Established in 2003, the purpose of the McQuaid Jesuit Knights of the Round Table is to recognize individuals, living or deceased, who have distinguished themselves in their personal lives and careers, thereby reflecting credit upon McQuaid Jesuit's educational efforts, moral principles and philosophical tenets. Candidates for the Knights of the Round Table include alumni, members of the McQuaid Jesuit faculty, administration and staff, coaches and non-alumni.
Inductees
- 2017 Inductees
- 2016 Inductees
- 2015 Inductees
- 2014 Inductees
- 2012 Inductees
- 2010 Inductees
- 2008 Inductees
- 2006 Inductees
- 2004 Inductees
2017 Inductees
Gerard "Jerry" Farrell
Jerry's Wife, Jackie, Accepts the Award on his Behalf
Gerard "Jerry" Farrell had the unique ability to connect with everyone he met. Students trusted him because he was genuinely interested in them and valued them. He never wavered in his ability even when he was sick, ultimately passing away in 2003.
Students and faculty alike had a special fondness for Jerry, who was director from 1988-2003. His office was welcoming and his presence conveyed caring and genuineness. He was a sensitive listener and his understated but astute manner was enlivened by a wry sense of humor that calmed anxiety, dissipated anger, and encouraged meaningful relationships between him and the students he cared so deeply about.
Jerry lived "cura personalis" through the many ways he worked with students in counseling. His familiarity with postsecondary institutions and especially their admissions procedures and personnel gave him a wealth of knowledge that he enthusiastically shared with students as he advised them on their post-high school options.
From his prior teaching experience at Bishop Kearney High School, Jerry also had a firm understanding of classroom dynamics and especially adolescent development. His pleasant approach and his interest in serving students, faculty, staff, and parents were always directed by his faith and by his strong sense of social justice, which manifested itself through his dedication to both his neighborhood and his parish. Jerry's faith was clearly evident as he encountered and accepted several difficult challenges to his health. None of those challenges, however, ever diminished his cheerful and caring demeanor and he remained a source of insight and practical wisdom for countless students lucky enough to have met and been counseled by him.
Peter Rodgers
Jesuit education has played an important role in the life of Peter Rodgers for more than 50 years. Rooted firmly in his parents' desire for and commitment to a quality education for their children, Peter entered Buffalo's Canisius High School in 1967. Like so many young men who through the years have experienced the challenges of Latin, the companionship of friends, the deepening of faith, and the correction of JUG, Peter emerged prepared for success in college and in life. After his high school years, he continued his Jesuit education at Fordham University.
Peter's relationship with Jesuit education began again when he and his wife, Pam, chose McQuaid Jesuit for their two sons, Stephen, '98, and John, '03. For more than a decade, Peter and Pam threw themselves into their sons' experiences by supporting athletic events, homework sessions, Kairos retreats, and other social events, including BASH, which they co-chaired in 1999.
In 2003, Peter joined the McQuaid Jesuit Board of Trustees and became its chairman in 2010. His tenure on the board revealed steady leadership as the school went through the expansion of a sixth grade, renovation of the school cafeteria, and the transition of two presidents.
Peter's latest, but probably not last, relationship with Jesuit education occurred when he was awarded a McQuaid Jesuit diploma and made an Honorary Member of the Class of 2016 at Commencement last year.
The value of a quality education was instilled in Peter as a young man. Through his own experiences and by his commitment to his sons and their classmates, Peter has ensured the mission of Jesuit education has remained strong in the Rodgers family.
2016 Inductees
Gena Stoll-Ewart
In 1981, Gena Stoll-Ewart, better known as “Frau,” was teaching German at the University of Rochester while working on a master’s degree when she heard that McQuaid was looking for a part-time German teacher. Aside from tutoring students, she never had taught at the high school level, let alone at an all-male school, but embraced the opportunity and began her career by teaching German III and German IV to students--at the same time. Her command of the classroom and her enthusiastic passion for languages ultimately earned her a full-time position at McQuaid, where shehas taught German, French, Spanish, Latin, and English. She always is excited to be with her students and she has the ability to connect with each of them in a unique way.
If Frau is not in the classroom, she is busy living out the Jesuit mission of being a “woman with and for others,” by making a meal for Ronald McDonald House, tutoring local refugees, learning a new language, or visiting elderly residents every week at Monroe Community Hospital, an experience she occasionally shares with students by bringing them along.
Thomas Urban Way, '62 (Posthumously)
Thomas Way graduated from McQuaid Jesuit in 1962 and attended St. John Fisher College where he studied sociology and was a member of the soccer team. Following his graduation, Tom worked for Eastman Kodak Co. until was drafted into the U.S. Army in February 1967. In September, Tom joined Company E, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade, 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam. At the time of his deployment, he was engaged to be married.
On October 9, 1967, while serving as a rifleman on a search and destroy mission in the western portion of Long Thanh Province, Vietnam, Tom’s unit came under attack. Tom charged across the open terrain, directing a devastating volume of firepower on the insurgents. Although seriously wounded in the ensuing action, he continued to fight until he succumbed to his wounds. Tom had just turned 23-years-old five days earlier.
On October 25, 1967, Tom was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously. On November 10, 1967, he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster). Tom also received the National Defense, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Campaign Medals.
2010 Inductees
Mr. & Mrs. William E. Cherry, '68 |
Hon. Frank P. Geraci, '69 |
Mr. Michael C. Green, '79 |
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel H. Mahar, '84 |
2008 Inductees
Ms. Ester M. Cleary |
Mr. Richard A. Dollinger, '69 |
Mr. John H. Glavin |
Rev. James E. Hewes, '65 |
Mr. R. Wayne LeChase, '61 |
William McCusker, S.J. |
Mr. Matthew Weider, '73 |
2006 Inductees
Mr. Giacomo Achille | James Barnett, S.J. |
Mr. Roger Bunce | Mr. John W. Crowe |
Mr. & Mrs. Philip J. DiPasquale | Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Fox |
Mr. A. Michael Hanna, '59 | Mr. Christopher F. Koller, '79 |
Mr. John C. Ladd | Mr. Francis J. Lorson, '61 |
Mr. George C. Monagan Jr. | Mr. Thomas T. Mooney, '59 |
Mr. Timothy J. Nally, '67 | John J. Podsiadlo, S.J., '58 |
Lorenzo Reed, S.J | Dr. Richard T. Rohrer, '58 |
Mr. Geoffrey H. Rosenberger, '71 | James P. Wilmot Family |
Lawrence J. Wroblewski, S.J. |
2004 Inductees
Rev. Albert P. Bartlett, S.J. | Mr. Frank S. Noce |
Mr. Robert J. Bradley | Rev. Richard P. Noonan, S.J. |
Rev. John Carriero, S.J. | Rev. William J. O'Malley, S.J. |
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony G. Cashette | Mr. John M. Odenbach Sr. Family |
Hon. & Mrs. John J. Conway Jr. | Mr. & Mrs. A. Neil Pappalardo, '60 |
Rev. Joseph DeMaio, O.Carm. | Mr. David C. Pitcher, '74 |
Dr. & Mrs. John H. Dessauer - Stella Matutina Foundation | Mr. & Mrs. Thomas D. Presutti |
Mr. & Mrs. John L. DiMarco Sr., '60 | Mr. George A. Schiller |
Rev. James J. Fischer, S.J. | Hon. John R Schwartz, '62 |
Rev. Leon J. Hogenkamp, S.J. | Mr. Robert T. Schwartz |
Mr. & Mrs. James S. Gleason | Mr. Thomas R. Seymour |
Mr. Patrick J. Horvath, '78 | Mr. Ferdinand J. Smith III, '63 |
Mr. Gerald W. Jaromin | Mr. & Mrs. Vincent J. Stanley |
Mr. Franklin L. Kamp | Mr. Thomas N. Trevett, '60 |
Most Rev. James E. Kearney | Mr. & Mrs. Mark H. Tuohey Jr. |
Rev. James F. Keenan, S.J. | Mr. Charles K. Turk |
Mr. Daniel G. Kennedy | Mr. Eugene D. Ulterino, '59 |
Mr. Terrance J. Lynch, '77 | Mr. & Mrs. Herbert W. Vanden Brul |
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Mancini | Mr. & Mrs. Daniel J. Warmenhoven, '68 |
Mr. Vito Marcello | Wegman Family |
Rev. Francis J. McNamara, S.J. | Mr. & Mrs. Philip K. Wehrheim |
Dr. Peter C. Meade, '70 | Mr. & Mrs. William F. Wilmot |
Mr. Thomas I. Nientimp, '59 |