WARREN, Mich. -- Representing fields ranging from medicine, law, and engineering to the military, skilled trades, and public safety, more than 60 alumni, parents, faculty and alumni spouses, and friends of alumni gave presentations on their various careers during De La Salle Collegiate’s Career Day.

Dennis Koch, director of alumni relations, organized the day with assistance from associate director of alumni relations Brendan Johnson, Aaron Johnson, and counselor Jon Hickey. 

Unlike past career days, where speakers presented to students who indicated an interest in a particular field, this year speakers moved to different subject classrooms. 

“This was a tremendous day, which really impacted students,” Koch said. 

Hickey echoed Koch’s thoughts. 

“Our students were exposed to a lot of options and opportunities,” Hickey said. “The day gave them lots to consider.”

Dave Purrenhage is a sales professional in the automotive market, who was happy to return to his alma mater to give back. 

“It’s important for each generation to pay it forward,” said Purrenhage, ‘85, who was volunteering for his fourth Career Day.

Chris Ferlito, who is with the Clark Hill Law Firm in Detroit, remembers how helpful Career Day was to him as a student.

“I want to pay it forward and help students understand what being an attorney is like,” said Ferlito, ‘06. 

Brian Belloli, ‘92, a team director for Microsoft, remembered Career Day having an impact on his life.

“If I didn’t have that opportunity,” he said, “I am not sure I would have the professional success I enjoy today.”

Cory Stadelbauer, ‘08, an audit manager with Grant Thornton, also recalled benefitting from Career Day during his days at De La Salle.

“I remember what a refreshing and motivating experience it was for me back then,” he said. “What I didn’t realize, but now see, is what a refreshing and motivating opportunity it can be as a professional.”

Stadelbauer has volunteered with the Detroit Economic Club and also worked with De La Salle students about various networking and personal development topics.

“When I hear their stories,” he said, “I went back to work after each of those sessions motivated and eager to continue in my own personal endeavors.” 

A senior research engineer with Ford Motor Company, Tim Drotar, ‘85, was also happy to participate in Career Day.

“I am very fortunate to have found my niche,” Drotar said. “I am passionate about STEM and hope to inspire the next generation of innovators to pursue a career in this field.”

Brian Simpson, ‘94, cited his foreign language skills in talking with students about his career in international sales. Simpson speaks Portugese, Spanish, and German.

“Foreign languages open doors,” he said.

Simpson encouraged students to study abroad in college and live outside the country, but also said, “you can do any work you want from here in Detroit and Michigan.”

Kyle Suminski, ‘11, now works in physical therapy, and was quick to join the lineup of presenters. He was a junior in 2010, and had a fractured ankle that caused him to miss the entire baseball season. 

“The late Ed Martel (‘87) was the keynote speaker that day,” Suminski said. “I was still in a cast, and he was a former professional baseball player who had become a physical therapist. He had recently had his leg amputated. His story was so moving that I thought physical therapy could be something to get into. Ed contacted me in my last year of physical therapy to do my last clinical rotation with him. Ed and his wife Julie hired me shortly after I graduated. After Ed’s death, I took over his position of working with patients and baseball players in particular. Career Day was a huge day in my life, and I hope I can give back and inspire a student to go into whatever they are passionate about.”

Dr. Anthony Weinert, ‘89, who is a foot and ankle doctor and surgeon, wanted to give back to De La Salle Collegiate for what his high school experience meant to him.

“Career Day is so essential in giving high school students the tools to figure out a career path, and what will bring happiness and joy to each of their lives,” he said. “If you have a dream and a vision of what you want to become, you can do it.”

Other alumni speakers also included: Ben Aloisa, ‘91; Frank Briguglio, ‘02; Tony Catullo ‘59; Vito Chirco, ‘11; Joe DeLave, ‘80; Frank Dostie, ‘11; John Elkhoury, ‘02; Scott Eovaldi, ‘01; Brendan Garwood, ‘15; Jeff Graus, ‘95; Joe Hallman, ‘88; Zach Issa, ‘09; Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC, ‘84; Josh King, ‘08; John Labut, ‘98; Matthew Lauhoff, ‘06; Jacob Lepore, ‘10; Dr. Charles Lucas, ‘55; Dan Marsh, ‘81; Dr. Andrew Mastay, ‘05; Brandon Mattinen, ‘13; Alex Orlando, ‘09; Dr. Frank Petruzzello, ‘88; John Plotzke, ‘09; Jeff Podolski, ‘82; Aaron Schmid ‘94; Joel Schmidt, ‘94; Dr. Russ Sclafani, ‘97; Jim Slubowski, ‘84; Mark St. Peter, ‘81; Jonathan Stano, ‘04; Rick Stanza, ‘93; Daniel Vachon, ‘13; Mark Vanneste, ‘97; Jim Vollmet, ‘11; Dr. Peter Watson, ‘90; Carter Wilson, ‘14; Dr. Frank Wilson, ‘48; Jerry Zaccardelli, ‘75; and John Zmiejko, ‘71.