The Mendel Alumni Association is proud to spotlight Tony Smith, a Mendel Catholic High School graduate who has seamlessly blended his talents as a multimedia artist with his vocation as an educator, mentor, and chronicler of cultural history. Smith’s journey from Mississippi to the heart of Chicago’s art scene, and eventually into the lives of young artists, is a narrative …
The Mendel Alumni Association mourns the loss of a beloved member, Gino T. Pacetti, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on November 4, 2023. His departure leaves behind a legacy that resonates with the same vibrancy as the music he so passionately taught and shared. Born on April 25, 1935, in Chicago to Thomas and Marie Pacetti, …
This month, the Monarchs took their royal appetite to J.J. Kelleys in Lansing, Illinois, and let’s just say, it was an afternoon to remember. A huge shoutout and heartfelt thank you to Terry Lynch for hosting this wonderful rendezvous. With 32 Monarchs in attendance, there was no shortage of laughter, memories, and of course, delicious food. But that’s not all! …
We are honored to invite you to join us for a meaningful Veterans Day Mass and Ceremony on November 11, 2023, at St. Rita High School, located at 7740 South Western Ave. This day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served our country and to pay tribute to the sacrifices they have …
On Saturday, September 30th at 3am central time (10am Rome Local time), Archbishop Robert Prevost, O.S.A., will formally become a Cardinal during the Vatican Consistory. He began his first assignment as a teacher at St Rita High School in Chicago and Tolentine College in Olympia Fields, Illinois. He continued his ministry in teaching and formation at St. Augustine Seminary in …
We are excited to share the inspiring work of one of our own, Pete Callahan, from the class of 1962. Pete’s journey has taken him far from the halls of Mendel, but his dedication to making a positive impact on the world remains stronger than ever. Through his non-profit organization, Wells of Life, Inc., Pete is on a mission to …
We’re thrilled to announce that the Mendel High School Alumni Association has appointed a true golf enthusiast and a proud alumnus, Bill Johnson, from the Class of 1968, as the Chairman of the Golf Outing Committee. This exciting news brings together a passion for the game of golf and the spirit of camaraderie that defines the Mendel HS community. Bill …
Despite getting rained out on July 12, 2023, we rallied on July 19 and had a very good event. Our original date of July 12 would have seen about 100 golfers. Due to out-of-town travelers and other commitments, on July 19 we had 72 golfers and about 8 others for dinner. The course was great fun, and the dinner was …
Fred Smith (’68) and Phil Carter (’68) recently held a “Mini R.O.M.E.O.” in Michigan. Thanks for sending in the attached photos. You guys look great!
Before the house parties, there was the glory on the fields, and we can thank the Class of ’75 for the mantra that kept Mendel a top contender and brought a revolution to Mendel, rewriting the rulebook with their prowess in sports. But there’s more to their story than meets the eye. Let’s journey back to 1971 and uncover the …
On May 27, 2023 at St Rita High School, fourteen people were inducted into the Mendel Hall of Fame. They were selected for many reasons but overall, they all exemplified the spirit of Mendel. Individual posts will be made to the website that detail their accomplishments.
On Wednesday, May 26, 2023. John Lotito (’68). Greg Morin (’68) and Mike Dreznes (’68) conducted a “Mini R-O-M-E-O (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out) at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas Nevada. John and Greg live in Las Vegas, and Mike was visiting Las Vegas to give Vegas his money so they could build more casinos and hotels!Inline imageJohn Lotito …
On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, three Members of the Mendel Alumni Association Board of Directors,President Tom Gavin (’67), Secretary Mike Dreznes (“68), and Andy Youpel (’66) caravanned fromChicago to St. Anthony’s Village in Crown Point, Indiana, to visit with retired Augustinians, many of whomtaught at Mendel High School. The Mendel Board of Director Members were greeted by Fr. MikeO’Connor and …
UPDATE 05/18/23: Zarr remembers more moments about his time at Mendel. Read his latest story here. Rick Zarr (’71) ran into CJ Martello, who writes for Fra Noi, an Italian American heritage magazine. CJ eloquently relives fond memories of growing up in Rosleand and attending Mendel. Read his story here. More about CJ – CJ Martello has returned to his …
We had a great R-O-M-E-O (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out) Event on Monday, May 15, 2023, at the Original Pancake House in Orland Park. We had 56 Monarchs in attendance. The food was great, and the comradery was even better. The highlights were a rousing rendition of the Mendel Fight Song and the presentation of a plaque to Lisa, the …
William “Billy” Hawkins is a name that is synonymous with excellence in basketball coaching. He has dedicated his life to the sport, inspiring and guiding young players to reach their full potential. His hard work and dedication to the game have not gone unnoticed, and his induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Hall of Fame is a testament …
The Mendel Alumni Association launched the inaugural Mendel High School Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship in February 2023. For the first year, this Scholarship was only open to high school seniors at St. Rita High School, Providence High School, and Gwendolyn Brooks High School who had been accepted at any institution of higher education for the 2023/2024 school year. The Scholarship …
Two Mendel Monarchs were inducted into the Chicago Catholic League Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Thursday April 27, 2023, at the Crystal Sky Ballroom in McCook, Illinois. Monarchs Mark O’Hare (‘72) and Michael Hampton (’82) were two of the eleven Inductees for the 2022-2023 Class of the Chicago Catholic League Coaches Association Hall of Fame. MICHAEL HAMPTON MENDEL CLASS …
The Midwest Augustinian Gala was held last week, and it was a night to remember! The event honored one of our very own, Fr. John Sotak, a proud Mendel Catholic High School graduate. Fr. Sotak has immensely impacted the Augustinian community, and it was a privilege to recognize his contributions. Fr. Sotak has had an impressive career journey. After graduating …
UPDATE April 25, 2023 | The event continues to impress, Chicago Catholic, The Newspaper for the Archdiocese of Chicago, featured this story. Read the story here. UPDATE April 6, 2023 | The event garnered such widespread attention that even The Beverly Review felt compelled to cover it. Read the story here. On the evening of March 29, 2023, the Mendel …
Induction Event on Saturday, May 27 at St. RitaFurther details forthcoming
Chef Richard James Mendel Class of 1985 Executive Chef of Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill. Chef Richard James has been cooking for 30 years and with Chef Rick Bayless for 20 years. He started as the grill cook in Frontera and was promoted to sous chef a year and a half later. He eventually became the managing sous chef of Frontera …
UPDATE TO THE PREVIOUS STORY. Augustian Magazine, delivered worldwide, including Rome, ran this two-page article describing the Vietnam Veterans Day Mass hosted by Mendel Alum at St. Rita High School. This is a huge accomplishment! From Augustinian Magazine Mendel Catholic High School Alumni Association Veterans Day Mass honoring Fallen Monarchs and First Responders, as well as all Mendel Veterans and …
Our Mendel Alumni Association Vice-President, Kelvin Lovely (‘78), was presented with one of the 29th Archbishop James P. Lyke African American Male Image Awards on Sunday, February 26, 2023 Congratulations to Kelvin for this prestigious award!
On Saturday, February 25, 2023, Damone Bester (’88) was invited by his Alma Mater, Illinois State University, to discuss his award-winning book “Mendel” at Sip & Savor, at 528 South 43rd Street, in Chicago. If you have not read “Mendel,” you are doing yourself a disservice. It is an excellent read! You can order it here, and don’t forget …
This a great article with the information provided by proud Mendel alum Anthony Johnson (’79) Enjoy! https://leopardfan.tripod.com/id702.html
This is a new concept that the Mendel Alumni Association has initiated to encourage more camaraderie and socialization among Mendel Alumni. Three or four times a year, we will choose a restaurant to meet for breakfast and to catch up on Mendel Alumni News. Our first R-O-M-E-O was held in Morgan Park at Lumes Pancake House and was a great …
The ultimate purpose of the Mendel High School Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship is to memorialize Mendel High School and to foster Augustinian ideals of uniting people in the communion of mind and heart and the service of God’s people. The Mendel High School Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship will be implemented in two phases: For 2023, two $1,000 Scholarships will be available for …
Acta Non Verba We were honored to receive this excellent letter from Father Michael O’Connor expressing his gratitude for Mendel ALumnus’ help and support. The donation of $7,000 was recently made to support retired Augustinians. Pres. Tom Gavin, Chair Kirk Townsend, and Board Member Mike Foley are pictured with Fr Mike O’Connor, Fr Don Lewandowski, and several other Augustinians. Big …