St. Bernard graduate finalist for AF Award

Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. -- A member of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, Lt. Robert Lee, has been selected as a finalist for the Air Force Association's Gill Robb Wilson Award. 

The AFA presents this award--named for Gill Robb Wilson, an American pilot, minister, military advocate, writer and the first director of the Civil Air Patrol--for the most outstanding contribution to national defense in the field of arts and letters, covering a wide range of activity such as writing, speaking and media relations.  

Lee earned his nomination because of his numerous writing and speaking accomplishments last year in the area of cyber security, but does not take full credit.  

"My nomination is not a singular achievement by me," said Lee, "but is more a representation of a lot of work by a lot of great people, starting with my chain of command and including my Wing Public Affairs Office. I'm very thankful for the team I get to serve with." 

Last year, Lee published papers on advanced cyber threats and direction of the cyberspace domain in four magazines; presented speeches at conferences in five different countries creating international alliances on battling cyber threats; and penned nine newspaper articles and six magazine stories on cyber security. Lee also devoted off-duty time to teaching free classes on cyber defense to more than 100 on-base personnel. 

"We are all extremely proud of Lt Lee for being recognized at the Air Force level for his contributions," said Lt. Col. Maurizio Calabrese, Lee's squadron commander. "His selection as a finalist is well deserved, and he is a shining example of how our newest generation  of  Airmen are the driving force in maintaining America's advantage in the cyberspace domain." 

Lee plans to continue his efforts on educating people about cyber defense in the foreseeable future.

"I will use this nomination as another piece of motivation to continue speaking and writing on the important topic of cyberspace and how we approach national security in that domain," noted Lee.

The Air Force had just three nominees for the award, putting Lee among an elite group of people.

"I'm honored to be considered for this award" said Lee, "especially with competition such as the Air Force Band and 22d Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office.

The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation.

Lt. Lee  is currently an Adjunct Professor at Utica College in their graduate-level Cybersecurity distance program and is publishing a book titled "SCADA and Me" in September.    He  is the son of Cullman residents James and Mary Lee.  Lee  is a  2006 graduate of Saint Bernard Prep School in Cullman.  In 2012 he obtained his Bachelor of Science  from the United States Air Force Academy , and in 2013 received his Master of Science from Utica College.

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2013 HUGH SUCCESS

St. Bernard again held its 4-day Alumni Celebration June 27-30, welcoming approximately 300 of its alumni and family members back for the annual reunion.  Although many alumni return every year, this year St. Bernard honored the classes of 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008.  

Thursday

A Golf Reception held in the Brahma Room was the first event; golfers and friends gathered to receive their team assignments and had the opportunity to meet other players.  Traditionally, teams “bid on a monk” at this reception, raising funds for the school by vying for monks to become members of their team. 

Registration was handled in the Conference Center of Boniface Hall, manned by Carol and Chris Rooney (C’63).  St. Bernard memorabilia and yearbooks were on display.

Friday

Alumnus Fred Frye (C’55), coordinated the Golf Scramble.  Fifty-four golfers took to the greens at Chesley Oaks Golf Course to participate in the St. Bernard Scramble on Friday, June 28.    The overall winning team, with a score of 57, consisted of members of the class of 1972, Harry Davies, Carl Kuchler, Bill McCann, and Tom Martin.  Tom Dallett, Joe Franey, and Jim Lewis took second overall awards.  The first place College team was the Class of 1957 which included Jim Smith, Richard Calvin, Jerry Sullivan, and Carol Rooney, as well as Fr. Jacob Amos.  The winning Prep School team was made up of Wade Knight, John Arndt, Josh Arndt, and Keith Messick.  Fred Frye donated all prizes, including an original artwork by Joe Jahraus for each winner.   Jahraus is an award-winning artist who was Hallmark’s Creative Director.  A delicious lunch of BBQ, potato salad, slaw, baked beans and cookies prepared by Carey Craig of Chesley Oaks, and was served in the Clubhouse where awards were presented. 

Festivities continued for reunion participants on Friday evening with a Barn Hoedown held in the new Performing Arts Center, the Abbey Byre.  Julie Butts welcomed each attendee with a souvenir bandana.  Classmates and their families renewed acquaintances while feasting on hoedown-themed hor d’oeuvres  provided by Chef Allie Foster (C’2005) and crew.  Mini BBQ sandwiches, BLTs, Shrimp Cocktail, Polenta & Mushrooms, and Strawberry Shortcake were on the menu.  Current students of St. Bernard Prep served the alumni, while Mark Pudles and Buster Ross, both parents of current students, volunteered to serve libations; Mark and Buster also volunteered for Saturday’s festivities as well.

Saturday

Bright and early on Saturday morning, about two dozen alumni plus other friends and family gathered at the trailhead of The Trails of Saint Bernard, to brave a 5K Run/Walk, coordinated by Roger Blaylock.  Meanwhile, less awake guests were treated to a breakfast in the school Dining Hall, presented by Chef Allie and crew.  Alumni and families strolled around the campus to get reacquainted with their alma mater and to revisit favorite school haunts.  Many former students were found in the Administration building, looking at the class photos, which date back to 1890s.  Numerous stories were told of campus antics and escapades. 

Mid-morning, a large number of alumni gathered at the new Abbey Byre for the Arts (renovated Barn) to take part in the Rededication and Blessing of this new performing arts center.  Abbot Cletus Meagher invited everyone to join in the blessing of the “new” facility. 

Fr. Marcus Voss followed the blessing with the Annual Town Hall meeting in which he thanked attendees for their loyal support and told about all the accomplishments St. Bernard students and monks have achieved in the past year, as well as the progress the Abbey has made in capital improvements.  He presented a number of materials, including the new Capital Campaign for St. Bernard, and the Prep School Viewbook.  

Abbot Cletus continued the meeting with a presentation on the status of The Clairvaux Society, St. Bernard’s planned estate gift program, and an update on The Columbarium.  A short documentary trailer of “Brother Joseph and the Grotto” was presented and all were invited to return on October 17, 2013 for the Film Premiere of the documentary to be held here at St. Bernard in the Abbey Byre.  Materials on each project were made available to the alumni. 

After lunch in the Dining Hall, several alumni took advantage of St. Bernard’s many athletic facilities including an Alumni Soccer Game and a Tennis match on the Robert Blevins Courts.  There were no takers on the Softball game that Robert Bucella tried to organize—“too hot!”  Late in the afternoon the alumni attended the Alumni Vigil Mass held in the Abbey Church.

The culmination of the reunion was held on Saturday evening with a plated dinner of roast beef with all the accouterments .  Joyce Nix oversaw all the table décor which included an elegant theme of black/white with fine china and gorgeous blue hydrangeas.  Alumni and guests were served by current students of St. Bernard Prep School.  Guests were entertained by a special tribute slide show to the classes of 1969-1979, created by alumnus John J. King, college class of 1973.

The prep school class of 2003 opened their time capsule, revealing old pictures, posters, class assignments, and other memorabilia; the capsule was resealed with additional items, to be opened at a future reunion in 2023. 

The highlight of the evening was a special presentation of The Abbot Benedict Menges Medal for Outstanding Service that was awarded to Miles Maxted, Business Manager of St. Bernard Abbey.  Abbot Cletus Meagher also presented Miles with a beautiful cross in addition to the certificate, given “in recognition of his many accomplishments, commitment, and dedicated service in financial management and in the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of St. Bernard Abbey and Preparatory School.”

Special thanks and recognitions were shared with several class coordinators, including Bob “Stewart” Keighery for the Class of HS 1958, and John Wojcik for the college classes of the late 1960s.   In addition, Dr. John King, coordinator for all the 1970 classes, and Fred Frye, Golf Scramble Coordinator, were each given a Certificate of Appreciation for all their work and dedication to making the Reunion a success.

The evening drew to a close with a photo taken of each class(es) by Dorenda Doyle.  All pictures from the Reunion Weekend can be found either at the Facebook or the FlickR links on the www.stbernardprep.com website.

Sunday

Sunday morning found many alumni saying their fair wells  and making promises to “meet again next year.”  An Omelet bar was presented in the Dining Hall by Chef Allie’s crew, followed by Mass with the monastic community in the St. Bernard Abbey Church.

Fr. Marcus Voss, Director of Development at St. Bernard said, “I always look forward to this weekend.  It is a great time to have our alumni back on campus, to visit with them and catch up with what is taking place in their lives.”

St. Bernard to host 2013 Alumni Reunion

Alumni will gather on the campus of St. Bernard the weekend of June 27-30 to celebrate this year’s annual reunion.  Fr. Marcus Voss, Alumni Director, and his staff have prepared an exciting schedule of events.

“We have a big weekend planned and encourage all of our alumni to attend,” he said.  “The Alumni reunion is a great time for everyone to return to campus, renew friendships with their classmates,  and see how their support has enabled us to grow and expand our facilities.” 

Fred Frye of Little Rock Arkansas is heading up a golf tournament at Chesley Oaks Country Club located east of Cullman.  The weekend will kick off with a reception on Thursday evening,  June 27, where all golfers will receive their team assignments and invite monks to play with their team.   Tee time is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Friday morning.

Also on Friday morning, a ladies outing to tour the city of Cullman will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 4 p.m.  This outing will include antique and specialty shopping as well as a dutch-treat lunch.

Friday evening the school will host a hoedown in the new Abbey Byre (Barn) which serves as the school theatre and assembly facility.  This unique facility is the latest addition to the campus.

Saturday is filled with various activities to include a 5K run/walk of the trails of St. Bernard scheduled to begin at 7 a.m.  The re-dedication and blessing of the “Abbey Byre for the Arts” will be at 10 a.m. followed by a town hall meeting at 11 a.m.

Soccer and Tennis matches will round out the afternoon at 2 p.m. at the soccer field and the Robert Blevins Tennis Courts.

An Alumni Vigil Mass will be held at 4:30 p.m. followed by a dinner at 6 p.m.

Anyone wishing to attend can find information at www.stbernardprep.com or by contacting the school at (256)739-6682. 

 

Commencement Held at St. Bernard

St. Bernard Preparatory School celebrated the accomplishments of its graduating seniors in grand style at its 114^th Commencement Exercised held on Sunday, May 26^th.   With sounds from the Alabama Pipes and Drums Corps filling the air, a capacity crowd filled the Abbey Church as thirty-six seniors completed their high school course of studies and were offered college scholarships amounting to just under three million dollars.

Fr. Joel Martin opened the ceremony with a word of welcome to the parents and families of the graduates.  Special recognition was given to the seniors who had enrolled as 7^th graders and were now completing six years of education at St. Bernard.   Also recognized were several families who had several sons and daughters who graduated from St. Bernard in previous years.

School Chaplain Bede Marcy gave the invocation and led the National Anthem.

St. Bernard honored Robert L. Blevins and William J. Breslin, III as distinguished alumni during the commencement ceremony.

Blevins enrolled at St. Bernard College in 1976 where he completed his two years of basic studies.  Transferring to the University of Alabama , he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1981.   In 1985 he founded the Texican Natural Gas Company.  Under his leadership the company has become the largest independently-owned natural gas marketing company in the United States serving municipalities, hospitals, and commercial customers in the management of gas systems.

William J. Breslin, a native of Pennsylvania, enrolled in St. Bernard College where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1971.  Working in the insurance industry, he received the top J.D. Power Award for Service-in-Insurance as well as recognition by Business Week for his work as a World -wide service provider.  He is the founder of Wenonah Consulting.

Sister Cecilia C. Zamobini, MC , who serves as Director of the Catholic Center of Concern for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama was the keynote speaker.  Sister Cecilia encouraged the students that, no matter road they decided to travel, they should always give it their full and complete attention. “Be your best,” she said, “always living high Christian values.”

Abbot Cletus Meagher, Chairman of the Board; Fr. Joel Martin, President, and John Tekulve, Headmaster, presented the Salutatorian award to Jerrica Crawford.  The Valedictorian award went to Siohban Russell and the General Excellence award was presented to John Schneider.

After the presentation of diplomas, Siohban Russell delivered the Valedictory address, followed by the singing of the Alma Mater.

Music for the occasion was led by organist, Rebecca Whited; and the Alabama Pipes and Drums.  A reception was held following the ceremony in the Dining Hall.

St. Bernard Welcomes New Coach

William Calvert, Athletic Director for St. Bernard Preparatory School, recently announced the hiring of Greg Boatright as the new Boys Basketball Coach and Physical Education instructor for the 2013-14 academic year.

Boatright grew up in Cullman County and was one of Wallace State Community College’s  pioneer players.  After graduating from Jacksonville State, Boatright coached for one year at Warrior, then spent the next 16 years at Baileyton.  For the next 14 seasons, he coach at Fairview High School where he complied a 251-170 record.  While at Fairview, his team won the County tournament three times, the area twice, recorded one sub-region victory and made it to the Elite Eight.

Athletic Director William Calvert said he is happy to have Boatright join the coaching staff at St. Bernard.  “We go back a long way.  I have known Greg a long time.  We use to compete against each other as students as well as coaches.”

“I’m excited about coming to St. Bernard and appreciate them giving me the chance to coach there,” said Boatright.  “I will give it my best effort and will try to get the boys to do the same. Fundamentals need to be developed for everything to work.  That’s where it all starts.”

Calvert said, “I think Greg will be an asset to St. Bernard.  Growing up and attending school at Welti Jr. High, he understands small schools, and knows how to work and mold talent.”

Boatright is eager to get started with his new team. He expects to sponsor team camps and is planning to host play dates with other teams this summer.

 

SBP graduate shines at UAB

Timothy Jason Feliciano Fernandez graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama, Birmingham on Saturday, May 11, 2013, with two separate degrees: a B.S. degree in Biology with a concentration in Molecular Biology; and a B.S. degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry.  Timothy is graduating summa cum laude with University Honors and Honors in Chemistry.  Just recently, he was named the Department of Chemistry’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student as well as the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Student Dean's Award (Top Undergraduate Student in the School) and was the UAB Banner bearer at the May 2013 commencement ceremony.  Timothy will be starting medical school at UAB in July.

Timothy is the son of Dr. Raymond and Mrs. Nola Fernandez of Gadsden, Alabama.  His brother Jordan graduated from St. Bernard in 2007, then UAB, and is now a medical student at the University of South Alabama.  Brother Jeremiah attended St. Bernard as a freshman and is now a student at Georgetown University.

The University Honors Program (UHP) recruited Timothy from Saint Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman, Alabama. After graduation from St. Bernard in May of 2009 he joined the UHP the following August. He received a merit-based Golden Excellence Scholarship from UAB and was also selected for the Chemistry Scholars Program. As a Chemistry Scholar he has served as a Laboratory Instructor for Introductory Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis and as a Recitation Instructor for the entire General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry sequences. He was awarded the Department of Chemistry’s Excellence in General Chemistry Award in his freshman year. Timothy started research in January of his freshman year under the mentorship of Dr. Jamil Saad in the Department of Microbiology working on the assembly and trafficking of the components of the HIV-1 virus, specifically the intricacies of intracellular Calmodulin cell signaling pathways and the ability of the HIV virus to replicate. He gained valuable experience with a wide variety of techniques including mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, 2D and 3D NMR, isothermal titration calorimetry and various centrifugation techniques. For a separate project on the expression and purification of XMRV matrix protein he learned Studier Auto-induction for protein expression. He conducted an independent project on the structural, biophysical, and biochemical characterization of the interactions between Fas and Calmodulin for which he introduced differential scanning calorimetry to the lab. Timothy's research and scholarship resulted in at least thirteen different conference presentations including poster presentations at the Spring and Summer UAB EXPO (2010), the annual meeting of the Alabama Academy of Sciences (2011), the University of Alabama System Honors Research Conference (UASHRC)(2011, 2012, & 2103), The National Collegiate Honors Council (Phoenix, 2011 and Boston, 2012), the 45th Annual American Chemical Society South Regional Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC)(Birmingham, 2013), and the prestigious National Conference on Undergraduate Research (Ithaca, NY 2011 and La Cross, Wisconsin, 2013) and podium presentations at the 31st Annual Undergraduate Research in Chemistry (Memphis, 2011) and at the Southern Regional Honors Council annual meetings (Tampa, FL 2012 and Louisville, 2013). It is to Timothy’s credit that he is always able to communicate with superb focus and clarity the nature and significance of his work. He has won top awards for his presentations at the UAB EXPO and at the University of Alabama System Honors research conferences, the latter being adjudicated by faculty from all three campuses. Timothy's research has also been recognized on a national level. In 2011, he received Honorable Mention in the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship competition and in 2012 was selected as one of three UAB students to become the UAB's first ever Beckman Scholars, a distinction that funded the awardees with over $19,000 to support their research. Of most significance is the fact that Timothy is graduating having published three papers in professional journals. He is an author on two papers in the Journal of Biological Chemistry and one paper in Frontiers of Virology. Moreover, Timothy is first author on a paper under review at the Journal of Biological Chemistry for his work on Fas-Mediated Apoptosis, which has implications in potential future cancer treatments. Such productivity is unprecedented for an undergraduate. His excitement for research is contagious. Upon the departure of the founding Director of Undergraduate Research who helped launch the UAB EXPO, Timothy stepped in to rescue and basically organize the 2011 and 2012 EXPOs, which were resounding successes. Somehow, Timothy has time to engage in extracurricular and community service activities. He has been President of the UAB Undergraduate Research Association, an editorial board member for Inquiro, UAB's undergraduate research journal, Vice President of Finance and Scholarships for UAB's Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Treasurer of the Student Affiliate of the American Chemical Society, and a UHP representative on the Honors College's Student Executive Committee. He was a tutor in chemistry for UAB's Ronald E McNair program and our Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity. He was a major force in establishing the UAB Table Tennis Club and serves as Team Captain for competitions in the National Collegiate Table Tennis (NCTTA) in the Dixie Region. On Sundays you will find him in the choir at either St. Stephens or Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. He has taught chemistry and physics at Riverchase Middle School and has volunteered at the 1917 Clinic and with Birmingham AIDS Outreach.

 

PREP RUNNING: St. Bernard’s Faulk excited to continue career at Birmingham-Southern

 

By Rob Ketcham
The Cullman Times
CULLMAN — Aside from teammate Seamus Russell’s late-season charge this past cross country campaign, Will Faulk has been all alone out front for most of his prep running career at St. Bernard, especially on the track.

Over the course of his relatively short three-year stint in track and field, the Saint senior managed to rack up eight gold medals, one silver and one bronze — in just 12 state races. Nearly two weeks ago in Selma, he successfully defended his titles in the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs to join Athens Bible’s Jeff Harwell (1984-85) as the only Class 1A male athletes to sweep the three distance events two years in a row.

But now, as he prepares to add high school to the growing list of items in his rear-view mirror, Faulk is ready to take his talents to the next level. This upcoming fall, the quiet kid who has done all his talking on the trail and track will make his way to Birmingham-Southern College, where he recently accepted an academic scholarship and offer to continue his running career.

After being in a class of his own during his days at St. Bernard, Faulk can’t wait to be a part of a Panther program filled with runners just as fast as he is.

“I’m excited because it shows all my hard work has paid off. It wasn’t for nothing,” he said of his commitment. “I’m hoping I can do good things both academically and athletically. I’m excited to see where I can go.”

Based on Faulk’s rapid progression up the prep ranks, the only place Saint coach William Calvert can see the senior going is up.

Faulk came equipped with a great deal of endurance from the get-go, but he had to develop the strength and speed it takes to be a champion. That grueling process didn’t turn out to be much of an issue for the teenager, though, who Calvert said he often noticed hitting St. Bernard’s expansive trails even on the weekends.

“I’ve coached people with as much talent — probably more — but I’ve never coached anybody with as consistent of a work ethic as Will Faulk,” Calvert said. “I don’t think I have. Maybe Ginger Holt, but that’s a pretty high class. He’s goal-oriented, and he understands the process of what it takes to accomplish those goals. That’s rare in a young person.”

One of Faulk’s most memorable races as a Saint was his last.

While the 800-meter run was only Donoho’s George McMillan’s second event of the weekend, it was Faulk’s fourth. Despite already roping in two individual titles and a relay championship, the St. Bernard star still had just enough gas in the tank to overtake Mcmillan at the start of the second lap and stave off multiple challenges the rest of the way to the finish line.

“He used to think he didn’t have much speed, but if you ask somebody about Will Faulk across the state, they would say, ‘That guy’s fast,’” Calvert said. “The last race he won was a heckuva run. That was one great test of fortitude that Will passed.”

In addition to the reputation Faulk’s earned as a fierce competitor, he’s also garnered attention from coaches, runners and parents across Alabama for his his ability to win with grace. Calvert could go on for days about Faulk as a runner, but it’s how the senior has conducted himself as a young man that’s made the coach prouder than ever of the student-athlete’s college opportunity.

“This is what we’re about here at St. Bernard, it’s part of our philosophy of what we teach,” Calvert said. “I love running, and I love it when an athlete continues that after high school. I want them to have a good taste in their mouth about running and want to continue. When any of our students go on and continue their career, it’s a blessing to me and makes me feel good.”

By his high standards, Faulk wasn’t fast when he first started running competitively. The Saints never thought twice about giving up on him, however, which he’s extremely grateful for as graduation day approaches.

“I think that’s important because not everybody is going to be good at first,” Faulk said. “I wasn’t good at first, and then I got my chance without being kicked off the team.”

To even think of Faulk being dismissed from any team is silly. Him realizing he wouldn’t be in the position he is today without the help of so many others, though, is not.

“I want to thank my coaches, my teammates, my family and everybody who has supported me all throughout my journey,” he said.