Alumni Stories

Please enjoy a few articles pulled from our monthly newsletters. To submit an alumni to be profiled, or to be profiled yourself - contact Andrew Peake at apeake@sbhsvta.org

Seraphs Who Served

Ever since the school's founding, the students at St. Bonaventure have been models of service year after year. However, there are those that have dedicated their lives to service by joining the ranks of the United States military. From across the United States to countries abroad, these alumni have taken the lessons, values, and education that they have acquired at St. Bonaventure and translated them to the life of a service member. Army reserve Captain Fred Woods (ret.), Army Sergeant Alex Ordoñez (ret.), and Senior Airman Christian Garibay are three examples of the honor, courage, and commitment required for the military, and their time at St. Bonaventure has influenced who they have become today.

Fred Woods, a former captain in the army reserves, had always felt a "calling" to join the military, but the St. Bonaventure experience provided him the discipline he needed for this kind of life. After enrolling in ROTC at San Diego State University and finishing at Georgia State University, Woods was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. "The education I received [at St. Bonaventure] better prepared me for college," said Woods, and Sister Celsus' saying "Hazy knowledge is no knowledge," has stuck with him to this day. Most people would expect to have a difficult time transitioning from the life of a college student to the life of a service member, but for Second Lieutenant Woods, it was seamless. He was an Eagle Scout, and both his father and older brother had served before him, so he was eager to follow in their footsteps. On top of this desire to serve, the dress code at St. Bonaventure and the teamwork developed on the tennis team provided him the tools he needed to make the adjustment to the military. The teachings of Christian values at St. Bonaventure were also important to Woods as it had taught him to have compassion and honesty towards others which allowed him to have a successful sixteen years of service.

As a member of the class of 1995, Sergeant Alex Ordoñez is another example of the type of person whose leadership and dedication have transferred to life in the military. Ordoñez served for eight years as a chemical operations specialist in the Army, and the lessons he learned in high school helped him immensely. Being "humble, hungry, and smart" are three lessons learned in his high school career as both a student and football player that he still carries with him. "Being confident is great, but being able to acknowledge areas needing improvement can be the key to success," said Ordoñez. You have to be "constantly and consistently looking for ways to improve and grow." Mr. Ordoñez's attendance at St. Bonaventure still remains an important part of his life. "I continue to have strong lifelong friendships with a number of people from my class. Because we were a 'smaller'class compared to public schools within Ventura, we had the ability to become closer with one another. I am a Seraph for life!" His faith, strengthened while at St. Bonaventure, was also a key component in his military career. "Faith provided stability for me in a world, at the time, a lot was unknown. No matter what happened or where I was stationed, God was (and continues to be) there for me."

Senior Airman Christian Garibay is yet another example of the selfless alumni that have joined the armed forces. Garibay, who continues to serve today in his fourth year as an airman, works in Aircraft Armament Systems where he loads bombs and missiles on the F-15 Strike Eagle. Not only has he been stationed all over the country including Alaska and Virginia, he has also been deployed for six months to Southwest Asia. "I joined right out of high school," said Garibay. "It was the greatest decision I have ever made." The Air Force paid for his education after he joined, and he was able to get a degree while traveling the world. While the armed forces was a lifelong dream, Garibay's high school experience assisted him tremendously in his life as a service member. "The respect and discipline I learned from the classroom and the baseball field have helped me out a lot. Without that, I wouldn't be where I am today." And, yes, he believes that every student at St. Bonaventure should consider joining the armed forces because of how it helped him become the person he is."My main reason I joined was to serve this country. I really do love this country and everything it stands for. I believe everyone should serve this country at some point in their life." And like the other alumni who have served, Garibay's faith is prominent in his life. "It's gotten me through so much. Without my faith, I don't know where I would be today."

A common pattern is prevalent in each of these outstanding individuals. St. Bonaventure has provided a stellar education, spiritual strength, discipline, humility, and respect for its students across the years, and it shows in those who have dedicated their lives to the service of the United States of America. These three men are just a few of those who have served their country proudly and are tremendous examples of the people with integrity and character that have attended, are attending, and will attend St. Bonaventure High School.

By Jake Saum, Class of 2019

Robert Clifford ('77)

“The academic foundation, social responsibility, and quest for excellence engendered in me as a Seraph has served me well for almost 40 years. The Franciscan brothers, Sisters of Notre Dame, and dedicated lay teachers of SBHS all had a profound effect on me as a military officer, FBI agent, and diplomat.” - Robert Clifford

In the second grade, Robert F. Clifford (’77) picked up a book about the Federal Bureau of Investigation and sparked a passion that has lasted a lifetime. The 2004 Federal Employee of the Year and the only Seraph Alumni to win the Bolivian National Police Medal of Honor and Merit The 25 year decorated FBI veteran took time recently to speak about his career and time at Saint Bonaventure High School.

Reflecting back to his days at Saint Bonaventure and how he misses the school spirit, the sense of community, playing football, running track and field, and being in government, Robert notes a few teachers who stood out. Religion teacher, Sister Marie Paul, helped him find the love for theology with her unique and innovative teaching style. He also misses his English teacher Brother Gerald, he gave him the love for literature and poetry and Coach Paul, football and track and field coach, who helped him learn about authority and the value of knowing who has your back.

The Ojai native attended Saint Mary’s College and majored in Medieval Theology. Following graduation, he attended Oxford University in England and received a Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Southern California.

After spending 8 years serving in the United States Navy as an Officer, Bob join the Bureau as a Special Agent in 1989. Serving in posts across the world, including assignments in the Middle East, South America, Europe and Washington Bob advanced to FBI On-Scene Commander in Iraq and the senior FBI representative to NATO and the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.

His career as highlighted by assignments to lead a teams to take down groups that threatened United States security, groups like MS 13 and November 17. Robert Clifford’s work against this organization won him the prestigious Federal Employee of the Year award.

This career was not without sacrifice. Bob and Deirdre, his wife of 27 years, raised their children in foreign countries. Beyond the normal long hours, there were evenings where a fellow agent would arrive home, explaining that Dad would be missing dinner. However, the opportunity to serve, save lives, and travel far outweighed any downside.

On a last note, Robert advised current Seraphs wishing who want to go into the FBI to look beyond work and strive for a greater cause. Excellence in grades, unquestionable integrity and captainship are necessary, but it is equally vital to be well rounded and have passion.

By: Sophie Dahlstedt (‘17)

Ashley Hansen ('08)

Ashley Hansen ('08) is over 8,000 miles from home, quite literally on the other side of the world. She lives and works in Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon. Her goal is simple - she want to make a difference in the health of the people of that area.

She has spent time as a librarian, and is now working for the Archdiocesan Health Office helping educate health care workers, organize malaria, hygiene and safe water campaigns and caring for the sick. She is sharing her adventures on her blog: http://ashleyincameroon.blogspot.com/ and was nice enough to answer a few questions via e-mail.

What drove you to Christian Service?

I heard the call to service at an early age. I remember being five or six and falling in love with the study of disease. I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to service. I researched hundreds of programs including the Peace Corps, Maryknoll, JVC, and Lay Mission Helpers. I was working in a Christian high school in Appalachia when I decided on applying to Maryknoll and Lay Mission Helpers. It's one of the oldest Catholic lay mission programs, started at a time when the Catholic Church saw mission as a calling of religious men and women. I was drawn to the organization's history, morals, established support, but mostly, I was drawn to the inclusiveness, the way the program directors have taken a personal interest in all of us.

Do you have any advice to current or former Seraphs about overseas work?

Do it. You don't have to serve long term, but spend a few weeks. Break out of your comfort zones. Experience something completely different. Overseas work is scary. You leave behind your family and are dropped into a new place, a new culture and a new life. Some days, I sit in my house with no power and no water, knowing I have to go to the market, and I think, I could go home. No one would look at me any differently, but that's not true. I would look at me differently. I would live with the decision to give up for the rest of my life. What I have learned, what I have experienced has changed me for the better.

What would you want your fellow alumni to know about Cameroon?

Cameroon is constantly surprising me. There is so much to do and see: the black sand beaches of Limbe, the dramatic mountains of Njinikom, crater lakes and waterfalls, coffee and cocoa plantations, the mysterious mokele mbembe dinosaur still believe to dwell in the southeast... Cameroon is considered to be the whole of Africa in one country. We have grasslands, deserts, rain forests and mountains. The geography is insane and interesting with volcanic activity (Mt. Cameroon was erupting in 2001 and Lake Nyos "exploded" in the 80s killing entire villages). The people are accepting and happy. Cameroon is beautiful.

What do you miss most about Saint Bonaventure?

Maybe I should tell you what I don't miss... It may be a shorter answer. I miss Mr. McElvogue. He challenged me in ways I didn't think possible. He unlocked a part of me that lay dormant, opened me up to the world of adventure in books, and he believed in me. I miss Mr. Ambler. I miss the way he would poke fun at us (using the sound of a heartbeat to much to Kevin's horror and letting us finish Gattaca the one day Linnea wasn't there just because she wasn't there), but also the way he encouraged us to be everything we could be. I miss Mr. Castruita's art class. I miss how Miss. H made government fun and how Mrs. Basolo used to whip us into shape with "wet noodles". I miss Mrs. Kraus's brimstone and fire rendition in American Literature. I miss World Quest competitions with Mrs. Valle and the insane friendships we built on the team. I miss afternoons spent in the Seraph Room rehearsing plays and learning about our potential. I miss my teachers and friends.

Being at Bonaventure helped shape me into the person I am now. My teachers helped me believe in myself, to trust in my abilities and not be afraid of showing my geek side. The person I was going into high school had dreams, but the person I became in high school made those dreams a reality.

Seraphs in the Peace Corps

Five Questions for:

John Patrick Brady ('85) and Paul Fischer ('09)

Though they attended Saint Bonaventure at very different times, John Brady ('85) and Paul Fischer ('09) share a passion for international service. They both agreed to answer a few questions about their time in Peace Corps, living abroad, and what inspired them to live lives in service of others.

John lives in Kazakhstan with his wife, Ligi, and their three children. Paul is currently pursuing a masters degree in International Development at Georgetown. John's responses will appear first and in gold, followed by Paul's in green.

How did your experience at SBHS prepare you to go overseas?

(John) I feel that I had a well-balanced, quality education during my four years at SBHS. The teachers I had were from fairly diverse backgrounds. I remember a math teacher from Jordan and of course some teachers from Ireland. Between my junior and senior year of SBHS I briefly did some sports outreach in the Tijuana area. That experience combined with the education I was getting at SBHS, made me choose, even at age 16, to work overseas as much as possible.

(Paul) My first trip to South America came in December of 2005, when I was a Freshman at SBHS. At that point I had one semester of Spanish under my belt with Ms. Mercado and was heading to Chile and Peru for the holiday to visit my brother. As a first year, I was barely articulate in any language, but I can distinctly remember successfully bargaining for souvenirs. I continued to study Spanish and spent my Sophomore through Senior-year spring breaks in Mexico building houses, where I also made use my Spanish.

Since graduating from SBHS in 2009, I have continued to travel. I lived for the better part of two years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - first as a student and then working with the United Nations Development Programme - and later I moved to Morocco, where I spent two and a half years with the Peace Corps. The foundation in Spanish that came from my four years at SBHS was a great base from which to begin studying Portuguese. While there weren't the same cognates I could use as a crutch when eventually I began learning Arabic, I had a more important skill to draw on: A tradition of service.

Who was your favorite teacher/coach at SBHS - what about them was memorable?

I had two favorites. One, Sister Louise who taught us AP English. She was all business and taught us so much about how to write properly. Some of her phrases still stick out in my mind. Also, I enjoyed Brother Tom, who, besides being the principal at the time also taught some classes. He was very down-to-earth and encouraging to me.

I had many wonderful teachers at SBHS, however, among my favorites are Mrs. Basolo, who I had for English as a Freshman and then AP English and US History as a Junior, and Mr. Rhymes with whom I played sax all four years. Mrs. Basolo made me a better critical thinker and taught me to take pride in my work. She demanded rigor and reflection in every assignment and test and knew when I could do better.

Mr. Rhymes has been a life-long interlocutor, mentor, and friend. I took private lessons with him from the 4th Grade on, and he has more embarrassing stories about me than I would care to reveal. It was fun to play in the Camarillo Community Band with him over the summer, this time as a peer.

What inspired you to be part of the Peace Corps and continue working in the non profit area?

At SBHS I could see that a lot of the teachers were there because they were serious about making an impact on us youth, even though most of us did not probably appreciate it at the time. Seeing the great needs overseas and the challenges in working in another culture were a big draw for me. Since finishing my Masters at UC Davis, I have spent 21 of the last 24 years working overseas. It has been an enriching experience for me, my wife Ligi, and 3 kids. My kids have grown up overseas and experienced different cultures and perspectives they would not have had the chance to living in the US. I think what has kept us working in the non profit area is the many opportunities to see transformation in the communities we work in.

My Peace Corps service and work with the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County goes back to an idea that I touched on earlier. When I was in Mexico building houses during those spring breaks in high school, I wasn't there to just impose a home on a needy family. We worked alongside the target audience for whom the intervention was intended. Now I certainly was in no position to teach anyone how to build a house, but the contractors who came with us could.

The distinction that I am trying to draw is about sustainability. It's impossible to build a home for everyone who needs one, however, by focusing on capacity building ("teach a man to fish and he'll fish for a lifetime") you can create a ripple effect. One person builds a home, they in turn can make repairs and teach others to build homes of their own. Neither the US Government nor local non-profits, like the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, have infinite resources to build hospitals in developing countries or hire lawyers for every person detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. By focusing on capacity building instead, limited resources can be more effective brought to bear: the US Government can train doctors and SJFVC can give Know Your Rights presentations.

I was inspired to join the Peace Corps because of John F. Kennedy's famous inaugural address in which he exhorted all generations of Americans to service. Kennedy was a Catholic and he later founded the Peace Corps. In those early days, international development was mostly about countering Communism, however, the Agency perseveres because fundamentally when we all do better, we all do better. Creating economic opportunities for people abroad isn't a zero-sum game for US taxpayers. Peace Corps has ripple effects all over the world, as people who might not normally have access to decent education, are able to rise above their station in life. Access to education means you are less likely die young, and are more likely to get a job. When people have jobs they are less prone to crime and are more likely to buy US goods and services. When people are able to enjoy some stability in their lives the world is a peaceful place.

What was your project about?

I was in the Peace Corp for 3 years on the tropical island of Niue in the South Pacific (1994-97). I was managing the government agricultural research station. My main work was to help the vanilla growers on the island as well as working with a plantation forestry project and vegetable research. My favorite part of the job was going around to the different villages visiting and talking to farmers. Since I married a local girl from the island, we often go back and visit relatives and still have contact with the agricultural department there.

Working in the Youth Development sector, meant I had a lot of free rein to do whatever I wanted. My biggest project during my Peace Corps service was a curriculum called Creating Leadership in the Mountains and Beyond (CLIMB). Over the course of six-months, I paired the current generation of youth leaders in my tiny village in Morocco with the up-and-coming generation of youth leaders. We had classroom sessions where we learned about leadership, teambuilding, and environmental stewardship. Then we'd get out of the classroom and go on increasingly difficult hikes.

These hikes were opportunities for my students to learn about wilderness medicine and, as opposed to the incredibly hierarchical nature of education in Morocco, have an opportunity to share their interests and passions. The program culminated in a three-day hike to summit and descend Mt. Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4,000 meters.

My proudest moment actually came just before this last hike. One of my students, Nisrine, a 13-year old girl, was excelling in the class. When I selected her for the program there was no guarantee that she would be able to do it; Nisrine has a physical disability, she is a little person. However, she never let her disability hold her back and she demonstrated incredible strength and resolve. However, shortly before our final hike, Nisrine stopped coming to class. I learned that her father, an Imam or religious official, was embarrassed about her disability and didn't want her go. I went to see him and begged for him to allow Nisrine to go, even offering to do Nisrine's chores and work in his fabric store. I pleaded with him in Arabic, enumerating the benefits of her participation, lauding her strength, and using the language of the Quran to bless the Imam and his family. Eventually he relented and Nisrine climbed Mt. Toubkal.

What advice would you give to current students who are considering service abroad?

Of course I would heartily recommend it for those not afraid of getting out of their comfort zone. You will learn a lot about your yourself and other cultures. But don't think you can change the world overnight. To make a real impact, it usually takes a lot of groundwork such as learning another language, culture and worldview. There will be the inevitable "culture shock" and misunderstandings. But after you make it through that period, you will most likely gain some new deep friendships. A lot of us are afraid to commit "long-term" to an overseas project and that is understandable. It is better to start out with a short-term project and test the waters before jumping in for the long-term.

Approach everything that you do with a mindset of humility and willingness to be of service. Hopefully, you will have many opportunities to go abroad, but when you do, go with a sense of curiosity and eagerness to learn more about the culture of the place you're visiting and respect for their customs and traditions. Be open to trying new things!


Anna Rios Bermudez ('72)

Anna Bermudez is a member of the class of 1972

Can you tell me about what being a curator entails?

My official title is Curator of Collections and Exhibits which means that I am in charge of the permanent collection of 3-D artifacts and fine art in the museum’s collection. My colleague, Charles Johnson, is in charge of all print material. The 3-D collection is made up of more than 30,000 artifacts that are in some way related to Ventura County history. We also have almost 1000 pieces of art by Ventura County artists.

As exhibits curator I create new art or history exhibits every few months at the Museum’s Main Street location as well as our satellite location at the Bell Arts Factory on Ventura Avenue.

Being a curator means you have to know how to research. In my case, both art and history. Each exhibit takes more than a year to research and design. I am lucky to have a great exhibits designer working with me but I have to come up with the “big idea” and do the research.

I also have to be able to speak about the exhibits to volunteers, visitors and donors to the museum.

What experiences in high school and college inspired you to be a curator?

I always loved art but was too afraid to take an art class. I finally decided to try art history when I got to college and loved it! Although my focus is in art history, I have always had a love of local history and that combination worked well when I applied for this job.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Saint Bonaventure?

Our football team winning CIF in 1968. We were such a small school then but everyone went to the games to support. I remember the game in Santa Ynez. It was pouring rain, many Hail Mary’s were said and everyone was drenched but that was ok. We came together as a community that night.

When did you realize you wanted to be an art curator?

I guess I’ve always wanted to be a curator, but I went into education because my mother thought it was the practical thing to do! I spent years in that field and then decided I wanted to put my Art History education to use. So I co-curated an exhibit (as a civilian) in 1998 with then-curator Tim Schiffer. He got me interested in the museum and when an opening came up I applied. The rest is history!

What is the best part of your job?

Meeting museum colleagues across the country and beyond. Also visiting with families who have artifacts to donate to the museum and listening to their stories and visiting artists in their studios and seeing the work they produce. I have met so many wonderful people since I began working at the museum. One of my favorite parts of the job and sitting down in exhibit meetings with my exhibits team and brainstorming about upcoming exhibits and what we can show the public that they haven’t seen before. We have created some fantastic exhibits that way.

When choosing artworks, what do you look for?

I always look for the story behind the story. I need to know an artist well, before I can even look at their work because I need to know where they are creating from. The worst advice I ever got came from a former colleague who told me (before my first studio visit) to never smile and never let the artist know what I thought about their work. I left my first artist in tears! I always make it a point to smile and if I like something I let the artist know.

But to answer your question, I look for art that has great composition. I don’t care is the artist is well-trained or has had no arts education. I know what I like and I can tell when someone is moving in the right direction with their work. Many artists just need a chance to show what they can do. I don’t like art that is too commercial, something that would look great in a hotel lobby. I like art that has some edginess to it. I did the first graffiti art show at the museum in 2008 and it was well-received.

When you create your own works, What do you turn to for inspiration?

My history. My father came from Mexico with the Bracero (guest worker) program. He only had a fifth grade education but he was well-read and taught me about art, music and the importance of never forgetting where I came from. That is very visible in my work. My father inspired the first fiber art piece that I did that was an homage to the workers in the fields. I like to create pieces of art that are more social commentary than just pretty.

Has there been any unexpected benefits in your work?

Yes. I once had Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers come in asking for me. I just about fell over! I get to attend the VIP party at the LA Art Show as well.

But mostly I like having colleagues I can count on all over the country. I was recently appointed a consultant for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History for the work I’ve done researching Mexican American baseball in Ventura County. It’s a great honor for me.

Out of all the art styles and forms, what are your favorites?

I love The California School of Painting: artists like Millard Sheets. Currently the trend is heading back to representational art and I am enamored of the wonderful artists working in this genre especially Jeremy Lipking, Alexi Steele, Joseph Todorovitch, and Pamela Wilson whose work as a hyper realist is unbelievable.

If someone wants to be a curator, what steps do they have to take in college to get there?

The best advice I can offer is focus on a specific subject area and get really good at it! Many colleges and universities are offering degrees in Museum Studies, but major museums want you to specialize in a specific area. Museum Studies is very broad.

The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in Ventura and is open to the public seven days a week. More information is available at venturamuseum.org.


Mary Osbourne ('00)

How has your experience at SBHS influenced you as an instructor, competitor and business owner?

SBHS taught me the early stages of how to run a business, relationships, and being a mentor. I had a lot of great mentors at SBHS that I cherished and looked up to. I give my thanks to them for encouraging me to do what I love and support me. I learned from them what it was like to be a mentor and now I try my hardest to give back to our community and the young teens that need motivation and encouragement in their lives. I played volleyball, basketball and was a cheerleader at SBHS. All my coaches were incredible and helped shape who I am today.

Who was your favorite teacher/coach at SBHS - what about them was memorable?

I would say every teacher at SBHS was incredible. Each teacher had a unique spirit about them and was able to share their passion for teaching with all the students. I will say one of my favorite coaches was Dawn Norkewicz for cheer leading. I have never met a more passionate coach. She is a complete mentor to all the girls, loves sports, is there for everyone always and has become my life long friend. I am always excited to go back to the games, see the girls cheer and watch all the talented athletes from SBHS. Also, Mr. Cote, Mrs. Basolo, Coach Mac & his wife, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Budd... there were so many great teachers.

What inspired you to take a love of surfing to a competitive level and eventually a career?

I had three older brothers who all surfed. I was raised in a competitive sport household so everything I did was for passion to win. We competed in everything we did as children, teens and we still do (lovingly) now. The first time I saw a female surf picture in a magazine, I told myself "I want my picture in a magazine." It motivated me to start competing, winning, promoting myself and eventually I got my first magazine cover.

What message would you send to the young women who play sports at SBHS?

I think sports are absolutely important for young teens. Not only are they fun and healthy, they teach you how to work as a team. I believe sport can shape a person entirely and eventually it will cross over into a workplace. I love coaching young girls in surfing and other sports. You can see the girls blossom, gain confidence and accomplish personal goals. My advice, join a team! Try something new or play a sport your passionate about, you wont be disappointed.

What advice would you give to current students who want to make a career out of something they love?

You must try to do something you love. You will never truly fail, only gain knowledge and learn from your mistakes. If you are passionate, then you are on the right path. I almost gave up so many times in my career. I would loose a contract, a sponsor would change marketing directions or I felt I wasn't making enough money. I learned if you love what you do, you can twist, turn and make the puzzle fit some way or another. I have gone from being a student to an amateur surfer, to a professional surfer and now 15 years later a small business owner in Ventura County. Everyday I try to educate myself more, and work harder creatively so I can continue to grow my business. The goal, always continue to motivate yourself and teach yourself.