Class Notes

The Crack Drill Squad performed at the Minnesota Veterans Home last week and got a picture with Academy graduate John Paulet '53!

Thank you to Tim Figge '70 on this great video! STA Cadet Color Guard at the Gettysburg Address event in Hastings, MN on November 19. The Honor Guard lead the event with the Presentation of the Colors & the Pledge of Allegiance.

Max Carver '20 is part of the ROTC program at St. John's University. He spoke to about 100 5th graders at Matoska International School (White Bear Lake) about ROTC and service as a path to becoming a veteran in honor of Veterans Day.

Eric Zauha '23, Bobby Cunningham '22, Jack Sexton '21, Luke Pucel '23, and Emmett Wolf '23 all had the opportunity to catch up! Great to see the brotherhood extending outside the walls of the Academy!

Timothy Moore '61 completed the 2019 and 2022 Tour de Tuscon bicycle races.

Donald Hau '19 recently accepted a new position as an RF Engineer at Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Solutions, Inc. Congratulations, Donald!

Congratulations to James Riley '14 and Azura (Rudd) Riley on their recent August wedding in Santa Barbara, CA.

Will Benson' 22 recently had the opportunity to appear on "Conservative Conversations" with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute to discuss the role of Catholics in American politics and the future of the conservative movement.

Jack Fyten '22 on the top of Mt Elbert!

45 members of the Class of 2008 and their families gathered for their class reunion the night before Thanksgiving. Cheers to 15 years!

Pfc Jack Killian ‘18 completed the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) and is now an Army Ranger stationed with the 75th Ranger Regiment at Ft. Moore, GA.

The Saint Thomas Academy Choir and soloist Kellan Cragg '25 lifted the roof with the voices on the arrangement of AMEN - a well known Gospel by Jester Hairston.

Terry Friedrichs '74 leads a small group of fellow alumni in helping to keep senior residents lively, at Cerenity Care Center on St. Paul’s East Side, through short, weekly conversational visits.

David Hottinger '85 caught up with Pat Miller '86 in Colorado last week!

Tim Figge '70 organized a Gettysburg Address tribute held at Oakwood cemetery in Hastings on November 19.

Congratulations to Alex Tangen '12 who married Jordie Tangen (Schnell), on September 15, 2023. They had a wonderful ceremony and reception at the Machine Shop in Minneapolis where they celebrated with their family and friends, including some of Alex's closest friends from the class of 2012 who were in the wedding.

Stephen Reese '07 and Sarah Lehman were married June 2023, at Holy Name of Jesus, Wayzata with reception following at Wayzata County Club. The couple resides in Edina, MN. Congratulations Stephen and Sarah!

John Matthews '90, retired from the Sioux Falls Police Department - Narcotics Unit in January 2022, is currently with the Lincoln County State’s Attorney’s Office as a Criminal Investigator. John has been married to his wife, Sherri for 25 years (CONGRATS!) and his son, Jake, is currently training in the Air Force to become a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) operator.

On August 12, 2023, Kyle Rohde '10 and Dara (DeMatteo) Rohde were married in Del Mar, California. The following STA Class of 2010 members, from left to right, were present to celebrate their wonderful marriage: Tucker Walser (far left), Pat Abele, Charlie Aslesen, Dave Zimmermann, Mike DePauw, Kyle Rohde (center with flower), Luke Hvidhyld, Cotter Kelly, Dan FitzPatrick, Dan Freund, and Connor Triggs (far right).

Congratulations to Alexander Plunkett '14 on his marriage to Shannon Dolan on October 6, 2023. Classmates Nils Boberg '14 and Tony Sirek '14 attended the beautiful North Shore wedding.

After nearly seven years as a policy staffer on Capitol Hill, Keegan Zimprich '13 joined U.S. Bank as Vice President, Federal Government Relations.

Doug Vanasek '12 married Molly Levi, CDH class of 2011, on October 6, 2023 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Saint Paul, MN. Congratulations Doug & Molly!

The Villaume-Driscoll Gallery in Spring Park was voted this year’s “Best Art Gallery in Minnesota” by the readers of the Star Tribune. The gallery features the large scale contemporary fine art of Michele Villaume-Driscoll VIS ‘81. She and her husband Ed Driscoll ‘79 and their sons Edward IV ’17 and Michael ’21 all run different aspects of the gallery.

Kevin Lovegreen '87 released his 20th children's book "Fishing for Monsters" under Kevin's brand "Lucky Luke's Adventure". This adventure includes Uncle Vern '85. Kevin continues to lead elementary school assemblies to excite students about reading and outdoor adventures.

You can see all of Kevin's books here.

Congratulations to Jon Schmidt '95 on being appointed by Governor Walz to serve as a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Jon most recently led the criminal appellate team and complex financial crimes team at the Hennepin County Attorney's Office. Prior to that, he was a shareholder at Briggs and Morgan. Jon lives in Saint Paul with his wife, Sara Grewing, and their two kids.

Congratulations to Tyler Hunter '06! Tyler has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns earning their “Enrolled Agent” status. This is the highest credential offered by the IRS.

John Copeland '19 is the Regimental Supply Officer in charge of supplies for the entire 2500+ Corps of Cadets at Citadel.

Congratulations to Mac Brown '16, on being named to Randy Shaver's All-Time All-Metro Football Team!

Congratulations to Andrew Boemer '20 on being named MIAC Athlete of the Week!

This year's Sporting Clays Classic was a great day at Minnesota Horse and Hunt. Thanks to our Title Sponsor JP Enterprises - John Gangl '69 and all those who attended. The individual high score came from Mike Myser '79 who hit 73 of 75 clay targets. Team Miller - Justin Miller '08, David Zimmerman '08, Drew Zimmerman '10, Justin Oppegard '07 and Alex Quinnel - were the Team Champions with a score of 303. Mark your calendars for September 9, 2024 for the 2024 STA Sporting Clay Classic.

Coach Walch with the Class of 1953

Father Doug Ebert '64 and Mike Barcelow '74 were able to catch up here at the Academy last week.

Ridley, Flynn & Brown implemented an offense that would carry their teams past Cretin for 17 years in a row. The foundation was built by Earl Wetzel (STMA '65) and Sgt. Max Beilke, the Freshman Coaching Staff of my era. Twenty two years ago today Sgt. Beilke lost his life serving his fellow soldiers and the Country at the Pentagon. He had survived his post STA assignment in Viet Nam and passed [while working] at a suburban office complex. Ironic.

Sam Supplee '15 was in Spain and Switzerland this summer for work, Indian Motorcycle (a Polaris division). When he returned to the US, he went out to Washington state for an Advanced Rider course.

Jayce Feely, grandson of TJ '70, nephew of Pat '62, Dick '65 and great grandson of STMA basketball coach Tom Feely Sr. Jayce plays for the University of Colorado who upset TCU on September 2, 2023 on national television. Jayce kicked a 49 yard field goal for the Buffalos.

Thomas Ondrey '23 was inducted into the Naval Academy this June. Read the entire article HERE. Congratulations Thomas !

Will Benson '22 is excited to announce that he has accepted a Fall 2023 communications internship with the Office of Senator Ted Cruz.

Rob Grady '96 has written his first book! Curious Leadership offers an approachable starting point for anyone eager to embark on their leadership journey. It acknowledges that what aspiring leaders truly seek is not an overwhelming array of tenets but a compass to guide them in the right direction—a direction fueled by curiosity, questioning, and understanding. It's for anyone seeking success and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. Whether you're a seasoned professional yearning for more or someone unsure of the next step to take, this book will help you identify what truly matters to you and forge a path towards fulfillment and success—however you define it. 

The following folks met for the regular STA Faded Football Heroes (and one referee) lunch recently: pictured L to R - Kevin Berg '76, Ed Kieger '76, Tony Ruiz (referee), Jim Cross '79, Tom Cross '75, Kevin Fenelon '75, seated: Coach Gerry Brown '58.

For the 5th year in a row, Joe Nunez '77 was named a SuperLawyer™ in the Real Estate practice category, as well as to Best Lawyers™ (also in real estate). Since 2015, Joe has enjoyed professional life back in private practice at Vantage Law Group after 20 years in-house at Target Corporation (and 8 years before Target as a partner in a mid-size Minneapolis firm). Congratulations, Joe!

The class of 1955 created the Last Man Standing Award at their 55th reunion in 2010. Recently, the award was presented to Tom Lee '55, as the "last man standing" of his class. The award included a bottle of Hennessey VSOP cognac and a plaque (now lost, through years of transfers). Retired Alumni Director and former football coach, Gerry Brown '58, presented Tom with the cognac. Cheers to Tom and the entire STMA class of 1955.

Jeevan Venkatesan '22, was featured in a story on DesiStoriesAshaUSA.com. Read Jeevan-Teen On The Go here. We can't wait to see what you do next!

Kyle Rohde '10 got married (pictured with a slew of 2010 grads). Congratulations, Kyle!

Big ups to Danny Michel '04, for steering his way to an impressive milestone of half a million brake pads sold! Navigating the winding roads of the industry, he's proven that true success isn't just about having a guarantee on the box.

Zac Brown '06 brought his 3 sons and his wife to STA for the first time and got a tour of the campus from Coach Barnes. Zac has been living in Illinois for over 10 years working for the United States Army Special Operations Command. Zac stated, "It was great to show my boys a place where boys become men."

Members of the Class of 1955 gathered for lunch and fellowship this past Wednesday at The Pool & Yacht Club.

Jake Borman '23 is the recipient of the $5,000, 2023 Minnesota Minute Men's Amateur Athletic Foundation Award. Congratulations, Jake!

Former teacher and coach Tom Ihnot with Bill Walsh '84 at a Center of the American Experiment event on July 6. Bill is the Director of Marketing and Communications for American Experiment.

On June 6, Rich Allen ‘60, assisted by Cerenity volunteer Terry Friedrichs ‘74, presented to 30 members of the Cerenity Marian Catholic Senior Community on Rich’s life in baseball. Rich spoke on his growing up in the baseball-supportive West 7th neighborhood in St. Paul, his starring as a pitcher at STA (1958-60), his years in the Twins and Athletics organizations, and his life after baseball. Residents sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” ate ballpark food, and showed off their baseball knowledge — both old and contemporary wisdom — with their great questions. They provided these STA alums with a very warm welcome. Thanks, Cerenity Marian!

John Ossanna '60 hosted a group of 1960 grads for lunch at the Scoreboard.

Jim Bohen '65 has published three books recently, all with a dose of humor. The Granddaughters features short poems about his grandparenting daycare "adventures." The Calendar Book (paperback only) has one short poem for each date, with baseball, mortality, Covid-19, the seasons, Jan. 6th and much more covered. The Famous GREEN Fire Engine is a children's book with stories for children of all ages. Paperbacks and e-books are available on Amazon.

Nick Creamer '09 was recently promoted to Tax Manager within the public accounting firm CBIZ MHM, LLC. Congratulations Nick!

A great time was had by a crew of '87 alumni who got together last weekend at Dan Kubes' lake place in Nisswa. (L-R standing) Jarrod Lynch, Dan Kubes, Tom Thuente , Phil Ritten , Andy Wilhoit (photo), Rich (Bear) Hanousek, John Griffin, Steve Farley, (seated) Norb Winter III. Not pictured: Tim Dyrhaug, Kevin Lovegreen

Michael Smilanich '14 and Kevin Gust '12 are publishing a series of blog posts around the impacts of AI on cyber risks. Find the first blog here and they will post more on their LinkedIn pages.

Congratulations to all STA 2019 cadets who are graduating from college this spring! 

Tom Strouse '87 has accepted the position of 8th Grade Dean on top of his teaching responsibilities at University Prep. Going forward, he'll have a lot of work on his hands keeping those rapscallions in line.

Michaela (O'Brien) Johnson (VIS '12) and Taylor Klaas '03 recently joined Headspace Health as Consultant Relations Managers supporting the Midwest/Southeast and Mid-Atlantic/Northeast regions, respectively. Headspace offers a "best in class suite of services that empower clients to normalize mental health, destigmatize seeking help, and drive cultural change." Driven by their passion for mental healthcare access and support, Michaela and Taylor are helping Headspace elevate its presence in the employee benefits space. They encourage all to live the Headspace mantra of, "be kind to their mind."

Dominic Dzik '86 was nominated for Officer of the Year in Saint Paul. Read the article here.

A group from the class of '64 met for lunch at the Pool & Yacht Club on Monday. 

A group from the Class of 1977 played in the 59th Annual Alumni Open on Monday. From left to right Mike Bann, Michael Flood, Dan Long, John Hynan, and John Ertel.

A group from the class of '73 met for breakfast on Monday. Front row: Jim Murlowski, Ed O'Phelan, Mike Sirek, Larry Fryklund, Peter Gillen Back Row: Tim Ridley, Chris Lee, Kevin Daly, Tim Plunkett, John Huber

Congratulations to Garrett Rivers '20 on earning athletic and academic recognition at Maryville University. Read more here.

Congratulations to James McDonald '21 on earning the following lacrosse accomplishments at Benedictine University: second team all-conference, sophomore year, and in his freshman year, he set a new program record for single game saves!

Congratulations to Patch Mendota Heights Minnesota Star Student Thomas Ondrey '23! He was nominated for the honor by John Kenney '85.

Congratulations to Paddy Clancy '12 on starting a new position as Director - Capital Markets at Ryan Companies US, Inc..

Congratulations to Foley Schmidt '08 on starting a new position as Chief Financial Officer at Profound Commerce.

Congratulations to Ryan Gall '15 on being promoted to Graduate Business Chair at Phillips Neighborhood Clinic.

Congratulations to Joe Klein '93 on earning his Doctorate in Nursing: Nursing and Organizational Leadership. Pictured with his son, Jordan Klein '19 and Anthony Ternes '19.

Congratulations to recently published author, Grant Anderson '05. Grant wrote a children's book, SPLENDID!: The Tale of the Shoes that didn't Fit. Available for purchase on Amazon.

It was great time in Washington D.C. for Tipton Woodard's wedding. Grant Oncay, Michael Conners. '14, Dominick Vierling '14, Tipton Woodard '14, Joe Schultz '14, Ben Fiers '14 and Ander Raarup '14.

Nolan Sullivan '17 graduated in 2021 from University of Minnesota with a Bachelor's Degree - Mechanical Engineering and accepted a position at Resonetics, a medical prototyping, micro manufacturing company located in Circle Pines, MN. Nolan is engaged to Margaret "Meg" Hughs (Visitation '18) and they are planning an October 2023 wedding in Cross Lake, MN.

Congratulations to Stephen Reese '07, he will be getting married on June 24, 2023!

On Monday, April 3, Matthew Goldade '18 was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from the US Merchant Marine Academy. Congratulations Matthew and thanks for including STA in your commissioning ceremony!

Next time you're in Chicago, look in on John, Karl '01, and Graeme '04 Fehr. The three brothers recently opened Bistro Monadnock.

Matthew Delmont '96, the Sherman Fairchild Distinguished Professor of History, has received a 2023 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, a national juried prize for literature that confronts racism and explores diversity. It carries a $10,000 award. Delmont was selected for his critically acclaimed book, Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad, which illuminates Black Americans' heroism during the war and experience of racism. The book was also listed in the New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2022.

Headmaster Kelby Woodard ran into Father Nate Wills '95 while at Notre Dame this week.

Hootie Hubbell ‘12 and Woody Hubbell ‘16 both celebrating two years chemo and cancer free in April 2023.

Congrats to Kevin Zimmerman '13 on receiving the Academic Excellence Award in Construction Science and Building Technology from Dunwoody.

Tommy Odegard '19, Lleyton Hornig '19, and Callan Happe '19, recently joined Hayes ‘19 and Baker '21 Reding for a College of the Holy Cross lacrosse game. Tommy, Lleyton, Callan and Hayes will be graduating this May.

Members from Class of 1960 attend the Naples event. From left to right Linda and Tom Divineney, Carolyn McKasy, Richard and Nancy Allen, and Mike Holt.

Peter Mork '85 and Capital Partners are excited to share that they were awarded the "Owner/Landlord of the Year" at the Minnesota Real Estate Journal's 2023 Awards ceremony. Learn more about Capital Partners at our website.

Charlie Welsh '03, has a new baby boy, Henry, who is now 9 months, with his wife Missy. Charlie now lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC where he works for Sprinturf, the nation's only Made in America, artificial turf company, where he is the Regional Sales Director for the Southeast. He does still handle many of the private schools in Minnesota, such as Saint Thomas Academy's baseball field, St. John's, Bethel, Gustavus, and Concordia Moorhead football and baseball fields. He started selling for Sprinturf while he was the assistant football and baseball coach at St. John's University.

Peter Mork '85 and his nephew, Bill Mork '12 with Northmarq, spoke together on the panel for the Capital Markets Summit MN hosted by the Minnesota Real Estate Journal. Both had interesting things to say about the state of affairs in credit markets and its impact on CRE financing.

Congratulations Matt Hoyland '08 for starting a new position as Senior Account Executive at Island.

Congratulations to Mac Brown '16 for signing with the Orlando Guardians of the XFL.

Members from Class of 1960 attend the Naples event. From left to right Linda & Tom Divineney, Carolyn McKasy, Richard & Nancy Allen and Mike Holt.

David Hottinger '85 ran into Baker '21 and Hayes '19 Reding at Holy Cross.

Congratulations to Michael Abbott '08 for starting a new position as Senior Software Engineer at Moov.

Congratulations to Andrew Lentsch '13 for starting a new position as Analyst - Central Analytics at Newell Brands.

Social Studies teacher Mr. Jurkovich, doing geography research in Arizona over Spring Break, ran into Sam Nields '12, who currently works as a Ranger for the National Park Service at Wupatki National Monument.

Congratulations to Charlie Deckas '17 for starting a new position as Marketing Specialist at CBRE Investment Management.

Jackson Hallum '19 and his blazing speed, read about them both here.

Congratulations to Isaac Hayes '12 on his patents with Apple inc.!  A note from Isaac: "I've wanted to be an "inventor" since I was a kid but didn't think it was attainable. I'd like to inspire others that their dreams are possible with an example. I haven't been able to share these patents because they were only recently made public, but I earned two patents (Patent One, Patent Two) while designing packaging at Apple. This patented work is used in many Apple products including the iPhone and Apple Watch!" 

Jacob Mischke '15 received a patent this past year for his invention, BedBev, a bottle holder attachment for those sleeping in cribs, lofted, and bunked beds. His product retails on Amazon and has achieved Amazon’s Choice and the #1 sales rank for multiple search categories.

Jaxen Mertens '20 is working toward more training/schooling within the US Marine Corp this year. He will be attending the Survival, Evasion, Resistance Escape School, Advance Intelligence School, Airborne School, Free Fall School, and Combatant Scuba Dive School. These courses will further Jaxen's development in the Intelligence & Special Combat Forces within the US Marine Corps.

His achievements within the United States Marine Corps. -High Honors Graduate French Language / Command Sergeant Majors Award French Language / Certificate of Commendation Commanding Officer US Marine Corp Detachment - Defense Language Institute Presidio of Monterey, CA, December 2021 -Graduate Crypto Language Analysist / Top Graduate USAF AETC Commanders Award / Honor Graduate USMC Basics Signals Operator Course - USMC Detachment Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo, TX, April 2022 -Graduate Reconnaissance Training Assessment Program – US Marine Corp School of Infantry of West Camp Pendleton, CA, July 2022 -Graduate Tactical Combat Casualty Care ASM / Graduate Basic Reconnaissance Course - US Marine Corp School of Infantry of West Camp Pendleton, CA, August 2022 -Graduate Reconnaissance Training Company Advanced Infantry Training Battalion – US Marine Corp School of Infantry of West Camp Pendleton, CA, October 2022

Ryan Gall '15 excited to formally announce that he will be a Graduate Student Summer Administrative/Finance Intern at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Alex Farley '18 is happy to share that he has been promoted to the role of Business Development Representative at Infor!

John Copeland '19 is currently in his Junior year at the Military College of South Carolina - The Citadel. He serves as 1st Battalion’s Supply NCO and is responsible for all things related to supply in his battalion of 400+. He is majoring in Military Intelligence and minoring in Education. He has just recently earned Gold Stars (3.7 gpa or above and with no grade below a C) for his 5th consecutive semester. He has also just been named to the Commandant’s Distinguished Service List and President’s List. The President’s List is one of the most distinguished cadet awards presented by The Citadel. It indicates excellence in academics and military duties. The list is a combination of the Dean’s List and the Commandant’s Distinguished Service List and is composed of cadets who contribute the most to their companies while maintaining excellent academic, military and fitness records.

A group from the class of 1990 won Epic Bragging Rights after winning the STA Fathers' Club Trivia Night on February 4. Congratulations to: Matt Dudley, Rich Dreher, John Gainor, Peter Martin, Mike Sundquist and Charlie Weier along with their former STA religion teacher, Father Jack Long.

David Hottinger '85 went to Maui, HI and visited with Jim Dicks '54.

Congratulate Tyler Wright '17 for starting a new position as Legal Extern at Sleep Number Corporation.

Congratulate Mitch Newburg '13 for being promoted to Engineering Manager at Uromedica, Inc.

Congratulate Zachary Wynne '10 for starting a new position as Senior Accountant at OHC LLC.

John Abdo '01, and his father Larry Abdo's My Burger restaurants made the 40/40 List for 2023: America's Hottest Startup Fast Casuals by QSR Magazine (see slide # 27). Congratulations!

Cadets from the 2001 and 2003 State Champion Alpine Ski Team reunited for their 22nd annual ski trip this February in Utah's Cottonwood Canyons. Pictured here at Snowbird's iconic Tram Club (left to right): Chris Eakins '03, Luke Hinz '03, Ryan Nintzel '03, Joe Masciopinto '09, Will Buckley '01, Chad Commers '01, and Matt Eakins '01

The trustees of the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT), Charlotte S. Johnson and Daniel C. Reardon, today announced they have appointed Francis M. Miley '80 to serve as the third trustee.

Patrick Cramer '14 relocated to the Tempe, AZ area recently. He's looking to connect and find a job while finishing his degree.

Ryan Malone '94 just celebrated his 20th year at Youngstown Glove Company in Los Angeles, CA in November 2022. He loves spending summers fishing, golfing, and farming at his cabin in Deerwood, MN.

About a year ago Kevin Geraghty '00 was diagnosed with ALS. He's dedicated to fighting this disease and finding treatments to cure/manage the disease. Check out his website for more information; prayers and donations are welcome! 

Annual new year's meeting in Beaver Creek for a group of Saint Thomas Academy Class of '89 grads...Charley Gardner, Danny Queenan, Steve Kluz, Kevin Kelly, Jason Gray, Steven T Nilsson, Jon Riley, Leo Lauer, Christian M Sirek.

Thomas Woodward '13 is happy to share that he has been promoted to Senior Underwriter at Colliers.