Saint Ignatius College Prep - Chicago

UPDATE: WOLFPACK WINS 🐺🐺!

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!!! 🏈
So fun seeing the Saint Ignatius College
Prep Wolfpack 🐺🐺back on Fornelli '51
Field!! Thanks to the St. Louis College University High Jr. Billikens for making the trip to Chicago for tonight's big game!! Go Wolfpack!!!

OUR PARENTS & GUARDIANS AS STUDENTS!!
A very warm welcome to Mini-Class Night at Saint Ignatius College Prep. That's the evening that the adults get to run through their kids' school schedules, meet their teachers and really get a feel for a day in the life of a member of the Wolfpack 🐺🐺.
Super fun: Watching
folks find their way around 1076 West Roosevelt Road!!

STUDENT ACTIVITIES WANTS YOU!!!
It was a sea of humanity in the Gentile '42 Gym during activity period today.
Hundreds of students explored more than 70 clubs' offerings — from pep band to Pack Pride to pickleball!! Students: Have fun finding your niche...There is something for everyone at Saint Ignatius College Prep!! 🐺🐺

FOR THE LOVE OF THE WOLFPACK 🐺🐺:
In his 50 years at Saint Ignatius College Prep, Mr. John Chandler has been a Man for Others, continuously sacrificing his time and energy for the benefit of our community. He's quick to point out he didn't work alone: collaboration with faculty, staff, benefactors, board members, and partners helped to ensure that after graduation, students could go out and set the world on fire. So on the anniversary of his start date yesterday, we honored five decades of the good he's fostered - from the classroom to the soccer field to the development office to the president's office. Here are some pictures from his five decades and Tuesday’s Mass and celebration. Thank you, Mr. Chandler…we are grateful for your continued dedication to the Mission.

FIRST DAY VIBES! 😎
All kinds of expressions and quotes are fitting for a new school year:
-Carpe diem!
-Make it count.
-Do your best.
-You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
-Clean slate
-Learn all you can. Make as many friends as possible. Come back for more, five days a week.
-HAVE FUN! (learning is fun)
So glad the Pack 🐺🐺 is back!!

WARM WOLFPACK WELCOME!!
The Class of 2028 officially started their four years at Saint Ignatius College Prep.
Students and their parents celebrated faith and community in a special Mass at Church of the Holy Family, followed by a “clap-in” and class introductions. Many thanks to our Arrupe Mentors!!
In his Homily today, Fr. Bohr, S.J., shared some encouraging words: "May high school be a time to share talents and discover new ones...and to truly flourish."
🐺🐺

BACK HOME!!
Tonight more than 40 alumni players spanning more than four decades (1980-2024) joined us for the Saint Ignatius College Prep Alumni Soccer Match. What a great way to bring the Wolfpack 🐺🐺 together!!

WELCOME BACK MASS FOR THE CLASS OF 2025...
It was a special morning as many of our seniors and their families gathered for a celebration of faith and community one week before the start of their final year at Saint Ignatius College Prep. Can't wait to see everyone on the first day of school!!

ALUM SHOUT-OUT: JAMIE KRALOVEC '02
The Saint Ignatius College Prep graduate from the Class of 2002 has made it his life's work to be a Man for Others. Mr. Kralovec is at Georgetown University now. He "serves as the associate director of Mission Integration in the School of Continuing Studies (SCS), where he focuses on the university's Jesuit values full-time," according to an article on Georgetown's website. In an interview for the article, Kralovec said, "My greatest joy at Georgetown is helping others, particularly students, develop habits of discernment and self-reflection that lead to lives of greater meaning and purpose." Just click on the link below to read the full article...and look for an Alum Shout-Out every Sunday night right here on our page!

Photo Credit: Georgetown.edu

https://www.georgetown.edu/news/georgetown-faces-spiritual-director-jesuit-tradition/

A SPECIAL DAY...
On this Feast Day of St. Ignatius, we unveiled a beautiful new statue in our quad of the founder of the Society of Jesus who inspires us to this day. Our community came together at Church of the Holy Family for Mass and for the blessing of the statue by Fr. Lukas Laniauskas, S.J. Another highlight: Some of the members of the Class of 2027 joined the celebration after a day of service, living the St. Ignatius quote:
"Love is shown more in deeds than in words."

ON THIS FEAST DAY OF ST. IGNATIUS, WE ARE REMEMBERING A ONE-OF-A-KIND FATHER, ALUM AND CHICAGOAN: JIM O'CONNOR '54.
We all need those people who model what it means to be a Man or Woman for Others.
Mr. O'Connor was that person. As we mark one year since his passing, we are also taking a moment to celebrate this remarkable alum's contributions that have made our city a better place. In addition to leading his family with love, he did the same for ComEd and an array of corporate boards.
Mr. O'Connor took his education and formation at 1076 West Roosevelt Road to heart. The former Saint Ignatius College Prep board member also founded the Big Shoulders Fund. That fund has provided support to schools with demonstrated need that offer a quality, values-based education - impacting hundreds of thousands of Chicago's children over the years. Mr. O'Connor's daughter, Elizabeth, said, "He always knew his WHY. It was to be a Man for Others." What a perfect thought and what a wonderful source of inspiration to start this important day!

A FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT!
This pictorial walk down memory lane from archivist Henry Ceffalio, has relevance today. Saint Ignatius College Prep will be screening a film tonight that chronicles the life of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J., the French priest, theologian and paleontologist. For one of the filmmakers, it's a return to campus. Mr. Frank Frost (lower, right-hand corner of the first photo) founded the Film Makers Club here back in 1966 when he was a Jesuit scholastic and teacher at Saint Ignatius. Members of the club, which Mr. Frost moderated, shot their own documentary and narrative shorts and photographed the production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner."
After his time at Saint Ignatius, Mr. Frost founded Frank Frost Productions with his wife, Mary Frost. Their documentaries have been seen by more than 100 million viewers and have aired on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and The Hallmark Channel. If you'd like to check out the Frosts's film about Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (and welcome Frost back to campus), just click on the following link:

https://www.ignatius.org/giving/upcoming-events/teilhard-visionary-scientist-screening

COMMUNITY ON CAMPUS!
The Saint Ignatius College Prep Tolton Society hosted its summer cookout on Fornelli Field! What a great way to catch up with old friends...and meet new members of the Wolfpack. Tolton Society Executive Board Member Erin Toole Williams '87 said it best: "It's always lovely to be with family." 😊

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US...
Next Wednesday, July 31st, at 5:30 we will be celebrating the Feast of St. Ignatius in a Mass at Church of the Holy Family. The special gathering will continue with a dedication of a beautiful new statue in the Saint Ignatius College Prep Quad and a reception in Tully Hall. We'd love to see you! To register, just click on the following link:

https://www.ignatius.org/giving/upcoming-events/feast-of-st-ignatius-of-loyola-sj-73124

MUST-SEE TV...
Saint Ignatius College Prep alum, Bob Newhart '47, will be the subject of "Bob Newhart: A Legacy of Laughter." The one-hour special is tonight at 7 on CBS (CBS 2 Chicago). The broadcast will take a look back at the life of the comedian and actor who passed last week. Mr. Newhart soared to great heights, but he never forgot his roots which included 1076 West Roosevelt Road. (In the top picture, he's in the middle row, fifth from the right).

REMEMBERING A GEM OF A MAN…

Here at Saint Ignatius College Prep, we've always been so proud to call Mr. Bob Newhart '47 one of our alums. On his passing, we fondly remember his years here at 1076 West Roosevelt Road, and we honor his lasting legacy.

Our current students likely know him from his role as Papa Elf in the 2003 Christmas classic, “Elf." Other decades of students came to know him from his TV work on "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart."

Saint Ignatius Historian Ellen Skerrett says Mr. Newhart got his theatrical start with our Harlequins. We are grateful he never forgot his alma mater. The first picture you see in this post is from a 2011 visit back to campus.

Saint Ignatius College Prep President John Chandler, who befriended the actor and comedian, remembers him as a welcoming, genuine individual. He says, “He was definitely a Chicagoan. His wit, humor and sensibility reflected his Midwest upbringing. He didn't care about fame. He said everyone who graduated from here is the most famous alum. The world has lost not only a great performer, but a wonderful father and an individual grounded in his faith."

In the photos we're sharing, there's a picture of the Bob Newhart Stage and the plaque that commemorates it.

Mr. Newhart: You will forever be in our hearts. ❤️

WHY SO SERIOUS?
The size of smiles in photographs has steadily increased throughout the history of photography. While today we're told to “smile and say cheese," earlier photographers instructed their subjects to affect a stern countenance. This is because cameras had longer exposure times - often a few minutes - and people were accustomed to posing for painted portraits. Archivist Henry Ceffalio pulled some photos from the Saint Ignatius College Prep archives to capture the evolution of Wolfpack 🐺🐺
smiles!
1. Art Class (1908)
2. Orchestra (1920s)
3. Debate team (1957)
4. First Women to Graduate (1980)
5. Class of 2024 Graduation Photo

IN THE NEWS...PAPERS!!
If you didn't catch the Global Heroes write-up about Saint Ignatius College Prep in the Chicago Tribune (plus the digital edition) and the Wall Street Journal, check it out! Proud of the Wolfpack!! 🐺🐺

TAKING A MOMENT TO TALK ABOUT...
the On Holy Ground class! These are pictures from the brand new summer Theology credit course for Saint Ignatius College Prep seniors who are interested in exploring Catholic spirituality and God's creation in sacred and wild spaces. Assistant Prefect for Academic Programs and Support, Ms. Maureen Lonergan, explained, "It involves three weeks of seminar-style coursework in the classroom and concludes with a camping and hiking trip to a beautiful part of God's creation. This summer's trip returned after 10 days in the wilds of California in the Red Woods, Yosemite National Park, and the Monterey Bay area (including a whale watch!!). Mr. Tom Weiler, the teacher of On Holy Ground, says that the students were happy campers."

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY…AN UPDATE:
Yesterday marked three weeks since teacher Nathon Rodrigues received a new heart (people on the transplant wait list ring a bell when they get the life-saving news - thus, this picture).

Since the surgery, Mr. Rodrigues has had a tough road, but his wife, Elyse, says he's beginning to make small, positive strides. Nate remains in the intensive care unit, but is no longer sedated. He is breathing on his own now, and can talk a little bit - all wonderful points of progress. Elyse says, “Keep sending good thoughts and prayers his way. It helps Nathon to know people are thinking about him!" ❤️

DRIBBLE! SHOOT!
SWISH…NOTHIN' BUT NET!
Girls basketball 🏀 camp for Chicago area 5th through 8th graders is in full swing. Wish you could experience the energy in the room!! Many thanks to Saint Ignatius College Prep Coaches and team members for sharing skills with our summer campers!!! Good work, Wolfpack 🐺🐺!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!
To all the fathers and father figures in our world: Thank you and much love ❤️ from Saint Ignatius College Prep.
St. Ignatius Loyola - New York shared an essay this morning, part of which we're passing along:
"On this Father's Day, let us remember the unwavering commitment, boundless love, and sacrifices made by our fathers and father figures. Let us honor and celebrate the men who have mentored us and have given of themselves to guide us. May their example inspire us to embrace the values of selflessness, humility, and courage in our lives and relationships, as we journey together in faith, love, and gratitude.”

SUMMER FUN AT SAINT IGNATIUS!
Our camps and courses are in full swing!! Here’s a peek at some of the super learning opportunities and the summertime community at 1076 West Roosevelt Road…Go Wolfpack 🐺🐺!!

SUMMER AT SAINT IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREP!
Pack Camps for grade schoolers and summer courses and athletics
programming for members of the Wolfpack 🐺🐺 are in full swing at 1076 West Roosevelt Road. It's great to see young minds on the make!!

SHOUT OUT TO THE CLASS OF '89!!
Being a part of the Wolfpack 🐺🐺
doesn't end at graduation. These friends from the Class of '89 got together at Dugans this week.
(I spy Saint Ignatius College Prep
President John Chandler in the photo...he stopped by to say hello!)

COME JOIN US!
The Saint Ignatius College Prep Business Society invites you to Happy Hour at the Gemini Grill tomorrow! Athletic Director Mike Hurley '07 will be sharing a Wolfpack 🐺🐺 Athletics update...Great opportunity to catch up with friends, network and get caught up with news from 1076 West Roosevelt Road! Hope to see you there!!

https://www.ignatius.org/giving/upcoming-events/business-society-happy-hour-6624