50 Years! Celebrating the Legacy of the Gregor Mendel Award Dinner at St. Augustine Prep

50 Years! Celebrating the Legacy of the Gregor Mendel Award Dinner at St. Augustine Prep

For half a century, the Gregor Mendel Award has served as a symbol of excellence at St. Augustine Preparatory School, recognizing individuals who live the values of our Augustinian community and who have played pivotal roles in expanding the school’s mission. Founded in 1974, the award was the brainchild of Fr. Stephen J. LaRosa, O.S.A., the then-president of the Prep, alongside alumni parent and financial professional Leo Cinaglia, and Mr. Lawrence Pepper, Jr., a respected attorney and now Grandfather of a 2015 graduate. Their goal was clear: to bring prominent leaders into the Prep community—not just for philanthropy, but to inspire and guide the students of the Prep by surrounding them with role models of high character and accomplishment.

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The list of past award winners is a testament to the diverse, accomplished, and inspirational figures who have come to shape and transform the continued evolution of the Prep. From local leaders to distinguished alumni, these men and women represent the best of what the school has always strived to achieve. Figures like Lawrence Pepper Sr., the first award recipient in 1974, Judge Harry Adler in 1976, Peter Galetto in 1979, and Victor Rone in 1983 helped lay the foundation for what this award would become: a recognition of excellence, service, and stewardship.

Rocco Fanini ’26 serenaded guests as they arrived for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Gregor Mendel Award Dinner.

In later years, the award grew to include not just local leaders but also influential alumni and friends of the Prep. Community giants such as Carmine Catalana P’76’78’81’82 G’07’10’13’14’17(1989), Chief Mario Brunetta (1994), Dr. Joseph Bernardini ’64 (2000), Daniel Falasca G’12 (2009), John Scarpa (2010) Peter Capizola G’21 (2011), Ken Pustizzi Sr. P’04’07 (2012) and Daniel J. Hilferty ’74 (2014) have carried the torch of the Mendel Award’s mission, exemplifying the values of the school and furthering its reach. Mr. Anthony Spina, founding faculty member (2015), Paul A. Rodio ’70 P’09’11G’25 (2016), legendary head coach of Hermits Basketball, Dan and Lisa Falasca P’12, ambassadors of the Keep Them in Blazers program (2017), and Chris Gheysens ’89, CEO of Wawa Inc. helped elevate the event over the past ten years. Most recently, Senator William Gormley ’64 (2021), Carmine & Dana Catalana ’76 P’07(2022), and Mayor Anthony Fanucci ’90 (2023) represent the values and life service of the Gregor Mendel Award.

Perhaps, the spirit of Gregor Mendel is best reflected in the story of Rose Marie Davis H’17 (2019). Despite having no direct connection to a student at St. Augustine Prep, Rose Marie’s impact on the school has been nothing short of transformational. Her introduction to St. Augustine Prep began at a Gregor Mendel Award Dinner in 1998 to honor her attorney and friend, Larry Pepper Jr., Esq.H’19 G’15. Since then, she has become one of the school’s most passionate supporters, an active member of the Board of Directors, and recognized by many as the Prep’s special “angel.” Her generosity has led to the construction of the Louis and Josephine Buondonno Forum and the Vincent Buondonno Center, named in honor of her parents and brother – most significantly, she has had a hand in extending the opportunity to experience a Prep education to countless students- affectionately referred to as “her boys!”. Mrs. Davis is a beloved presence at the school and a shining example of the Gregor Mendel Legacy.

The Gregor Mendel Award Dinner has been a catalyst for the evolution of St. Augustine Prep – Congratulations on 50 Years!

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2024 Gregor Mendel Award Dinner - 50th Anniversary

Program Booklet