Del Ehemann

6981 Moorfield Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45230

   
 

Reunions for 2012

The celebrating classes this year are the 2s and 7s.  Check below to see what your class has planned.  We still haven't heard from the Classes of 1957 and 1987.  If you are interested in assisting with the planning of your class reunion, please contact Priscilla Mrozek, Development Assistant, at 513.231.3500 ext. 5850 or at [email protected].  Reunions can be viewed at the McNicholas website.

  

Class of 1952

When? Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 2 p.m.

Where? Mercy St. Theresa Senior Living Community

Questions? Contact Angie Noble at [email protected] or at 513.231.3500 ext. 5824.

 

 

Class of 1962

When and Where?

Saturday, Sept. 15, Class Dinner/Dance at A Touch of Elegance at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Sept.16, The Steamboat Shelter at Woodland Mound Park

Questions? Contact Cassie Wahl Feldhaus for more information at [email protected].

 

Class of 1967
When and Where?
Friday, Sept. 21, Salem Gardens

Saturday, Sept. 22
Football game, McNick vs Fenwick at Penn Station Stadium, 1-4 p.m.
Wine and Cheese Welcome Reception, McNicholas Courtyard, 6-7 p.m.
Campus Tour at 7 p.m.
Class Party, McNicholas High School Courtyard and Library, 7:30 - 11 p.m.

Cost is $20 per person
Sunday, Sept. 23, Golf Tournament
Questions? Contacts: Mary Beth Connelly Mayo at [email protected]

or Marilyn and Phil Finn at [email protected].

   

Class of 1972

When and Where?  TBD

Questions? Contact Nancy Hilton Denman at [email protected] or

[email protected]

 

Class of 1977

When and Where? TBD

Questions? Contacts: Mary Beth Meyer Danker at [email protected] or Amy Rogers Schmidt at [email protected].

  

Class of 1982

When and Where?

Friday, Oct. 5

Wine & Cheese Welcome Reception, McNicholas Courtyard, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Campus Tour included

Saturday, Oct. 6

Football game, McNick vs Alter at Penn Station Stadium, 1-4 p.m - Bring your family!

Class Party with heavy hors d' oeuvres, McNicholas Cafeteria, 7-10 p.m. 

Sunday, Oct 7

Family Picnic at local Cincinnati Park

Questions? Contact Kelley Armstrong Young at [email protected] or 513 295-6086 or Trish Powers Rahner at [email protected] or 513-482-1265

 

Class of 1992  

When and Where?

Friday, Sept. 21  

Wine and Cheese Welcome Reception - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Campus Tour - 7 to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22

Tailgate, noon to 1:00 p.m. near the Stadium

Football game, McNick vs Fenwick at Penn Station Stadium, 1-4 p.m.
Class Dinner, The Vineyard's Sweetwine Banquet Center

Questions? Contact Brian Sanders at [email protected]

 

Class of 1997

When and Where? TBD 

Questions?  Contact Maggie McNerney at [email protected].

  

Class of 2002 

When and Where?  July 28 at 7 p.m. at the Sandbar   

Cost: $25 per person  

Questions?  Contacts: Brigitte Thomas at [email protected], Lauren Wulker at [email protected], or Andrea Dennis at [email protected]

 

Class of 2007

When and Where?  TBD

Questions?  Michele Herbert at [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Upcoming alumni events

 

NIck Erdy Foundation Memorial Golf Outing  June 30, 2012

The 7th Annual Nick Erdy Foundation Memorial Golf Outing will take place Saturday June 30 at the Deer Track Golf Course. Registration opens at 11:00 a.m. and the scramble begins at noon. The cost is $80 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, prizes, and dinner following. Dinner only is available for $12 per person. Proceeds go to benefit several local scholarships as well as the Injured Marines Fund. You may sponsor a hole for $125. Secure a hole sponsorship by signing up here.  Complete the registration form by June 9. Contact Joe Laugherty at [email protected] or (513) 312-2363.

 

 

Paradise Players Alumni Musical   July 12, 13, and 14
Paradise Players will present Into the Woods on July 12, 13, and 14 in the Jeanne Spurlock Theatre. The show is being directed by former theatre teacher Jeanne Spurlock and produced by Shannon Coffey '10 and Andrew Tepe '11.  If you would like to contribute your talent, volunteer, or work in production with the Paradise Players, email them at [email protected].

 

 

Men's and Women's Alumni Soccer Games  Saturday, July 21

Join fellow alumni soccer players for a morning of soccer games with playing experience that spans the decades. The women's game begins at 10 a.m. and the men's game begins at noonGames will be played on the turf field at McNick's own Penn Station Stadium. Food and refreshment will be provided.  If you are a McNick women's or men's soccer player or alumni interested in playing in the games, please contact Karen Wood at [email protected]. All other questions, please contact Development Assistant Priscilla Mrozek at [email protected].

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Season Opener Home Football Game at Penn Station Stadium   August 25

Join us for our first home football game!

 

 

Athletic Booster and Project Paradise Golf Outing   October 12

Grab your golf clubs to raise money for McNicholas Athletics and Project Paradise.  The annual golf outing at Stonelick Hills Golf Club includes golf, lunch, drinks, dinner, and prizes. 100% of proceeds directly benefit the student athletes and athletic facilities of McNicholas High School.  Look for details in early September. 

 

 

Homecoming   October 13   

Welcome home! Join us at the Alumni Spirit Zone for a little food and a lot of fun for both adults and children before cheering on the McNicholas Rockets in the annual Homecoming football game. Look for details in early September.   

 

More events are planned for future dates.  Please check the McNicholas Alumni Events webpage for further information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Annual Fund helps everyone at McNicholas

We invite you to give to McNicholas High School's Annual Fund if you have not already done so this year. Tuition alone does not cover the cost of receiving a McNicholas education.

 

 

Annual FundThe Annual Fund is a large part of making a McNicholas education affordable for students and their families. It covers a broad spectrum of needs ranging from financial aid for deserving students to basic operating expenses.

 

Participation from everyone, especially our alumni, is important.

 

Please consider making a donation to the Annual Fund. Everyone and every gift makes a difference!

Thank you for supporting McNicholas High School.

To donate to the Annual Fund online, click the donate button or contact Carolyn Adam, Director of Development, at (513) 231-3500 x5817 or [email protected].

 

McNicholas Alumni Association Meetings

Alumni Association Meetings

The McNicholas Alumni Association is an active organization that formally meets the first Tuesday of every month in the Heritage Room of the Convent with the exception of the months of June and July.  All alumni are welcome to join their classmates at these gatherings. The next meeting is August 7 at 7 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the Convent.   

 

 McNicholas Alumni Association on Facebook

Be sure to reconnect with McNicholas through the McNicholas Alumni Facebook page. Search McNicholas High School Alumni or just click the link below, and join the nearly 2,000 alumni who have become fans. 

 

 Like us on Facebook

Keep us updated!

Do you know someone who did not receive this edition of the alumni newsletterForward this on to them, and please encourage them to update their information by completing the form on the McNicholas webpage, or contacting the alumni office by phone 513.231.3500 ext. 5850 or e-mail [email protected].

Alumni Updates

John Murphy '02 and his wife married in May 2008. John and his wife Jessica have 2 children: Thomas (2 years old) and Lucy (3 months old).

 

Erin Farwick Sandfoss '99, a nurse at Children's Hospital, was a nominee for the 2012 B. Robison-Sporck Outsanding Nursing Award and Burton R. Pease Award for excellence in Nursing Leadership. The Sporck Award honors nurses who demonstrate excellence in family-centered patient care, a commitment to nursing and who are a model of the CARES service standards. The nurses are nominated for the award by their peers, colleague, or supervisor. Erin is the daughter of Michael '73 and Patricia '74 Farwick.

 

Angela Umberg Smith '02 had a baby boy, Patrick James Smith, born January 25, 2011.

 In Memory

 
 
We generate this list from local obituaries and information we receive from the family and friends of our alumni and current students. Please contact the alumni office if there is incorrect or missing information.  

 

Alumni

 

1940s

 

Sister Therese Beringer '46; Graduated St. Joseph Academy (present-day  McNicholas High School).

 

1950s

 

David T. Celesti Sr. '57; Brother of the late Jack '55. Father of Gina '84 and Tonia '87.

 

1960s

 

Ronald E. Rieger '61; Brother of Gerald '67, Mary Beth '71, and the late Michael '67.
 

Patricia Ann Riley '69; Daughter of Winifred and John. Sister of John '67, Rick '71, and Jeff '77.

 

2000s

 

Keith Reed '01; Husband of Beth Hollstegge '00. Brother of Stephanie '04.

 

Distinguished Family and Friends

 

Donald and Rosemary Conrad; Parents of Greg '69, Gary '71, Jeff '73, Gerald '76, Carolyn '76, Terri '78. Grandparents of Michelle Semancik '03, Benjamin Semancik '05, Kevin Semancik '08, Nathan Semancik '10 and Gretchen Semancik '12.

 

Martha E. Gilb; Mother of Bill '68 and Terry '73.

 

David R. Grimsley; Father of Scott '12 and Jack '14.

 

Jean A. Heller; Mother of Thomas '69 and Jennifer '79.

 

Angela Iannitti; Mother of Louis '65, Richard '70, and Dennis '72.

 

Suzanne S. Machenheimer; Mother of Michael '81, Ann '85, and Jerry '88.

 

David F. Rinderle; Father of Jason '96.

 

Patricia A. Voelpel; Mother of Jeff '93.