FRANK DEL OLMO
Alemany alumnus, Frank del Olmo, was described as being witty, intelligent and involved. He was a writer and editor for the school newspaper and yearbook staff. A student council member, football and baseball player, men’s choir and his academic awards were many. Upon graduation he was listed as most likely to succeed. He graduated magna cum laude from Cal State Northridge with a degree in journalism in 1970 and went to work for the Los Angeles Times the same year
Over the next 34 years at the Times, Frank del Olmo was an intern, a staff writer specializing in Latino issues and Latin American affairs, an editorial writer, deputy editor of the editorial page, a Times-Mirror Foundation director and assistant to the editor of the Times. The last position put him on the masthead, the first Latino to be listed among the paper’s top editors.
Frank del Olmo was a Nieman fellow at Harvard University in 1987-1988 and was inducted into the National Association of Hispanic Journalists in 2002. In 1975 he won an Emmy for writing “The Unwanted” a documentary on illegal immigration. In 1984 he shared a Pulitzer Prize for meritorious public service for the series “Southern California’s Latino Community”.
Throughout his long newspaper career, Frank del Olmo was considered a voice for Latinos. At the time of Mr. del Olmo’s death, in 2004, Frank Gutierrez, long time friend and visiting professor of Journalism at USC said that “He was always representing those who could not get in the room”.
Stories abound regarding Frank del Olmo and his passionate interest and advocacy of Latino causes and issues. A former colleague at the Times said that “Frank was the Latino conscience at that paper”. Frank’s impact was felt in community issues and political ones as well.
Frank and his wife Madga had a greater passion – their son Frankie. Among his most notable columns were the 10 he wrote about his son Frankie, who is autistic. Together they worked to educate themselves and others. Father Gregory Boyle, who founded “Homeboy Industries, said that Frank’s columns on Frankie “communicated a palpable sense of hope”. Frank said the two great gifts he could give his son “are the presence of his parents and his privacy. Both Madga and Frank said he shall have both.
Besides his wife and son, Frank also has a daughter, Valentina Marisol del Olmo, three sisters, a brother, three nephews and a niece.
Frank del Olmo typifies the ideals set forth for recognition in the Bishop Alemany Hall of Honor. His service to his community, his heritage and his faith, giving voice to those who have little voice is worthy of recognition of the highest order.
Accepting this tribute was his wife Magdalena del Olmo and their son Frankie.
SISTER MARIA ANGELA MESA
Known as “Mary” to her family and friends, Sr Maria Angela Meza joined the Sisters of St Joseph in 1962 after graduation from Alemany High School, where she was Student Body President her Senior year. Her friends described her as indefatigable and amazing. She also served as ASB secretary, Outstanding Girl State Award, outstanding sophomore and junior and played volleyball, basketball and softball. Her friends described her as a born “TEACHER”. She had true school spirit was fun to be around.
After first vows, Sr. Maria Angela became a teacher for seven years in both elementary and high schools, the final three teaching Religion and Spanish at Star of the Sea High School in San Francisco.
For the next eight years, Sr Maria Angela served as Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Fresno which marked the beginning of her ministry to the farm workers. One of the major programs of this ministry was the training of parish evangelization teams to carry the church to the labor camps. Through her efforts, 40 teams were developed who regularly visited 80 labor camps, and she also established ESL classes for the workers at a permanent camp. As spokesperson for the Chicano Civil Rights Network, she made an impact on the civic community, appearing before the Fresno City Council regarding police action in Mexican-American neighborhoods. In recognition of her work for the Hispanic community, in 1987 El Concilio (a group of 21 Hispanic organizations) honored her with their annual award to an outstanding citizen.
When financial difficulties forced the Fresno Diocese to cut back programs, Sr. Maria Angela moved on to the Padre Hildalgo Center in San Diego to begin a ministry in the Imperial Valley, providing basic lay leadership formation to ten parishes.
At the end of six years, she was asked to be Campus Minister at the Doheny Campus of St Mary’s College, expanding their activities to include feeding the homeless and visiting the youth at Juvenile Hall.
Devoted to her family, she cared for her parents in their later years, and gradually it became apparent that she herself was experiencing health problems. She continued her work at the Doheny Campus for seven years until Parkinson’s disease forced her to Holy Family Community at Carondelet Center for nursing care until her recent death.
Sr Maria Angela’s service to others, devotion to God and love of family and heritage exemplify the ideals set forth for Alemany Students and Community and we are proud to induct Sr Maria Angela Meza into the Bishop Alemany Hall of Honor.
On behalf of Sister Mary her sister Rorie Ramirez accepted this honor.
Carolyn Wheeler began her first year at Alemany in 1964; her classes consisted of Freshman Homeroom, English, History and Art. “Alemany’s underclassmen are just beginning their journey, climbing the paths of knowledge with the help of their teachers”, she would say and “their strengths will come when it is time for climbing”. She had an easy way with her students, her smile made them smile and she believed that students were real people eager to learn, eager to respond and eager to give if the teacher makes it worth their time, and Carolyn Wheeler made it worth their time.
For 28 years, Mrs. Carolyn Wheeler has touched the lives of Alemany students. When asked why she stayed so long, she answered very simply. “I like it here. I love the children and I love teaching. By 1968 she had become the Assistant Advisor of the Yearbook Department and began putting her creative touches and modern look to each addition.
She was once asked by the yearbook staff if she had any interesting experiences to share. She explained that the most interesting part of teaching is when she would see the light bulb over her student’s heads light up. They get so excited and as a teacher you get excited and very happy you picked this profession.
Teaching is a gift, and Mrs. Wheeler has touched many hearts, not only students but colleagues as well. She always went the extra mile. Those who knew her always remarked about her kind and gentle soul.
As the yearbook director, the hours devoted to her students and the work that went into each one was not a job to her. She loved teaching every detail to the students and that typified her unselfish nature.
Mrs. Wheeler – I wonder if you remember this letter given to you from the Class of 1980 – it begins –
“With us on staff for two whole years, you’ve seen a lot of fighting and tears. How you’ve manage to not go crazy – you’re our teacher, our friend and you’re a special lady. You always had patience, understanding and care, qualities, which like a diamond are rare. Good times and bad, we’ve been through, part of our growing, we owe to you. Thank you, Mrs. Wheeler.
Through the years, these students and yearbooks add to Alemany’s legacy as does the efforts and devotion of you Carolyn Wheeler.
Vivian Johnston came to Alemany looking for a school for her children. The principal took her to sit in on a history class and for the next 35 years that classroom became her second home.
Vivian was instrumental in establishing the ASB Convention and the Student Body Constitution. She saw the program of the school going from all girls to two separate schools for boys and girls and then to being co-ed.
A “Close-Up” trip to Washington peaked her interest and she advocated such trips as a valuable tool for learning. These trips continue today and those students wishing to attend will see a new president in 2009 take the oath of office and even attend an inaugural ball. Girls State was her passion and it was a practical approach to the study of government.
Once asked what annoyed her the most was when students would say “I’m bored” – her answer was look around and see the history … why aren’t you more curious about the world and everything in it? She would often say “if I wasn’t a teacher, I would be a student”. There is so much to learn and it’s so exciting.
Vivian wore many hats, including that of Social Studies Department Head. Always wanting the most up to date book for her college prep and AP classes, she never lost sight of the cost for the parents. She helped to write a book with another former teach Sarah Klapman. This book was called “Introduction to Social Studies” for incoming 9th graders and was updated on a regular basis and used until that course was discontinued a few years ago.
Vivian Johnston taught her students to live life with compassion, face life with courage and live life with faith. She gave herself to Alemany and believed in the foundation of learning for success. Alemany was blessed with her wisdom and knowledge
Dr McClanahan was originally from Eastland, Texas, and came to Alemany as a substitute teacher in English for one year only. It was instant love by the students, administrators, faculty and staff and within a year he was asked….. NO, he was BEGGED to come back!
Dr. McClanahan suffered a disability as a young man that left him with speech and walking difficulties, but you would never know it. He could say and do more with a few words than most of us could do with paragraphs.
He loved teaching and loved to watch the students grow and mature.
Kairos Retreat was a special time for him. He enjoyed being one on one with nature and being able to tell students that no matter what challenges they might face, no matter how difficult they found their lives, there was nothing they couldn’t achieve. All they needed was to believe in themselves.
When asked once by a student if Alemany was a tree, what kind it would be, he answered, “A Peach Tree”. They asked, “Why?” He replied, “Because it is decorated with differences and throughout time it develops in stages”.
Dr McClanahan is too ill to be with us today, but each of us sitting here has been touched by his kindness and love.
The halls of Alemany radiate his foundation in life – Live for today, give 100% of yourself and your tomorrows will always be filled with happy memories.
Former Colleague, Edwina Lynch accepted on Tom’s behalf.
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire
The Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire was born in Los Angeles, California in 1941, the 12th of fourteen children. He was raised in the San Fernando Valley, where he attended local Catholic Schools. After graduating from Queen of Angeles High School Seminary, Bishop Blaire entered St. John’s College and Seminary in Camarillo.
On April 29, 1967, Bishop Blaire was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles by James Francis Cardinal McIntyre. Bishop Blaire’s first assignment began as Associate Pastor at St. Luke’s in Temple City. In 1972 Bishop Blaire began fourteen years of ministry with Catholic secondary education, first as a teacher, Chairman of Religion Department and Golf Club Moderator and administrator at Bishop Alemany High School. He then left Alemany for a short period of time to become the Vice Principal at Bishop Amat High School.
But Alemany was fortunate when he was reassigned as the Principal and he took the helm from 1977 until 1986. He was responsible for bringing us Sister Theresa and Sister Elizabeth Anne, who shared his vision for change. He was known for patrolling our lives and keeping us straight. Most times happy, sometimes angry and other times fun-loving depending on the situation, he watched over us and helped us in helping ourselves lead good lives. He was understanding, kind and a leader but always had the time to say hello and how is your day going. You could go to him with any problem and he always had an answer.
Under Bishop Blaire’s leadership – Alemany had the best faculty and staff – they not only had talent – but they had talent from the heart. No one knew that we were to say good-bye to Bishop Blaire at the end of second semester 1986 – words were at a lost and so all that could be said was “Our best wishes go with you as you advance confidently in the direction of your future”. Once upon a time, “The End” … now write your own story and he did ………
In 1986 Bishop Blaire was appointed as the Moderator of the Curia and Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. On the 31st of May 1990 he was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles and Titular Bishop of Lamzella by Cardinal Mahoney, Bishop Blaire served as a Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles from 1990 and Regional Bishop of Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region from 1995 to 1999.
On the 19th of January 1999 it was announced that Pope John Paul II had appointed Bishop Blaire as the Bishop of Stockton. The Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire was installed as the fifth Bishop of Stockton on the 16th day of March 1999 at the Cathedral of the Annunciation.
As a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Blaire has served as the Chairman of the Pastoral Practices Committee. Currently he is the President of the Committee for Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs. Bishop Blaire also serves as treasurer of the California Catholic Conference.
Bishop Blaire has never forgotten Alemany and comes back for many happy and sad occasions – but each day as you walk the halls you can feel his presence and his “Good Morning – how are things”. Bishop laid a foundation for growth and grow we have – thank you Bishop Blaire for you leadership and your legacy.
Affectionately known as “Sister Liz”, Elizabeth Anne Sheehy arrived at Bishop Alemany in 1979 where she began as a Freshman Religion Teacher. The following year Sophomore Religion was added to her schedule and in 1981 Bishop Blaire asked her to create a Campus Ministry Program – his vision was for Sister Liz to bring the knowledge of Jesus Christ into every aspect of the Alemany Community. Thus began a series of retreats beginning with the Freshman Retreat designed so they could feel comfortable with their peers and new surroundings. Each year a new retreat was added and in 1985 she heard about a senior retreat called “Kairos”. After attending one with Crespi High School – Sister Liz knew that this was the vision that Bishop Blaire had for Campus Ministry and with her own personal touch over the next ten years Kairos grew and grew and continues on today.
In 1995 she wanted to retire and not wanting to lose her good work and talents, then Principal Father Milbauer asked her to lead a “Peer Ministry Group”. Students would be able to discuss their problems, deal with grief and be able to share with other students. Never having said, this was a dream of hers and thus began a new direction in her career she dearly loved. It was amazing to her the number of students who signed up – but with her love, gentleness and kindness one would expect nothing less.
In 2002 – she yet again went into a new direction and began working at St. Charles in North Hollywood where she counseled young couples preparing for marriage. Since the beginning until this year she has help prepare almost 400 couples. Quite a milestone.
Over the years she has touched the lives of thousand of Alemany Students, Faculty, Staff and parents directing them towards a life filled with love of God, Charity and Christian Service towards others.
So as an additional surprise for you, Sister Liz – “Campus Ministry” will be called the “Sister Elizabeth Anne Sheehy Campus Ministry Center”. Dedication of the Campus Ministry Office is a fitting way to recognize this very special lady and her generous contributions to Alemany High School. She has left Alemany with a foundation of pride and leadership. Dear lady we say “Thank You” for the gift of you.
The nice thing about math is everything adds up – that is Brother Paul. He was up before 6 every morning and never left his classroom till after 5. Education was his gift. He was a Dean of boys – fair but strict. He later became a Dean of studies. Brother Paul knew his job and did it well.
He was all about education.
As the director of summer school there was a strict adherence to the rules. As a fire blazed mere yards behind the campus Br Paul came on the PA to inform everyone that we were not in any danger and to continue with class; “I will let you know when we are in danger” and the day continued without incidence….
His attention to detail in the classroom was legendary. Desk location was marked on the floor by tape. Assignments were to follow a particular format. The dreaded 3x5 cards that contained the name of each student in the class; these cards were chosen “at random” and he called the lucky student to the board to demonstrate the solution to a problem from the previous night’s homework. Many former students maintain that this experience was where Clint Eastwood got the inspiration for the line “so, do you feel lucky today?” Students cringed at the discipline and detail but, walked out of Br. Paul’s class in June and confessed that they had, indeed, learned from the experience.
Br. Paul loves athletic competition.
He operated the clock for football and basketball games for years. Coaching in a quiet professional manner from the booth or from the scorer’s table was Brother Paul’s style.. When he wasn’t working at an Alemany sporting event he was in attendance as a fan, supporting teams in every sport on campus.
You can say so much without speaking a word – all in the way that you look. You knew when Brother Paul was angry and you knew when he was proud of your accomplishments. Brother Paul you will always be remembered with love and so much respect. Thank you for the years and for the students you made better for the future.
Elsa Marin – what do you say about Elsa. She was a Mom first and always, a grandma so proud of her grandchildren, she was a true believer in her faith and a wonderful and loving friend.
There are many ways to define a woman; daughter, mother, professional, friend, student. We are each special and unique – but some stand out because they are always there to encourage, console and love. Elsa is the one that stands out. She was there for teachers, administrators, staff and students. It was always hello and she took the time to make sure everything was right. If you asked her how it was going – she would roll her eyes and laugh – but she cared – she cared about the students, their classes and even there home lives. She wanted the best for them and made sure they got it.
Elsa is and will always be Alemany’s history. She gave 100% of herself in every department she worked. She first started as the receptionist; she was the lady we all got to talk with when we reached the office. Hew workload was heavy, but she always had a smile in her voice. She then went on to be Bob Gebauer’s Secretary (Administrative Assistant today) later after a serious illness she insisted on coming back and went into the Counseling Office. Whatever she did – she did it well.
She knew every student by name. Boys or girls and when she started in 1968 the school was divided, boys on one side and girls on the other. All the work had to be entered by hand – computers weren’t around yet. The work was done, entered and parents called – no overtime.
Elsa you are that rare type of employee, the one who finds that being with other people and bringing people together is a very fulfilling experience. Thank you Elsa for 34 caring years.
Robert Gebauer walked on the Alemany Campus in August of 1975, he was a young man filled of ideas and dreams. He was a math teacher and the department chair. His hair was long and he had a mustache. The girls would stare and the boys could relate. Bob Gebauer was the man of the year.
He knew his job and he did it well. The students listened and learned – it wasn’t an easy A – but you knew the rules … participate, do your homework and pass your tests … if you’re struck come to tutoring, I’m here to help and teach. Was he a good teacher – yes he was. Did he care about his students – yes he did – but will he be remembered for that – maybe – but there was something more – something that happened January of 1994 that will keep his memory alive long after we have all retired.
We woke to shake, rattle and roll, collapse and fire that was the theme for months to come. Bob lived with his wife Carol and son Wesley in Pear Blossom and the freeway was destroyed ….but he got here – looked at the school and knew we were in trouble.
School would not open on Tuesday and second semester was in question. So Bob cleaned the mess the best he could and found some paper and a pencil and began to figure out where and how Alemany would keep its doors opened. Between Bob, Father Milbauer and the Archdiocese it was decided that we could share the campus of the Queen of Angels Seminary until a decision was made. Sounds easy – not really; we would have dorms instead of classrooms and only room for half the students. So he camped out in a not so safe office and began to put a semester and a school together.
Alemany was ready to reopen on February 2nd. There were changes, seniors and juniors started at 7:30 until 11:10 and Sophmore and Freshmen 11:40 until 3:20 – but it worked.
He never lost his faith, He and Father Milbauer were determined that Alemany would not be lost. And look at us today – were growing and on beautiful grounds. In the middle of all this, many of us had also lost or had damaged to our homes and his caring and concern was upmost for his employee’s. Never a day went by that he didn’t ask if we needed anything. He was the most caring man I knew.
In June of 1999 – the Archdiocese had other ideas for Bob – he was to become the Regional Supervisor of Secondary Schools and while he would be leaving us – he would still have control over Alemany – but we felt a tremendous loss. In 2003 he retired to enjoy his life and family. Not able to stay away from the schools he volunteered at Paraclete at least once a week – but he missed Alemany and we missed him. Bob was great at what he did and believed Catholic Education made a difference and that every child rich or poor should have the opportunity to go if they choose to, so he continued to help with fundraiser and foundations for the school.
You would ask Bob on Mondays, “how was your weekend” and he would say, we went camping, hunting, hiking, fishing or boating. He went exploring with his jeep off road and the further away from civilization the better. Finding new places to explore was his passion. He loved fast cars and the Harley he bought when he retired. But his greatest love was his family – Carol his wife and Wesley his son. They were his life. Family was everything to Bob – he spoke often of his sister. He never saw his son marry – but Heather was his daughter. Bob was a gift to all of us and we know Bob you have found that special fishing hole and we can see you smoking that fish.
Bob is a true Alemany Legacy, his pride in Alemany and what this school has become and what it will be tomorrow will be his thank you.
Carol, Wesley and Heather accepted this gift on his behalf.
Father Milbauer knew Alemany from every angle. He was a Teacher, Dean, Administrative Assistant, Athletic Director, Vice Principal of Students Affairs and Principal. He is a down to earth type of guy.
Father Milbauer loves sports and was the Athletic Director and witnessed the “Miracle on Rinaldi Street” when our Football Team won the league title.
The beauty of the Rinaldi Campus was his plan when he became principal. The football stadium, the classrooms and the gym had all undergone a major repair. Father Milbauer was determined for years to provide Alemany with a quality stadium. Construction began in the summer of 1993 with the help of donations from the Alemany Community and families. A donor wall was erected to thank everyone who made this remodel possible. On November 5, 1993 the stadium became a reality on opened in time for the Homecoming game. A surprise awaited him when the announcement came that the stadium would be named after him. Father Milbauer is a quiet man – but that evening you could see the pride and excitement he couldn’t contain.
Little did we know that the morning of January 17th all his hard work and beautifully completed school would come to an end – but he faced this disaster with a strong will and a determination that we could face this challenge and win.. The work he accomplished as principal following the Northridge Earthquake helped many people. Without his efforts Alemany might have closed. In conjunction with Bob Gebauer and Patricia Melch, Fr. Milbauer kept Alemany open, teachers and staff employed and students in school. Within three weeks Alemany High School was operating. Classes were being held in split sessions, athletic teams were competing and our spring Musical would take place in an outside make shift theater. A small sense of normalcy was returned to the lives of a couple thousand people.
Father Milbauer dreamed of having his own parish, but he put those dreams on hold to deal with the critical events that occurred following the Northridge Earthquake. Site changes, low enrollment could have meant the end of an educational institution. Yet Bishop Alemany High School has not only survived these adverse events, it has thrived in spite of them. The efforts provided by the leadership of Fr, Robert Milbauer have been paramount to this success.
Following the four years after the earthquake – Father Milbauer got his dream and his parish – St. John the Baptist de la Salle. Alemany will never forget his efforts and determination and today we say thank you.
In 1975 a priest with an Irish Bogue began teaching at Alemany High School. He was a quiet man but filled with a love of his church and a commitment to his order.
The students connected to him and his knowledge over-flowed in the classroom. He taught Religion, College Prep English, Honors English 9 and French. He would listen to the kids and they listened to him. He would tell them stories of his home land and his life growing up as a young man.
Fr. Patrick Argue knew life and enjoyed his – he loved being a priest and mass was a gift to him. He loved teaching and sports. You never missed seeing him at the games, he knew all the players and stats. He knew the coaches and told them the good, bad and where improvements should be. They listened and sure enough the following game you would see those changes put into play.
Every summer Father Argue looked forward to going “home” he would say. He loved his family but looked also looked forward to a new school year and another set of students.
Three years ago he suffered a stroke during class time. He didn’t want to frighten the kids and quietly slipped out of the room and asked for help. He was never concerned for himself – his worry was that he had frightened the students or adults that he had asked to help him.
Months after that stroke he came back to school – but it wasn’t meant to be. His health continued to slide and now he is “home” with his family and his outlook serious – but he is a fighter and each day takes a new step forward..
We received a beautiful letter from Fr. Craig Harrison shortly after Father Argue received notification that he was chosen to be an honoree. It reads:
“I am writing on behalf of Fr. Patrick Argue, who is being inducted into the Alemany High School Hall of Honor.
As a child I grew up at St. Francis Parish in Bakersfield, where I first met Fr. Argue. With that full head of hair, Irish Bogue, and sense of humor, I had great respect for him from the beginning. Again our paths crossed, however our relationship changed. I went from being his altar boy to his pastor.
Father Argue is a priest’s priest. His style at Mass made people feel very comfortable. He could never start a Homily without a joke or story.
When he made his final decision to move to Ireland he left a deep void. He will always be a special part of our parish and my priesthood.
Thank you for honoring him with this award. Sincerely, Rev. Craig Harrision.”
Father Argue left Alemany with a deep void – but his Honor, Pride, and Legacy will forever be a part of Alemany’s Foundation. God Bless you Father Argue and know we love you.
Father McCabe accepted this honor for Father Argue.