On March 14, 2025, the Mendel Catholic High School community lost a true icon with the passing of Jack Vlazny, affectionately known as “Mr. Mendel.” For over 55 years, Jack devoted himself to preserving the legacy of his alma mater and supporting the Augustinians who shaped it. His brother, Jim Vlazny (Mendel ’59), chronicled Jack’s remarkable journey in a heartfelt …
Get ready to celebrate the Mendel Alumni Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, a remarkable group of graduates whose contributions continue to inspire and enrich their communities. These inductees will be honored at a special ceremony at St. Rita High School on Saturday, May 24, 2025. This year’s inductees include: Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as we pay tribute …
On Sunday, February 23, 2025, the Mendel High School alumni community gathered for a memorable event that blended nostalgia, camaraderie, and a deep commitment to giving back. The “Get Behind the Vest” Pancake Breakfast, held to support local first responders, welcomed a special guest—David Eigenberg, known for his role as Lt./Captain Christopher Herrmann on Chicago Fire. Leading the charge were …
The Mendel High School Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2025 Legacy Award. This award celebrates the achievements of immediate descendants of Mendel Catholic High School alumni and supports their continued education. Eligibility Requirements: Award Details: How to Apply: Verification: Applicants must sign and date the form to confirm that the provided information is accurate. Don’t miss this opportunity …
As the holiday lights sparkled and the spirit of the season filled the air, members of the Mendel Alumni Association reunited to share laughter, stories, and friendship at the 2024 Christmas R.O.M.E.O. (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out). On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Monarchs from across the decades gathered at The Original Pancake House in Orland Park—graciously hosted by the family …
On Thursday evening, November 14, 2024, the Mendel High School Alumni Association held a heartfelt and powerful Mass at St. Cajetan Church to honor Southside Chicago Catholic High School Veterans and First Responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The event, organized by Andy Youpel, Chairman of the Mendel Alumni Association Veterans and First Responder Committee, …
Join us in honoring the veterans and first responders of Chicago Southside Catholic High School who died in the line of duty. A special Mass will be held: Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024Time: 7 PMLocation: St. Cajetan Church, 2445 West 112th Street, Chicago, IL You can place a personal memorial message in the Mass booklet to honor a loved one: …
On Wednesday July 10, 2024, ninety-one golfers “teed it up” and participated in the 25th Mendel Alumni Association Annual Golf Outing at Hickory Hills Golf Course. This year’s Golf Committee, consisting of Chairman Bill Johnson (’68), Andy Youpel (’66), Tom Gavin (’67), John Knoebel (’75), Rich Williams (’62), Bill Duffy (’64), Rick Zarr (’71), Kelvin Lovely (’78), Pat Regan (’68) …
The Mendel Alumni Association is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Mendel High School Alumni Association Legacy Awards. Current High School Seniors who are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a Mendel Alumnus and who had been accepted at any institution of higher education for the 2023/2024 school year were eligible for the 2024 Mendel Legacy Award, The …
The spirit of the “Magnificent Mendel Monarchs” was truly felt on May 3, 2024, when the Mendel Alumni Association hosted its All-Class Reunion at Gaelic Park in Oak Forest, IL. The air buzzed with excitement as 250 alumni and friends gathered to commemorate decades of cherished memories and lifelong bonds. Among them were 53 members of the Class of 1973 …
On a sunny Sunday morning, February 25, 2024, our community gathered at St. John Fisher for the annual “Get Behind The Vest” Pancake Breakfast, a heartfelt event dedicated to honoring our fallen heroes and supporting our active-duty officers. This year, we were proud to have Andy Youpel represent the Mendel Alumni Association, presenting a generous donation of $725. This contribution …
We are delighted to announce that John W. Boyer, an alumnus from the class of ’64, has been honored as the 2024 Man of the Year. This accolade is bestowed upon individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and have made significant contributions to their field. John Boyer is renowned for his remarkable tenure as the Dean of the University of …
The Rev. Gregor Mendel, O.S.A. Science & Technology Hall at St. Rita High School, which is the new permanent home for Mendel Memorabilia, trophies, and the Mendel Alumni Association Hall of Fame, was rededicated on January 10, 2024. The Rededication of the Rev. Gregor Mendel, O.S.A. Science & Technology Hall included a Mass that was attended by the entire St. …
Calling all Mendel Alumni and Friends! Mark your calendars for a day of camaraderie, competition, and charity on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the stunning fairways of Hickory Hills Country Club. The Mendel Catholic Prep Alumni Association is excited to host the 25th Annual Mendel Alumni Golf Outing, an event that promises to be more than just a game. A …
On a brisk evening of December 12, 2023, a historic basketball clash unfolded at St. Rita High School. The Providence Catholic High School Celtics triumphed over the St. Rita High School Mustangs with a striking 60-41 victory. But beyond the score, this day marked a monumental occasion for the Mendel Men – the Mendel High School Basketball Revival Game, a …
ATTENTION ALL MENDEL MONARCHS! We will “Turn Back the Hands of Time” on December 12, 2023! Our Fellow Augustinians schools, St. Rita High School of Chicago and Providence High School of New Lenox will compete against each other in a Basketball Game on Tuesday December 12, 2023, at 7 PM at St. Rita High School. To honor our Mendel Basketball Teams of the 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s, we will celebrate a Mendel High School Basketball Revival at this game! Both …
As the echoes of our Veterans Day Ceremony linger in our hearts, we, the Mendel Newsletter Team, wish to express our profound appreciation to all who attended the event virtually or in person. Your presence deeply enriched the ceremony, turning it into a shared honor and remembrance for the brave men and women who have served our nation. We must …
We are thrilled to share the news that one of our esteemed alumni, John Fanning from the class of ’68 and a dedicated member of the Mendel Alumni Association Board of Directors, has been honored with the Tinley Park VFW Veterans Volunteer Award. This accolade was presented to John last Friday, recognizing his exceptional volunteer service and steadfast commitment to …
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 Mendel Catholic High School in Chicago and Tolentine College in Olympia Fields, Illinois. He continued his ministry in teaching and formation at St. Augustine Seminary in …
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 …
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 …
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 …