Class Notes for 1951

Hope to see you at Reunion Weekend -- our 55th!

Our 55th Reunion -- would you believe! Those who made our 50th remember well how great it was to renew old acquaintances and catch up on all the campus improvements in the past 50 years. Now is the time to set aside the dates in June (23-25); if not all dates, put the 24th down for the evening activities. Coordinate this time to meet with some of your close class associates and friends. Take out your yearbook and look for your group pictures. These would be the Carroll News, Sodality, Glee Club, Carroll Union, Band, Commerce Club, Athletic Teams, smoke- stained Pinochle Players, and last but not least – members of the Mayflower Bar Drinking Society. And of course Bernet Hall our on-campus command group. To be certain there are close friends from one of these groups, pick a leader and communicate with each other and do it! The class of 50 had over 50. The Class of 51, should at least, do them one better. The alumni office would be pleased to furnish info on how to make contact; or contact this writer as noted above. Don

Your correspondent failed to make a report on time for the last issue of the Journal. Not much to report at the time, other than the attendees at the annual class reunion for the “Gray Streaks,” Saturday night dinner had Jim Abood, Bob Burkhart, Don Carroll, Dick Joliat, Bob Revello, Ray Smiley and Joe Stipkala in attendance. Joe gets the award for the longest distance traveled – Avon Lake. ... Upcoming is our 55th reunion – June 23-25, 2006. It would be great to see a return of those that attended over 50th and those that missed a great reunion. Ray Smiley do you hear us -- we missed you the last time. ... A committee is being formed to prepare and encourage your attendance. Info has been sent by the alumni office to ask to join us in this endeavor. ... Had an e-mail report from Don Ungar reporting on some of our class members at the 2005graduation ceremony - Bill Riski, Bob Revello, Joe Stipkala and Don Ungar. ... For those who have not been on campus the last 30 years or so. You will be amazed in the changes -- reunion is a great time to plan your visit. See you in June. E-mail your class info to the above. Don

Another Journal issue and nothing to report this time. I was advised as the deadline approached that the class of ’51 was about to distinguish itself as the only class without a report. Congratulations. ... I’ve tried, I have gone to Carroll football and basketball games without a recent sighting of a class member. Where did everyone go? ... This writer is heading south for a few weeks chances are I’ll spot a few of you snowbirds. ... Don

Here we go again, pushing the deadline for our report in the fall issue of the Alumni Journal, and here we are with but a few scraps of info from this writer otherwise zero reports. I thought the addition of an e-mail address would help – again nothing. ... The golden alumni continue to meet for lunch at the Cleveland Playhouse on Carnegie Avenue usually the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Last month the ranks grew with the attendance of Fr. Jack White, SJ, Don Carroll, Clyde Thomas, yours truly and many members of 50 plus graduates. Join us -- call Tim Ryan ’49 at 440-995-1585 and get on the list. E-mail, e-mail, e-mail. Don

Following up on the last class notes where we highlighted tributes to former classmates, I have received the following additional information. Hazelmarie Carrabine provided me with the names of a number of our classmates who were in attendance for the dedication: Jim O’Neill, Chuck Patterson, Bob Ravello, Tom Foli, Ray Smiley, Father Jack White, and former Ignatius classmate Father John McCarthy. Also in attendance were John’s 23 grandchildren, a living tribute to your classmate. (some graduates from JCU were also there) Hazelmarie pointed out that they still receive many letters and contributions in John’s name, which helps to update the lab. ... Also of note is the group of graduates of the ’40s and ’50s, headed by Tim Ryan, that has its monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at the Playhouse Club in Cleveland. At the last meeting your writer was the only one in attendance from the class of ’51, as opposed to the class of ’52 which had five or six members. Give it a try; it is a great way to keep up with your Cleveland classmates. ... Finally, the mid June reunion of all the 50+ members again is an opportunity to renew acquaintances, and check the body count – see you there June 19th. ... Don

Not much in the way of input from your classmates, possibly writer’s block or like the writer, a lack of interest in Web site activity. ... That said, our class has been well represented on campus with tributes to a couple of our classmates. The dedication of the new Don Shula Stadium was preceded on Friday evening with a dinner in the DeCarlo Varsity Center; a strong representation of the class of ’51 was present. Those listed as attending were of course Don Shula, teammate Alex Aurilio, and members of our class Lawrence Badar, Bob Burkhart, Jim Coviello, Robert Dailey, Jim FitzGerald, Don FitzGerald, Joe Monroe, Ray Smiley, Joe Stipkala, Don Ungar, Bob Zupke and Tom Zwick. It was a great get together for our class. ... On November 9th the Department of Chemistry invited the class of ’51 to the dedication of the new John A. Carrabine Computer Laboratory and Chemistry Open House; once again, a strong tribute to a member of our class. Unfortunately, the writer missed this one, and was unable to obtain a list of those in attendance. All of this leads up to the recognition that we know we are getting up there when the campus sites are titled with the names of classmates. ... Good luck to all, write, phone, fax, or e-mail so that we know you are out there. Don

A recent memo from the editor of the Alumni Journal repressed regrets that we are now limited to 600 words. Based on copy received from this class, it has generally not been a problem. It was great seeing members at our semi-annual lunches at Hornblowers, at the Ninth Street Pier. Jim Livingston, Jim O'Neill, Bill Walker, Harry Cowper, and Kevin Fergus. Based on later class coverage of ROTC reunions and their boat rides, I guess this was as close as we will get to a boat cruise reunion. Speaking of service related items, our classmate Vince DeCain recently joined Don Rumsfeld's team at the Pentagon in International Technology Security. … After almost 65 years of living within the shadows of Grasselli Tower, this writer has moved East. Now I will have to drive to campus functions, all the way from Pepper Pike. … The university's e-news highlighted a return to campus of Carl Taseff, our classmate and former Blue Streak and NFL star. Don

Class Notes 1951

	Donald A. Ungar 721 E Reagan Parkway, Apt. 185 Medina, OH 44256-1243 330.723.5234 donyal@aol.com


fall 2008	As we go on in our life time, we have plans and ideas that help us to serve our family, our country, and most important, our God. We travel life’s path determined to make this world a better place for all. Our class was a different university class as we were a mixture of many ages. We were veterans from WWII, some married with children and most were older than the usual freshman in college. There were those of us that just graduated from high school. Today, we have spent many years contributing to our society. Tell us about your life and family. Why not take a few minutes to renew your memories of years ago. We belong to the Gray Streaks – 50 year+ alumni, maybe the monthly Gray Streaks Luncheon would be a way to see old friends. ... Lillian and Bill Switaj spent some time traveling to granddaughters’ college graduations. First a trip to Dayton, OH, and then on to Chicago for a performing arts college graduation, something different but unique. Now Bill and Lillian are hosting a family reunion. As we age, we find that we need some help and we call all of you to remember our dear 1951 Gray Streaks in prayer. This past week Bill Riski’s wife, Amy, called to say that he was recovering from a serious illness and needs our prayer for speedy recovery. Maybe a note or phone call would help Bill – 440-943-6975. ... As for Ruth and Don, that’s me, we are awaiting the birth of our 4th great-grandson. ... Why not spend a couple of minutes to tell us about your life, e-mail me. Don


summer 2008	Time goes on and things change. I have taken over the alumni news duties for our class. I thank J. Donald FitzGerald for his dedication and work these past years. I hope that I can do the job as well as he did. ... If you don’t remember me, I’m the guy with the camera. I took pictures at football and basketball games and other events for the Carroll News and Carillon. There are many stories I can tell about various events at John Carroll. Bill Switaj, that sports reporter from the Carroll News way back, said that I would enjoy our classmates’ comments. I traveled the world as cameraman/reporter for WEWS-TV5 and enjoyed the many places and people I met. I did produce a weekly program – football season for the Cleveland Browns – Cleveland Browns Quarterback Club. I’m only telling you some of these things, so that you might relate to me some of the things you have done that I can put in our class column. Mario D’Alanno, how about your years of teaching, Joe Stipkala tell us about your many years in Washington, and Dr TePas -- your impressions of JCU when you were here for Reunion. ... Looking forward to hearing from you via e-mail or even the old fashion way, U.S. mail. Don

	John Carroll magazine thanks Don FitzGerald -- class columnist since 1995 -- for his service to his classmates, the University, and the magazine. Job well done. Also, welcome and thank you to Don Ungar for taking over the role.


spring 2008	Last column by Don FitzGerald Another deadline and your proactive correspondent has come up with another dry hole. ... However, a note from Jack Reilly ’50 let me know that Ed Kelly had recently completed a period of hospitalization. Upon further research, I am sorry to report that Ed passed away on January 4, 2008. We offer prayers and sympathy to Verene and family on their loss. ... Want to remind you to plan on attending the Mass and dinner Saturday of Reunion Weekend, June 21. It’s always a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends. ... And for all of the class of ’51 suffering from writers cramp – I wish you the best, Don


fall 2007	Here I go running up against the print deadline one more time. Per usual the mail, the e-mail, and the phone brought about zero results. The word is that the class section in the Alumni Journal in the magazine is one of the first places that is reviewed -- however, a classmate corrected me and advised -- it was the class death notices. Nevertheless I did a quick review of Jerry Pockar’s “Suggestions for Being an Effective Class Columnist,” and I have come to the conclusion that to be effective, I would have to put forth a greater effort to accumulate the copy needed to prepare items of interest for my classmates. I am still active as the CEO of a mid-sized manufacturing firm, which fortunately continues to grow and create demands on my time. What I am getting to, is there a fellow classmate interested in the job? I can think of a few, and I plan to contact them in the near future. If you are interested, please let me know. ... Don


spring 2007	Here I am again facing the deadline for the class of ’51 column -- for a change a note in my files provides me an opportunity to highlight the activity and recognition of one our classmates. ... Larry Badar was recently listed among the 75 “notable people in physics and physics education” selected by members of the American Association of Physics Teachers, commemorating the organization’s 75th anniversary. Now retired, Larry’s physics career spanned a half century, including nearly 30 years teaching at Rocky River High School and 15 years at Case Western Reserve University as director of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education, as well as teaching at St. Bonaventure University and serving as a program officer at the National Science Foundation. Congratulations Larry - well deserved! In addition I feel certain most of us have had the opportunity to view our classmate’s recent television commercial on weight loss -- I wonder if we might be able to obtain a class group rate. Don

fall 2006	Received a note from our classmate Joe Isabella whose daughter-in-law, Sharon Hughes Isabella, works with Susan de Muth the daughter of classmate Carl Taseff at John’s Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Joe also provided web site -- http://www.jcu.edu/pubaff/newsandevents/taseff3.htm -- info of Carl’s visit to John Carroll. In addition, the web site has a complete run down of JCU’s football records going back to the ’20s. Carl still holds the touchdown records -- after 56 years -- not bad. ... A note from Joe Stipkala following his attendance at the JCU Alumni Mass at Saint Francis Chapel, followed by breakfast in the main dining hall. The Mass and breakfast was attended by three of our classmates – Bob Burkhart, Bob Revello, Joe and wives. The celebrant was retired Bishop Anthony M. Pilla ’61, assisted by President Robert Niehoff, SJ and fellow Jesuits. A great choir and orchestra made it a very uplifting service. Two reports -- a record -- lets hear from more. Don

spring 2006	Hope to see you at Reunion Weekend -- our 55th!

winter 2006	Our 55th Reunion -- would you believe! Those who made our 50th remember well how great it was to renew old acquaintances and catch up on all the campus improvements in the past 50 years. Now is the time to set aside the dates in June (23-25); if not all dates, put the 24th down for the evening activities. Coordinate this time to meet with some of your close class associates and friends. Take out your yearbook and look for your group pictures. These would be the Carroll News, Sodality, Glee Club, Carroll Union, Band, Commerce Club, Athletic Teams, smoke- stained Pinochle Players, and last but not least – members of the Mayflower Bar Drinking Society. And of course Bernet Hall our on-campus command group. To be certain there are close friends from one of these groups, pick a leader and communicate with each other and do it! The class of 50 had over 50. The Class of 51, should at least, do them one better. The alumni office would be pleased to furnish info on how to make contact; or contact this writer as noted above. Don

fall 2005	Your correspondent failed to make a report on time for the last issue of the Journal. Not much to report at the time, other than the attendees at the annual class reunion for the “Gray Streaks,” Saturday night dinner had Jim Abood, Bob Burkhart, Don Carroll, Dick Joliat, Bob Revello, Ray Smiley and Joe Stipkala in attendance. Joe gets the award for the longest distance traveled – Avon Lake. ... Upcoming is our 55th reunion – June 23-25, 2006. It would be great to see a return of those that attended over 50th and those that missed a great reunion. Ray Smiley do you hear us -- we missed you the last time. ... A committee is being formed to prepare and encourage your attendance. Info has been sent by the alumni office to ask to join us in this endeavor. ... Had an e-mail report from Don Ungar reporting on some of our class members at the 2005graduation ceremony - Bill Riski, Bob Revello, Joe Stipkala and Don Ungar. ... For those who have not been on campus the last 30 years or so. You will be amazed in the changes -- reunion is a great time to plan your visit. See you in June. E-mail your class info to the above. Don

spring 2005	First Friday Lunch at Nighttown brings out the Carroll alums -- primarily from the late ’40s and early ’50s. From the class of ’51 Jim Coviello and Joe Stipkala. Happy to see Joe back in Cleveland. Could it be the presence of Art Modell drove him out of Baltimore? ... The Golden Alumni meeting at the Cleveland Playhouse brought out Don Carroll and Bob Revello. Not in attendance was Father Jack White, recovering from open heart surgery and now rehabilitating at St. Ignatius. Jack had a call from fellow classmate Jim Livingston, also a recent inductee into the Zipper Club. Welcome fellows, it’s almost 18 years now for your correspondent. The wonders of modern medicine. ... Visited with Dan and Lois Sussen in Florida this February. Dan conducts fishing tours in the Palm Beach area. On a recent outing with Father Tim Kesicki, SJ ’84 president of Ignatius, they caught 3 sail fish. Score -- Father Tim 2, Dan 1 (1st in 25 years). ... See you at the 50+ Reunion June 17-19. Don

winter 2005	Another Journal issue and nothing to report this time. I was advised as the deadline approached that the class of ’51 was about to distinguish itself as the only class without a report. Congratulations. ... I’ve tried, I have gone to Carroll football and basketball games without a recent sighting of a class member. Where did everyone go? ... This writer is heading south for a few weeks chances are I’ll spot a few of you snowbirds. ... Don

fall 2004	Here we go again, pushing the deadline for our report in the fall issue of the Alumni Journal, and here we are with but a few scraps of info from this writer otherwise zero reports. I thought the addition of an e-mail address would help – again nothing. ... The golden alumni continue to meet for lunch at the Cleveland Playhouse on Carnegie Avenue usually the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Last month the ranks grew with the attendance of Fr. Jack White, SJ, Don Carroll, Clyde Thomas, yours truly and many members of 50 plus graduates. Join us -- call Tim Ryan ’49 at 440-995-1585 and get on the list. E-mail, e-mail, e-mail. Don

spring 2004	Following up on the last class notes where we highlighted tributes to former classmates, I have received the following additional information. Hazelmarie Carrabine provided me with the names of a number of our classmates who were in attendance for the dedication: Jim O’Neill, Chuck Patterson, Bob Ravello, Tom Foli, Ray Smiley, Father Jack White, and former Ignatius classmate Father John McCarthy. Also in attendance were John’s 23 grandchildren, a living tribute to your classmate. (some graduates from JCU were also there) Hazelmarie pointed out that they still receive many letters and contributions in John’s name, which helps to update the lab. ... Also of note is the group of graduates of the ’40s and ’50s, headed by Tim Ryan, that has its monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at the Playhouse Club in Cleveland. At the last meeting your writer was the only one in attendance from the class of ’51, as opposed to the class of ’52 which had five or six members. Give it a try; it is a great way to keep up with your Cleveland classmates. ... Finally, the mid June reunion of all the 50+ members again is an opportunity to renew acquaintances, and check the body count – see you there June 19th. ... Don

winter 2004	Not much in the way of input from your classmates, possibly writer’s block or like the writer, a lack of interest in Web site activity. ... That said, our class has been well represented on campus with tributes to a couple of our classmates. The dedication of the new Don Shula Stadium was preceded on Friday evening with a dinner in the DeCarlo Varsity Center; a strong representation of the class of ’51 was present. Those listed as attending were of course Don Shula, teammate Alex Aurilio, and members of our class Lawrence Badar, Bob Burkhart, Jim Coviello, Robert Dailey, Jim FitzGerald, Don FitzGerald, Joe Monroe, Ray Smiley, Joe Stipkala, Don Ungar, Bob Zupke and Tom Zwick. It was a great get together for our class. ... On November 9th the Department of Chemistry invited the class of ’51 to the dedication of the new John A. Carrabine Computer Laboratory and Chemistry Open House; once again, a strong tribute to a member of our class. Unfortunately, the writer missed this one, and was unable to obtain a list of those in attendance. All of this leads up to the recognition that we know we are getting up there when the campus sites are titled with the names of classmates. ... Good luck to all, write, phone, fax, or e-mail so that we know you are out there. Don

winter 2003	A recent memo from the editor of the Alumni Journal repressed regrets that we are now limited to 600 words. Based on copy received from this class, it has generally not been a problem. It was great seeing members at our semi-annual lunches at Hornblowers, at the Ninth Street Pier. Jim Livingston, Jim O'Neill, Bill Walker, Harry Cowper, and Kevin Fergus. Based on later class coverage of ROTC reunions and their boat rides, I guess this was as close as we will get to a boat cruise reunion. Speaking of service related items, our classmate Vince DeCain recently joined Don Rumsfeld's team at the Pentagon in International Technology Security. … After almost 65 years of living within the shadows of Grasselli Tower, this writer has moved East. Now I will have to drive to campus functions, all the way from Pepper Pike. … The university's e-news highlighted a return to campus of Carl Taseff, our classmate and former Blue Streak and NFL star. Don

spring 2002	A year ago the major input into this column was to promote our 50th reunion. Here we are a year later and still fondly remembering the event. So much so that inspired one of our class poets to prepare the following honoring our Class of ’51 -- Galactic Roses of 1951 by Mario D’Alanno our classmate, who was awarded a bronze key for poetry as a poet for the Carroll Quarterly. “God gives us a memory, so we can have Roses in December” By James Barrie -- Our inquisitive minds and Jaded Souls/Shinged forever my malefic memories of WWII./Gentle, Pious, Forbeatant Profs/Expounding our amenable minds!/Campus photogenic, photos, flashed, were works/Of Palatine students!/Carroll News and Carroll Quarterly writers,/Future, “Plume Deletters.”/“Tour de Force” Gridiron Stars, destination!/Nationwide, Celestial Stars!/Some Galactic Roses of ’51 cut short,/In the Prime of Life!/Galactic Fossilized Vines,/Primed each Spring to Bloom, “Extempore.”/Oh, Blessed Celestial Sunshine,/Pour forth Thy Holy Blessing!/Abba, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Mother Mary,/Bless these Galactic Remaining Roses of ’51. ... Well done, Mario! ... Just a reminder for all, the 50+ alums, are a going group, sometimes referred to as the “Gray Streaks” -- {Bruce Thompson ’43}, all are welcome on reunion weekend especially the dinner and dancing Saturday night. Check with Rosalie Massey, reunion coordinator, for more information at 216-397-3014. ... Let us here form you. Don

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Class Notes 1951