Mendel Alumni Association Honors St. Rita Seniors with Gregor Mendel Science Awards and Announces Major Donation

September 15, 2025

In a heartfelt ceremony blending tradition, education, and gratitude, the Mendel Alumni Association celebrated excellence in science while giving back to its roots. On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Association President Tom Gavin, Secretary Mike Dreznes, and Veterans Committee Chairman Andy Youpel presented the prestigious 2025 Gregor Mendel Science and Technology Awards to two outstanding seniors from Saint Rita of Cascia

Thank You to All Participants in the 26th Annual Mendel Golf Outing!

July 29, 2025

On behalf of the Mendel Alumni Association, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made our 26th Annual Golf Outing a tremendous success! Held on July 25, 2025, at the beautiful Hickory Hills Country Club, this event brought together alumni, supporters, and community members for a day of camaraderie, competition, and giving back. A special thank you goes out

Mendel Roots, Global Impact

January 28, 2026

When PBS host Henry Louis Gates Jr. recently met Pope Leo XIV for a special genealogy segment, it sparked national attention around the Pope’s personal story and roots. For the Mendel community, that story feels especially close to home. Pope Leo’s family has deep ties to Mendel Catholic High School: his mother worked as a librarian at the school, his

Look Who’s Coming

January 20, 2026

Look who’s already coming to the Mendel Alumni Reunion!We’re excited to see familiar names rolling in—and this is just the beginning. More classmates are confirming every day. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the night. 1964 1966 1968 1972 1973 1975 1984

Mendel Minute with Derek Lott January 2026

January 5, 2026

The latest Mendel Minute with Derek Lott is now available in the Mendel video library. In this short update, Derek extends a warm Happy New Year to the entire Mendel community and shares his hopes for a strong, connected year ahead. He also puts out an important call for volunteers, inviting alumni to step forward and serve as Class Leaders.

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Christmas R.O.M.E.O. Luncheon Recap

December 22, 2025

The Mendel Alumni Association continued a cherished Monarch tradition with the Christmas R.O.M.E.O. (Random Old Monarchs Eating Out) Luncheon, held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Lencioni’s Pub & Grill in Lynwood, Illinois. From noon to mid-afternoon, Mendel alumni from across class years gathered to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the season together. Hosted by Terry Jarosky ’64, the luncheon

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Mendel Alumni Association – 2026 Legacy Academic Award

December 18, 2025

The Mendel Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2026 Legacy Academic Award, continuing our commitment to honoring family tradition, academic achievement, and the lasting legacy of Mendel Catholic High School. Award Details The Mendel Alumni Association will award up to $1,000 to eligible high school graduates who have a family member that attended Mendel Catholic High School. This award

Vatican Documentary Highlights Local Roots of Pope Leo XIV

November 12, 2025

A compelling new documentary produced by the Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Apostolate El Sembrador Nueva Evangelización (ESNE), takes viewers on the life-journey of Pope Leo XIV. The film chronicles his early years in Dolton, Illinois, through the voices of his brothers Louis and John, schoolmates, teachers, and longtime

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