1950s

50 75th Reunion Fever
I heard from Charles “Chuck” Giuliani and he mentioned that he was looking forward to the Reunion May 29 - June 1, 2025. How about the rest of you — are you ready for number 75? We are rapidly approaching the main event! If you are considering attending, please contact me (at the email address at the bottom of these notes) and let me know. I am hoping to be there myself and have been in contact with the Alumni Association on the possibility of planning on-campus activities for members of the Class of ’50 and their families. I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas! Visit reunion.nd.edu for more information. More from Chuck: “I’ve got many memories from my time at ND — opening Farley Hall with Father Ted, a train trip to NYC for the Army Game in 1946, leading a march to South Bend on beating USC for the national championship in 1949.” At the time of his writing, Chuck was looking forward to a campus visit for the Louisville game, accompanied by daughter, Laura Giuliani ’98, and son, Dominic Giuliani ’00, and family. He added that he had just returned from visiting his brother, Emilio “Duke” Giuliani ’48, who was also doing well. At around the same time, I was working on setting up another interview with William J. “Bill” Donovan, whose stories have provided the basis for several of these Class Notes. Since I “joined” the Class of ’50 as a volunteer secretary, he made me feel very welcome and kept me up to date on the news. Bill was active on Facebook and I enjoyed reading his many birthday and memorial posts over the years. His presence on social media meant that I learned immediately of his passing (at age 95) on Aug. 17 in Morris Plains NJ; his family posted many moving tributes on his wall. One that stood out was written by his grandson, who described how his “Pop Pop loved to quiz his family on the names of the first five presidents of the US” and joyously reveled in attending family milestones and public performances. From my own conversations with Bill, I know that he was quite proud of his father, James J. Donovan, who was once a mayor of Bayonne NJ and now has a park there named after him. Some other details about Bill: Following graduation, he served in the US Army at the European Command Intelligence HQ (in Germany) before beginning a long career with General Motors. He had positions with the company in NJ, GA and MI and he retired in 1990. His wife, Marion, passed away in 2018, but Bill is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. If you would like to share news about the Class or stories from your time at ND, please let me know. — Jim Coogan ’91; 4 Gile Drive Unit 2A, Hanover NH 03755; jcooganv@alumni.nd.edu

 

51 Class Secretary — Jim Jennings;
jmj4703@gmail.com

 

52 An Ill-Advised Raid
Jack Angus tells us that after receiving his Ph.D. from ND in 1967, he was a professor at Creighton U in Omaha NE. Jack retired from Creighton as an associate professor in 1995, after 34 years on the faculty. His wife, Barbara, retired from her post as associate dean of Creighton’s University College at the same time. He writes, “In retirement we found, to our surprise, that the days were as full as ever! We met friends for lunch or dinner; we visited children and grandchildren; we joined Creighton retirees in the Gray Backers; and we continued our long-standing participation in a Campus Ministry group. We were able to take trips to near and far places in this country and abroad. I also completed and published a history of the only Black Catholic parish in NE, in 2002. As a result of this work, I was awarded the title of emeritus. The first serious bump in our road was my heart attack in 2016, followed by Barb’s stroke in 2019. I recovered, but she died in January of 2020. Five months later I surprised myself and everyone else by marrying one of my graduate students from 40 years ago! We had stayed in touch through annual Christmas cards. After 67 years with Barb, I thought I knew what marriage was all about, but Elizabeth is something else!” Stay tuned. Bill McFadden decided to share a couple of memories from our undergrad days, such as the ill-advised raid which was thwarted by Saint Mary’s President Mother Madeleva. A bunch of adolescent Notre Dame boys gathered behind the Rock and marched to Saint Mary’s planning to collect some undergarments. The good Sister locked down Le Mans Hall so that the boys could not get in and the girls not out. Bill also mentions philosophy Prof. Daniel O’Grady’s wit. Part of O’Grady’s routine was to attend breakfast with a group of pals each morning. One of the men was an artist whose specialty was painting nudes at a local studio. A model was also a waitress at the restaurant. O’Grady was encouraged by the artist to visit his studio. One day the professor decided to take advantage of the offer. After seeing the waitress at the studio he said his breakfast never tasted the same. Guy Prisco says that he is astonished to recall how fast everything has happened. Graduating in 1953 with an architecture degree, he was shortly thereafter married to Shirley. After being assigned to Fort Belvoir VA they were then sent to Germany where their first son, Christopher, was born. Now a 1st lieutenant, he was awarded the Leading Combat Platoon Award. In July of 1955 they returned to the States. After passing the architecture exam he spent four years in South Bend working for ND professors and attending postgrad courses. Then, returning to Aurora IL, he opened his own shop that focused on public and religious projects, and included three ND partners. Guy was involved in public service and volunteering, including president of his parish pastoral council, president of Aurora Catholic Social Service, a member of the IL Board of Regents and the Aurora Development Commission, and board member and president of the Fox Valley Park District. Guy retired in 2000. He lost Shirley in 2003 but stays focused on activities that deepen his own spiritual and cultural development. — George Heidkamp; 9308 Linden Reserve Drive, Prairie Village KS 66207; 913-206-4128; georgeaj@rcn.com

 

53 Class Secretary — Bill Berry;
wberry@nd.edu

 

53JD Class Secretary — Bob Berry;
5806 Spaulding St., Omaha NE 68104; 402-457-4142; yokeemup@aol.com

 

54 Happy New Year
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Wishing you a blessed 2025. Please send me your updates. — Jack Mertens; 550 Wilmette Ave., Ormond Beach FL 32174; 845-216-7251; jacknd54@gmail.com

 

55 Winter Updates
Dick Burke has composed this information: “Over the years members of our Class of 1955 have sent to me contributions for Masses for our deceased classmates. As I have learned from our classmate Bob McGrath of the death of a classmate I have sent an offering from the contributed funds to Moreau Seminary on the Notre Dame campus for five Masses for the repose of the soul of our deceased classmate and I so advised the surviving spouse or family. For the future commencing this fall I have made arrangements with the seminary to turn over the remainder of the funds which I hold for the Class of 1955 which total approximately $25,000. The arrangement is that starting this fall two Masses will be offered daily for the living and deceased members of the Class of 1955 and their spouses for a period of five years. The Masses will be offered by priests who are members of the Congregation of the Holy Cross at sites throughout the world serviced by the Congregation. This arrangement will replace our practice of sending a Mass offering occasioned by the death of a classmate. If any of our classmates desire to add to this Mass fund their contributions should not be sent to me but to Moreau Seminary at Notre Dame to be added to the Class of 1955 Mass Fund. Sonny Cowles died in September. After service in the US Army, he became a leader in the national electronics industry. He was predeceased by Betty, his wife of 68 years, and is survived by four children. Charles Klee also died in September. He retired as a Captain from the US Navy and was predeceased by Martha, his wife of 61 years and is survived by three children. John Manix died in June. He was preceded in death by Diane, his wife of 55 years and his son, Sean, and is survived by one child. In response to my earlier suggestion that classmates send me a note of their military service, I heard from Don Yeckel who wrote that he served in the US Marine Corps from June 1955 until February 1962. I very well remember that I had a fine dinner at his quarters at the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. The meal was not prepared by a Marine Corps mess sergeant but, luckily, by Don’s beauteous wife, Jeannette. John Goetsch was an US Air Force lieutenant in London for two years and retired as a captain after 10 years of service. Frank Smith, my across-the-hall classmate in Lyons Hall, wrote that after graduating from Tulane’s medical school and completing his residency, he served as a US Navy surgeon in Viet Nam. He pursued his medical career as a surgeon in his hometown of New Orleans where he also spent some time teaching at Louisiana State U’s medical school. He now spends most of his time chasing cows at his farm. When Smitty and I were living in Lyons Hall, we went to Saint Mary’s College to look around. Neither one of us was successful in our quests there. These six US Marine lieutenants were all in the same Marine division on Okinawa at the same time: John Fahle, Dick Walsh, Jim Weinlader, Fred Delany, Pete Rittenhouse and John Connaughton. They were successful at keeping the enemy at bay. John Fahle and I both lived in Zahm Hall as freshmen, and we were in the same unit on Okinawa and, later, at Camp Lejeune where John died in an automobile accident. Bernie Smyth was a Marine lieutenant, and he represented the Marine Corps at John’s funeral in Indianapolis and at his burial at Arlington National Cemetery. May John rest in peace. I received a note from Larry Scherpereel ’67 and Don Scherpereel ’59 informing me that their brother, Richard Scherpereel, died on Dec. 1 2023 (his birthday) at age 92. After serving in the Air Force, Richard obtained his master’s degree in fine arts from Notre Dame and his doctorate from Vanderbilt. He went on to have a long career as a professor of art, first at Bloomsburg State and, primarily, at Texas A&M-Kingsville where he became department chair. Richard is survived by Sara, his wife of 65 years, and their three sons. As Jerry Mulvihill ’53 would say, “Let us be grateful for the joys our Class of 1955 connections brought us and pray for our departed classmates.” Finally, please visit reunion.nd.edu for the latest information about the May 29 - June 1, 2025 Reunion. Introibo ad altare Dei. — John Connaughton; 1516 Marquette Blvd., South Bend IN 46628; 574-289-1445; jcithaca37@yahoo.com

 

56 Celebrating 90 Years
We recently lost classmates Jim Censky, John Kelly, Paul Blatt, Robert O’Malley, William Leahy, Ed Cosgrove and John Murray. The good news is hearing from these current mates: John Collins, Bob McGeary, Bill Warren, Dick Yeager, Pete Campbell, Jack Kegaly, Jim Brennan, Paul Noland, Deacon Jim Revord, Dr. Jim Jolin, Bill Broucek, Leo O’Donnell (recovering from surgery) and Bob Welsh. Many of the above volunteered to provide input for future articles. It is noteworthy and fabulous what some of our classmates have contributed to our Lady’s University. I received this impressive list from our Senior Class President, Bill Warren: Renovation of the “old” infirmary to become the Student Health Center; Warren Foundation Dean College of Science; Warren Family research Center for Drug Discovery; Warren Foundation Professor of Theology; Warren Foundation Professor of Psychology; Warren Foundation for Excellence; Warren Foundation for Family Scholarship; The Warren Golf Course and Clubhouse (ranked 8th among U golf courses in the US); and various grants and scholarships for men’s and women’s golf and men’s tennis. Bill was recovering from a very serious case of Pneumonia so pray for him and all of us 90-year olds. John Sowa’s family gathered to celebrate his 90th birthday at the Notre Dame vs. Navy football game on Oct. 26. John was accompanied by his wife, Eileen, brothers Thomas ’63 and Joseph ’73, and the sons of the late Paul Sowa ‘55, as well as several family members (including his children: John, Nancy, Mike, Cathy) who gathered to honor the proud member of the Class of 1956. John commemorated leading his Naval platoon on the field in the very same competition by being escorted on the sidelines for this game’s pregame ceremonies. Back in 1955, John proudly played on the only undefeated, un-scored upon, un-tied interhall football team. It was a very special celebration! Ed Cosgrove is surely missed as he was both secretary and treasurer. Please feel free to call or write me at any time as we all have plenty of time on our hands. Too old for golf but can play pickleball. — Joe Kalbas; 317-679-1550; hjkalbas@yahoo.com

 

56JD Remembering Bob Geiman
Hi, Class of ’56 alumni. I am sorry to report that J. Robert “Bob” Geiman Sr., 93, of Vero Beach FL and formerly of Wilmette IL and Chicago, passed away Sept. 5. Beloved husband of the late Ann Fitzgerald Geiman; loving father of J. Robert “Bob” (Sara) Geiman Jr., William Patrick Geiman and Timothy Michael (Allison) Geiman; proud grandfather of J. Robert “Bobby” Geiman III, Sophia Suzann Geiman and Luke Michael Geiman; and caring brother of the late Nancy Lou Pope. In accordance with Bob’s wishes, private services were held at Saints Faith, Hope and Charity Church in Winnetka IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston would be appreciated. Bob was born in Evanston IL in 1931 to his father, Louis H. Geiman, and his mother, Nancy O’Connell-Crowe. Inspired to a career in the law by both his father and his uncle, Robert E. Crow, Bob first obtained a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern U in 1953 and went on to earn a JD from Notre Dame in 1956. While at Notre Dame, he served as a case editor for the Notre Dame Law Review. In 1956, Bob was admitted to the IL state bar and was admitted to practice by the US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States, as well as by five federal district courts. Furthermore, he was a certified arbitrator of the American Arbitration Association. With over six decades of professional experience to his credit, Bob was an accomplished trial lawyer who had acted of counsel for the Chicago law firm Peterson & Ross since 1996, having previously been a partner from 1970 to 1996. Earlier in his career, he served as a partner with Peterson, Lowry, Rall, Barber & Ross from 1964 to 1970, and as an associate with Eckert, Peterson & Lowry from 1956 to 1964. Bob was the former general counsel of the American Service Bureau. Despite these accomplishments, what was most important to Bob was his family. Bob lived for his family and always put his family first. And his family knew it. Bob was a devoted husband to his wife, Ann, for 33 years until her death. He had a uniquely special relationship with each of his sons, who all knew that his love was unconditional, and was fortunate to live long enough to get to know his grandkids who he was so proud of. Bob was patient, understanding, forgiving and loving. He prioritized education and attending his kids’ school events and sporting events, even when he was preparing for a trial. Bob loved going to the country clubs with his family on the weekends and scuba diving with his family in the Caribbean, particularly the Cayman Islands. He was a devoted fan of Notre Dame football, sticking with the team through thick and thin. After retiring, Bob loved hosting his kids and grandkids at his home in FL. Bob was the rock and the patriarch of the family. He will be loved, honored and cherished for the years to come by those he left behind. Please send me any news or updates. — Lauren Starkey ’08; 703-927-2089; lksharkey@gmail.com

 

57 Recall
After hurricanes Helene and Milton hit FL, I contacted Mack Hicks, a clinical neuropsychologist who has lived in St. Pete with his wife, Susan, since 1967, for an eye-on report. In that time, Mack has started 12 clinical schools, including one in London, and written a presciently titled book, The Digital Pandemic. He writes: “It was a terrifying experience, hoping the windows would hold. No power, no water, no lights, no AC. Bridges closed. Trees down. Mountains of beds, carpets, etc. piled up in front of homes. Now, the water is on again but contaminated. Confused alligators roaming. Our home is on the eighth floor of a downtown condo and we count our blessings, even feel guilty about it. Positive side: People pulling together, sharing homes. Some free gas, restaurants letting people regroup, churches opening their doors. Donations.” Mack would make a hell of a reporter. You can see his artwork on his website, mackhicksasrts.com. Far from the gathering storms, Pat Logan reports from Indianapolis on a nest of Class-related folks now living, like him, at the Marquette Retirement Center: Mike Connelly’s widow, Emmy; Mike Boyle’s brother Art ’59; and Joan and Bill McGowan. Bill ran the Indianapolis Convention Center and, despite being bedfast with a rare muscular disease, helped bring the National Eucharistic Congress to Indianapolis and with it 51,000 Catholics. That translates into a lot of dough for Indy hotels and merchants. McGowan always could sell the soles off shoes. It pains me to report the death of John Hammett, who was a classmate of mine in grade school, high school and college. John was always a top student; a superb, all-around athlete; and a soloist with the boys choir, and he made a perfect FBI agent because he rarely let on what he was thinking. After working for the Plain Dealer in Cleveland he moved to CA to handle labor relations and human resources for the San Diego Mercury News. His obituary listed a bag full of community involvement. Most importantly, he attended Mass daily. God bless you John. For the record, John is the fourth fellow Clevelander to die since I took over this column. Not sure what to make of that. I need to hear from you if this Class is to continue to have notes. — Kenneth Woodward; kennethlwoodward@gmail.com; 1155 N. Dearborn St., Chicago IL 60610

 

58 Class Secretary — Arthur L. Roule Jr.;
114 Sagamore Parkway, La Porte IN 46350; alroule@yahoo.com

 

58JD Class Secretary — This class is in search of a Class Notes author. If you would like to volunteer, please contact beth.thomas@nd.edu.

 

59 More 65th Reunion News
Our summer class news listed those who attended our wonderful 65th gathering on campus. Now on to events and activities, many of which were planned by our class president, the tirelessly working Joe Mulligan. We began on Thursday afternoon with a moving visit to the community cemetery on Saint Mary’s Road to visit graves of rectors, priests and other Holy Cross faculty who played important roles in our college education. Especially memorable was our solemn visit to the grave of Father Ted Hesburgh, CSC, then Rev. Monk Malloy, CSC, ‘63 met our group on the Sorin Hall porch. He first led us to the chapel where he reflected during an impressive, informal conversation on his years on the faculty and as university president. The chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas is plain but very dignified and reminded me that I should have spent more time there. Father Malloy also treated us to a tour of the recently completed renovation of Sorin where some of us spent our junior and senior years. It’s fabulous. One immediately thinks of selling the homestead and moving back to campus. Caution: it’s not $600 a semester. In planning the renovation, university architects discovered original 1888 blueprints and discovered that the west wing of the building had never been completed. It is now finished with a small, beautiful courtyard using bricks from demolished Bronson and Corby halls. The first floor has no student rooms but does have multiple study areas and two kitchens for Sorinites culinary expertise. A highlight was seeing Father Malloy’s rooms in the ground floor “turret” where he lived for 44 years enjoying a very calming view of the Dome and the Basilica. After he presided over 5 p.m. Mass we had a short walk or golf cart ride to the new Remick Family Hall for cocktails on the third floor outdoor terrace with a spectacular view of the dome. Next we enjoyed a catered dinner in Remick Commons sponsored by an anonymous classmate. Following dinner, we joined other classes for the Reunion’s opening ceremonies in the Duncan Student Center. Friday was a day of lectures, campus tours and class lunches with class dinners in the evening. Our dinner was in a private room in the Morris Inn. Saturday morning’s Military Recognition Ceremony in front of the Main Building honored alumni who lost their lives in the Vietnam War including eight of our classmates and included the first public speech of newly elected university president, Rev. Robert Dowd, CSC, ’87. A wonderful feature of the weekend was our all-day first floor private hospitality suite in the Morris Inn with immediate access to campus wide transportation and a great place to meet, greet and distribute a complimentary copy of A History of Notre Dame, written by Father Tom Blantz, CSC, and available through the Notre Dame Press. This ends our coverage of the 65th…A very memorable time. Only 4 ½ more until the 70th and your new gold cap. Jim Masterson (Peoria IL) has an interesting idea. He’d like to know your favorite instructor and your most memorable class. His was Adam Arnold, Notre Dame’s first African American instructor and first black professor to achieve tenure. His favorite class was “Life of Christ” taught by Eastern European, Father Joseph Papin, who never gave a passing grade during the semester but somehow managed to pass everyone at semester’s end. Having used my allotted space, I’ll ask you to pray the Rosary Saturdays am. — Bob Brennan; 855 Clubhouse Drive, Ballwin MO 63011; 314-807-1011; bobbrennan76@gmail.com