Welcome to the sixteenth edition of
Memorial Connections,
a monthly electronic newsletter sent to alumni and friends of
San Joaquin Memorial High School.
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As the year ticks on, we find more and more to be grateful for, including our amazing supporters and alumni. Thank you for everything you do!
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SJM Alumni Anthony Goston '94 Named New Interim Principal
As San Joaquin Memorial High School transitions from a Head of School model of administration to a President/Principal model of administration, a new interim principal has been named: Mr. Anthony Goston.
Mr. Goston has a long history at Memorial, including currently serving as Assistant Head of School for Student Affairs. He is also the current Head Football Coach. Previously, he served as a World Cultures and AP European History teacher, Athletic Director and Physical Education teacher, a career of service stretching back to 1998. Goston is also a Memorial alumni, having graduated in 1994.
“I’m very passionate about this place,” Goston said. “I have a great sense of pride in what we do and what we represent as a school to our community and I’m thankful and honored by the opportunity to continue to give back.”
A search for a Principal was launched in February and recently concluded without producing a candidate seen as a long-term fit. Goston was asked to step in as interim principal.
"While we are disappointed that the search process did not produce a candidate who could lead us into the future, I am extremely excited to have a person like Mr. Goston to step up and assume this leadership role,” said Michael Burke. “I know that even as an interim Principal, Mr. Goston will put the needs of our students first. Having a student-centered environment is what makes Memorial such a great place.”
Goston will step in as Interim Principal officially on July 1. He said his primary goal is to lead a return to normalcy post-COVID.
“My goal is to bring some clarity to our administrative structure and make sure everything we do is student-centered,” he said. “And especially post-COVID, I want to bring some normalcy back to campus.”
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When Barbara Tanner-Mulligan joined the first graduating class of 1946, she didn't know she would be joining a legacy that would extend for 75 years and counting. She recently shared her stories of the first year of Memorial's existence with us. Click play to hear her memories of Memorial. |
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Alumnus Mike Pronovost Takes Reins at CSU Technology
Mike Pronovost has been on an upward trend since graduating from Memorial in 2008. Upon graduation, he founded his own company, Pronovost Technologies. But now, he is moving on to a new challenge: Director of Technology and Mobile Programs for the California State University System. Pronovost will serve the college system's 23 campuses, helping to usher the system into the new age of technology.
Pronovost said that working in this role has been a dream of his, as someone with an interest in helping to leverage technology in new ways. This role will include a focus on helping to increase technology access for students as well as improving systems like video conferencing, Google apps and learning management systems.
"Students need level access to tools," he said.
Pronovost said that Memorial prepared him for his career in many ways, including helping him to learn how to interact with a wide range of personalities and encouraging volunteering.
"Memorial gave me the confidence to go into the workforce and share what I know," he said. "Memorial is also such a tight knit community; networking has opened many doors."
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A founder can carry an institution only so far, and then others have to step in, even the alumni. That's how an institution becomes one.
- Shiv Nadar
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Alumni Find Success in Racing
Two Memorial families have recently found success in the world of horse racing, including owning a Preakness winning horse.
Diane Fradkin (Furtado) '84 saw her horse Rombauer win the Preakness Stakes this month. Fradkin owns the horse with her husband John. Both are pictured above at Preakness.
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Save the Date: A Celebration of 75 Years
Join us on September 20, 2021 for the St. Patrick's Golf Tournament
As Board Chair for the Saint Patrick’s Golf Tournament I would like to welcome all the
Irish back to the course at Sunnyside Country Club to make up for lost time we all had
to endure. On September 20th , 2021 the Leprechauns will safely step back on the
greens in honor of Saint Patrick and San Joaquin Memorial High School. We are so
Thankful for all of our sponsors that contributed in 2020 even though we could not have
our golf tournament and celebration of a record year in sponsorships and donations.
Our committee felt is was necessary to have this golf tournament this year to honor
those past sponsors that gave to our charitable golf tournament in lieu of the Covid
Pandemic that affected all of us deeply. With those funds raised, we put them to work by
remodeling the 90’s Bathrooms, purchased touchless water fountains, finished the
beautification of the Courtyard between the cafeteria and boys locker room, earmarked
more funds to the gymnasium locker room and contributed to the Hall of Fame Wall on
the north side of the football field. The grand total of $63,855.00 was unanimously
approved graciously by our Saint Patrick’s Board. We are dedicated to serving to this
private Catholic School that has been in existence for 75 years and blessed to be able
to complete these projects that the students can utilize and share in the wonderful
attributes of all of our generous sponsors.
Sincerely,
Steve Orlando `87 Co-Chair
Justin McKeighan `91 Co-Chair
Pete Orlando `80 Co-Chair
Bob Coyle `79
Chris Gutilla Jr. `03
Jarrod Martinez`89
Tom Ryan `65
Robert C. Supino `76
Ron Wathen `86
Taylor Whelan `04
Derek Youpel `02
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You may have graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School, but that doesn't mean you're not still family. Let us know about your happy life moments: births, weddings and anniversary and we will feature your moments in Memorial Connections! It's simple. Just email japplegate@sjmhs.org with your announcement and the year you graduated.
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Enter our Spring Fling Giveaway for a chance to win and support The Fund for San Joaquin Memorial! You could win up to $5,000 in Cash.
Submit before June 10th. The drawing will be held June 11th.
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May They Rest in Peace... with God Forever
Steven Alarcon passed away December 21, 2020. He is the father of Ruth Alarcon '94 and the son of Jess Alarcon '57. He is the brother of Anna Alarcon Carrasco '75, Jessica Alarcon '77, Keith Alarcon '78, Russel Alarcon '80, Felicia Alarcon Jimenez '84, Nathan Alarcon '90 and uncle of Joseph Alarcon '97, Andrea Carrasco Weaver '99, Jamie Carrasco '00, Jessica Carrasco '01, James Carrasco '03, Alexandra Alarcon '22 and Isabella Alarcon '24. He is the great uncle of Joselyn Carrasco '19. Read more about his life at https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fresnobee/obituary.aspx?n=steven-alarcon&pid=197443790&fhid=12892
Edward F. Diener '64 passed away April 27, 2021. He is the spouse of Carol Merk Diener '64 and the brother of Mary Lou Diener Simonich '50, Dolores Diener Brown '51, Ann Diener Wilson '55 and Paul Diener '58. He is the brother-in-law of James DeMera '48, the uncle of Tom DeMera '77, Celeste DeMera '78, Patrick DeMera '80, Christian Diener '84 and Matthew Diener '85; he is the great uncle of Annabelle Beecher '13, Noelle Diener '13, Camille Diener '15, James Beecher '15, Benjamin Diener '17, Holden Beecher '19 and Danielle Diener '22. Read more about him at http://starksfuneral.com/obituary/2636-nuw5r8stwk
Nash Ignacio Gurrola passed away May 3, 2021. He is the father of Mark Gurrola '73 and Patricia Gurrola Van Loon '75. He is the father-in-law of Bernard Van Loon '73; he is the grandfather of Rory Van Loon '00 and Caitlin Van Loon Boujikian '05. Read more abou thim at https://www.jaychapel.com/tributes/Nash-Gurrola
Judith "Judie" Dowling '59 passed away May 13, 2021. She is the mother of Michael Dowling '85 and Kathleen Dowling '86. She is the sister of J. Michael Cleary '55, Mary Cleary Alessandrelli '68 and Catherine Cleary Mansfield '72. She is the mother-in-law of Ann Monahan Dowling '85. Read more about her life at https://www.yostandwebb.com/obituary/judith-judie-dowling
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Call for Class Notes
Have you recently gotten married, had a baby or experienced a big life moment that you want to share with your fellow Memorial alumni? Have updates about your reunion? Share them with us! Submit announcements to advancement@sjmhs.org.
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Alumni Contact Update
Panther Alums, even though your time here at Memorial has passed, this is still your home! Please stay connected with us so that you can be part of our exciting engagement opportunities such as our sporting event pre-game dinners, alumni mixers and so much more! To stay connected, please fill out this form.
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Call for SJM Memorabilia
Do you have SJM memorabilia from the past 75 years? If you have items you would like to share with us for our 75th anniversary, please contact Shirley Boujikian at sboujikian@sjmhs.org
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