June 2015
In This Issue
Alumni Spotlight
Upcoming Events
STM alumnus pursuing career as Franciscan
Friar
Class of 2015
Donor Recognition
Class Notes
In Loving Memory
Alumni Spotlight (Max Klug, STM
'11)
Classroom Spotlight
Retiring Teachers
Invest in STM!
Quick Links
STM Website
STM Calendar
Upcoming Events
June 7
Brother Ralph Neumann's 60th
Marianist Jubilee @ 10 a.m.
June 27
St. Francis Minor Seminary Class of
1955 Reunion
July 12
Don Bosco Alumni Athletic Reunion
July 24-25
Don Bosco Class of 1960 55 Year
Reunion
August 3
Thomas More Open (TMO)
Br. Maxwell Klug OFM (STM '11) knew since second
grade that he wanted to live a religious life. After
attending St. Roman Grade School, starting high
school at St. Thomas More was Max's next step
toward achieving his goal of becoming a priest. Max
loved the small, family atmosphere at STM and knew
that it was the best choice for him educationally and
spiritually. After spending his freshman year at
Franklin High School, Max and his family received
some unexpected assistance from an STM donor.
After contacting the STM development department,
Max's parents received news that a Brother and Don
Bosco alumnus would provide the resources for Max
to finish his high school career where the Klug family
had hoped, St. Thomas More. "He gave me a full
paid scholarship to come to St. Thomas More. And
then here I was!"
The faith formation aspect of STM was important to
Max, but class size and the reputation of excellent
academics appealed to him as well. "STM is very
family oriented and students and teachers always
have a wonderful connection," Max said. While he
attended STM, Max was involved with the soccer
team and started the Faith Can Cure Cancer Club,
which eventually turned into Relay for Life. He was
active in Campus Ministry and retreats, which helped
him pave the way for his journey toward priesthood.
"STM really taught me how to be a leader," he
explained. "St. Thomas More really challenged me to
come out of my shell and be more of an extrovert, to
be able to take charge and be comfortable with it."
October 17
Casino Night @ 6:30 p.m.
November 21
24th Annual Craft Fair @ 9:00 a.m.
Stay Connected with STM!
Get the latest updates from St.
Thomas More by connecting with us
on social media.
Congratulations to the Class of
2015!
Felix-Jose Acevedo
Christopher James Alexander
Jazmine Rose Alicea
Luis Jorge Avila-Sotelo
Tessa Marie Bachinski
Nancy Joanna Bahena
Sienna Marie Barillas-Greengrass
Jordan Elizabeth Becklund
Brian Thomas Bishop
Mitchell Ross Boyle
Ryan Scott Bufkin
Erin Jewel Caballero
Judeth L. Cazares
Francesca Patricia Chiaverotti
Noelle Victoria Rene Christensen
Ana Xitlalic Cuarenta
Antonio D'Acquisto
Phantasia Ashlee Dashner
Noah James Daun
Evan Douglas Depledge
Kateri Marie Doxtator
Lissette Eusebio-Colin
Angel D. Fajardo
Angela Feliciano
Christian D'Arcy Forma
Peter Gaitan
Antonio Garcia
Eric Garcia
Monica Marie Gemmel
Mary Rose Gerschke
Luis Fransisco Gomez
Miranda Jennifer Halser
Elizabeth Ann Harasymiw
Hailee Anna Hoffmann
Ryan Adam Hoffmann
Jiahao Hong
Dennis Michael Horounziak
Lauren Elizabeth Horzewski
Jasmin Hurtado
Tyler Thomas Immonen
Yuliana Iniguez
Matthew Joseph Jaskie
Raven Maribel Jaso
Jose David Jimenez
Elizabeth Natalia Joyce
Since graduating from STM, Max has become a
Brother of the Franciscan Friars. Ordinarily, Max
would not have been able to join the Friars until after
he completed his undergraduate studies, but after
just one year studying French and International
Studies at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Max
was allowed to begin his time with the Franciscans.
He joined them in Cedar Lake, Indiana, to begin his
postulancy and live, pray, and travel with the
Franciscans. Max spent a lot of time doing soup
kitchen and hospital ministry, and learned the
Franciscan way of life while meeting thousands of
people. After his first year of postulancy, Max began
his Novitiate year. "Novitiate is where you are
officially a brother, officially religious in the church,
and where I received the habit. It was canonically
366 days separated from the world. I lived in
Burlington with guys from all over the country Singapore, Australia, Haiti - it was just wonderful."
During his Novitiate year, Max was without his cell
phone and computer. He spent his time studying the
rule and life of the church and reading Vatican
documents. All day was dedicated to prayer. When
he wasn't praying, he was working on the property,
studying, or sleeping. "It was a very rigid life, but it
was wonderful," Max recalled. "I made first vows after
that year - Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience."
After finishing his Novitiate year, Max has returned to
completing his formal studies. He currently lives in
Chicago, where he lives in a house of formation with
other Franciscan students. At Loyola University, Max
studies philosophy to aid in the priesthood. Max has
also continued to study French at Loyola.
After completing his education, Max hopes to return
to his home diocese in Milwaukee. However, with the
Franciscan Friars, each priest changes location every
Zach Joseph Jung
Marissa Grace Kazik
Thomas Vincent Kennedy, Jr.
Tyler Joseph Koenig
Gregory James Konkol
Andrew Jerome Krebs
Benjamin Thomas Kubiak
Megan Elizabeth Kujawa
Amanda Laurie Lee
Genevieve Louise Lesniewski
Erynn Helen Lewis
Joshua James Litscher
Arturo Alexis Lopez
Antonio De Jesus Lopez
Paula S. Macias
Sara Marie Magno
Emmanuel Antonio Malespin
Francis Jerome Margraff
Enrique Luis Martinez-Aldana
Jorge Matamoros Cabrera
Jessica Eileen McClain
Jeovany Alberto Murillo
Tess Marie Nakatsuji
David Matthew Neal
Sophie A. O'Loughlin
Connor Ryan O'Neill
Anthony Patrick Oszewski
Calvin Gerald Ozanick
Attivo Antonio Padilla
Reyes Perez
Chris Rios
Kiefer Allen Rock
Stephen Carlos Rodriguez-Elliot
Noel Kathleen Ronczka
Luz Elena Roque
Luke Thomas Roubik
Angela Rose Rygielski
Liliana Maria Samudio
Emmanuelle C. Sanchez
Jacob Thomas Schley
Jacob William Schroeder
Samuel David Seegert
Morgan Eleanor Smigielski
Lacy Smith
Jamie Marie Smolen
Alexis Marie Starosta
Jeremy Tyler Starr
Hannah Jean Tezak
Riley Thomas Upton
Kaytlyn Deanne Vajgrt
Jason W. Wallich
Grace Diane Walton
Darien Louis Weber
Jeremy Arthur Weber
Daniel Lawrence Wernsman
Bridgett Marie Wisniewski
Erika Lee Yanke
Katelyn Shirley Young
We Need Your Pictures!
If you have photos of STM students
participating in anything from playing
sports to studying for an exam, send
them our way! The Admissions
Department is working on a new
recruitment video, and we would love
three to six years. With that in mind, Max expressed
a desire to learn within a parish for a few years then
travel. "My ultimate goal would be to work as a
missionary. I would love to go to Morocco because
that was our first mission that St. Francis founded,
and there is wonderful history there," Max explained.
Looking back, Max credits many of his
accomplishments to STM and Campus Ministry. "It
was through Campus Ministry that I was able to go
on the Franciscan pilgrimage to Italy. I was
nominated by the class before me (STM '10) to
receive the free trip to go. I would never have been
able to afford going to Italy without that. Before that, I
never knew the friars. And after I went, I thought,
'Wow there is something to this Franciscan thing.'
Once I met the friars I knew I was home. Campus
Ministry helped me get there."
Classroom Spotlight
Crime and Justice students try mock murder case
Mr. Nic Kelly's Crime and Justice class got a taste of
how the justice system works in their final semester
project: a mock trial. In place of a final exam, the
class is asked to partake in a mock trial. The mock
trial cases selected are predesigned by a number of
state bar associations, or in years past, Mr. Kelly has
designed the trials himself. For students considering
a career in legal studies or criminal justice, the mock
trial provides the opportunity to experience the
intricacies of the American legal system. "This project
is important because it asks students to understand
the law and apply it," Mr. Kelly explained.
Each school year, Mr. Kelly chooses either a civil or
criminal case for his Crime and Justice students to
study and perform. The students are randomly
assigned to the defense or prosecution and then
draw their roles from a hat. Some of the roles include
writing witness affidavits, giving witness testimony,
examining and cross-examining witnesses, and the
delivery of opening and closing statements. Students
spend weeks preparing for the trial, researching legal
precedent and structuring witness testimony.
Students are graded on how well they work with their
group, the performance of their role during the trial,
and the outcome of the trial.
This year's case involved murder and domestic
violence. "A woman killed her husband claiming
battered woman syndrome," senior Megan Kujawa
explained, "but it's tricky because she wasn't being
abused at the time of the killing." Megan delivered
the opening statement for the prosecution and crossexamined defense witnesses. At the end of the trial,
the prosecution was victorious, with the student jury
finding the defendant guilty of seconddegree murder.
to feature current and recently
graduated students.
Please send any pictures that you
would like to share
[email protected].
Thank you!
Donor Recognition
St. Thomas More would like to thank
the following companies,
organizations, and foundations for
their generous support during this
academic year:
$100,000+
The Cottrell Foundation
The defense questions the prosecution's final witness.
The Catholic Community Foundation:
For students, the trial was a welcomed substitute for
a final exam. "I really liked this class," Megan, who
will be studying criminology and psychology at Loyola
University, said. "I was excited for the trial and we
learned how much time and effort is dedicated to
planning and preparation. Just one detail could make
or break the case. It was awesome to apply what we
had learned in a practical way."
St. Gerard Association
ScholarshipEndowment Fund
Thank you to our retiring teachers!
$25,000-$99,999
Erica P. John Fund
M&I Foundation
R.A. Stevens Family Foundation
$10,000-$24,999
Archdiocese of Milwaukee:
Msgr. Eugene Kapalczynski Fund
Koessler Family Foundation
PAVE
We Energies Foundation
$1,000-$9,999
Alexander Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Baird Foundation
Boyle Fredrickson, S.C.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
- Milwaukee Branch
Catalyst Construction
Catholic Financial Life
Doe Doe's Coffee Cup
Dorothy Inbusch Foundation
Economic Club of Sheboygan
Faith in Our Future Trust
GE Foundation
GMAR Youth Foundation
Greater Milwaukee Foundation:
Mary Ann & Tom Dyer Fund
Greater Milwaukee Foundation:
Virginia & Joseph Mallof Family Fund
Hydrite Chemical Co.
Kohl's Cares for Kids
Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Reliable Plating Works
Roman Electric Company
Schmitz Vending Company
Target - Take Charge of Education
Three Holy Women Congregation
Vilter Foundation, Inc.
Wells Fargo Foundation
$100-$999
Advanced Screw Products
All Occasions Catering
American Acrylics USA
Aramark
Bay View Lions Club
Butters-Fetting Co.
The Catholic Community Foundation:
Our committed and talented staff draws on its diverse
experiences and training to provide our students with
a holistic and compassionate education. This year,
two of our extraordinary teachers will be retiring. Ms.
Jeanne Cissne and Mrs. Vicki Nast have been
educating the students of St. Thomas More for a
combined 45 years. Their dedication has helped
thousands of students move on to higher education
and bright futures.
Ms. Cissne has taught at STM for 25 years. "The first
thing that drew me to St. Thomas More was that I
knew some families that had sent their sons here. I
knew how they felt about the school and how happy
they were with the education that their sons had
received here." Working at STM was Ms. Cissne's
first full time teaching job. Throughout the years, she
has taught AP United States Government, AP
American Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Crime and
Justice, and Modern American Issues. Teaching
these classes has won Ms. Cissne the admiration
and respect of STM alumni. "A proud moment for me
is when graduates come back, remember me, and
then tell me how valuable their education here was!"
she exclaimed.
In her retirement Ms. Cissne will be continuing her
work with Irish Fest and hopes to travel. "I appreciate
the many people I have met here and the support
they've given me over my career at STM!"
Mrs. Nast has spent 20 years teaching at STM. "I
came to STM and everyone was so welcoming," she
Rev. Leslie Darneider Scholarship Fund
Danny's South Side Service
Davis & Kuelthau, S.C.
Drink Beer LLC
Dunn's Sporting Goods
Eli Lilly and Company Foundation
Eva's Bridal Center
First Weber Group Realtors
Franklin Veterinary Clinic
Illinois Tool Works Foundation
Jaeger Family Charitable Fund
K-Consult LLC
Kohl Charities
Ladky Associates Foundation
Laureate Group
Lincoln House of Music
MGIC
Milwaukee Archdiocesan Principals'
Association
Nelnet Business Solutions
New Berlin Dental Group
Resource One
Rexnord Foundation
Rockwell Automation
S.C. Johnson Fund
South Side Business Club of
Milwaukee
UBS Financial Services
United Way of Greater Milwaukee
Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp, S.C.
Wisconsin Firewood & Melvin Melch
Wisconsin Green Building Alliance
Wixon, Inc.
Wolf's Cleaners
explained. "I thought, 'I really hope I get this job!' "
Mrs. Nast has taught freshman, sophomore, and
junior English, along with speech, creative writing,
and yearbook. "I found great pleasure in reading my
students' writings," she said. "They have made me
laugh, and they have made me cry!" One of Mrs.
Nast's favorite writing assignments includes the
Person I Admire essay. Every year she was touched
by each student's story.
Mrs. Nast also became very involved with STM's
extracurriculars. The school newspaper Utopian,
yearbook, Students Against Destructive Decisions,
Post-Prom, May Murphy Thibaudeau Writing Awards,
and the Rockin' the Night Away Parent Dance all saw
the benefits of her hard work.
In her retirement, Mrs. Nast plans to enjoy her family
and friends.
STM would like to thank Ms. Cissne and Mrs. Nast
for their dedicated service to our school. Enjoy your
retirement!
Class Notes
Ryan Bufkin (STM '15) won a college
scholarship through the 2015
Americanism and Scholarship Program
Mark Hanrahan (DB '65) received
Special Recognition from Col. Khao
Insixiengmay of the Royal Lao Armed
Forces & Special Guerrilla Units
Veterans of the Vietnam War at an event
in Brooklyn Park, MN on Vietnam
Veterans' Day for his military services
during the "Secret War" in Laos in 1969.
Georgia Housey (STM '18) was chosen
by the WIEA (Wisconsin Indian
Education Association) as the recipient
of the 2014-15 Outstanding American
Indian High School Student of the Year
award.
Meghan Kuecker (TM '04) earned a
Masters of Human Resource from Rollins
College in Winter Park, Florida. She
graduated with honors.
Ms. Jeanne Cissne & Mrs. Vicki Nast
Invest in STM!
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution
to help STM continue providing a holistic, innovative
education for our students. Your support allows STM
to ensure that current and future Cavaliers have the
resources they need to succeed spiritually,
academically, and professionally. Your donation also
helps us provide financial assistance to our students,
helping them take the next step to a successful
career.
Click the Donate button below to make a safe and
secure online contribution!
Amanda Lee and Alexis Starosta (STM
'15) received the 2015 St. Francis Civic
Association Scholarship.
Arturo Lopez (STM '15) signed his letter
of intent to play college soccer for
Concordia University.
Reyes Perez (STM '15) signed his letter
of intent to play college soccer for UWParkside.
Leave a lasting legacy for future generations of students
by considering STM in your estate planning. For more
information, please contact Kevin Russell
at [email protected].
Josh Prostek (STM '08) graduated from
UW-Madison Pharmacy School in May
and will be working as a pharmacist at a
local retailer and hospital.
Luz Roque (STM '15) received the 2015
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Scholarship.
Kellsey Schmitz (STM '09) earned her
Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from
Carroll University on May 10.
Jeremy Weber (STM '15) received a full
scholarship to Fort Lewis College
courtesy of a Native American
Descendence Scholarship.
If you have an alumni story or update
that you would like to share, please
contact Kevin Russell at
[email protected].
In Loving Memory
Mary M. Cottrell, mother of Joseph
Cottrell, May 8 2015 at the age of 92
James J. Szyba (DB '57), April 22, 2015
at the age of 76
Corrections
The Don Bosco Alumni Athletic Reunion
will be held on July 12 from 4:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. at Matty's Bar and Grill in New
Berlin. The date was incorrectly listed in
the May edition of Cavalier News.
If you have any questions about upcoming events or ways that you can support the STM
community, please contact Kevin Russell, Grants Manager & Database Coordinator,
at 414-481-8370, ext. 131, or at [email protected].
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