During their time together, classmates met with Loyola Academy Executive Vice President Dennis Stonequist '90 and Vice President of Alumni and Network Engagement Marty Jennings '98 to learn about Loyola's current Campus Master Plan. Through their friendship and support of Loyola, the Class of 1962 continues to demonstrate what it means to become more within the Loyola Academy community.

The following is a letter written by John Byrnes '62 to his classmates recapping the night's events.

‘62 Ramblers,

We had a great Mini-Reunion on Thursday, October 4. The gathering gave many of us a great opportunity to renew friendships and gain a very informative update on the progress at Loyola Academy.

The Class of ’62 attendees were joined by Dennis Stonequist ’90, Loyola Academy Executive Vice President; Marty Jennings ’98, Vice President of Alumni and Network Engagement; and Jerry Spellman, former Loyola Academy teacher, who is still looking for missing assignments from some of you slackers! Our current Class of ’62 / O’Loughlin Scholarship recipient, Sean Sumugat ’19, offered his thanks for the scholarship assistance and detailed his plans to join the Illinois National Guard upon graduation, and then attend college focusing on criminology. Sean certainly demonstrates the value of our scholarship efforts.

Dennis’ presentation of the Campus Master Plan gave the attendees an opportunity to discuss and understand the current concepts and proposed facilities–including the current construction of the new John D. Norcross Aquatic Center, a new theater and the eventual demolition of the Jesuit residence in order to provide additional parking.

An insightful discussion of athletic activities followed. The Athletic Director change was discussed concluding with the announcement that a nationwide search for a new Vice President of Athletics and Fitness would begin the next day.

Marty Jennings, a seven year football coach at LA and former Athletic Director at St. Viator before his recent return to Loyola, discussed why he felt that Loyola had the best football program. Loyola not only has an outstanding football record but a best of breed insistence on great health and well-being for all student-athletes. He described Coach Holecek’s constant focus on the safety of his players at practices as well as games, with limited contact drills and excellent conditioning and insisting on the best equipment for all of the teams. It was a very impressive exchange when we consider our grandchildren and their participating in contact football.

Bob Pasquesi, our financial gate keeper, gave a positive update (no arm-twisting this time) on the O’Loughlin Scholarship. Original target was $160,000; funding currently stands at $228,000. Great job by all of you–the Class of ’62! Please direct any and all future Loyola donations to the Class of ’62 / O’Loughlin Scholarship Fund. If funds keep rolling in, we may be able to sponsor a second student in the future.

It was an excellent gathering, only to be improved by greater participation of ’62 alumni. To renew friendships, get inside-perspective from Loyola Academy leaders, grow fellowship, and just have a pleasant evening with the boys, plan to attend the ’62 Mini Reunion October 2019.

GO RAMBLERS!

The Reunion Committee Tom Blake | Bill Breen | John Byrnes | Paul Fieberg | John Flatley | John Hamilton | Pat Kelly | Luke Lyons Ed Meintzer | Bill Metzger | Bob Pasquesi | Jim Quinn | George Sullivan | Jamie Toohey | Jim Voss