Your One Stop For Everything SJN Alumni Related
A Foundation for Life: From Northwestern Military and Naval Academy to a Career in Technology – Alumni Spotlight: Paul Jakstas N’58
When Paul Jakstas N’58 reflects on his life and career, he doesn’t necessarily see himself as someone who belongs in the spotlight. In fact, Paul has always considered himself more of a low-profile person. But his story is a wonderful example of how the lessons, friendships, and experiences gained at Northwestern Military and Naval Academy […]
From Cadet to Chief Medical Officer: Dr. Babak “Bob” Salimi’s S’86 Journey of Leadership and Service
For Dr. Babak “Bob” Salimi S’86, the lessons learned at St. John’s Northwestern Academy have served as the foundation for a remarkable career in medicine, leadership, and service. Today, Bob serves as a Medical Director and Interim Chief Medical Officer for Centene Corporation, one of the nation’s largest healthcare organizations. Board-certified in pediatrics with an […]
From Guanajuato to Georgetown to Global Service: The Journey of Charles Martin Hernández-Hermann ’11
When Charles Martin Hernández-Hermann arrived at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, he was a 15-year-old student from Guanajuato, México, stepping into an unfamiliar world. What followed was a remarkable journey defined by resilience, leadership, and a commitment to service, one that began with a chance encounter and led to accomplishments on a global stage. Charles, […]
Alumni Spotlight: Ralph M Stair N’63
Ralph was flunking 7th grade at a public school in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Tests showed he was performing at the 2nd or 3rd grade level academically. A school counselor told his parents he should drop out of school and become an auto mechanic or find a similar occupation. After extensive testing, his parents discovered he had […]
A Career of Service, Leadership, and Legacy
Reflections from CMDCM Blake Schimmel ’89 (Ret.), U.S. Navy As he retires from active service after an extraordinary 35-year career in the United States Navy, Command Master Chief Blake Schimmel ’89 reflects with pride on a lifetime defined by leadership, teamwork, and service to others. Throughout his career, Schimmel served in some of the Navy’s […]
A Legacy of Leadership, Loyalty, and Lifelong Impact
Howard Alper, SJMA Class of 1947 “I’ve been playing tennis since I was nine years old. At St. John’s, I was on the tennis team,” recalls Howard “Howie” Alper, a proud graduate of the Class of 1947. His love for the sport has spanned a lifetime, but it was at St. John’s Military Academy that […]
Celebrating 40 Years: A Conversation with Thomas McEntire Weber ’85
Class President, Bravo Company Commander, and Illinois State Representative Next month marks the 40th class reunion for Thomas McEntire Weber, Class of 1985. A former Cadet Captain of Bravo Company and Senior Class President, Tom recently sat down with us over lunch to reflect on his time at St. John’s Military Academy—and the lifelong impact […]
Alumni Spotlight: Dennis Blatt – A Global Success Story
During a recent visit to Dubai, Eric Sanchez VP of Programs and Advancement had the privilege of meeting Dennis Blatt ‘11 in Dubai, an accomplished alumnus whose journey exemplifies the lifelong impact of St. John’s Northwestern Academies. Originally from Germany, Dennis arrived at SJNA with uncertainty about what lay ahead. However, his time at the […]
Interview with Zeke Fairbank S’75
Zeke Fairbank graduated from St John’s Military Academy in 1975. He was very candid in his interview. When he was in grade school his education was not progressing. The private school he attended in Chicagoland could not help him and sent him to counseling. It turned out that he had dyslexia, and there were not […]