Wherever You Go, Whatever You Do, Remember the Honor of Lane.€¦ · Daniel Weiner ‘10 Production Managers Jeff Juhasz ‘76 Steve Juhasz ‘75 Copy Editor Patrick Kasch Production

September 2015 • Vol. 34 • No. 3

Wherever You Go, Whatever You Do, Remember the Honor of Lane.

When it comes to summer work, this has been an unusually busy season for all things Lane Tech. The Alumni

Association has embarked on a new three-year strategic plan to advance the mission of the organization. The Lane Tech Local School Council has conducted a search for a new principal which at the date of this writing, has yielded two candidates, and the hope of a final decision soon. Since July, interim principal, David Gilligan has filled the administrative gaps necessary to begin the school year and adjust to budget decreases. But by far, the most dramatic, visible, maybe even metaphoric work being done is the massive renovation to the school building.The capital improvement project at Lane, which began in March, really kicked into high gear at the end of the academic year, closing the building to just a handful of essential personnel and even diverting mail delivery. The project includes roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, tuck pointing, lintel work, new plumbing, replacement windows and water-damage repair like painting and new floors in some areas. When Lane was built in the early 1930s, the entire budget was six and a half million dollars. At the time it was the largest single Public Works Administration grant awarded in the country. Today’s renovation budget will easily exceed that number many times over, and despite the tremendous CPS budget crisis, a line item in the FY2016 budget has been designated for Lane Tech project completion. Whew!

If the completed Clock Tower is any indication, the building will be back to its stunning, stately self when the project ends in 2017, but right now it is pretty shocking. Cherry pickers surround the building like giant transformer-like soldiers. Windows are papered up, boarded up and ripped up. Sections of the brick façade have been stripped off and scaffolding is everywhere. A large section of the parking lot is dedicated to construction trailers, material staging and heavy equipment, and the entire site is buzzing with trades. It will take a great deal of coordination and agility to conduct normal class schedules while work continues.The project is being managed through CPS Planning & Design with the assistance of two consulting architects. SWWB Architects, who previously worked on the Memorial Garden renovation and ADA compliance upgrades at Lane, is the project architect, while Bauer Latoza Studio who recently completed the award-winning Marquette Park Pavilion, is managing the historic preservation and restoration aspects of the work. The general contractor is Tyler Lane Construction, a company with an impressive portfolio of school building renovations including Chicago Vocational, Taft and Amundsen high schools. With the funds approved and expertise on deck, we look forward to seeing the building we all love so much, restored to its original glory and ready to serve students for another eighty years!

Rebuilding by Michelle Weiner ‘76

Lane Tech TODAYNewsletter of the Lane Tech Alumni Association

1933 2015

Alumni Association NewsletterVol. 34 • No. 3September 2015

Editors Mary Beth Ficht

Michelle Weiner ‘76

Contributing Editors Colin Boyle ‘16 Barbara Cook Stuart Eng ‘85

Grant Martin ‘63 Angela Olah ‘04

Maurel Samonte ‘86 Daniel Weiner ‘10

Production Managers Jeff Juhasz ‘76

Steve Juhasz ‘75

Copy Editor Patrick Kasch

Production Team Brian Dolan ‘86

Telephone: 773-935-9351

Fax: 773-935-4570Toll-Free: 877-935-ALUM (2586)

Visit the LTAA website atwww.lanetechalumni.org

e-mail: [email protected]

Visit Lane Tech’s website atwww.lanetech.org

Published quarterly for the alumni of Lane Tech College Prep High School, Chicago Illinois. We reserve the right to edit submissions for publication due to space limitations. Send news and photographs (not returnable) to:

Newsletter Editor Lane Tech Alumni Association 3525 West Peterson Avenue, #105 Chicago, Illinois 60659-3314

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 18200 Chicago, Illinois 60618-0200

Email: [email protected]

President’s Message Stuart Eng ‘85

If you have driven by Lane any time within the last six months you know that the school is undergoing a massive renovation, to the tune of $60M, courtesy

of Mayor Emanuel and CPS. In addition to the improvements to the physical structure of Lane itself, the 2015-16 school year will bring in a new principal (yet to be named), new members to the Local School Council and a new football coach. In the same spirit of renovation, the Alumni Association has spent the last few months reviewing our mission and thinking of additional ways to support our alumni members and collaborate with other stakeholder groups.

As one of the largest high school alumni associations in the country, we would like our member services to be similar to those offered by college alumni associations. We will be developing an online survey in the near future and would like your thoughts on how we can best serve your needs. Whether coordinating alumni travel programs, art exhibits or mentorship programs, our goal is to find ways to bring Lane alumni together. Keep an eye out for our survey and we look forward to hearing from you. Best Regards Stuart Eng (‘85)

Board of Directors 2015/16 Meetings Schedule

September 24, 2015October 22, 2015December 3, 2015 - 6pm*January 21, 2016March 31, 2016May 26, 2016All meetings are at 7p.m. at 3525 W. Peterson Ave. Chicago unless otherwise noted. *location may change.

Newsletter Deadlines

Fall Issue October 15 Winter Issue January 15 Spring Issue April 15 Summer Issue July 15Mail to: Mary Beth Ficht, Newsletter Editor Lane Tech Alumni Association, Inc. 3525 West Peterson Avenue, #105 Chicago, Illinois 60659-3314Mailing Address: P.O. Box 18200 Chicago, Illinois [email protected]

Lane Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors

President Stuart Eng ‘85Vice President Michelle Weiner ‘76Treasurer Marion Synowiec ‘64 Past PresidentSecretary Kim Kidd ‘73Board Members Diedre Baumann ‘85 Fred Glure ‘63Jim Guerin ‘72Dennis Hammer ‘71 Past President Joseph Lawniczak ‘69 Avrom Litin ‘83 Sharon Manjack ‘77 Tod McElhaney ‘83 Angela Olah ‘04Jill Rzadzki ‘91 Maurel Samonte ‘86Alumni Staff Barbara Cook - Executive Director Mary Beth Ficht - Program Director

President’s Message ...............................2Reunions .................................................3Scholarships............................................4Events .....................................................5Alumni Spotlight ......................................6

Inside 2501 .............................................7Alumni News ........................................8-9The Drum Beat ......................................10In Memoriam ......................................... 11Backwards Glance ................................12

Table of Contents

September 2015 • 3

Lane Tech 1949ers +/-Date & Time: second Thursday of the month in March, June, September & December at 11:30 Location: Elks Club in Des Plaines, IL Information: The group welcomes any Lane Tech graduates to attend their quarterly luncheons at the Elk’s Club in Des Plaines, IL. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact the Alumni Association office.

Class of 1956Date & Time: September 2016Information: Plans are in the works for a 60th reunion. For more information, please contact fellow classmate Larry Leibforth at email: [email protected]

Class of 1965 Date & Time: October 17, 2015: 10am school tour and 6pm dinner banquet Location: Lane Tech & Doubletree Hilton, Arlington Heights, IL Cost: $85 per person Information: Rooms are available at the Double Tree, Arlington Heights, IL. Go to http://tinyurl.com/Lane-Tech-Class-Reunion for information about hotel rooms. To RSVP for the dinner and for payment information, please contact Bill Costello at [email protected] or Jack Getz at [email protected].

The Class of 1966 Date & Time: TBD 2016Information: Fellow classmate Al Halfen is spearheading a 50th reunion for 2016. If you are interested in helping him organize the event, please email him at [email protected].

The Class of 1971Date & Time: TBD 2016 Information: Plans are underway for a 45-year reunion. For information contact The 71 Reunion Committee at [email protected] or fellow classmates; Wally Walejeski at l [email protected], Phil Koehl at [email protected], or Ken Larson at [email protected].

Class of 1975Date & Time: October 17, 2015: 10am school tour and 6pm receptionLocation: Lane Tech and the Erin Room at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N.Knox, ChicagoCost: TBD Information: Morning school tour and casual evening reunion will take place at the Irish American Heritage Center from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Free parking available. Please go to www.lanetech75.com to get the latest info or email [email protected].

Class of 1985School Tour: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015: 9amParty: Saturday, September 19, 2015: 7pm-11pm Location: River Roast, 315 N. LaSalle St., ChicagoInformation: Price by Sept. 10th is $75 and at door $85.00 (cash only). For payment information go to www.lanetech1985reunion.myevent.com or email reunion committee chair: Sandra McKibben at [email protected].

The Class of 1990Date & Time: October 3, 2015: 8pm-11:30pm Location: Commonwealth Tavern, 2000 W. Roscoe Street, ChicagoCost: $60 per person, payable in advance through Paypal. $65.00 at door.Information: A 25th reunion is in the works! Open bar (including wine, beer and call liquors) plus heavy appetizers. A school tour also in planning stages for the same day. For details go to [email protected].

The Class of 2005Date & Time: Sept.12, 2015 - 6:30pm-9:30pmLocation: FatPour Chicago, 2005 W. Division St. Chicago. Information: A 10 year reunion is in the works. If you would like to help plan the reunion or get more information, please contact Keith De Los Santos at email: [email protected]

Attention Classes of 1945 & 1955: If you are interested in organizing a reunion, please contact the Alumni Association at email: [email protected] or call (773) 935-9351.

Reunions

1933

2015

2015 Scholarships Build FuturesOn May 19, LTAA President Stuart Eng awarded eleven scholarships to some of our newest alumni at the Lane Tech Senior Honors Assembly. The $105,500 distributed in scholarship monies to 2015 graduates brings the total funded and/or administered by the LTAA since 1985 to $1,295,650.00! More than 57% of the students at Lane are low income, and many of the awardees also worked while attending Lane, so we are certain that their scholarships will be put to good use. We wish each of these bright, eager college freshman every success in their next academic chapter, and thank the generous donors who helped make their scholarships possible!

4 • Lane Tech Today

Aves Vocational Educational Scholarship These scholarships are from the foundation of late engineer and inventor Fred J. Aves who was a champion of vocational and technical training. LTAA Executive Director, Barbara Cook has been masterful in securing these scholarships for Lane students, and since 2005, has distributed $804,000 to our deserving students.

Pedro Lopez $40,000

Patric Hruswicki $40,000

Coogan Scholarship for English Excellence

This award was established by the Coogan family in memory of former Lane Tech English teacher, Mary Jane Coogan.

Filza Ali $7,500

Kabot Art ScholarshipJust instituted last year through the generosity of alumnus John Kabot, ’64, this scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing an art degree.

Ana Ojeda $3,000

Leibfritz ScholarshipMrs. Particia Cherry established this scholarship to honor her friend and shop teacher, Walter Leibfritz

Lisette Velazquez $1,000

Kutzman ScholarshipGerald Kutzman, ’60 funds this award to a student attending either the University of Tampa or the University of Southern Mississippi.

Yoshi Rivera $1,000 renewable

for 4 years ($4,000)

Lane Tech Alumni Association ScholarshipThrough the efforts of the Association and contributions made by Rich Kolb, ’65, the LTAA scholarship was awarded to five seniors from a field of more than forty candidates who submitted competitive applications and essays.

Isabelle Cadrot $2,000

LTAA recipient

Juana Delao $2,000

Kolb recipient

Maria Valenzuela $2,000

LTAA recipient

Sean Psenka $2,000

Kolb recipient

Bushraa Shamshuddin

$2,000 Kolb recipient

Paschke, Superstars & Indians

June 7, 2015 marked the convergence of exceptional art, fascinating stories and Lane

Tech camaraderie at the Ed Paschke Art Center in Chicago’s Jefferson Park, when alumni from six decades came together to enjoy “Paschke, Superstars & Indians”. The evening began with an exclusive viewing of the permanent collection at this fantastic new venue which includes sculpture, paintings, works on paper, and an impeccably reconstructed installation of Ed Paschke’s original Rogers Park studio.

The evening continued with an amusing ac-count of life in the trenches as told by iconic photographer Paul Natkin, (’69) while sur-rounded by his retrospective exhibit called “Superstars”. The audience was completely

engaged with Paul’s stories that ranged from touring with the Rolling Stones, to the Chicago Blues Fest. As a special treat, Marc Paschke, (’83) flew in from California for the event and provided background on the Ed Paschke Foun-dation, warm introduction for Paul Natkin and an impromptu reunion with a few classmates.

Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the buffet and were delighted with the signature green and gold cocktail offered by the incredible staff of the Ed Paschke Art Center. Our thanks go out to that team led by Vesna Stelcer and Lionel Rabb, and to Paul Natkin and Marc Paschke, as well as all of the Lane Tech art and rock and roll devotees who joined in the fun!

Photographer: Hannah Green

The Clocktower Club continues to provide a regular platform for Lane alums in the Chi-cago area to meet, reminisce, network and generally enjoy an all-ages reunion in a casual atmosphere. The June Clocktower was particularly special as it was scheduled around the trip back home for Dennis Spice, ’57 who was visiting from the state of Wash-ington to celebrate his 75th birthday. Alumni representing every decade from the fifties to the teens were there with the exception of the nineties. (Hey Laneites from the 1990s… where are you?). Talk of shop classes, neighborhoods, favorite restaurants, proms, teachers and general hi-jinks went on until the late hours. It was a treat to have an alum travel so far to be with the group, and you can read a bit more of Dennis’ personal account in the Alumni News section of this issue, or read the full narrative of his trip down memory Lane on the LTAA website. You can also check to see the date and location of the next Clocktower Club meet up while on the website. We hope to see you there!

Go Cubs Go, Go Lane GoSeeing “Lane Tech Alums” on the jumbotron at Wrigley Field is pretty neat. Having more than two hundred Lane grads in the stands to cheer when it happens is even better! Despite the disappoint-ing outcome of 3-0 in favor of the Nationals, it was exciting to see the Lester-Scherzer, Bryant-Harper match up for the first time, and all those who at-tended seemed to enjoy the latest upgrades to the ballpark and an occasional Lane Tech cheer. A special thank you to the Cubs organization for helping us out, to Board Member Jim Guerin for knocking it out of the park with event planning, and to Sherlanda Brooks and the members of the Lane Tech Black Alumni Association who joined in the fun. We will be even bigger and better next year so watch for announcements in early spring. We hope you will be in the stands with us!

Photographer: Former Faculty Member Howard Heath

September 2015 • 5

Clocktower Club

Marc Paschke

Paul Natkin

Alumni Spotlight

Dan Goodwin, ‘61

Teachers often find unique and creative ways to spend summer vacation. Sometimes they just rest. Sometimes they travel. Sometimes they take part-time jobs to supplement their

income and stay busy. Rarely however, does a CPS teacher parlay a summer job into a multi-billion-dollar real estate organization that includes thousands of Retail, Commercial, Industrial, Residential and Hotel properties in forty-nine states. That is exactly what Dan Goodwin did, and today he describes The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. as an incubator of businesses related to real estate.

Dan is Chairman of the Board and CEO of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. Over the years, he founded five public companies that currently trade on the New York Stock Exchange. He is CEO of a $1 billion bank that he founded. Dan is Chairman of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) Non-traded REIT Council, and Vice-Chair of the Chicago Better Government Association. In addition to his roles as an industry leader, Dan has exemplified solid citizenship through leadership positions with the Board of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Trust Fund, the office of Housing Coordination Services of the State of Illinois and was a founding member of the Illinois State Affordable Housing Conference. Also, Dan served on the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Northeastern Illinois University, and Vice Chairman of Benedictine University. During the past year alone, his philanthropic support has had a profound impact on the Chicago area, especially DuPage County where his list of acknowledgements is extensive and most recently include the Village of Oak Brook’s “Resolution of Citizen Appreciation”, the “Making a Historical Difference Award” from the DuPage Historical Museum, the “Philanthropist of the Year Award” from the West Suburban Philanthropic Network, and he received the “Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award for Women”, and twice won the “Ethics in Business Award” from the Better Business Bureau of Chicago.

Lane Tech Today was curious to learn how someone made the leap from sub sandwiches at Hero’s to dining with mayors, governors and presidents....

LTAA: What lessons did you learn at Lane that proved valuable as your professional career evolved?DG: Lane taught me the importance of learning. When I attended Lane, it was known for two things: education and athletics. It had an outstanding sports program and was arguably the best academic institution in Chicago, largely due to the committed faculty. I would say we also embraced school pride to a greater degree at Lane. Things like the school slogan, “Wherever you go, whatever you do, remember the honor of Lane” instilled life-long pride.

LTAA: How did your real estate career begin? Can you recall your very first transaction? DG: I was a CPS teacher from 1966 to 1971 but during that time I was also interested in real estate. I thought it would be a good idea to build a house for investment purposes, and so five other teachers and I each contributed $500 into our first fund (a substantial amount considering our annual salaries were about $6,000). We found a suitable lot in Itasca during scouting sessions on Saturdays, got financing from a savings and loan, hired a builder and our first deal was born. Once completed, we sold the house and reinvested the profits, building two more homes. As a result, other teachers asked to participate and soon we had dozens of investors. By 1968 we had incorporated Inland Real Estate. We bought and sold existing homes and apartments with what became hundreds of investors, mostly other teachers, friends and family members. In 1972, real estate became my full-time profession. I intentionally paid myself a smaller amount so it took several

years for me to reach the same level of compensation as my CPS salary, but knew that if my investors did well, I would realize ultimate success.

LTAA: Despite the trajectory that your ca-reer ultimately took, teaching and learning remain life-long passions for you. Did you have any favorite teachers at Lane, and once you became an educator, did you em-ulate any Lane Tech faculty members? DG: Mr. Sherman taught history as a series of sociological concepts and geographical determinants that gave real perspective on how people behave over time. Mr. Begun said he saw an ability in me to articulate complicated concepts and make them easy for people to understand. He encouraged me to choose teaching as a career. Lastly, my chemistry teacher, Miss Artisuk helped me realize the excitement of problem solving. I remember class projects where she had us identify vials of chemicals. We had the freedom to depart from the textbook and use our creativity and problem-solving abilities to find the answers. Those exercises were a revelation, and inspired me to be an analytical thinker and problem-solver.

LTAA: Are there any parallels between teaching hundreds of students and employ-ing a workforce of more than fifteen hun-dred professionals? DG: I have always employed the Socratic method of teaching. I will ask a series of questions and allow students or employees to reach conclusions and develop their own insights. I make sure I disclose all pertinent facts and let them find the answers themselves, often working backwards from a macro concept.

LTAA: Team building and coaching are em-blematic of your professional style. Did you compete on any teams while at Lane? DG: I spent a short time on track and field and played competitive chess. I also took second place in “Freshman Olympics” in gym class out of a field of about 1300 boys. I still have that award. I was also a reporter for the Lane Newspaper.

LTAA: Professionally speaking, how would you assess the redevelopment of the com-munity around Lane Tech?DG: When I attended Lane, the neighborhood was a good, middle-class neighborhood with plenty of vacant land. I can recall a miniature golf course to the north of campus and the construction of the WGN studios. It was a good place to grow up. Now the development of vibrant businesses and new residential properties has reinvigorated the area. The neighborhood remains a wonderful place to live and work.

LTAA: Any final thoughts related to your ex-periences at Lane?DG: I have fond memories of the WPA depression-era art in the building. The size and scale of the art collection make it hard to forget. I also think my drafting and architecture training served me well in the real estate business. When I attended Lane, there were two educational paths: Smith Hughes vocational training and Architecture and Engineering, which was what I was enrolled in. To this day I can still draw house plans. I remember the first building I drew was a garage. That working knowledge that Lane provided was fundamental to my success. Lane is a special place!

6 • Lane Tech Today

In July, when the Lane Tech Local School Council had not yet selected a new

principal for the 2015/16 academic year, CPS appointed an interim administrator, David Gilligan. Mr. Gilligan is retired from his former position as Chief High School Officer at CPS. After retirement he served as interim Principal for Hubbard under similar circumstances.

Felicidades! The following Laneites competed at the National Spanish Exam (Chicago Chapter of AATSP) and were recognized at the awards ceremony on May 16th at Niles North High School: Eros Vazquez, Patrick McQuillan, Lorena Grajeda and Isamarie Perez, as well as teacher, Misty Esguerra.

Art and photography teacher Joe Wil-cox and his wife Danielle were recently awarded a $10,000 Crusade Engagement Grant which is focused on arts outreach. Their proposal, “.LDOC” is for a free, bi-weekly arts publication to be distributed along the CTA Red Line. Their project was se-lected from a highly competitive field of national submittals.

Varsity Girls Softball continue their dynasty, winning a ninth straight City Championship, defeating Washington 20-4.

Girls Water Polo won the City Championship! Congratulations!

Senior Pavlo Hutsalyuk won the State Champion-ship in the mile run at East-ern IL University this past season. His time of 4:08.19 is the fastest ever by a CPS runner, was only two seconds off the state meet record, and is currently the ninth fastest high school time in the country. Follow this link to watch his race: http://il.milesplit.com/meets/209914/videos/?id=92777#.VWsJUqTbLIV

In Boys Tennis, Yahn Gawrit won the #1 Tennis Singles City Championship for the 2nd straight year. Mitchell Stoops and Shawn Logan finished 3rd at Sectionals and advance to state. The team also took first place at the Niles West Invitational with Yahn Gawrit (1st Place #1 Singles), Sasha Salk (2nd Place #2 Singles), Mitchell Stoops and Shawn Logan (2nd Place #1 Doubles).

The Girls Lacrosse team completed their 2015 season with an overall record of 9-9. Lane’s varsity girls lacrosse team won the first ever girls city championship, defeating Whitney Young 9-8 in OT. Junior Sami Lapka and sophomore Julia Atkinson were both selected as All-Conference players for the Chicago Metro Conference.

The F/S Boys Track & Field team won the City Championship! They had a balanced attack (71.5pts) that proved to be too much for the sprint heavy Dunbar squad (66pts) and the distance laden team from Jones (60pts). Top finishes were recorded by the 4x100 and 4x200 relays, both second place, and Ayden Marcano and David Oluyadi in high jump.

Girls Soccer ended the season with an overall record of 19-5 and a conference championship. They remain undefeated in the city with a record of 13-0, and now hold seven city titles!, Three players were recognized for the All-City first team, two players received All-Sectional awards, one received All-State and All-Midwest awards (finishing top 6 for All-American), and three players received All-Academic Awards. All three teams in the program won their City Championship.

September 2015 • 7

Several talented Academic Center 7th graders advanced to the state level for History Fair in May: Lauren Marut, Olivia Fergus-Brummer, Julia Carlson, Lena Brün, Imani Whitfield, Charlotte Manier, Maya Levine, Abigail Hower, Kathryn Fong,

Trinity Chen, John Blalack, Michael Puczko, Morgan Ziegelski and Natalie Loos. Once at Springfield, Olivia Fergus Brummer won the Illinois Labor History Society Award for a performance of “The Most Dangerous Women in America: Why the Leadership and Legacy of Mother Jones Sparked a Labor Rights Revolution”. Two students qualified for the national competition held in Maryland on June 15th - John Blalack with his paper, “From Prairie to Metropolis: How the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad Spurred Chicago Onward” and Lena Brün with her documentary, “Herbert Brün’s World of Sound: How a Composer Advanced Musical Science.” Lena eventually went on to take ninth in the nation. Congratulations to all of the Junior Historians!

September 2015 • 7

Inside 2501

A snapshot of what’s happening at Lane today

8 • Lane Tech Today

‘40Allan Redmond wrote in to say he noticed a participation gap in the Alumni News feature between the years of 1938-1950, “Well, I thought you’d like to know that there is one 1940 (alum) alive and well.” Allan is keeping himself busy these days with his dance group. “I’m happy to say that I still have my hair and teeth, and still enjoy dancing. I first learned to ballroom dance at Lane on Friday afternoons in the gymnasium. Girls were imported from other schools. This is what keeps me young.” Allan resides in Florida and is a widower after sixty-two years of marriage. He and his wife took many dance lessons together and at 92 years young he still has the moves!

‘45Richard Cooley has published a short fictional work, “A Baseball Story: Diamonds are a Kid’s Best Friend”. The story follows four boys from different generations and different parts of the country as they discover the joys of baseball. His book is available at amazon.com.

‘49Congratulations to Jack Leese who will be inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame on September 16, 2015. Longtime East Leyden High School football coach and IHSA Wrestling Hall of Fame member, Jack will be joining fellow 2015 inductees Stan Bowman, Ron Coomer, Mike Krzyzewski, Franco Harris and Jim Smith. He comments about his induction: ‘Without the support, the lessons learned, my teachers and coaches, and of course the players, this award would not be possible. Joining names like Banks, Ditka, Butkus, Sayers, Hull, Veeck, Grange, etc., truly makes this an extraordinary event. Learning early in life the price of victory (success) is hard work, makes this award special. “

‘57Dennis Spice recently came back to visit Chicago from Washington state as a 75th birthday treat. Along with his classmate, Al Kulikowski, they visited Lane, then a trip down Peterson Avenue to grab a bite at Wolfy’s and pop into the Alumni Association office just down the street. Dennis said, “The staff rolled out the red carpet for us and we spent well over an hour in long discussion about Lane, the Association and changes to my city.” Afterwards, they began their pub crawl, first at Half Acre on Lincoln Avenue, then on to Bucktown where they “paid their respects” at Lottie’s

Pub. Their final destination was the June Clocktower Club meet up at Chief O’Neill’s. Dennis and Al were greeted by LTAA members who introduced them to the rest of the Laneites in attendance, ranging from the class of 1958 to 2010. They enjoyed the great comradeship that followed. Dennis writes; “Whether you live in the Chicago area or are an out of towner like myself, do visit Lane and include the Clocktower Club on your visit. You won’t regret it.”

‘58Arno Wehr was inspired by the recent “Law & Order” issue of the newsletter and wrote in response, “It was our first freshman assembly that Martin ‘Mootsie’ Lahng nicknamed our principal, Dr. O’Mara, ‘The Frog’. Dr. O’Mara took it really well, though often a ‘ribbit’ call would be heard in the halls near his office. Then came the expected ‘retaliation’. In the most eloquent terms ‘The Frog’ told the student body the school would no longer allow jeans or Levi’s and we had to have belts on our pants. The word continued for four years that Dr. O’Mara ‘belted his students’…..”.

‘60It took the Special Olym-pics World Games and a little help from LTAA Pro-gram Director Mary Beth Ficht to introduce two Lane alums with a com-mon purpose. When Bob Kozlowski wrote in from southern California with an update about his son, Greg, who competed with the US golf team at this summer’s Special Olympic World Games in Los Angeles, Mary Beth’s antennae went up. Dr. E. Mike (Ba-sil) Vasilomanolakis (’70) had just notified the Alumni Office about his support for Special Olympics and his Olympic Torch Run relay team. (Special Olympics was running the torch from Washington DC to the Los Angeles World Games site for the opening games.) Mary Beth introduced the two men who arranged to meet during the Torch Run festivities, and then discovered they live relatively close to each other. Both alums have reason to be proud. Bob’s son Greg golfed well, earning a top five ranking in his division, and Mike’s relay team raised the most money of any Special Olympics Torch Run team in California. Bob wrote to the Alumni Associa-tion afterwards, “(I) had a chance to meet Mike V. running with the torch because of our high school connection 2,000 miles away!”

James Nottke received his Chemistry degree from University of Illinois and his PhD from University of Oregon. He’s retired from the DuPont Company and lives in North Carolina with his wife in her family’s 1882 farmhouse. They grow vegetables and fruit, specializing in pawpaw fruit and do a lot of volunteer work. He is looking forward to celebrating his 51st wedding anniversary in August with his wife, two children and three grandchildren.

8 • Lane Tech Today

Allan (second row center) and his Florida dancing group

Alumni newS

(L-R) Mike (Basil) Vasilomanolakis (’70), Greg Kozlowski, Bob Kozlowski (’60)

September 2015 • 9

Congratulations to Wally Thiel on being inducted into the Semipro Football Hall of Fame. His induction was in June in Canton, Ohio. Wally had a long career as a semi-pro football player and is well deserving of this highest honor that semi-professionals can achieve.

‘64Chuck Aron was highlighted in the “Everday Athlete” feature of the June issue of My Chicago Athlete. The article chronicles his running history and his years raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his brother-in-law, Paul. Chuck is a current member of the Alzheimer’s ALZ stars and will run in the 2015 Chicago marathon.

‘68Dr. Michael Lovda, DDS recently had the honor of “hooding” his son as he received his DDS degree from the University of Oklahoma, College of Dentistry. Dr. Michael Lovda operates his own dental practice in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

‘69Randolph Read was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of New York REIT, Inc. Board of Directors. He served as a director on the Board since December 2014, and President and CEO of Nevada Strategic Credit Investments, LLC since 2009. He has a M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania and B.S. from Tulane University.

‘72Jim Morici is the managing partner of the Chicago law firm Morici, Figlioli & Associates. In December 2014, he settled a $5,000,000.00 Wisconsin personal injury case, the

largest in Fond du Lac County’s history, for a traumatic amputee. Jim was named the Italian American Police Association’s Man of the Year in 2013 for his service as an Assistant State’s Attorney earlier in his career. Chicago-Kent named the James J. Morici Advocacy Corridor in the law school’s lobby in his honor in 2014. Jim continues to support Chicago–Kent by serving on the Alumni Board and as an adjunct faculty member teaching trial advocacy. He is also a lifetime member of the LTAA, where he formerly served as a Vice President.

‘75Raymond Van Dyke, a patent attorney and IP consultant in Washington, DC, was a keynote speaker at his University of North Carolina Law School’s twenty-fifth reunion and spoke to the UNC computer science department where he received his Master’s degree in software patent law.

‘79Congratulations to Ken Matuszak on his marriage to Teresa Flitcroft. They got married on June 30th in Cozumel, Mexico.

‘02Gideon Akande was recently named Men’s Health, ‘Next Top Trainer’. Gideon competed in the the challenged in August. He will be a contributor for Men’s Health magazine and star and design his own fitness DVD. go to http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/meet-gideon-akandeGideon Akande

‘10LTAA scholarship recipient and rec-ent IIT graduate, Fariha Wajid has officially begun her architecture career with a position at Landon Bone Baker Architects. She was also high-lighted recently by Newcity Design in an article titled, “Young Design Superstar: Fariha Wajid Makes the Right Connections”. The feature recounts the strategic relationships she established while still a student, including internships at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin and the Art Institute. “In her short career, she’s already worked with some of the most interesting women in the design community, including Jeanne Gang, Zoe Ryan and now, Catherine Baker at Landon Bone Baker.” To read the article, go to http://design.newcity.com/2015/07/20/young-design-superstar-fariha-wajid-makes-the-right-connections/.

Michael Lovda (’68), pictured right, with his wife Diane and their son.

Fariha Wajid and architect Stanley Tigerman, design.newcity.com

The Drum BeatHow did attending Lane help build a better you?

Jim Guerin:Without a doubt the experience of the various shops I took and the academic excellence of all of my classes laid the groundwork for future success in all of my endeavors.

Roseeoh Zegarra:Well even years later, Lane Tech still gives a sense of pride! Funny story... now I live in Texas... I was interviewing a candidate recently and we got to talking and she tells me she graduated from Lane Tech too! Great candidate and graduating from Lane didn’t hurt either!

Marion Synoweic:Attending Lane contributed to my culinary development: I learned to love mashed potatoes with my hamburger sandwich.

Erick Velazquez:I did not become a racist/bigot/self-indulged/careless/closed-minded individual. Thanks LANE!

Kris Couch:My time at Lane Tech taught me about the importance of diversity and team work, through both academic study and athletics. I’ll always be proud to be a Lane Tech graduate! #GoLaneGo!

Maurel Samonte:“Wherever you go, whatever you do, remember the honor of Lane.” Throughout life, I have replaced the word Lane with other organizations and relationships I have been in. That motto has reminded me to always put my best foot forward in any situation because I may be the only representation of Lane (or other organization) that person may be in contact with.

Ken Larson:I received an outstanding balance of college prep and practical shop skills. For a future mechanical engineer and computer consultant it was invaluable.

Sharon Manjack:I was proud to be one of the first group of women to attend Lane. The experience instilled in me a sense of confidence that I was able to achieve whatever I set my mind to do. The friends that I made were life long and to this day I value their friendship.

Jamie Goodwin:Lane gave me a great technical education and great academic skills. The best preparation for college and life.

Kim Kidd: Attending Lane Tech was one of the key decisions that I made which laid the foundation for both my personal and professional development. The teachers and the curriculum held me accountable for my on campus activities which included classroom work, sports and after school jobs. Lane Tech taught me the valuable lessons of commitment for hard work, follow through and continuous learning.

Tom Firak:The world was in social upheaval. Lane gave me my sea legs in this troubled time. Lane introduced me to academics and the cultural milieu represented by the students from the different Chicago neighborhoods. The students and the teachers were gifted, yet down to Earth. They gave me confidence and curiousity. I’ve been going on that for years!

10 • Lane Tech Today

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September 2015 • 11

In Memoriam1940-1949

Thaddeus Mrazek (’40) 4/28/15Jack Schuler (’43) 4/21/15Thaddeus M. Mirochna (’45) 11/27/14Hans Schoemer (’46) 1/2/13Richard Gans (’47) 5/19/15John Janis (’49) 6/14/15

1950-1959Earl G. Christensen (’50) 2/14/15Tom Wojtkiewicz (’50) 2/10/15Jack F. Brown (’51) 2014Donald Granell (’51) 5/19/15 Elmer Ciesiel (’53) 5/3/15Karl Eschenlohr (’54) 6/10/15Raymond Mampe (’54) 4/21/14Sheldon Epstein (’56) 11/10/14Frank Merrit Geraci (’56) 12/9/14Robert Haza (’56) Unknown Robert J. Lojewski (’56) 3/27/15Steve Wilk (’56) 6/2013Arnold J. Jensen (’57) 1/5/15Donald Pesceone (’57) 7/8/15Don Wojtas (’58) 6/2015Tom Wisniewski (’59) 3/7/15

1960-1969 Rangval S. Walker (’60) 3/16/15David Orze (’61) UnknownBlaine Sandona (’61) 5/5/15 Herbert Schoene (’61) 6/4/14Bruce R. Loewe (’63) 4/10/15 Christopher W. Pelc (’63) 5/27/15Joseph Towalski (’63) 5/25/15Dennis Waller (’64) 3/18/15Richard Sharpless (’65) UnknownSteven E. Coulson (’66) 5/2010John Jennings (’66) 5/3/15Daniel Wennerberg (’66) 5/3/15

1970-1979Robert Held (’71) 10/6/11 Edward S. Kulas (’71) 2013Ray Hallowell (’75) 6/22/15

1990-1999Maria Augustin Rivera (’96) 2008

FacultyMr. Louis F. Frasca 5/22/15 Orchestra Teacher

Corrections and Acknowledgements

Who would have predicted that our June issue, dedicated to rule-makers and breakers, would elicit so much feedback! Apparently many more alums than we would have predicted had intimate knowledge of the discipline office, and in particular Mr. Erlich who was not pictured in the “Hall of Disciplinarians” feature. The editorial staff is grateful for your enthusiastic readership and relieved to learn that your life of crime eventually came to an end.

2015 Football Schedule

Week 1 Lane @ Oak Lawn 8/28/15 6:30pmWeek 2 Lane @ Niles West 9/4/15 7:00pmWeek 3 King @ Lane 9/11/15 7:15pmWeek 4 Simeon @ Lane 9/18/15 7:15pmWeek 5 Lane @ N. Lawndale 9/25/15 5:00pmWeek 6 Lane @ Dunbar 10/1/15 7:15pmWeek 7 Taft @ Lane (HC) 10/9/15 7:15pmWeek 8 Lane @ Curie 10/15/15 5:00pmWeek 9 City Playoffs TBDWeek 10 IHSA State Playoffs TBD

Lane Tech Alumni Association P.O. Box 18200 Chicago, IL 60618-0200

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Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. Postage Paid

Carol Stream, IllinoisPermit No. 819

Printed with soy inks on FSC certified paper.

Backwards Glance

“Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistence.”

Daniel Burnham

Lane Tech Campus, 1958