November 2020
ALUMNI COURIER
Fall 2020
Celebrating Our Retirees with Quotes from Alumni and Friends
Honoring Our Retirees
As the 2019–2020 academic year came to a close, we said goodbye to five legendary figures in the Austin Prep community: Bill Maradei, P’11, ’12, Gary Mackiewicz, Bob Hennessy, Maureen DiPerna, P’08, and Teresa Wallace, P’93, ’96. Collectively, they represent 171 years of service to Austin Prep.
We look forward to honoring their legacies with a campus celebration when conditions allow for a safe gathering of family, friends, alumni, and colleagues.
To honor their contributions, donations may be made to the Austin Scholars Program, which provides scholarships to students who might not otherwise have access to an Austin Prep education.
Make a Gift to the Austin Scholars Program
Below are selected messages shared in recognition of our retirees:
Maureen DiPerna — “Your warmth and compassion were a steady presence at Austin.”
Teresa Wallace — “The most kindhearted and honest woman. Honored I was able to work with you.”
William “Coach” Maradei — Known for his dedication as both teacher and coach, he left a lasting impact across academics and athletics.
Gary Mackiewicz — “He taught more than language—he taught life lessons, culture, and care for others.”
Bob Hennessy — “Thank you for helping students understand the shared humanity that connects us all.”
Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Austin Prep continues its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by expanding programming and professional development initiatives across campus.
The school partnered with educator and expert Dr. Crystal Kuykendall to lead faculty and staff training focused on implicit bias and inclusive practices.
Additional efforts include expanded staffing dedicated to mission and inclusion, including the appointment of Mr. Jaycob Morales and Fr. Jorge Reyes, O.S.A.
Together with Fr. Patrick Armano, they support initiatives that strengthen community and belonging across campus.
Girls Field Hockey Launches Inaugural Season
Austin Prep introduced Girls Field Hockey as a new varsity sport, marking its inaugural season with its first game scheduled for October 12.
The team is coached by Ms. Brianna Robbins, who brings collegiate playing experience and a commitment to student-athlete development.
Autumn at Austin: Virtual Homecoming Experience
Austin Prep hosted a virtual Homecoming experience featuring campus tours, student programming, and alumni engagement events.
Explore the Virtual Campus Tour
Celebrating Jeanne Maurand’s Retirement
After 19 years of service in the science department, Ms. Jeanne Maurand retired, leaving a legacy of student engagement, field-based learning, and extracurricular involvement.
She is especially remembered for her marine science field trips and her contributions to arts and environmental clubs.
Austin Prep Presents: Leadership Speaker Series
The Austin Prep Presents series launched with Jim Knowlton ’78, Director of Athletics at UC Berkeley, who shared insights on leadership and collegiate athletics during the COVID-19 era.
Watch the Austin Prep Presents Webinar
Austin Prep Welcomes New Board Member
Austin Prep welcomed Ruben Reyes, M.D., P’24, P’26 to its Board of Trustees.
Dr. Reyes brings extensive experience in hematology, oncology, clinical research, and medical education.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Students and faculty participated in academic and cultural activities honoring Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15.
Learning Through Summer Reading: Outcasts United
Students engaged with Outcasts United by Warren St. John, exploring themes of immigration, belonging, and global identity through literature and virtual geography tools.
Dr. Crystal Kuykendall Returns to Campus
Dr. Kuykendall returned to campus in October, leading presentations for students and faculty focused on storytelling, bias awareness, and personal growth.
International Students Share Cultural Traditions
International students shared traditions from the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, introducing classmates to cultural celebrations and family customs.
Britt “Lightning” Denaro ’03 Hosts Alice Cooper on Rock ‘N Roll Fantasy Camp Masterclass Series
Student Body President TJ Dysart ’21 had the experience of a lifetime on October 31 when he was invited as a guest by alum Britt Denaro ’03 to participate in a live, online, interactive Q&A series. The program brings together 20–25 “campers” who learn directly from music industry legends such as Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, and Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, among others.
Britt Denaro, who serves as the program moderator, ensured each participant had the opportunity to ask a question of Alice Cooper.
TJ posed his question to Cooper:
“As someone who has connected with the right people to rise to the top, what advice would you give younger generations about breaking into the entertainment industry and making a name for themselves in a constantly changing world?”
Alice Cooper responded directly and without hesitation:
“If you want to get somebody’s attention, you have to walk out there as a star. ‘You’re gonna love me tonight,’ not ‘I hope you like me tonight.’ It’s either ‘You’re gonna love me tonight’ or ‘You’re gonna hate me tonight.’ There is no middle.”
With the advice of a rock-and-roll icon and a new connection with Austin Prep alumnus Britt Denaro, TJ continues building momentum in his growing interest in podcasting and media.