Alumnus Speaker Jim McCormick ’86 Wows a Captive Audience of Blue Jays, Young and Not-So Young 
With Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76, president of Jesuit High School, leading the
prolonged applause, the 255 seniors of the Class of 2013 process in from front
and back entrances at the 12th annual Commencement Luncheon, which
was held Friday, May 3 in the Armstrong Ballroom of the
Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street.
The Commencement Luncheon has become a significant event attended by more than 
Jim McCormick ’86 was the featured speaker, the first
in the 12-year history of the event to bring a guitar
and sing one of his recent #1 hits on the
Country Music Billboard chart.
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500 Blue Jays annually. Fathers and sons, uncles and nephews, brothers and cousins all sit together as Jesuit alumni. Each year the luncheon has left an indelible impression on the seniors as well as on the alumni. Graduates of Jesuit feel that being an alumnus is something very special. The luncheon is designed to help our newest alumni develop and deepen their understanding of that relationship. Thanks to all our alumni who attended this year’s Commencement Luncheon.
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| In the News... with Blue Jay Alumni |
Seiler Family Donates Fully Endowed Scholarship
Members of the Seiler family from left: Jennifer, Karen, Owen ’75, Owen, Jr. ’11,
and Casey join Jesuit president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. in the Holy Name of Jesus Chapel on Sunday, May 19 to celebrate the donation of a fully endowed scholarship to Jesuit High School. Scholarship donations are used to assist
families who are unable to pay full tuition. “This is a small way to say
thank you to Jesuit for all the great life lessons my son and I received
during our days at Carrollton and Banks,” said Owen Seiler, who
currently serves as the coach of his alma mater’s golf team.
Owen, Jr. is a sophomore at LSU studying pre-med.
The handsome plaque commemorating the
extraordinary gift hangs proudly
in Jesuit’s Hall of Honors.
. Learn More About Donating a Scholarship |
Class of 1968 Celebrates 45 Years as 2013 Blue Jay Reunion Season Hits Mid-Point
Members of the Class of 1968 reunite for their stag reunion celebrating 45 years
at the uptown home of Frank Maselli on Friday, May 10.
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To Reel in Fresh Blue Jay Anglers, Jesuit’s Fishing Rodeo Will Feature a New Division for Kayak Enthusiasts
Jesuit’s Fishing Rodeo committee, chaired by Mike McMahon ’85, recently met in
St. Ignatius Hall to firm up plans for the upcoming popular summer event.
Calling all kayak fishers. The 21st annual Jesuit Fishing Rodeo is set for Saturday, June 22, and for the first time, there will be a division exclusively for kayak fishing. The Fishing Rodeo committee, which consists of alumni, parents, and parents of alumni, added the new division to hook additional Blue Jay anglers into signing up for what is always an eagerly anticipated summer event. The committee also decided that adding fried seafood to the menu at the weigh-in festivities would be a nice touch. Once again, and for the second straight year, the weigh-in and post-fishing paprty will take place under the Wally Pontiff, Jr. Pavilion at Jesuit’s John Ryan Stadium.
Be on the lookout, Blue Jay mates, for online registration for the rodeo.
Check Out the Archives of the Jesuit Fishing Rodeo
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At This Year’s Golf Classic, Blue Jays Slog Over a Cold, Wet English Turn, with Frequent Pit Stops for the Culinary Delights Not Even Elements of a Hostile Nature Can Dampen the Indomitable Spirit of Blue Jay Duffers 
Andy Songy ’90, Lewis Derbes ’89, and John McMahon ’87 watch the wedge shot of William Lo ’90 land safely on the fourth hole of English Turn during the morning round
of the Jesuit Golf Classic held Friday, April 19.
A cold front that brought thunderstorms to the area created tough conditions for the 170 golfers that came to play in the morning and afternoon flights at the annual Jesuit Golf Classic held Friday, April 19 at English Turn Golf & Country Club.
How tough were the conditions on the course? Too tough for the almost 50 Jays who registered to play, but instead, decided to go to the office and work.
Still, there were 170 Blue Jays who believed in that old maxim about a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at the office, and braved off and on showers, a cold and biting north wind, those lousy three-putt greens — and at some point in the afternoon — even hail and locusts. These stalwart duffers ignored the nusiances, obstacles, and distractions by making frequent, leisurely pit stops along the soggy course to experience ice cold raw oysters on the half shell, savory red beans & rice, and winter-busting duck and andouillie sausage gumbo that warmed hearts, all courtesy of Acme Oyster House. Drago’s grilled numerous sacks of oysters on the half shell, a delicacy much appreciated by golfers whose hands had become numb. Golfers who played in the morning flight were treated to shrimp and grits, a delicacy served up by Sandy Duplantier and Michael Lavie, a pair of Blue Jays from the Class of 1980. In the morning, Galatoire’s served its famous shrimp remoulade on the back nine. In the afternoon, John Fitzpatrick ’86 personally served his famous grilled shrimp tacos. Both flights shared grilled burgers and chicken for lunch, courtesy of several alumni, including Blue Jays from the Classes of 1969, 1971, and 2006. The winners of the 2nd Annual Blue Jay Class Champions’ Cup was a foursome from the Class of 1987: Faris Altikriti, Eddy Carreras, Brandon Kershaw, and Jay Martinez. |
Class of 1998 Celebrates 15 Years and Kicks Off the 2013
Blue Jay Reunion Season
A large flock of Blue Jays from the Class of 1998 descended on Barcadia Bar and Grill in the Warehouse District on Saturday, April 6 as part of their 15-year
reunion weekend. Many of the guys from ’98 had gathered the night before,
on April 5, for the couples’ event, which was held at Manning’s on Fulton Street. The reunion committee for the class consisted of Scott
Aertker, Corey Fitzpatrick, Scott Hellmers, Matt Orillion,
Claiborne Perrilliat, and Stan Ripp. View the Class of 1998 Stag Reunion Photo Gallery View the Class of 1998 Couples’ Reunion Photo Gallery |
Bryan Hymel ’97, a World Renowned Opera Tenor, Returns Center Stage to Carrollton & Banks to Dispense Good Vibrations Hymel Addresses Blue Jays at Morning Assembly 
The Three Tenors: (from left) Kirk Redmann ’79, senior Carl Hellmers, and Bryan Hymel ’97 were
not singing the blues, or anything else, when their picture was snapped after Assembly on Friday, April 12, 2013 in the Traditions Courtyard. Hymel, whose star in the international opera universe has soared during the past year, is singing this weekend with the New Orleans Opera Association.
All three Blue Jays are known to possess exquisite voices. Redmann has been called upon
frequently to sing the National Anthem and the Alma Mater at various Jesuit events.
Hellmers, who introduced Hymel at Assembly, is a member of the Blue Jay chorus
as well as the lead singer of the all-Blue Jay rock ’n roll band Neutral Snap.
Watch Bryan Hymel’s Address on YouTube
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Jesuit Asks Its Alumni Once a Year to Give Back to the School... and Blue Jays Respond Generously
Spring Drive Ends with Solid Numbers 
LEF rookies like these Blue Jays helped push the spring phone drive past $100,000.
The newbie callers gathered outside St. Ignatius Hall where they were part of a
group of 46 alumni who volunteered to contact classmates to encourage them
to participate in the drive. From left are: Aubrey Spreen ’99, Mike Boyd ’06,
Jeff Serpas ’00, Graham Williams ’08, Jimmy Holmes ’83, and James Linn ’06.
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The 2012-13 LEF spring phone drive enjoyed a successful three-night stand that included surges during the final evening, Thursday, March 14 in the number of Blue Jay alumni pledging and amounts pledged. The final results are posted below and reflect only the phone drive held this week in Syt. Ignatius Hall. The results do not include the fantastic news that — for the first time — alumni pledges to the LEF campaign surpassed the $1 million mark before the start of the spring drive. If you missed your classmates phone calls, give them a break because it's never to late to Donate to LEF.
Results of 2012-13
LEF Spring Phone Drive | Amount
Pledged | Alumni
Pledging | Average
Pledge | LEF
Volunteers | Tuesday, March 12 | $35,129 | 211 | $167 | 51 | Wednesday, March 13 | $27,458 | 119 | $231 | 39 | Thursday, March 14 | $46,106 | 248 | $186 | 46 | TOTALS | $108,693 | 578 | $188 | 136 |
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Fall/Winter Issue of Jaynotes Is Available for Online Viewing  | The Fall/Winter 2012 issue of Jaynotes has been mailed. Alumni who have recently moved should send their Updated Contact Information so they will continue to receive future Jaynotes. View the E-version of the newly redesigned magazine: Jaynotes Online. Among the many features are: - Retif Oil Brings Home American Legion World Series Championship
- 2012 Alumnus of the Year
- Remembering Mr. Steckel
- Essays on Race
- Swim Team Wins State
- And a Whole Lot More!
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Surrounded by Sizzle, Blue Jays from 1956 Welcome Jesuit’s Next Principal, Peter Kernion 
Seventeen members of the Class of 1956 welcomed Mr. Peter Kernion ’90 — Jesuit’s next principal — to their monthly lunch table. On March 12, the group dined at the Crescent City Steakhouse, known for its sizzling steaks. Kernion, who will replace Mr. Michael Giambelluca’82 on June 1, 2013, thanked his fellow alumni for remaining connected to each other and to Jesuit. When he departs at the end of the academic year, Giambelluca will take over as president of Creighton Prep,
a Jesuit high school in Omaha, Nebraska. |
On the Waterfront, Alumni from 1948 Rekindle
That Blue Jay Spirit 
Many Jesuit classes cannot wait five years to get together. And so they meet for lunch, sometimes yearly, sometimes biannually, and some even quarterly. Such is the case with the Class of 1948, who gather every three months to renew the Blue Jay Spirit, even in years with a five-year reunion. On March 7, thirteen ’48ers met at the Southern Yacht Club to chat about all things Blue and White, and to hear about the Jesuit of 2013 from president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J., advancement
director Tom Bagwill, and alumni director Mat Grau (behind the camera). One
topic of conversation was the “Big” reunion, a couples reception, planned for
June 7 at (where else?) the Southern Yacht Club. |
Integration Retrospect: Prominent Blue Jay Alumni Candidly Discuss Race at Jesuit High School 
The Storytelling Panel Discussion on Thursday evening, February 28, featured
five prominent alumni, from left: Dooky Chase ’67, Marc Morial ’76,
Moon Landrieu ’48, moderator Bruce Nolan ’65, and Stephen McKenna ’74. More than 100 parents, alumni, faculty, and staff turned out for an evening of Integration Retrospect, an event which was held in the Auditorium Thursday night, February 28, and featured five well-known alumni from Jesuit High School.
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Alumni Share Info and Insight at Career Day 2013 At Career Day, Blue Jay Alumni Share Info and Insight About Their Work with Seniors and Juniors 
After a continental breakfast in St. Ignatius Hall and a heartfelt thank you from
Jesuit president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J., 36 alumni visited with juniors
and seniors for the 2013 Career Day (Wednesday, January 30). The alumni
who gave their time and shared interesting stories with Blue Jays represent graduation years from 1979 to as recent as 2006. Among this year’s
experts and leaders were alumni working in advertising, aviation,
architecture, business, computers, construction, culinary arts,
education, engineering, tourism and restaurant management,
finance, journalism, law, medicine, ministry, music,
pharmacy, photography, politics, psychiatry,
psychology, and sports administration.
View the 2013 Career Day Breakfast Reception Photo Gallery View the 2013 Classroom Speaker Presentations Photo Gallery
 | Career Day also brought Jesuit alumnus Jim McCormick ’86 to the Auditorium where he entertained sophomores,
freshmen, and pre-freshmen.
A songwriter who sings just as well as he writes, Jim McCormick of the Class of 1986 recently enjoyed his second #1 song this year on the Billboard Country charts (where the song spent three weeks in the top position) with Jason Aldean’s Take a Little Ride. McCormick also recently landed the #1 hit on Billboard’s Country Songs chart, You Don’t Know Her Like I Do, performed by Brantley Gilbert. McCormick’s own career in music has taken off and when he is not on the road, he splits his time between Nashville and New Orleans. |
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Alumni Service Corps Program Seeks Inaugural Volunteer Class 
Jesuit High School is launching a volunteer program available to Jesuit graduates during the
2013 – 2014 school year. The Alumni Service Corps (ASC) gives Blue Jay alums the opportunity to devote a year of their lives to their alma mater between completing college and moving on to graduate school or a career. This program, which has been in existence for many years at other Jesuit high schools around the country, is founded on the four components of service, community, simplicity, and spirituality. Program participants will teach two classes, tutor students, assist with co-curricular activities and events, participate in retreats and service days, and work in various sectors of the school. Jesuit will provide shared housing for participants, a budget for living expenses, health insurance, and a modest monthly stipend. ASC volunteers also have the opportunity to continue their growth in the area of the spirituality of St. Ignatius. Each participant will meet regularly with a spiritual director, and participants will gather weekly in the Jesuit residence for prayer and dinner. For more information or to apply, email ASC director Michael Prados ’83: prados@jesuitnola.org. |
Blue Jay Alumni Soccer Players Return for 4th Annual Reunion
Blue Jay Soccer Alumni Invited to Fourth Annual Reunion on Saturday at John Ryan Stadium 
This trio of soccer alums from the Class of ’92 — (from left) Aaron Burgau,Geoff Smith, and Michael Pou — attended the 2012 Soccer Homecoming.
View 2012 Soccer Homecoming Photos |
Once again it’s time to celebrate Jesuit Soccer. And this year's celebration on January 5 will indeed be special as it will provide Blue Jay soccer alumni an opportunity to connect with this year's team and to experience the soccer program's beautiful new home, John Ryan Stadium. 10 a.m. – Tailgating Begins at John Ryan Stadium
First, soccer alumni and their families and current soccer families will meet at 10:00 a.m. in Pontiff Pavilion at the stadium for a tailgate party featuring complimentary food and soft drinks. Each former Blue Jay soccer player will receive a t-shirt announcing him as a Jesuit soccer alumnus, a gift of this year's soccer program.
11 a.m. – Alumni Meet the Current Team and Honor the Late Coach Ortner
Coach Hubie Collins invites all soccer alumni (former player only, please) to the locker room to greet this year's team. Just before the 11:15 a.m. kickoff, the players will reenter the field for a pre-game tribute to former Jesuit soccer coach Garry Ortner. 11:15 a.m. – Game time as the Jays take on West Jefferson.
Tickets will be available when tailgating begins at 10 a.m.: $5 for adults, $3 for children (6-12 years of age), free for children under 6. Halftime will feature a special treat for soccer alumni and their children as they have the opportunity to kick the old soccer ball around on the new Alumni Field at John Ryan Stadium.
For more information, contact:
Carlos Calix ’92 (soccer alumni rep)
Anne Powers (current parents' rep)
Anne Barnes (soccer alumni parents' rep) |
Dooky Chase of the Class of ’67 Honored as Jesuit High School’s 2012 Alumnus of the Year
Dooky Chase of the Class of 1967 is honored at Homecoming Mass on Sunday (October 21) as Jesuit High School’s 2012 Alumnus of the Year. Jesuit
president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. presented Mr. Chase with the
F. Edward Hebert Award as outstanding alumnus.
Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III — a 1967 graduate of Jesuit High School and a distinguished education, business, and civic leader whose significant accomplishments have benefitted universities and corporations, public boards and commissions, and numerous charitable and non-profit organizations — has been named the school’s 2012 Alumnus of the Year. The award is given annually to an outstanding alumnus who is recognized for his achievements and notable service, either to Jesuit or the community-at-large, and in many instances, both. Chase received the award at Homecoming Mass on Sunday, October 21 in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs on the school’s campus. A jazz brunch and reception followed in the Student Commons. “Dooky has provided extraordinary and generous service in a remarkably diverse array of fields such as education, business, finance, the military, philanthropy, and civic affairs,” said Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J., president of Jesuit High School. “Dooky has consistently and assiduously used the best of his Jesuit education to promote the good of others, ethical decision making, and service of God. His selfless and humble spirit marks him as a true man for others.” |
Gillens Gather to Commemorate Family Scholarship 
The Gillen Family gathered to honor Gerard J. Gillen, Jr. ’54.
Thirty-two members of the Gillen Family huddled in the Holy Name Chapel Saturday (November 24, 2012) to honor Gerard J. Gillen, Jr. ’54. Jesuit President Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. offered Mass for family members who endowed a scholarship in Mr. Gillen’s name. “We wanted to honor our father and give back to him what he gave us – a Jesuit education,” said Glenn Gillen ’85, who helped coordinate the celebration. It was a fitting tribute. Mr. Gillen, who passed away in 1997, served as chairman of Jesuit’s first Parents’ Annual Giving drive in 1975. The PAG and Living Endowment Fund drives ensure that Jesuit remains accessible and affordable to as many families as possible. See More Photos Learn More About Scholarships at Jesuit
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Ed Mazoue ’62 Honored as Recipient of the Jesuit Province’s 2012 Homines Pro Aliis Award
Jesuit alumnus Ed Mazoue (second from left) was honored on Sunday (November 18) with the 2012 Homines Pro Aliis Award, given annually by the Jesuit Southern Province whose various ministries have benefitted from the involvement of
dedicated individuals. Ed was honored for his work on behalf of the school.
Pictured with Ed are his wife Cheryl (left) and Dan and Darienne
Mobley. Dan made the trip from Baton Rouge to
surprise his classmate and friend.
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Alumni, Students, and Families Enjoy a Sun-Drenched Afternoon at Back to Banks Festivities 
Alumni, students, and Blue Jay families gathered Saturday afternoon (October 20)
in Traditions Courtyard to celebrate Homecoming. They enjoyed complimentary food, children’s entertainment, and live music featuring Blue Jay Band director
Joe Caluda ’79 and Randy Jackson of Zebra. The crowd cheered for the 1962
and 2012 Jesuit football teams at a pep rally, which also featured the Jesuit
Band, cheerleaders, and the Jayettes. Many of the fans participated in a
motorcade to Tad Gormley Stadium where they enjoyed watching the
Blue Jays deliver a sound thrashing to Brother Martin, 31-6.
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Blue Jay Alumni, Families, and Students Coming Back to Banks and 2012 Homecoming 
BACK TO BANKS
Saturday, October 20 • 3-6 pm • Traditions Courtyard
• Complimentary food, live music, and children’s entertainment
• Pep rally featuring the Blue Jay Band, Cheerleaders, Jayettes,
and the 1962 and 2012 Jesuit Football Teams
• The Blue Jays take on Brother Martin at Tad Gormley Stadium,
kickoff at 7:30 pm
ALUMNI MASS and JAZZ BRUNCH
Sunday, October 21 • 9 am • Chapel of the North American Martyrs
• Presentation of the 2012 Alumnus of the Year, Dooky Chase ’67
• Recognition of the Classes of 1962, 1987, and 2002
• Jazz reception and brunch in the Student Commons
following Mass (Jesuit alumni only) |
Class of ’88 Enjoys a Luncheon in St. Ignatius Hall 
Seven members of the Class of 1988 returned to Carrollton and Banks Thursday (Oct. 18) for a lunch reunion in St. Ignatius Hall. Three current Blue Jays joined the group for pizza and a presentation by head baseball coach Joey Latino, who discussed his experience at this summer's American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C. From left are Will Scheffler and his son Jeremy ’16, Chad Poche and his son Evan ’16, Brian Kirn, Mr. Latino, class captain James Adams, Greg LaCour, Greg Johnson and his nephew Patrick Cecola ’15, and John Steger. The Class of 1988 will come together again for its 25th reunion on April 19 and 20.
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Through the Roof! LEF Drive Wraps Up Successful Fall Phone Campaign 
Some of the Blue Jay volunteers gather Thursday (October 11) on the Jesuit roof —
with the city skyline serving as a backdrop — to celebrate a highly successful
three-night LEF fall phone drive. With a slight chill in the air,
the pool was unfortunately off-limits.
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Jesuit Thanks Its Benefactors at a Reception for
The 1847 Society 
Jesuit High School recently held a reception for benefactors of The 1847 Society, an
event attended by these Blue Jays from the Class of ’98, from left, Brandon and Sarah Jane Briscoe, Gavin and Emily Gillen, and Jay and Jessica Van Vrancken.
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Alumni Meet to Set Reunion Dates for 2013 Season 
Alumni from classes graduating in years ending in 8 and 3 met Monday, August 20 to begin the planning of their reunions in 2013. The class of 1963 will celebrate their 50 year reunion on June 7 and 8 and the class of 1988 will celebrate their 25 year reunion on April 19 and 20. Classes from1948 through 2008 set tentative event
dates in April through June 2013. Pictured above is the class of 2003 —
Buddy Boe, Ryan Shearman, Chris Wiliams, Ryan Christiansen, and
David Colomb — who enjoyed the evening planning their
reunion. The reunion schedule will posted once it has
been approved by all the reunion committees.
See Photos from the Reunion Meeting |
For the 20th Anniversary of the Jesuit Fishing Rodeo, No Better Place to Enjoy the Weigh-in Festivities than John Ryan Stadium
This quintet of Blue Jay fishers displays some of their speckled trout at the weigh-in festivities of the 20th Jesuit Fishing Rodeo, which was held Saturday (June 23) at John Ryan Stadium, the first time (and certainly not the last) that the event was held at the school’s athletic complex. More than 150 Blue Jays and their friends participated in the 2012 rodeo. Despite the 12-foot waves offshore that
thwarted the plans of gallant Gulf fishers, Blue Jays arrived at the weigh-in boasting impressive fish. Three of the speckled trout earned trophies for a trio of the Blue Jays in the above photo, but all five received plaques for hooking a first, second, or third place fish. From left are Michael Veters ’12, Chris Veters ’07, Chris Trahant ’09, Jude Trahant ’80, and Ryan Veters ’09. The brothers Veters, together with the Trahant father-son team, fished the Rigolets bridge, hauling in 30 trout and 20 black drum.
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