Frank Schubert: The Importance of Giving to SPX
We sat down with Frank D. Schubert ’78, Chair of the Endowment/Planned Giving Committee of the SPX Foundation to ask him about giving at St. Pius X Foundation.
Alumni Notes - Fall 2020
1960s
Joe Abbin ’60 is the author of a recently published book ABQ Blues: Crime and Policing in Albuquerque, NM. Like many US cities, Albuquerque has been plagued by high crime rates with a discomforting upward trend. In ABQ Blues, Joe reviews the function of the various elements of the criminal justice system in general and offers his analyses of the ills associated with the local system and its parts. He concentrates on what can be done to improve policing and police-community relations on the way to reducing crime in Albuquerque. Joe states that his “emphasis is on identifying problems and solutions rather than fixing blame. Reducing crime in our city and state will require a coordinated team effort involving the city, county, state, and federal participants in our criminal justice system.” Joe is a lifelong resident of Albuquerque and a long-term employee with Sandia National Laboratories. He owns Roadrunner Engineering, is a Reserve Officer with the Albuquerque Police Department, and the author of several books on automobile mechanics.
A historical novel based in southern New Mexico by Al Dawson ’62 was published this summer. Searching for Noriko is a multicultural story—with thriller elements and a romantic subplot—about a diverse cast of characters on different continents. An American GI, a veteran of Okinawa, worries about the stability of his marriage. He is haunted by memories of the woman he rescued — and wronged — in 1945. A Japanese beauty is conflicted about a planned reunion with a former lover in New York. Collusion between underworld elements in Japan and North Korean agents threatens to spiral into an international crisis. These events dramatically intersect in Searching For Noriko. Al is a retired New York and Washington lawyer and father of three now living in West Palm Beach with his wife of 43 years, Jane.
1980s
Maj. Gen. Marion Garcia ’83, chief of staff of U.S. Army Reserve Command, retired from the Army in April 2020 after 32 years of service to the nation. She became Army Reserve chief of staff in 2019, with the responsibility for the Army Reserve Headquarters at Fort Bragg, Army Reserve staff at Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and Army Reserve staff at Fort Knox, Kentucky. She is a 1987 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps. During her career, Garcia has served in every leadership position, from platoon leader to numerous command and key staff assignments.
She is a combat veteran with deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Cuba, Operation Iraqi Freedom – Iraq, Operation Restore Hope – Somalia and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm – Southwest Asia. Her military education includes the Military Police Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms Service Staff School, the Command and General Staff College, the United States Army War College, and the Advanced Joint Professional Military Education School.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in science from the United States Military Academy, a master’s in strategic studies from the United States Army War College, a Master of Science in veterinary epidemiology and public health from the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University. Her awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with the Oak Leaf Cluster, the Parachutist Badge and the bronze German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.
1990s
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe recognized SPX senior Aiden Trujillo and history teacher Elisa Machtinger ’99 as 2020 Distinguished Disciples. The recognition honors individuals who exemplify discipleship and Christ-like character. Honorees regularly reach out to those who are less fortunate, volunteer for projects, and help their schools and larger community. They are compassionate and caring to all and live out their Catholic faith every day.
2010s
Dominic A. DeBlassie ’19 left from Albuquerque on April 27, 2020, to enter the Marine Corp
s Recruit Depot in San Diego, Calif., and begin an arduous 13-week training. In July he successfully completed “The Crucible.” This 54-hour test, traveling 48 miles on foot with 45 pounds of gear, pushes young recruits to the reward of becoming a Marine. Dominic earned that title and graduated from Boot Camp on Aug. 7, 2020. He will be studying in Pensacola, Fla., as an air crewman.
2020s
Jared Chester of KRQE Sports highlighted five SPX 2020 student athletes in multiple segments of “The Lost Season,” featuring high school spring sport senior athletes who did not get to play their final season due to COVID-19 shutdowns. Click each athlete’s name to see the segment:
