St. Francis to hold holiday reunion for college-age alumni

The desks are removed and the equations erased from math teacher Bob Bonzallet's blackboard. Room 232 at St. Francis High School in Wheaton has been renamed "The Hospitality Room" in preparation for the third annual holiday reunion for college-age alumni.

St. Francis will hold this reunion for all alumni from the classes of 2003-2007 on Friday at the school, 2130 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton.

The food and festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by the varsity basketball game at 7:30 p.m. in the adjoining Spyglass Athletic Center.

After graduation, St. Francis grads scatter to colleges across the U.S. But when they return home to their families for Christmas, they also want to see former classmates.

"This event gives them a chance to reconnect with their alma mater and have the opportunity to catch up with classmates and teachers," said Jessica Buchholz Stielow, alumni director and member of the class of '00. "We want them to stay connected to St. Francis and build a relationship with their school."

Stielow and her committee have mailed 600 postcards and hope to attract a large crowd. The event is free, dress is casual, and the Pal Joey's pizza provided by alumni John Hamel, '82, should bring back many fond memories.

As an added incentive, a raffle will distribute gift cards to area restaurants and stores.

Many teachers and coaches have indicated that they will attend. Mike Harper, Mary Seltes, Joan Kustak, Jim Wall, Peg Kopek, Mark McCleary and Mary Pratscher are eager to see their former students and hear about how they are doing in college.

Attendees and their guests are also invited to the varsity basketball game following the gathering. The game begins at 7:30 p.m., where the alumni can cheer on the Spartans as they face Immaculate Conception High School.

Stielow emphasizes that this is not a fundraiser.

"The pizza, pop and snacks are free," she said, "The most important thing is that they attend."

For details, call Stielow at 630-668-5800, ext. 144 or e-mail jstielow@sfhsnet.org.