Alumni Weekend 2017
“You Can’t Go Home Again,” the novel by Thomas Wolfe published posthumously decades ago, basically underlines that the past cannot be recovered.
However, some of its past was passionately revisited as well as celebrated last month, when Mullen hosted its annual homecoming weekend that included an inaugural inductee class of Alumni Award Recipients and additional entrants into the school’s Professional Hall of Honor.
Associated with sports, former Mustangs Ashley Adamson, Brian Kormondy, Alex Smith and Mike Trujillo joined the clubs and each has attained considerable accomplishments after graduation.
“In my role as Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement,” Sean Keefe said, “I was moved by the spirit and enthusiasm by our award winners and their families … this is something that typifies the Lasallian spirit that makes Mullen so special.”
School President and CEO Carl Unrein said “Mullen witnessed for the first time an event that recognized not only outstanding alumni, but for the second year in a row distinguished athletes who played at the top of their sports. The combination with homecoming and the most-expansive alumni reunion weekend ever generated a new level of engagement and excitement for the Mullen community.”
Adamson, Class of 2000, who went on to Boston College and Boston University, and now is in the San Francisco Bay area, currently is a studio host for the Pac-12 Network. She was thrilled about her return.
“Gosh, it was just incredibly special on so many levels. Thanks to Sean Keefe, Carl Unrein and all of the community for putting on just an incredible weekend. To be back on campus for the first time at a place that meant so much to all of us and be recognized with by people who you admire and look up to is special beyond words.”
Adamson was honored with the Alumni Achievement Award.
As for the Hall of Honor Awards, Kormondy, Class of 2010, starred in Mustangs lacrosse, at Delaware with the Blue Hens as well as professionally. In fact, he’s headed to Japan soon to represent the U.S. in an international game.
“Oh, it was one of the best-ever moments I’ve had at Mullen, so well put together and attended, and the support was amazing … the banners were beautifully aligned and I was so proud seeing them up there, Kormondy said.
“To be able to leave a legacy at a place so close to my heart and have my banner up there in the rafters is just incredibly humbling and I’m so appreciative to everyone who made the ceremony what it was. I hope it will inspire the next generation and hope it inspired the next kid who wants to be up there.”
Smith, an excellent tight end and multi-sport Mustang, Class of 2000, went on to star at Stanford and play in the NFL from 2005-15. Now a professional scout for Tampa Bay, Smith called his visit “great and I hadn’t been back since I don’t know … I was just contemplating, it has been 17 years because I was in college playing and on Sundays, I never really did have a chance during the season.
“But just driving down there and getting on campus was awesome, good to see some old faces. Oh, and I absolutely can’t speak enough about what Mullen did for me in terms of preparation for Stanford and I’ve got lifelong friends from that place. I think it was a critical part of my career.”
Trujillo, Class of 1978, was a three-sporter who was a pitcher and went on to Northern Colorado and multiple major-league teams, including the Boston Red Sox, a six-year career. He has been travelling and was unavailable for comment, but former Mustangs coach Tony Schenbeck remembers his pitcher like it was yesterday.
“Mike was just a great athlete who didn’t throw the ball as hard as some other pitchers, but he really knew how to compete, had excellent control and got ahead in the count.”
In addition, Father Brady Wagner, John Horan, Mike McCabe and Craig Bowman were honored for various alumni, achievement and community-service awards.
“Our thanks to the alumni who attended the reunions and were in attendance at the game, Mass and festivities as we recognized the distinguished,” Unrein added. “The energy level and engagement, and the fact some people came back to their first reunion was electrifying.”
There was a heavy marketing campaign six months in advance in support of the weekend’s activities via the Mullen webpage, mailing and social media presence that helped to account for the overflow crowds at Mass, the pancake breakfast and ceremony.
Below is the presentation of the awards ceremony in full and includes information and achievement by all award winners, as delivered by Keefe:
“Today, we gather in community to celebrate a truly selfless collection of Mullen graduates who embody both the Mustang spirit and the Lasallian mission of our school. Mullen was founded in 1931 by a very selfless man, John Kernan Mullen, in association with equally unselfish people, the Christian Brothers. We believe J.K. Mullen would be very proud of this inaugural inductee class of Alumni Award Recipients being honored here and we also believe he would be equally proud of our athletes whose achievements are also on display and celebrated as they join last year’s inductee class of Alumni Professional Hall of Honor recipients.
We begin by recognizing Father Brady Wagner, our celebrant today at Mass. Father Wagner is a member of the Class of 2000 and has been a constant presence on the Mullen campus since his graduation. Father Wagner’s unwavering commitment to his faith and his ability to communicate that passion is something that has positively impacted our community here at Mullen for years. He is a mentor to young people as well his contemporaries. He garners respect from those who are his elders and maintains an approachability that enables him to build lifelong relationships. Father Wagner’s zeal and authenticity are always appreciated. Mullen educator, Rita Niblack, observes: “For as long as I have known Father Brady, he has been intent on inviting young men and women to consider their vocation. Vocation is not just a call to religious life, but a call to consider what your place and role in the world will be and how you will live that daily. He has met with students at Mullen who were interested in learning more about the priesthood. He has worked with college students as they are pursuing a career path, to consider more than how much money they will make. And now he works with young men who are preparing for the priesthood, including two of our alumni. Father Brady has generously offered to celebrate Mass many times and especially when we were in need of a Priest. He has also made contacts with other Priest friends to support the sacramental life of our school. We are proud to claim Father Brady as an alumnus, whose Lasallian values of inclusion and faith continue to make our school a place of growth and love.”
Father Wagner would never say this about himself, but he also has a pretty flawless golf swing. Father, thank you for sharing your gifts and thank you for serving as a spiritual and personal inspiration to us all. The recipient of the 2017 Alumni Achievement Award, Father Brady Wagner.
Next, we recognize Ms. Ashley Adamson, also from the Class of 2000. Ashley attended college as an undergrad at Boston College and went on to earn her Master's at Boston University. Ashley followed her passion for broadcast journalism to positions in Boston, Syracuse, New York, and Indianapolis. Ultimately, Ashley worked her way to the Bay Area where she is currently the Pac-12 Network studio host, anchor, and reporter covering all Pac-12 Network shows and events. Ashley hosts the Pac-12 Football Pregame show on Saturday mornings as well as the Pac-12 Network's flagship studio show, Sports Report. Ashley also hosts halftime reports for many different women’s and Olympic sports, serves as a reporter on features and long-form stories, and provides sideline reports during the football championship game and men’s basketball tournament. Ashley brings an element of serious fun, intellectual curiosity and professionalism to her present position that is practically unmatched.
A family friend, Lisa Koss Best shares this endorsement of Ashley’s integrity and leadership: “Knowing Ashley has been a true honor. I was the family's nanny starting when Ashley was 13. My favorite memories of her were watching her own up to her actions with integrity and humility. It showed me the truest character of who she was and is. She always showed incredible discipline, not only in her education, but her athletics. If you knew her at all, you would know that she was a leader in everything she was involved in. People just naturally looked to her. I couldn't be more proud to know such an incredible woman.”
Ashley wants to first and foremost say, “thank you to the Mullen community for considering her for this award, it's humbling to be recognized, especially given all the incredible things Mullen alumni are doing around the world.
The people are what have always made Mullen so special.” Ashley would like to thank all of her teachers, coaches and friends, for guiding her through those tough, uncertain teenage years, and for always being there, even when her parents wanted to give her away.
Above all, Ashley would like to thank her family. For being here today, for encouraging her, for loving her through her flaws, and supporting her every step of the way. And one note to her dad, Gary, who graduated from Mullen, Class Valedictorian in 1971 and was actually the first student at Mullen to win the Torch Award all four years ... she wants to thank her Dad for sharing this incredible place with all four of his kids ... and she also wanted to wish him good luck with the alumni achievement committee. “Maybe next year, Dad…”
Ashley, we forgive you for the dress code violations back in the day and welcome you back to Mullen High School as the recipient of the 2017 Alumni Achievement Award.
Our attention now turns to Mr. John Horan from the Class of 1974. John is a man whose imprint on this city is inspiring and long-lasting. Consistent with our Lasallian tradition in his work in the community, John represents the tenets of hard work, conviction and exceptional temperament. John gives back from a place that is wholly authentic, and heart-led. John’s trademark of treating people the way one would want to be treated is a quality that is both infectious and inspiring. When asked why he helps those who often have nothing to offer in return John simply states, "When there is a hardship, we do what needs to be done. We help. We take care of things, and we have partners in the community who see it the same way." If that isn’t Lasallian, I do not know what is …
John is also a Mullen parent in addition to being a tireless supporter of the community. Thank you, John, for entrusting us with your son, John Luke. He’s an impressive young man, and we know he’s very proud of his dad today. In John Luke’s words in describing his dad, he shares: “He’s a really good person. I have yet to meet anyone who can compare with him -- his empathy, intelligence and the way he is so humble. I strive to be just like him.” John, you have made your alma mater proud and in doing so have earned the 2017 Alumni Community Service Award.
Next up is Mr. Mike McCabe from the Class of 1955. Mike is a true gentleman who loves Mullen High School with all his heart. Mike’s reach into the era of “Boarders” and “Day Dogs” is legendary. If you work on the alumni side of our Mullen infrastructure, you better get to know Mike as he has served as de facto alumni representative for decades. Mike is more than a man with institutional memory; he’s a tireless advocate for what Mullen High School represents. In his personal life, Mike works with the incarcerated as a spiritual advisor and provides a kind ear to those folks when no one else will. Mike is a man so committed to family that to see him with those who mean the most to him is truly heartwarming -- stop by Solid Grounds coffee in Centennial any morning and you will see his influence as he is regularly surrounded by his family and friends, holding court and making others smile. But don’t get there too early as Mike won’t arrive until Mass has ended that morning. As humble as they come, Mike seeks to find out how you are doing before speaking of himself. Mike, there isn’t a word invented to articulate how grateful we are for you, so we’ll just say thank you. Mr. Mike McCabe is our 2017 Alumni Service Award recipient.
We now honor our self described, teacher servant, Mr. Craig Bowman ‘65. Craig is a man whose care and vigilance in relation to Mullen High School is unmatched. Craig gives his time, his insight and quietly in other ways that would leave people speechless – he’s a man who counts Frank Sferra as an inspiration, who himself presently inspires countless others by his own deeds and actions. Craig’s easy laugh betrays an intense conviction for the well-being of Mullen High School. Craig’s reputation as a teacher and man of faith is sterling. To his students, Craig is a man who takes the time to listen and build relationships while at the same time instilling a love for his subject that is infectious. A contemporary and classmate of Craig’s shared this observation about him: “Craig Bowman is the embodiment of the Mullen spirit and I'm sure that the J.K. Mullen family would be happy that Craig is receiving this award. I was fortunate to be at Mullen when Craig was there and he inspired me with his intelligence, sharp wit and concern for his fellow students. I feel that I am a better person for having known Craig and learned from his gentle ways. I'm sure the Brothers would be happy to see Craig get this much-deserved recognition.”
A former charge of Craig’s recently remarked: “He was an excellent teacher at Bear Creek Junior High and instrumental to my transition to Mullen. Congrats!” Another former student said, “Way to go, Mr. Bowman!” Another former student, offered: “I remember Mr. Bowman going nuts if anyone stepped on the Archer at Alameda Jr. High! Great teacher!” Of his own experience and relationship with Mullen, Craig says in his own inimitable way, “I'm grateful for the first-rate education that Mullen gave me and for the sense of servant-leadership that it taught me.”
If you have ever heard his stories of life as an orphan at Mullen living in the dormitories of what is now Partners’ Hall and his daydream to one day simply have a lamp on his bedside table is to know someone who truly knows and appreciates what really matters in life. Craig, you serve as that “light” to Mullen High School and have for some time. I’d like to share with our friends that we will also be honoring Craig on Feb. 10th at Mardi Gras as our Mardi Gras Captain. (AND WE WANT YOU ALL TO BE THERE!) Craig, we love you and cannot thank you enough for all that you have done and continue to do for Mullen and for our students. The Alumni Sustained Outstanding Service Award for 2017 goes to, Mr. Craig Bowman.
We shift now to the world of athletics.
Mike Trujillo‘78 played major-league baseball and is pictured here as a meber of the Boston Red Sox. At Mullen, Mike was known as a tireless competitor, possessing a strong command of his position and a true love for the game. Pitching isn’t a skill set that many people possess, and Mike’s dogged determination was a hallmark. Tony Schenbeck, in attendance here today, said of Mike, “he had the mental toughness to be able to handle pressure. Mike didn't throw with great velocity, but he just knew how to pitch and how to compete .. it's players like Mike (who) make good coaches out of us.” Tony also shared this story: “I remember during the Green Mountain game, my wife came down to the fence behind the dugout and got my attention, and said, ‘Don't worry, I just saw Mike's Dad, Andy, behind the bleachers and he was praying a Novena for the intention of Mullen to win today’s game.’”
Mikes pitching prowess continued beyond his days at Mullen at the University of Northern Colorado before making it to the big leagues. Mike’s six-year career saw him record nearly 100 strikeouts as a member of the Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, and the Red Sox.
Mike would like to thank the Mullen community for his inclusion into the Mullen Professional Hall of Honor. Mike is proud to be recognized alongside those who have been honored before him, and those who will follow.
Mike would like to thank his dad, Andy, and his mom, Elaine, for making the financial sacrifice to send him to Mullen, and for their tireless support and love. Mike also thanks his sister, Julie, for her support and for having to endure the miles of travel to all of the football, basketball and baseball games. Thanks from Mike to Brother Bernard, and all the other faculty and coaches for the guidance, knowledge, and wisdom they imparted during his years at Mullen, and to all of his teammates and friends. Mike would like to especially thank Coach Tony Schenbeck for his dedication, and for providing the framework that allowed Mike to progress to the next level and beyond. And, most importantly, Mike thanks God for all God has provided, including blessing Mike with a beautiful family: wife, Sandy; daughter, Laura; and son, Drew. We are thrilled to have you back on campus and welcome you into Mullen’s Alumni Professional Hall of Honor, Mike.
Alex Smith‘00 turned heads as a Mustang. Possessed of excellent hands, a sharp football acumen and an unmatched work ethic, Alex was a Super Prep first-team All-American and an All-State and All-Centennial League selection in his days as a Mustang. Alex was a nominee for the Fred Steinmark Award, which is given to the Colorado Athlete of the Year. Alex would take his skills to Palo Alto and become a member of Stanford’s football program, collecting numerous athletic and academic honors over the course of his career there. As a professional, Alex’s career was strong and steady. His most notable affiliation was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Alex started 43 of 58 games in Tampa, recorded 129 receptions for 1,252 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. Presently, Alex works with the Buccaneers in their scouting department. Alex’s mom, Pia, would like to share the following with us today: “As a child, Alex was always focused and goal-oriented. He was determined to be a professional athlete (a wrestler like Hulk Hogan, originally) from a very young age, but he knew that we expected him to get the best education he could achieve. That very focused child became the man you see in front of you today, having achieved his childhood dream (though not as a wrestler), now focusing on his spiritual goals and with his wife raising their two sons to follow their dreams.” Fellow Mustang Duan Ruff concurred: “Alex is not only a cousin to me ... he is a brother! I have had the privilege of watching Alex grow into a great, educated mind; superior athlete; and phenomenal husband and father! The best part of Alex is that he is an even better person with impeccable integrity and genuine love for those he is around. Maya Angelou said our legacy is the sum of all the people we have touched ... then Alex will a legacy that last an eternity. Congrats Alex, you are an extraordinary man and I am blessed to call you family!” Alex’s father, Ed, played defensive end for the Denver Broncos and is in attendance here today as well and I can tell you from getting to know Ed that he is just as fierce about loving his son as he was to opposing quarterbacks when he played in the NFL. It’s so good to have you back, Alex! Thanks for coming home. We are thrilled to honor you as an Alumni Professional Hall of Honor Inductee!
Brian Kormondy‘10 was a standout lacrosse player at Mullen. He helped lead his team to the state-championship game as a senior before playing collegiately for the Blue Hens of Delaware, where he was team captain. Brian graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. As a professional, Brian won a Major League Lacrosse championship in 2016 with his hometown Denver Outlaws. Brian remarked about playing here: “Denver has the best stadium, the best fans and it has been a dream come true to play professionally in my hometown." Well, Brian, I think we all agree with you!
Brian would like to share the following with us today, “When I think about my time at Mullen, I think of more than just four years of high school. I think of the lifelong friendships I gained, the teachers and staff that made my experience so positive, the morals and values that were poured into me and have made me who I am today, the countless number of opportunities I have been afforded due to my time at the school, and, of course, all those moments under the lights playing the game I love with my best friends. Most importantly, however, I think about the sacrifices that were made to allow me to attend Mullen. I am so incredibly thankful to my parents for all the time, hard work and love that they provided me with so that I could call Mullen home. I can only hope that some day I will be able to repay them. Mom and Dad, thank you and I love you!”
On a recent visit back to campus Brian left those he spoke with in awe with his earnestness and maturity that undoubtedly serve him well in his current position with the Bridge Financial Group. Brian, we are grateful to see you here today and want to see you back on campus soon ... maybe this spring? Congratulations on joining Mike Trujillo and Alex Smith as a member of this year’s Alumni Professional Hall of Honor Inductee class.”
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