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 …
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, on behalf of the Mendel Alumni Association,Andy Youpel presented two $500 Gregor Mendel Science & Technology Awards to St. Rita High School juniors Thomas Healy and Joseph Katalinic in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments in Science and Technology. Congratulations to Joseph and Tom! Their names have been added to the Gregor Mendel Science & Technology …
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 …
TO ALL MENDEL MONARCHS One Week Into the First Gregor Mendel Annual Appeal! Thank you to everyone who has donated to the First Gregor Mendel Annual Appeal. While we have a long way to go to reach our goal of $15,000 during the 37 days of the Appeal before December 19, 2024, we are off to a good start. Donations …
On November 13, 2024, a group of Mendel alumni affectionately known as the “ROMEOs” (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out) met at Beggars Pizza in Blue Island, Illinois, for a day of camaraderie and connection. This special gathering brought together proud alumni: The ROMEOs tradition exemplifies the enduring bonds of the Mendel community, showcasing the pride and joy of reconnecting with …
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: …
Jerry Buttimer, Class of 1968, was selected for the St. Ambrose University Athletic Hall of Fame.St. Ambrose University announced that Jerry Buttimer has been selected for their Athletic Hall of Fame.Jerry was a Boston Marathon qualifier and shattered several school records. He crushedthe five-mile cross-country record in 1970 by nearly 45 seconds at the George Wyth RoadRace, finishing in a …
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 …
DAN HAMPTONAUTOGRAPHEDSUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS FOOTBALL
BRAND NEW SET OF LEFT HANDED PGM GOLF CLUBS INCLUDES A GOLF BAG
PETALS FROM ROSELAND BOOK AUTOGRAPHED BY AUTHOR CJ MARTELLO
TENNESSEE TITANS HELMET AUTOGRAPHED BY HEAD COACH BRIAN CALLAHAN AND HIS OFFENSIVE LINE COACH (AND FATHER) BILL CALLAHAN (‘74)
TWO (2) TICKETS TO CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MAIN FLOORRavel BoleroSaturday June 8, 20247:30 PM
TWO (2) TICKETS TO CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MAIN FLOORHelmchen Plays BeethovenSaturday May 18, 20247:30 PM
ALL CENTURY TEAM 1999 HARDCOVER BOOK SIGNED BY HARMON KILLEBREW & PAUL MOLITOR
CHICAGO CUBS COLLECTION INCLUDING 2016 WORLD SERIES HAT
JONATHAN TOEWS AUTOGRAPHED JERSEY
WHITE SOX WORLD SERIES & BEARS SUPER BOWL XLI MUGS
Includes 2005 World Series Hat, Custom Made large blanket, Giant White Sox Pez Dispenser, various autographed baseballs, Sox bags, towels, and water dispenser.
FISHERMAN’S PACKAGEIncludes a never used Shakespeare Ugly Stik Rod with an Ozark 3 Pound Spinning Reel, a Fisherman’s Folding Chair & a “Fishes of the Great Lakes Region” jigsaw puzzle.
“THE TRIALS OF BILLY DEAN SMITH” AUTOGRAPHED BOOKA True Story of Murders on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula(MULTIPLE COPIES AVAILABLE)
NOTE: YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO PLAY IN THE MENDEL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GOLF OUTING ON JULY 10, 2024 AT HICKORY HILLS TO BID ON THIS ITEM
Signed print of Negro League “Batting Champs” of Negro League (& MLB Hall of Fame Members) stars including James “Cool Papa” Bell, Monte Irvin, and Lou Dials. Includes Certificate of Authenticity with Video & Photo of signing while all three were alive in Las Vegas Nevada over 30 years ago.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX REPLICA 2005 WORLD SERIES RING IN ORIGINAL BOX
THREE (3) TICKETS TO NOTRE DAME VS NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOTBALL GAME AT NOTRE DAME ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2024.ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THE GAME FROM THE 8TH FLOOR OF THE LUXURIOUS, EXCLUSIVE DUNCAN CENTER SECTION OF NOTRE DAME STADIUM. INCLUDES ALL YOU CAN EAT AND DRINK DURING THE GAME PLUS A PARKING PASS
M&R RUSH MEMORABILIA
RIDGE COUNTRY CLUBGOLF FOURSOMEINCLUDING CARTS
LONG BEACH COUNTRY CLUB MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANAGOLF FOURSOMEINCLUDING CARTS
HARLEY DAVIDSONPATRIOT FATBOY MOTORCYCLE DOODY DOODLESFINE ART GICLEE13” X 19” PRINT
JERRY GARCIA DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” Print
Eric Clpaton DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintERIC CLAPTON
BB King DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintBB KING
LIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintLIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS
Johnny WInter DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintJOHNNY WINTER
Carlos Santana DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintCARLOS SANTANA
Bob Marley Blues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintBOB MARLEY
Vintage Item from Evans Furs, Chicago, IL -Circa 1990. Unused and in original packaging and full fur description. Blonde hair/blue eyes with full length black leather fashion length boots.
North Shore Country Club of Glenview, IL Peter Millar Men’s XL Blue with Logo on Chest
North Shore Country Club of Glenview, IL Featherweight Men’s L Blue with Logo on Chest
North Shore Country Club of Glenview, IL Peter Millar Men’s XXL White with Logo on Chest
North Shore Country Club of Glenview, IL Holderness & Bourne Men’s Medium Blue
“MENDEL-Sometimes Ya Gotta Run For Your Life”
“MR.M” Serving Tray
“BUDWEISER PARTY TO GO”
2014 Kris Bryant Tennessee Smokies Bobblehead
2016 Kyle Schwarber Chicago Cubs Limited Edition Bobblehead
2018 José Abreu Chicago White Sox Number 79 Bobblehead
2018 Jim Thome Hall of Fame White Sox Bobblehead
Mendel High School Framed Photos with 1962 Class Ring
“BUD LIGHT PARTY TO GO”
TWO (2) CHICAGO CUBS vs CHICAGO WHITE SOX TICKETS& PATIO PARTY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 7:10 PM
TWO (2) CHICAGO CUBS vs CHICAGO WHITE SOX TICKETS& PATIO PARTY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 7:10 PM
TWO (2) CHICAGO CUBS vs CHICAGO WHITE SOX TICKETS& PATIO PARTY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 7:10 PM
TWO (2) CHICAGO CUBS vs CHICAGO WHITE SOX TICKETS& PATIO PARTY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 7:10 PM
Autographed Copy of “COACH POTATO” ( Fantasy Football in 1988)
Four (4) Bottles of Wine from Chris James Cellars of Carlton, Oregon
Mendel Football Helmet CIRCA Late 1980’s
Mike Ditka Autographed Jersey with Certificate of Authenticity
On February 25, 2024, four exceptional Mendel Monarchs were honored with the prestigious 2024 African American Male Image Awards at the Archbishop James P. Lyke’s 30th Annual Celebration. The honorees, Richard Newton (’72), David Ireland (’78, a Mendel Alumni Association Board Member), Greg Kenner (’67), and Malik Jones (’87), were recognized for their remarkable talents, dedication, and commitment to Christian …
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 …
On a memorable Thursday, February 22, 2024, thirty distinguished Monarchs convened at Ballydoyle Irish Pub and Restaurant in Downers Grove, Illinois, for an evening of camaraderie and reminiscence. The event, part of the cherished R.O.M.E.O. (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out) series, was a vibrant gathering where stories spanning decades were shared among friends old and new. Hosted by Bill Duffy …
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 …
Terry Gainer 1965Mike Dreznes 1968Andrew Youpel 1968Robert Fioretti 1971Howard Lee 1973John Mandujano 1973Kevin McCurrie 1973John Mikenis 1973Bill Patterson 1973Gerry Perez 1973John Knoebel 1975
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. …
We’re excited to announce our upcoming R.O.M.E.O. (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out) event, scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2024. This gathering promises to be a delightful blend of camaraderie, nostalgia, and fun at Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant, located at 5157 Main St, Downers Grove, IL 60515. The event will run from 12 PM to 3 PM. Hosted by our …
In the latest installment of our cherished ROMEO gatherings—Random Old Men Eating Out—the Mendel Alumni Association turned the page to the festive chapter of our recurring reunions. This All-Class Christmas Celebration at JJ Kelleys in the South Suburbs was a feast for the palate and a toast to our enduring brotherhood. From 11 AM to 2 PM, the air was …
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 …
As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort that delicious homemade Christmas cookies and festive drinks can bring. This year, we are excited to feature nine delectable Christmas cookie recipes and three delightful drink recipes, courtesy of our very own Rich Williams. Whether you want to impress your loved ones, surprise your guests, or simply …
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 …
Get ready to step into a time machine and relive the glory days! We are thrilled to announce an exciting evening of camaraderie and competition among our sister Augustinian schools, St. Rita and Providence High School. On the evening of Tuesday, December 12, at 7 PM, with a pregame reception starting at 5:45, the two schools will clash on the …
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 …
As we approach Veterans Day, a day of honor and reflection, we are reminded of the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our nation. To commemorate this important day, we are honored to invite you to join us virtually for a special live-streamed Veterans Day Mass & Ceremony. Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023Time: Starting at …
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 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 …
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!