On Friday May 1, 2026, two hundred and seventy Monarchs and their guests gathered at Gaelic Park in Oak Forest, Illinois to celebrate the 2026 All-Class Reunion of the Mendel Alumni Association. Since this All-Class Reunion is only held every two years, the Classes of 1955, 1956, 1965, 1966, 1975, 1976, 1985 and 1986 were the Honored Classes this year.

The Reunion Organizing Committee spent months preparing for the event. Terry Gainer (’65) did a wonderful job making name badges with the Mendel graduation photos for all the Alumni. John Mikenis (’73) worked for months soliciting donations for the Silent Auction, which netted over $3,500 with great items such as golf foursomes, sports tickets and Mendel memorabilia.

Mendel Alumni Association Secretary Mike Dreznes (’68) introduced Bernie Tafoya (’75) as the Emcee for the evening. Bernie introduced Mendel Alumni Association President Tom Gavin (’67) and Alumni Association Chairman Kelvin Lovely (’78), who welcomed the Mendel Alumni and their guests and thanked them for their attendance. Joe McCabe (’66) sang a tremendous rendition of the National Anthem. Fr. Bill Sullivan O.S.A. (’59) blessed the meal and prayed that everyone would have a memorable evening. Rick Zarr (’71) and Tim Zimbauer (’71) took video and photos all night.

Jim Vlazny (’59) introduced Andy Youpel (’66), who was presented with the Second Jack Vlazny Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of commitment to the Mendel Alumni Association, especially through the Veterans and First Responders’ Committee. Jack would have been proud.

Fr. Tony Pizzo O.S.A. then introduced Bishop Dan Turley (’60) and presented him with the Mendel Alumni Association Man of the Year Award for his years of dedication to the Augustinians, both in Chicago and in the missions in Peru. One of the priests who Bishop Turley supervised in Peru was Fr. Robert Prevost O.S.A., a.k.a. Pope Leo XIV.

So many people worked so many hours in different ways to make this Reunion a success. Jack Dreznes (’66) and Tom Tomaszewski (’66) set records with their sales of Mendel Merchandise. Bill Duffy (’64) manned the Golf Table to solicit participants at the August 21 Mendel Alumni Association Golf Outing. Derek Lott (’84) and his team collected $2,200 in Split the Pot Funds. In a wonderful show of Mendel Love, one of Andy Youpel’s daughters won the Split the Pot prize and donated her entire $1,100 winnings back to the Mendel Alumni Association.

Comptroller Pat Regan (’68) and Treasurer Eric James (’74) worked overtime to record the revenue generated at the All-Class Reunion.

Everyone who attended the reunion enjoyed sharing memories of years past and reconnecting with old friends. One comment overheard was, “We should have paid more money for this Reunion because this is so much fun!” For some Monarchs, they reconnected with classmates they had not seen for decades. Within minutes of conversation, the stories started flowing and the memories were rekindled. Many of the Alumni really enjoyed spending time with some of their coaches, including Coach Don Ledin, Coach Ed McAllister, Coach Mike Manderino (’70), and Coach Mike Flaherty.

Thank you again to everyone who attended and made the Reunion a tremendous success. The next Reunion is scheduled for May 2028, with the Honored Guests being the Classes of 1957, 1958, 1967, 1968, 1977, 1978, 1987 and 1988. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

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Go, You Men of Mendel!