Mendel High School Alumni Association: 2025 Legacy Award

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 …

Gregor Mendel Science & Technology Award at St. Rita Recap

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 …

A Warm and Festive Gathering for the Mendel Family

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 …

Support the Legacy: Join the First Gregor Mendel Annual Appeal!

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 …

ROMEOs Gather for a Special Mendel Alumni Lunch

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 …

Mendel High School Alumni Association Hosts Special Mass Honoring Southside Chicago Catholic High School Veterans & First Responders Killed in the Line of Duty

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, …

Jerry Buttimer selected for St. Ambrose University Athletic Hall of Fame

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 …

25th Annual Mendel Alumni Golf Outing: A Day of Fun, Competition, and Camaraderie

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) …

Mendel Alumni Association 2024 Legacy Award Winners Announced

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 …

Champion Mugs

WHITE SOX WORLD SERIES & BEARS SUPER BOWL XLI MUGS

WHITE SOX COLLECTION

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 PACKAGE

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.

2024 MASTERS HOLE FLAG

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

Negro League Signed Print

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.

ND Football Duncan Center Seats

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

DOODY DOODLES

HARLEY DAVIDSONPATRIOT FATBOY MOTORCYCLE DOODY DOODLESFINE ART GICLEE13” X 19” PRINT

DOODY DOODLES

JERRY GARCIA DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” Print

Doody Doodles

Eric Clpaton DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintERIC CLAPTON

Doody Doodles

BB King DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintBB KING

Doody Doodles

LIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintLIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS

Doody Doodles

Johnny WInter DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintJOHNNY WINTER

Doody Doodles

Carlos Santana DOODY DOODLESBlues Art Giclee13” X 19” PrintCARLOS SANTANA

Collectible Barbie

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.

Golf Polo Shirt

North Shore Country Club of Glenview, IL  Peter Millar Men’s  XL Blue with Logo on Chest

Golf Polo Shirt

North Shore Country Club of Glenview, IL Featherweight Men’s  L  Blue with Logo on Chest

Golf Polo Shirt

North Shore Country Club of Glenview, IL   Peter Millar Men’s XXL White with Logo on Chest

Golf Polo Shirt

North Shore Country Club of Glenview, IL Holderness & Bourne Men’s Medium Blue

White Sox Tickets Lot 4

TWO (2) CHICAGO CUBS vs CHICAGO WHITE SOX TICKETS& PATIO PARTY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 7:10 PM

White Sox Tickets Lot 3

TWO (2) CHICAGO CUBS vs CHICAGO WHITE SOX TICKETS& PATIO PARTY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 7:10 PM

White Sox Tickets Lot 2

TWO (2) CHICAGO CUBS vs CHICAGO WHITE SOX TICKETS& PATIO PARTY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 7:10 PM

White Sox Tickets

TWO (2) CHICAGO CUBS vs CHICAGO WHITE SOX TICKETS& PATIO PARTY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 7:10 PM

Fine Wines

Four (4) Bottles of Wine from Chris James Cellars of Carlton, Oregon

Monarchs Shine at the 30th Annual Archbishop James P. Lyke Award Ceremony

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 …

Supporting Our Heroes: A Heartfelt Contribution at the Pancake Breakfast

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 …

Monarchs Reunite at R.O.M.E.O. Event in Downers Grove

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 …

Mendel Catholic Prep Celebrates John W. Boyer as 2024 Man of the Year

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 …

Look Who’s Coming

Terry Gainer 1965Mike Dreznes 1968Andrew Youpel 1968Robert Fioretti 1971Howard Lee 1973John Mandujano 1973Kevin McCurrie 1973John Mikenis 1973Bill Patterson 1973Gerry Perez 1973John Knoebel 1975

Rev. Gregor Mendel, O.S.A. Science & Technology Hall Rededication

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. …

Join Us for the Next R.O.M.E.O. Gathering on February 22

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 …

Mendel Alumni Unite for Festive Cheer and Charity at ROMEO Christmas Luncheon

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 …

Swing into Action with the Mendel Alumni at the 25th Annual Golf Outing!

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 …

A Legacy Rekindled: The Mendel High School Basketball Revival Game

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 …

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Rich Williams’ Christmas Cookie and Drink Recipes

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 …

Mendel High School Basketball Revival Night

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 …

A Heartfelt Thank You After a Memorable Veterans Day Ceremony

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 …

A Night of Remembrance and Revelry: Mendel Alumni Basketball Event

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 …

Honoring Service and Dedication: John Fanning (’68) Receives Prestigious Award

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 …

Join Us for the Veterans Day Mass & Ceremony Livestream

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 …

Tony Smith: The Mentor Who Uses Art to Shape Lives and History

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 …

Gino Pacetti: A Melodic Farewell to the Southside Music Man

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, …

R.O.M.E.O. Gathering Takes Over J.J. Kelleys!

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! …

Veterans Day Mass & Ceremony – November 11, 2023

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 …

Watch Archbishop Robert Prevost, O.S.A. becomes a Cardinal this weekend

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 …

MENDEL ALUMNI 2023 GOLF OUTING

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 Fascinating Origin of “Blue Smoke”!

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 …

Las Vegas Hosts a Mini R-O-M-E-O Meetups

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 …