The Jesuit Mural depicts some well-known alumni, faculty, coaches, and priests  through the years. It is on display in the Student Commons

A Book About the History of Jesuit High School Wants Your Memories!

Ronald J. “Ron” Drez ’58 (click for bio), a noted author, lecturer, and historian, has agreed to take the lead role in writing a book about the history of Jesuit High School, beginning with its formation by the Jesuits in 1847 and continuing through post-Katrina times. Jesuit High School will publish the book.

As part of the wide-ranging research, Drez is encouraging all Blue Jays and their families to contribute something towards Jesuit’s historical archives which will serve as the foundation of much of the book. 

“Jesuit needs you to pick your brain and submit your significant memories – written or oral -- to this archive,” says Drez, adding that this initial call for memoirs applies to alumni and parents of alumni, current students and their parents, and current and former faculty and staff members.

“Find a quiet moment, collect your thoughts, perhaps look through your yearbook, and tell us about your most memorable moments of Jesuit,” he explains. “It might be about a favorite teacher, a funny or dreadful experience, or a big game that we won or, regretfully, lost. It could be about a shining moment in Latin or Greek class, or something whacky in which the consequence landed you in Penance Hall.

“Maybe it's the long-lost story of a deceased relative who reveled in Jesuit life. You might even tell us how you got to and from school every day, especially if you took busses and streetcars.”

Drez says that whatever you decide, your memoir doesn't have to be long or long-winded.  Written memoirs need only be a page or two, or you may choose to record your story and submit it on an audio tape, CD, or DVD.

There are a few pieces of information that should be in the preface of all submissions:

1.      Your full name, current address, and important contact information, including phone numbers and e-mail. Make sure you include your nickname and year of graduation.

2.      Tell us where you were born and raised, how you came to be a Blue Jay, and where you lived at the time you attended Jesuit High School.

3.      Tell us what you do (or did) for a living, and who you work for, especially if you think it is relevant to the story.

Written memoirs may be e-mailed, preferably as an attached Word document, to: alumninews@jesuitnola.org. Insert “Archive Project” in the subject line of the e-mail.

You may also mail us your written or recorded memoir in an envelope addressed to: Archive Project; Jesuit High School; 4133 Banks St.; New Orleans, LA 70119.

We are working to make it convenient for Blue Jays to contribute to this project when visiting our web site or phoning Jesuit. An easy-to-use form will be posted soon on our web site. Additionally, Blue Jays who prefer to tell their story over the phone will have the option of doing so. A special phone at Jesuit is being established specifically for this archive project. Callers will be able to tell their story on voice mail.  

All submissions will be transcribed and digitally archived at Jesuit High School for possible inclusion in the book Drez is writing. More importantly, all memoirs will be forever available for future generations of Blue Jays to read and listen to. 

Please submit your memoir as soon as possible. Don't wait until it's too late, and your story is lost forever. Your memoir could be one of the numerous chosen to be featured in the book, which is certain to become a treasured collector’s item among Blue Jays.

An advisory committee has been formed to support Drez and guide the history book project to a successful conclusion. Members of the committee are: Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66, president of Jesuit High School; former Jesuit teacher Fr. Donald Hawkins, S.J.; attorney Kevin Heigle ’69; Dominic Massa ’94, producer for WWL-TV; Jesuit alumni director Mat Grau ’68; Pierre DeGruy ’69, who is Jesuit’s director of development and public relations; and, of course, Drez, who is an author, lecturer, historian, and a decorated Vietnam veteran. Drez is the author of Twenty-Five Yards of War: The Extraordinary Courage of Ordinary Men in World War II (Hyperion Press, 2003). Drez has also collaborated with author David Brinkley on Voices of Valor: D-Day, June 6, 1944 (Bulfinch, 2004).

More Bio Info about Ron Drez