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Past Events

2^nd Annual SVD Alumni Association Reunion

Erie, Pennsylvania

In Honor of Fr. Leo Dusheck, SVD

October 27, 2001

2^nd Annual SVD Alumni Association Reunion
by Ed and Jane Marti

        I quickly glanced at the notice of the 2nd Girard reunion to be held at the end of October and might have dismissed it as too far to travel, except that Fr. Leo Dusheck was to be honored. Jane immediately said, "Let's go. This will give me, your wife, a perfect opportunity to see my husband as a very young man through the eyes of one of his first mentors." Leo never taught me an academic class, yet he was an educator of life and values. He is a major reason that I am who I am today.

        "Are you prepared to meet the man who was your teacher almost 40 years ago? You only remember him as a young priest. I wonder if you will see him in the same way as you did as a young seminarian." This was the question my wife put to me as we were walking up the hill to the Avalon Hotel for the 2nd Annual SVD reunion. October 27 was the day to honor Leo Dusheck, my high school seminary prefect. As I reflected on this, it occurred to me that Leo, a major force in the formation of my values, spirituality and work ethic might not be as I remembered him. We forged on and I told Jane to expect a small reunion. Girard exists no more and many people have left for different parts of the country.

        We celebrated a dialogue mass in the hospitality suite with Leo as celebrant. We all found Fr. Leo to be as vital and "to the point" now as in days past. The group of about 25-30 attendees was warm and intimate. It was emotional and brought back reminiscences of former priests, friends, and brothers. Girarders, former students and educators alike, came from near and far away to celebrate with Leo. An inviting and generous buffet dinner was followed by some humorous "roasts" of the illustrious former prefect. Conversation and remembrances from the past lasted well into the night. Without exception, all of us in attendance could undeniably attest that Fr. Leo made a lasting impact in our lives whether we were his students or his colleagues in the order.

        Reunions such as these provide an important chance for all of us to express our gratitude (albeit perhaps belated) for the love, guidance and dedication offered to us by our friends and role models in the SVD community.

        Thank you Fr. Leo, for the gift of yourself!

        Nota Bene from JKM: To wives and children of all SVD seminarians: Haven't you always wanted to know your husband/father in his early years? Your best perspective is hearing about his school years from fellow students and former teachers.

Attendees: