De Smet Jesuit Alumni

Alumni Feature Friday! - The Graduated Classes ending in 1's & 6's

This Friday is special for us here in Spartan Country as we welcome back all of our alumni from the classes ending in 1's & 6's for their Reunion. Whether they graduated 5 years ago or 55 years ago, our Spartans keep in touch, look out for each other, raise their families, lead parishes, run companies, & so much more! Keep up the great work Spartans and keep being Men for Others in all that you do!

Alumni Feature Friday! - Erik Miller '16

Erik's strong work ethic, dedication to the game, and anything for the team mentality makes him a true "Man for Others." He is off to an incredible start to his career with a career ERA of 3.28 and has certainly made name for himself as a reliable pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, where his is managed by fellow alumnus Tony Vitello '97. Erik was even coached by Tony's father and De Smet Jesuit Hall of Famer, Greg Vitello. The De Smet Jesuit High School network is strong and connected far beyond the years we spend as students. Keep up the great work Erik, we are proud of you here in Spartan Country!

Alumni Feature Friday! - Ryan Hodge '02 (Director of Admissions)

Ryan Hodge '02 came back to De Smet Jesuit in 2022 to be the Director of Admissions. In his time as Director of Admissions, he has increased enrollment, developed a middle school admissions process, and guided countless families through the discernment process of finding the right school for their son. This year, we will be welcoming 240+ new Spartans between the high school and middle school. His strong and steady leadership, welcoming attitude, and positive spirit makes him a great example of a "Man for Others." Thank you, Ryan for your dedication to the De Smet Jesuit community!

Can't wait to see all of our Spartans with class years ending in '1 & '6 at Reunion Weekend! RSVP: www.desmet.org/alumni/reunions

Fire Up, Alumni Spartans!

Alumni Feature Friday!

Andrew Shipp '07 returned to De Smet Jesuit High School as a Theology teacher just last year and has already made a lasting impact on the students and the community. Freshman, Colton Reese says, "He has been very good at explaining every question I have had for my faith and how I could be better in that way… he knows how to connect to his students on a person level. Every time I see him, we do our handshake that we made in the first semester, and we both still remember it. He has helped me so much in my time at De Smet Jesuit and I will always be thankful.” Keep up the great work Mr. Shipp, we are so grateful you are back in Spartan Country!

Jakub Dobeš '20 is currently completing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Canadiens de Montréal! His hard work and dedication to his sport is one of the many reasons we are proud to call Jakub a De Smet Jesuit alumni. Best of luck as the playoffs continue, Jakub. All of us at De Smet Jesuit will be cheering you on!

Bill Welborn '77 recently won the Benji & Philip "MO Better Friends" Award presented by the MO Better Foundation. This award is given to individuals who live their life grounded in service, leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening their community. Here at De Smet Jesuit we are so grateful for the impact that Bill has had on our community. Bill, thank you for being a great example of a Man for Others!
Any suggestions for Alumni Feature Friday? Email [email protected].

On this episode of Alumni Feature Friday...

Shoutout to John O'Leary '95 and Fr. Joe Detwiler '11 who did a De Smet Jesuit collaboration on the John O'Leary - Live Inspired podcast. Fr. Detwiler '11, of St. Patrick Parish Wentzville, shared his testimony of God's intervention in his life after a tragic car accident that he was in during his time as a student at De Smet Jesuit. If you have not had the chance to hear this story, stop what you are doing now and tune in to this and all of the inspiring stories that John O'Leary '95 shares on his podcast with the link below. Both John and Joe help people discover and grow in their faith and are incredible mentors in their communities. Keep up the great work gentlemen!

Hunter Schoenig '18 was recently accepted into the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department in March. Hunter's strength and courage to serve the people of Jacksonville is incredibly honorable and is a profound example of being a Man for Others. Thank you for your service Hunter and keep up the great work!

John O'Leary '95 & Fr. Joe Detwiler '11: https://johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/father-joe-detwiler/

As always, any suggestions for Alumni Feature Fridays can be sent to [email protected].

Alumni Feature Friday!

Congratulations to Brendan Schoemehl ’21 on signing a professional contract with SV Werder Bremen III, who competes in Germany's top division. Your dedication to your teammates and developing your skills has led to incredible things, keep up the great work!

A HUGE thank you and shout out to Christian Chiapel '18 & Colin Beveridge '18 who are proud servicemen in the United States Air Force. These two ran into each other at a training and immediately picked up where things left off. The De Smet Jesuit brotherhood is as strong as ever! Way to serve as men for others, we cannot thank you enough!

Speaking of the brotherhood and De Smet Jesuit pride, the Hormberg brothers—Neil ’04, Ryan ’06, Will ’16, and Joey ’18—are gathered together, proudly showing off their De Smet Jesuit gear and raising a toast with Sparty Brew from 4 Hands Brewing Company.

Know any Spartans that deserve a shoutout? Or maybe you just got together with your buddies and have a group picture... either way send them to [email protected] to possibly be featured in an upcoming Alumni Feature Friday.

New to the De Smet Jesuit Alumni Facebook: Alumni Feature Friday!

Kicking us off with a strong start is Kevin Lemp '97, Tony Vitello '97, and Jon Schwendeman '08! These guys are living out our motto of being Men for Others and we could not be more proud of all they have done and will continue to do for their communities.

Kevin Lemp '97 was featured in Sophisticated Living St. Louis for his impressive work with his company 4 Hands Brewing Company and how they have established themselves as a staple in the St. Louis community and beyond. Read more in the link below.

Tony Vitello '97 made his MLB debut as the Manager for the San Francisco Giants. His dedication to his players, their development, and caring for them as individuals at every stage has helped him get to this impressive point in his career. Make sure to follow along with the Giants this season and cheer on Tony!

Jon Schwendeman '08 was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award by the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce for his steady leadership and guidance that he provides for so many families across the St. Louis area. Read more in the link below.

Keep up the great work gentlemen!

Kevin Lemp: https://www.sophisticatedstlouis.com/home/crafting-community?fbclid=IwY2xjawQeZ6xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeoT9ErHf2HAPRfuWWMLEQZZWnR5UYHSKd3x37ukWP1wbRMscImWz9754HBJE_aem_S_oUOAV00WxUbi374bSgNw

Jon Schwendeman: https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/annual-awards-gala-set-for-saturday-march-7/article_8ce6d7ff-316e-4584-b139-677afcefc40d.html

Calling all De Smet Jesuit Chicago Alumni!

Are you looking to expand your network both professionally and personally? Or maybe you just happen to be thirsty for some drinks after work and are looking for a happy hour? De Smet Jesuit has you covered on April 9th!

Join President Fr. Ronny O'Dwyer, S.J., and the new Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Joey Hormberg '18, on their next stop in the Windy City! We are having a reception at Haymarket Brewery on Thursday, April 9th from 5:30-7:30 PM. Come enjoy complimentary drinks and apps while reconnecting with fellow alums and learn what’s new and what is to come at De Smet Jesuit!

For all details and to RSVP, please click the link below and register by April 6th. For any questions, please contact Joey Hormberg '18 at [email protected].

https://l.ead.me/chi-alumni

From D-Block to the pickleball court🏓

It was great to see so many alumni back together on Thursday night for Alumni Pickleball. Thank you for coming out, reconnecting, and continuing the brotherhood.

A huge thank you to Michael Grewe ’86 and the Missouri Pickleball Club for hosting Spartan Country.

Until next time, Spartans!