1. education
2. school

Girard
Today
April 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
Coloring Outside the Lines: Art is
Everywhere at the Lower School ........ 1-2
Mock Trial Program Honored at
April Chapel .....................................................3
Campus News...................................................3
COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINES:
Art is Everywhere at the Lower School
W
alk the halls of the Lower School, and you’ll see lots and lots of artwork. Our
students are clearly prolific, but they are also creating a solid foundation from
which they can build art skills and art appreciation.
Their teacher, Chrissy Seonia, is an Artist with a capital “A.” She has always
been this way. As an elementary school student, she dressed up as an artist for
Career Day. Today, she doesn’t own a television; when she gets home from
work, she paints.
“I have a lot of energy,” she says. “Painting is sort of therapeutic for me. It slows me down.”
Editorial/Contact info:
This publication is produced by members
of the Girard College Development Office.
Your feedback is welcome!
Contact the editor, Polly Mitchell, at:
pmitchell@girardcollege.edu
or 215.787.2735.
When she was in high school, she earned a scholarship to take art classes at Moore College of Art and
Design on Saturdays. In the morning, she was a student. In the afternoon, she helped to teach art to
elementary school-aged children. She loved it.
“I love to inspire others to create,” she says. “I believe that everyone is naturally creative, but some
people just need a little push.”
Like every other subject at Girard, art is being taught using the “I can … Benchmarking Process” unique
to IRRE (Institute for Research and Reform in Education), the educational consultants who have been
working with our staff since last June. Clearly posted among the art on the Lower School walls are the “I
can …” statements that tell visitors what the benchmark was for each project.
Seonia, of course, incorporates her own personal standards into her lessons.
“I never give my students strict parameters and expect the same outcome for each lesson,” she says. “I
like when kids bend or break away from the project. It means that they are truly expressing something
personal.”
“I also try to stay away from clichéd, ‘cookie-cutter’ projects; for example everyone drawing a Georgia
O’Keefe flower,” she says. “While it’s important to teach art history and art techniques, I think it’s even
more important to make the subject relevant to the students. If I am touching on examples from art
history or art techniques, I like to show them how it has influenced contemporary art.”
See “COLORING” on page 2
p
An example of co-curricular work, the sixth-grade
students created masks of the Greek characters they
learned about in class.
u
Fourth graders learned how to make prints at the
Tyler School of Art at Temple University with Seonia’s
own former teacher, Wendy Osterweil (back row far left).
For many of the students, this was the first time they
visited an art college
2 |
GIRARD Today
Did You Know?
The Arts in the primary grades are important
to all students for motor skill development.
To attain developmental milestones, children
need to be able to learn how to move in
our world. Through simple tasks such as
learning how to use a pair of scissors
www.girardcollege.edu
Coloring
continued from page 1
“I hope they will believe
‘I can be who I am in my art.’”
correctly, manipulating clay, and moving
their limbs while learning certain dance
steps, students begin to understand the
mechanics of their own bodies.
— Christine Enedy, Upper School art teacher
Upper School art teacher Christine Enedy agrees.
“When creating, students are given a problem to
solve (the art project, a piece of music to write,
a dance to perform),” she says. “Children need
to decide how they are going to go about solving
this problem. Just as there are many ways to solve
a math problem, there are also many different
ways to create a work of art! Children need to be
given the freedom to explore these options, and
use their own imagination. As Einstein once said:
‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.
For knowledge is limited to all we now know and
understand, while imagination embraces the entire
world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.’”
An essential part of Seonia’s curriculum is taking
her students off campus and into various museums
and schools. Her intent is to show her students
that art is life and that it is all around us.
Recent art trips include:
Third graders visited PAFA (Pennsylvania
Academy of Fine Arts) to experience “Beyond
the Paint,” an exhibit dedicated to Philadelphia’s
Mural Arts program (photo right). On the bus ride
from Girard College to PAFA, the children looked
out their windows to locate murals en route. This
proved to be an easy task; Philadelphia, sometimes
called the City of Murals, has more than 3,000.
Fourth graders went to Tyler School of Art at
Temple University, Seonia’s alma mater. There
they learned about print making, and each made
q Teaching the different forms of art includes
vocabulary that crosses all grade levels.
at least one print of his or her own. Additionally,
Seonia considered this an opportunity for her
students to see what an art college looks like and
to understand that art education is taken seriously.
Sixth-grade students traveled to a public school
in Wenonah, N.J. to collaborate on a mandala
quilt. The mandala is a symbol in Hinduism
and Buddhism representing the
universe. It is an integrated
circular structure organized
around a unifying center. As a
design element, it allowed
students to express themselves individually within
a unified structure, demonstrating both unity and
diversity.
him/herself as an artist and to enjoy and appreciate
the expression of others through art.”
And of course, that coloring outside the lines is
really O.K.
“I encourage my students not to be afraid to make
mistakes, in life and in art,” Seonia says. “You can
fix it; paint over it!”
“It’s fortunate that I’m surrounded by a
community of art and artists,” Seonia says. “I’m
constantly inspired to bring fresh, new artists to
school or go on a trip to see an upcoming exhibit.”
Another one of Seonia’s messages is that art is not
about a pretty picture.
“It is important to me that the students realize
they can express their feelings through art,” she
says. “I hope they will believe ‘I can be who I am
in my art.’”
Lower School Academic Dean Cannie Shafer
appreciates the effect Seonia has had on her
students.
“While Ms. Seonia is a talented, outgoing and
energetic instructor,” she says, “she is, more
importantly, teaching every student to express
p Students learn that they can express
emotions through their art: “My flowers
represent how I am angry and afraid.”
GIRARD Today | 3
www.girardcollege.edu Campus News
April Chapel
Celebrates
Mock Trial
SUCCESSES
On Wednesday, April 2, the entire student body and
many faculty and staff came together for our monthly
Chapel. This community event was also an opportunity
to celebrate the successes of Girard’s Mock Trial teams.
All members of both of our competitive squads were
seated on stage, as were the volunteer coaches and our
faculty advisor for this thriving program.
After an introduction by senior and Mock Trial “veteran”
Anya Johnson, coach Nolan Atkinson stepped up to the
podium to address the Chapel audience. His theme was
“tenacity,” and he told the story of William Coleman, the
attorney who, over the course of 12 years, petitioned the
courts to desegregate Girard College. Referring to one of
Girard’s Five Core Values, Atkinson said, “Sometimes it
is your responsibility to be tenacious.”
Atkinson congratulated the Mock Trial students on their
tenacity, saying, “Success is more than just being smart;
it takes drive, teamwork, repetition and working hard to
understand the facts.” He also remarked that he believes
they will benefit from their experience of “using their
God-given brains” long after their athletic skills fade.
The 2014 Mock Trial season has been an exciting one.
Over forty teams from the greater Philadelphia area
began the season, and both of our teams progressed to
the final eight.
Girard’s Team 1 lost to Girard’s Team 2 in the first
match of the quarterfinals, but Team 2 advanced to the
finals. They faced Roman Catholic High School for the
city-wide championship and the right to compete in the
State Championship in Harrisburg. Although Team 2
did an outstanding job, they lost to RCHS and brought
home the title of #2 Mock Trial team in the city. Two
of our students earned recognition as Best Advocate
(Brandon Dixon) and Best Witness (Jamoni Harris). It
was a very proud day!
It’s hard to believe that Girard’s first Mock Trial season
(in recent history) was 2012.
p Back row, left to right: student Mock Trial competitors Adalberto Acevedo, Aaron Young, Aaron Cook, Reginald Morgan,
Tiyannah Brown, Jamoni Harris, Tami Kong; second row: Nadira Boddie, Danielle Ibuaka, Derek McDuffie, Montrell
Henderson, Anya Johnson, Brandon Dixon; front row: attorneys/coaches Ed Biester, Ron Marrero ’94, faculty advisor Bill
Gallagher, attorney/coaches Nolan Atkinson, Seth Goldberg, Cathy Cramer and Girard President Clarence Armbrister.
That first team sprouted from the passion of a few
volunteers who had been serving as mentors in 2010
and 2011 to Girard students who were interested in
the law. Those mentors – attorneys Seth Goldberg and
Atkinson – are still among the hard-working cadre of
voluntary coaches who work with our current teams.
Mock Trial 2014: Again Girard fielded two teams,
but both were in the Competitive Division this year.
Although not the only school with more than one team,
Girard was the only one that brought both teams to the
“final 8” playoffs! Team 2 advanced to the finals and
proudly claims to be #2 in the city!
The progress and success of the Mock Trial program in
three short years has been amazing.
Coach and alumnus Ron Marrero ’94 has a unique
perspective as former-student-turned-coach.
Mock Trial 2012: Girard’s first team competed in the
Developmental Division, took first place, and then
advanced to the “regular” league finals. In their first
match, they faced the city’s number one team and lost
by one point.
“The hard work of the students has filled me
with enormous pride and I am amazed at their
accomplishments, as I know I may not have shown the
same drive and tenacity when I sat in those pews,” he
said. “While Mr. Atkinson was correct that the students
will be able to look back on this experience long after
their athletic abilities have failed them, I believe that I
have gained much more from this program than all of
those students combined.”
Mock Trial 2013: Girard students formed two teams,
one in the Developmental Division (Team 2) and one in
the Competitive Division (Team 1). Team 1 advanced
all the way to the finals, placing second in the city.
Congratulations to all!
Girard College Upper School is hosting a group
of students from Mongolia for two weeks. They
will be staying on campus during the week and
making class presentations on food, culture,
religion, language, history and more.
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES ROLL IN
The list of college acceptances continues to grow,
and includes: University of Delaware, Drexel
University, Duquesne University, Fashion Institute
of Technology, Fordham University, University
of North Carolina, Pennsylvania State University,
University of Pennsylvania, Purdue University,
Rochester Institute of Technology, Wesleyan
University and many more!
As these stories develop, we’ll share photos and the complete
story online, in eNews and in future issues of this newsletter.
A COMMUNITY OF READERS
Girard College Lower School fifth-grade
teachers Jim Flanagan and Kevin Giorno
instituted a Reading Club that encourages
“independent reading” time before school,
after school and in the evening. The results
have been spectacular.
DUKES GO FOR THE GOLD
PHOTO CREDIT: K. Steininger 2014
GIRARD HOSTS MONGOLIAN VISITORS
PHOTO CREDIT: J. Flanagan 2014
CAMPUS STORIES IN PROGRESS:
Six Upper School students who earned
bronze and silver awards in their first two
years participating in the Duke of Edinborough Award program traveled to Kentucky
during Spring Break to help build and repair
homes. They dug ditches, built ramps, slept
on the floor and made a lasting impression
on the program’s facilitators.
STEEL &
Garnet
April 2014
GCAA SPONSORS ANNUAL SENIOR TRIP
TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
Soldier, where we watched in silence
and awe as the Changing of The
Guard took place. We made a stop at
the Kennedy Family plot where we
stood in silence at the site where J.
F. Kennedy is interred and where his
memory is honored by an eternal flame.
The annual Senior Trip to Washington, D.C. took
place on March 19, 2014. Three Girard College faculty
members accompanied 38 seniors on the trip that
marks the beginning of a trimester-long celebration of
senior accomplishments and the bittersweet realization
that, in a short few months, their Girard journey will
end. In June, our seniors will no longer be Girard
College students and boarders, but will instead become
proud Girard alumni and citizens of the world.
Day One:
Our seniors anxiously gathered on the steps of
Founder’s Hall as the driver of our chartered bus
carefully loaded suitcases, pillows and snuggly stuffed
animals. Our chaperones, Mr. (David) Ruiz, Mr.
(Tony) Askew, and Ms. (Judy) Wiggins conducted
head counts, completed final logistics, and bid farewell
to the RAs (residential advisors) who had come to see
our kids off.
Our bus arrived in Washington on schedule. Our
guide, Kierra, met us at the old Post Office, then it was
off to the National Place (downtown, indoor shopping
mall) for lunch and final instructions. Our first stop
after lunch was Arlington Cemetery.
In a steady drizzle, our cemetery tour guide
meticulously explained how the cemetery, once a
tobacco plantation with over 60 slaves, was established
in 1864. For more than 80 years blacks were buried
separately from white service men. On July 26, 1948,
President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order
9981, which established, “that there shall be equality
of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the
armed services without regard to race, color, religion
or national origin.” Although it was years before the
services effectively integrated, the national cemeteries
immediately adopted the policy throughout the country
and disbanded burial segregation regulation in 1948.*
Our guide led us through the cemetery, stopping
at the gravesites of several African-American luminaries
including Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall
and boxing legend, Joe Louis. Our group had an
opportunity to visit the Tomb of the Unknown
After Arlington Cemetery we headed
to the Martin Luther King Jr.
Memorial. Open to the public on
August 22, 2011, the memorial sits
on the Tidal Basin across from the
National Mall. Sixteen quotes from
Dr. King reach out in permanence
along the granite wall facing the Tidal
Basin. From his earliest work in the
Civil Rights Movement to the days of
advancement in the 1960s, these words
reflect the power of Dr. King’s words to inspire us in
the modern day.†
From there we headed back to our hotel for some
quick R&R and to prepare for our moonlight dinner
tour on the Spirit of Washington. After an hour or so
we arrived at the boat and were ushered to our private
accommodations on the third deck. We were then
treated to a delicious and abundant spread of chicken,
rice, macaroni and cheese, salad, vegetables, fruit
and dessert.
Our D.J. kept the festive mood going, photos
were taken, and, after stuffing ourselves, “The Party
Was On.” Mr. Ruiz interrupted the festivities for a
few minutes to reflect on the achievements of the class
and to remind the class of how far they had come. The
microphone was then turned over to several seniors
who wanted to share their deep appreciation to the
school and love for their fellow classmates. Tears were
shared, and all on board exchanged hugs.
But I digress. This was a party, and party was what
we did. We danced, and laughed and danced some
more. Rumor has it that Mr. Ruiz broke out some of
his rusty 70s/80s moves, Ms. Wiggins impressed the
throng of seniors with her soulful style, and Mr. Askew
showed us he can line-dance with the best of them. We
partied until the boat docked at 10:00 p.m., and then
it was off to the hotel for some well-deserved rest.
Day Two:
Our seniors started the day with a hearty
breakfast, then it was off to enjoy the D.C. sites.
We spent the morning at the National Museum of
American History where we enjoyed a number of
wonderful exhibits including “Changing America: The
Emancipation Proclamation(1863) and the March on
Washington(1963),” “America on the Move: History of
Transportation in America,” “The American Presidency,”
“American Stories,” and the “Artifact Walls.”
From there it was off to the Ronald Reagan
Conference Center for lunch, then to the United
States Holocaust Museum. The museum is a reminder
that evil unchecked can have devastating results, and
that we as free citizens are all responsible for defending
and protecting each other’s liberties and freedoms.
After spending several hours processing what we
had witnessed, we were off to the Theater Lab of
the Kennedy Center to see D.C.’s longest running
“audience participation” play, Shear Madness. Our
students became part of the performance as they helped
to determine who had committed the murder in this
hilarious improvisational comedy, which takes place in
a hair salon.
From there it was off to dinner at Union Station,
where we were met by one of our illustrious alumni,
Bernie Oliver ’78. After introductions and exchanging
some pleasantries, our students were led in a rousing
rendition of “Hail Girard” as food court workers
watched in awe and amusement. Our evening ended
with some snacks, and then it was off to bed.
Day Three:
The day started again with breakfast and a trip to
The Spy Museum, where we learned about the history
of espionage in the United States and around the
world. The highlight of this museum was the exhibit
dedicated to the world’s most famous spy: British Secret
Service agent 007, Mr. James Bond. After our visit to
the museum we drove past the United States Capital,
stopping briefly at the White House for some photos.
Our journey had come to an end, and it was now
time to say goodbye to Washington and return to
Girard College. Our chaperone bid us farewell, and we
headed back to Philadelphia, arriving on campus just
in time for our seniors to gather their belongings head
home for a well-deserved spring break holiday.
Many, many thanks to the GCAA for providing this
trip to our seniors every year. We learned a lot, had fun
and will always remember the 2014 Washington trip.
– written by David Ruiz,
Upper School Academic Dean
CAPTIONS TOP LEFT: Seniors posed in
front of the White House. TOP RIGHT: Rain
didn’t prevent students taking photos of the
Jefferson Memorial.
* (http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/History/Minorities/Minor_
BlackHistory.aspx)
† (http://www.nps.gov/mlkm/index.htm)
www.girardcollege.edu STEEL & GARNET | 3
S&G Newsletter
THE GCAA MOVING FORWARD
From the Desk of The Director
After one year as Director of Alumni Relations of the Girard
College Alumni Association, I must express my thoughts and
feelings about all that the Board of Governors, officers and I have
set out to do together to move the Association forward. We have
been consistent in matching our words and deeds in what we see
as the future of the Association.
My vision for the Association – as well as my opinions about the
attributes of an excellent and innovative service organization –
have been expressed at the board level and at the
many chapter meetings I have attended during the
last year.
• We seek to move the association forward in its
mission by listening and responding to the
needs of the membership;
• We encourage new ways of doing things
with a high regard for the membership and
its contribution;
• We are dedicated to maintaining a responsive
organizational structure with the flexibility
to change.
With these qualities for charting the Association’s
direction, we particularly encourage chapter
development. Recently, we have re-established The
Central Pennsylvania Chapter and will continue
the building process. I have said numerous times
that service to our membership is the keystone of
commitment, and that working with members and
chapters allows us to grow together into a stronger
Association. Our success has grown from chapters
that have volunteers who give their time and talent
to the Association.
I am proud of the accomplishments we have
achieved thus far and have confidence in supporting
the mission of Girard College and our founder
Stephen Girard. We should all be proud that
our Association is moving forward because of the
commitment of the leadership, membership and the
many volunteers at the chapter and class level.
Thank you for your strong support that has given us
this new momentum.
Hail Girard
Joseph Garbarino ’71
Joe Garbarino ’71
Founder’s Day 2014:
“Seeing Beyond The Familar”
What does Founder’s Day mean?
Of course, it is a time to pay homage to Stephen
Girard with appropriate activities, and it is also a time
when Girardians of all ages gather to fulfill their own
individual desires.
To each of us it can mean many different things
including meeting with classmates and friends that
we have not seen for months and often years, the
reminiscing over our fortunes and misfortunes while in
the HUM, showing off our families, bragging a little
and perhaps complaining a little about the evolution of
change now and in the future. We will compare now
what we see and what we remember as having once
been. Sometimes we are pleased by what we see, but
often there is a tinge of disappointment as our nostalgia
overpowers a more rational appraisal.
We remember the humorous anecdotes and characterbuilding events which become even more hilarious and
daring with each telling. These are now assessed with
more positive-sounding descriptive phases. It is perhaps
what we mean by the mellowing of age.
But Founder’s Day also might well be a time for serious
thought as to the purpose, objective and role of the
Alumni Association. However, in order to do that, we
must have a viable organization with the capability of
providing for the intent of our Charter and Mission. We
must take a proactive and positive view – with an active
interest by the membership and the board of governors
– to be supportive to the mission of our founder,
Stephen Girard, to acknowledge the gifts we have been
given and to consider the future of Girard College and
its students.
Hail Girard
Joe Garbarino ’71 Director of Alumni Relations and
Development
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR PLANS
FOR FOUNDER’S DAY 2014?
You should have received this brochure (left) in the mail by now.
Call the GCAA office at 215-232-8882 or e-mail jgarbarino@girardalumni.org
for more information. Don’t miss a memorable weekend filled with reunions, sports,
activities, networking, food and fun!
is a publication of the
Girard College Alumni Association.
mail@girardalumni.org
GCAA OFFICERS
Joseph Samuel ’88
President
Anthony J. Schiavo ’59
First Vice President
Ethel Richards ’01
Second Vice President
J. Victor Jurciukonis ’58
Treasurer
Joseph Garbarino ’71
Director of GCAA
CHAPTERS
PLEASE NOTE: Alternates and e-mail
contact info are available under ALUMNI GCAA online at www.girardcollege.edu.
ARIZONA DESERT
Bert Levin ’47
(480) 860-2831
Cavaliers
Jermaine West ’95
westjermaine@gmail.com
DELAWARE COUNTY
Charles Dougherty ’55
(610) 328-0704
FLORIDA
Bill Rowe, June ’48
(305) 271-8574
LEHIGH VALLEY
Dennis Oswald ’71
(610) 433-7628
NEW YORK-EMPIRE
Dennis Lalli ’68
(212) 777-9223
POCONO-NORTHEAST
John Pekar ’71
(570) 824-0863
Southeastern
Pat Longo ’47
(770) 945-2299
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Richard Bohner ’79
(310) 375-9752
SOUTH JERSEY WAVE
Anthony J. Schiavo ’59
(856) 466-9216
TEXAS LONE STAR
Jim O’Neill ’51
(214) 361-6633
WASHINGTON D.C.
Bernie Oliver ’78
(443) 324-3620
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Wayne McNeil ’81
(412) 242-5439
www.girardcollege.edu
4 | STEEL & GARNET 1964 Girard Alumnus
Michael Bishop “Bish” Rieg
and the PA Hero Walk
Bish Rieg (right) posing with participants in the
2013 Hometown Hero Walk which benefited the
Wounded Warrior Project.
On Memorial Day weekend 2009, Michael Bishop
“Bish” Rieg ’64, heard an Internet broadcast out
of Pittsburgh where a man named Al Pulice talked
about his plans to walk across Pennsylvania to raise
money to help injured veterans. This walk would
start at the Philadelphia Art Museum and end – 14
days and 320 miles later – in Lower Burrell, PA,
northeast of Pittsburgh. Being a bit impulsive, Rieg
immediately thought, “This is something I should be
doing,” and he signed up to become part of what is
known as the PA Hero Walk (www.paherowalk.org).
The PA Hero Walk is a registered non-profit, it has
no staff and each of the walkers is a volunteer.
What an adventure!
Rieg walked the first PA Hero Walk in June 2009
and has been involved in each of the four walks
since then. The money raised has been given to the
Wounded Warrior Project, which nationally provides
assistance to seriously injured men and women who
have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over five years,
the PA Hero Walk has raised over $630,000 for the
Wounded Warrior Project. This year, the
sixth PA Hero Walk team of 10 members,
including Rieg, will leave the Philadelphia
Art Museum on Sunday, June 15 and will
complete the 320-mile walk on Saturday,
June 28.
and fulfilling, in that the members of the PA Hero
Walk team will actually see how the support and the
money raised is being put to use in helping veterans
in need.
Rieg has also organized a one-hour walk in his
hometown of Lansdale, Pa. for the past two years
The main route, east to west, is Route 30, variously known and is organizing a third local walk to take place on
Saturday, June 14, Flag Day. In 2012, there were 650
as Lancaster Pike, York Avenue, Chambersburg Pike and
local participants and $27,000 was raised. In 2013,
the Lincoln Highway. The walkers cover an average of
there were 1,000 participants and $46,000 was raised.
25 miles each day and sleep at motels along Route 30,
Rieg is thinking big for the Lansdale walk and hopes
stopping also at a veterans’ hospital in Coatesville and at
to have 2,000 participants, each of whom will have
various American Legions and Veterans of Foreign Wars
posts along the route. One of the team, a Vietnam veteran, a flag and a blue walk t-shirt with the names of over
cooks meals for the group with a full “kitchen” located in 50 sponsor companies and organizations that support
our veterans. Veterans who support or participate in
the back of his truck.
the Lansdale walk will get a special camo t-shirt.
This year’s walk team consists of 10 people, most of them
veterans. Rieg served in the Army from 1968 to 1970 and Rieg would be especially thrilled and appreciative
was spared service in Vietnam. His appreciation of the
if Girardians would participate and/or support by a
sacrifice of the millions of men and women who have worn donation either the June 14 Lansdale walk or the “big
the uniform and served our country is one of the reasons
walk” across Pennsylvania starting on Sunday June
he originally got involved in the PA Hero Walk and keeps 15. Interested alumni may contact him by phone at
him involved to this day. The motto of the PA Hero Walk 215-362-1089 or via e-mail at lansdalewalk@verizon.
is “Helping Veterans – One Step at a Time.”
net. You may get further information about the PA
Hero Walk by checking the group’s website at www.
This year the PA Hero Walk team has decided that all
money raised by the walk and the sale of various gear will paherowalk.org. Be assured that any donation given
will help our veterans who have sacrificed so much for
go to helping Pennsylvania veterans of any era. This new
our country.
mission, according to Rieg, promises to be both exciting
Students’ Reflection on the 2014 Lone Star Reunion
the raw, undiluted love for their alma
mater – was something that’s always going
to stick in our minds. And, although the
sightseeing was great, their enthusiasm
is what we are both going to remember,
more than anything else.
San Antonio set the perfect backdrop
for the weekend. Saniyyah and I arrived
in Texas on Thursday, and, guided by
our witty chaperone Sharon O’Neill
Alumni, spouses and guests including authors Ricketts and Dixon (center back)
(daughter of alumnus Jim O’Neill ’51),
and President and Mrs. Clarence Armbrister (far right, middle row) at the Lone
set out to see the city. We dined at
Star Reunion
Mexican restaurants, perused unique
souvenir shops at La Villita and walked
Youth cannot be contained in the adolescent years. Even now,
the
beautiful
Riverwalk
until our feet were ready to fall off.
when many of them have moved on to rich, fulfilling lives, the
alumni of the Lone Star Chapter have a spirit that puts the
energy of the current student body to shame. Gathered at the
historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, the members
of the this chapter closed their annual meeting with a rousing
rendition of the original version of “Hail Girard” (“Hail
Girard, acclaim her manhood ...”) and with smiles that could
stretch across Texas several times over.
Saniyyah Ricketts and I were lucky enough to be invited to
this year’s Lone Star Chapter Reunion weekend from March
28th through the 30th, and boy, was it an experience! One
of the tragedies of the modern day Girard College is that the
students rarely get the chance to interact with the alumni,
unless they make a point to visit the GCAA (on-campus)
office on a regular basis. Seeing the alumni congregated
together – experiencing the eclectic mix of personalities and
The time that we got to spend with alumni on Friday and
Saturday was precious; even with the childish roar of the
Rainforest Café in our eardrums, Saniyyah and I were able
to talk with them over Friday-night dinner and again during
the final dinner on Saturday at the Menger Hotel. We
shared a few words with the entire group about our personal
experiences at Girard, and were moved when the entire room
rose to their feet to ring out the meeting with “Hail Girard.”
One of the best parts of the trip was an unexpected
connection that occurred before we even left Philadelphia.
We met a woman there who was also flying to San Antonia
for the Lone Star Reunion. Although she never attended
Girard College, “Liz” had been a resident of the neighborhood
right outside of the gates and had become friendly with
some Girard students when she was a young girl. Although
not actually an alumna, she is indeed the most Girardian
of the Girardians! From the moment we met her and began
talking, it was clear that she was in love with the college, and,
although an outsider, knew more about the school and its
history than many Hummers do. And she was never without
a story! At the drop of a hat, she could whip out a tale about
the trouble that she and the GC boys used to get into or
about her travel experiences crossing the globe.
We had never met such an interesting and genuinely sweet
person in our lives.
Saying good-bye to Liz on Sunday morning as she boarded
her flight back to Philadelphia was perhaps one of the most
heart-breaking things that I have gone through. On the
previous night, when we stole upstairs to grab as much sleep
as possible, we happened to open up the Texas viewbooks
that were given to us at the dinner. Scrawled in the corner of
both of our books was a heartfelt message from “Grandmom
Liz,” who promised both of us that she would come see our
graduations.
More than anything, the Lone Star Reunion was a reminder
that (to quote a fictional character*) “Happiness can be
found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to
turn on the light.” Even though the future of their alma mater
is uncertain, Hummers still can find it in themselves to band
together and celebrate the remarkable influence Girard has
had on their lives.
– Saniyyah Ricketts ’14
Brandon Dixon ’15
* Albus Dumbledore, who is a character
in the Harry Potter series.
www.girardcollege.edu STEEL & GARNET | 5
GCAA In History:
Part One
by Joe Garbarino ’71
. e Alumni Association charter, granted in 1900,
Th
gave the purpose of the organization “... to promote
social intercourse among graduates ... to perpetuate
the memory of Stephen Girard, and ... to render such
aid, assistance and council to the members ... as may
promote their welfare and usefulness in the community.”
. rom the beginning, through World War I, the 20s,
F
the Great Depression through the 30s until the end of
World War II, the Alumni Association could confine
itself strictly to this purpose. The alumnus was a product
of nine or 10 years of a rigidly restrictive regimen
(except for athletics), with virtually no association with
“outside” schools, churches and youth groups.
. hile this restrictive atmosphere lessened in intensity
W
and scope with each decade, an environment of
isolation remained through World War II. The graduate,
suddenly thrust into the world outside the walls,
experienced a frustrating feeling of being “lost” and
“not belonging.” Ten years of heavy dependence on
Girard and the close personal relationship of his fellow
students resulted in a genuine need for assistance in his
social adjustment, in finding a job, for plain “fatherly
advice” and often for financial assistance. The alumni
organization was prepared to – and did – meet these
needs.
. e distribution of the students, and hence the alumni,
Th
(principally from Pennsylvania, with most from
Philadelphia) made the possibilities for aid easier and
more direct. Job requirements (other than professions)
seldom specified education, mechanical or technical
background prior to the actual apprentice system. The
quality and extent of the Girard graduate’s academic
and vocational background permitted the alumnus to
be assessed by businessmen and industrialists as having a
definite advantage over his peers.
The reputation of Girard College was a great help in
getting a job and advancing in one already held. Many
alumni took a personal
interest in helping younger
members with employment.
A relatively small number of
alumni entered college; there
was no immediate need for it,
and usually there were serious
personal financial pressures.
With less sophisticated
communications and travel
possibilities, the alumnus
did very little travel from his
“home community.” With
the vast majority of alumni
in the Philadelphia area,
local clubs and groups grew.
Prominent were such units
as the Early Eighties, the
Band Association, the Ginger
Association, Girard American
Legion Post and even a Girard
Beneficial Association.
On the other hand, the
alumnus after World War
II presents a product of less
stringent schooling, a more
dispersed geographic area
with a more Americanized
heritage, a more secure
financial promise and available opportunities to
further disperse from his “home” through an advanced
education in far-off places, thereby greater diffusion of
interests and separation from Girard.
membership from these classes. However, it also can
be said that the recent graduates who are actively
participating are demonstrating the same intensity,
dedication and loyalty of their brothers and sisters.
I. t is difficult to express or define these differences of
loyalty and feeling toward the Hum. Undoubtedly,
loyalties exist in each but there may be differences in the
expression of these loyalties.
It is the function and purpose of the Alumni Association
to satisfy the needs of both groups – to coordinate with
the mellowness of age and the impatience and eagerness
of youth.
The greatly reduced size of the graduating classes
naturally had its proportionate impact on alumni
Part Two will appear in the fall issue of Steel & Garnet.
TWO COMMEMORATIVE ITEMS AVAILABLE
by Joe Garbarino ’71
from the Alumni Office and the alumni registration table on Founder’s Day
Girard College Centennial DVD and booklet –
Girard College Five-Video DVD –
. hen it comes to organization and thoroughness, Joseph
W
Pavlovich ’48 is at the top of his class as a gifted student and
as an educator of dynamic performance. The DVD reflects the
ability to present a subject in a down-to-earth manner, explain a
topic, provide a good background and present the information
in an easily understood sequence that holds one’s attention.
We invite you to add to your collection a commemorative DVD that
highlights many cherished memories and moments from our past!
. e combination of narration, video and the text is educational,
Th
entertaining and a pleasant learning experience.
.For those who were there, you will appreciate the parts played
in the centennial. For other alumni and alumnae, this is an
excellent account of one of Girard’s shining moments.
The cost is $25.00 and includes the DVD and a booklet
written by Pavalovich: a true memorabilia item!
The DVD contains five different videos in an easily accessible menu,
designed and produced by Carmen Di Bartolomeo ’71, the principal
and owner of Red Kite Project. The movies include footage from
The Grand Batallion, President
Truman’s
visit,
highlights
featuring the classes of 1947
through 1949, and two
documentary films: “Living
Legacy” and “Life of a Boy.”
The cost is $20.00 and $5.00 for
shipping. It will also be available
on Founder’s Day at the Alumni
booth at the Tuttle Pavilion.
You can pick up the Centennial DVD and/or the Five-Video DVD on Founder’s Day,
or you may mail your request and check (payable to the GCAA) to:
Centennial DVD and booklet,
produced by Joseph Pavalovich ’48
GCAA Office
Girard College
2101 South College Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Five-Video DVD produced by
Carmen Di Bartolomeo ’71
Family and friends are welcome to attend
Commencement 2014, held in our historic
Chapel.
The commencement speaker will be Marc
Morial. Former mayor of New Orleans and state
Senator (Louisiana), Morial is the CEO of the
National Urban League. A historic civil rights
organization, the National Urban League is
dedicated to economic empowerment that will
elevate the standard of living in historically
underserved urban communities.
Girard College will graduate
39 seniors on Thursday, June 5,
at 10:00 a.m.
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
2101 S College Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Steel & Garnet
Permit No. 579
PAID
CINNAMINSON, NJ
May 16
Golf Outing U.S.POSTAGE
May 17
Founder’s Day
NON-PROFIT
June 5
Upper School Graduation
ORGANIZATION
Mark Your
Calendar
June 13
Lower School Graduation
Founder’s Day
is May 17.
ALUMNI: Call the GCAA Office if you
have questions: 215-232-8882.
Introduce yourself to our new
administrative assistant, Alex Cruz.
She looks forward to getting to
know many of you!
STEEL &
Garnet
ENJOY OUR COLLABORATIVE NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the spring issue of GIRARD TODAY and the Steel & Garnet.
This is the eighth issue produced collaboratively by Girard College and the GCAA
(Girard College Alumni Association). When you finish reading one division, turn
the newsletter over and upside down, and start again!
IN THIS ISSUE
The Senior Trip to Washington, D.C........................ 2
GCAA Director’s Letter................................................ 3
Thoughts on Founder’s Day....................................... 3
GCAA Officers and Chapters.................................... 3
Michael Bishop ’64 and the PA Hero Walk...........4
Student Reflection on the Lone Star Reunion....4
GCAA in History, Part I................................................. 5
Two Commemorative Items Available................... 5
Girard College is an independent boarding school for academically capable students, grades 1 through 12, from families with limited financial resources, each
headed by a single parent or guardian. Girard’s mission is to prepare students for advanced education and life as informed, ethical and productive citizens
through a rigorous educational program that promotes intellectual, social and emotional growth. Girard College students will be prepared to complete a
bachelor’s degree in order to maximize their ability to pursue productive careers and be engaged citizens.