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My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

On behalf of the People of God in theArchdiocese of Agaña, Inorabueña!(congratulations) to my alma mater,Father Duenas Memorial School, as we celebrate the65th anniversary of the foundation of the only all-maleCatholic high school on Guam!

Founded in 1948, Most Rev. Apollinaris W. Baum-gartner, OFM Cap. named Father Duenas MemorialSchool after Father Jesus Baza Dueñas, the secondChamorro to be ordained a Catholic priest in 1938.Pale’ Duenas’, as he is known, was beheaded in 1944by the Japanese Imperial forces after the American mil-itary forces liberated Guam in July.

Father Duenas Memorial School was founded to pre-pare young men for the priesthood and later becamea college preparatory high school that is rooted in theCatholic faith. For these past 65 years, Father DuenasMemorial School has become one of the finest Catholicinstitutions in the Archdiocese of Agaña graduating menwho have become successful in their vocations as Priests,professionals, elected officials, husbands, fathers, etc.

I commend the Principal, Fr. Jeffrey San Nicolas, the

Vice Principal, Tony Thompson, the staff, and facultyfor being “Strong in the Faith” in keeping with the tra-dition of working closely with the students and their fam-ilies in providing an excellent Catholic education thatpromotes a commitment for service and a passion forpeace.

I pray that through the intercession of Santa MarianKamalen, Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores and SanPedro Calungsod, that Father Duenas Memorial Schoolcontinues to educate more young men in the Catholicfaith for many more years to come! May God bless usall!

Servus tuus,

Most Rev. Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap., D.D.Metropolitan Archbishop of Agaña

ARCHDIOCESE OF AGANA196 B Cuesta San RamonAgana, Guam 96910Tel. (671) 472-6116Fax. (671) 477-3519

Dear Friends and Family of Father Dueñas Memo-rial School:

On this occasion of the 65th anniversary ofFDMS, we celebrate God’s faithfulnessthrough the years.Father Dueñas Memorial School has a rich history aspart of the people of Guam.

On October 1, 1948, shortly after the devastation ofWorld War II, Bishop Baumgartner opened the doorsof Father Dueñas Memorial School with the con-viction that quality Catholic education based ofGospel values would be vial in rebuilding the island.From this beginning our school has adopted the sym-bol of the phoenix as a reminder of the power of theResurrection amid the difficulties of life. This found-ing belief in the importance of a quality education im-bued with Gospel values has sustained the schoolthroughout these years of service to the young menof Guam.

Today, within the context of the 21st century, we

strive to continue this work by providing a Christ-cen-tered environment of educational excellence and fra-ternal support to inspire young men to develop theirfull potential. We prepare our graduates in order tothrive in college and be leaders in a global commu-nity.

Thank you for being a part of our proud history andthe important education mission of FDMS. Our re-lationship with you and the community at large is es-sential to advance the FDMS mission to meet theneeds of the coming generations.

God bless you. Your prayers and continued supportis greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Fr. Jeffrey C. San Nicolas (FDMS ‘84)Principal

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Hafa adai! For 65 years, Father Duenas Memorial School has been atthe forefront of growing and nurturing Guam’s leaders. Governors,doctors, businessmen, lawyers and clergy roamed these halls, sat inthe classrooms, prayed and won island-wide sports championships.

The Friar family is rooted in a tradition of brotherhood, faith and camaraderie.This landmark school has significantly impacted our island. Other than pass-ing down knowledge to generations of professionals, Father Duenas has breda sense of service. They encourage their students to give back generously totheir community.

We’re happy to celebrate the 65th anniversary of this brotherhood – of aninstitution that has given so much back to the community. There are 4,000 menin this world who are proud to call Father Duenas Memorial School their AlmaMater. We are proud to call the school – students, faculty, staff, administratorsand parents – a part of our Guamanian Family.

Fortes in Fide,

Hafa Adai from the Superin-tendent of Schools!It is with great honor and respect that

I extend my sincere congratulations tothe faculty and staff at Father DuenasMemorial School in celebration of your65th anniversary.

Your theme, "65 Years of excellenceand brotherhood," is appropriatelyenough, everything that needs to be saidabout the success of your learning in-stitution. For each year that you cele-brate, we acknowledge that FDMS hasproduced graduates who have proven tobe "strong in faith" and active mem-bers of our island community.

May the Lord continue to bless you for many more years to come.

Peace and Good Will

Cynthia S. Agbulos, OFS

"The year 2013 marks the 65th anniversary of our school. All year,we will be celebrating how we began, the progress we’ve made,and the aspirations for who we will become. We will acknowledgethe inspirational builders whose shoulders we rest upon and the direction weare forging following the incredible leadership of our Principal, Fr. Jeffrey C.San Nicolas and Vice-Principal, Tony Thompson. Both men have championedthe value and valor of all our alumni, and it is a testament to them that our Alum-ni Association is more involved after graduation and integrated presently withstudent life today.

It is our time as fellow alumni to make the commitment reminiscent of ourfounders in guaranteeing the continuation and perpetuation of our school for fu-ture generations. We are asking for your time, your philanthropy, and your ser-vice as we embark on a mission creating the next 65 years of excellence at Fa-ther Duenas Memorial School."

Dr. Andrew Eusebio ‘74

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L-R: Cameron Eusebio '12, Dr. Eusebio '74, Brandon Eusebio '16, Andrew Eusebio '10

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“I entered FDMS in 1951 when it was only aminor seminary. FD prepared me to meet therequirements for the priesthood I neededwhen moving on to the major seminary off is-land. Without the education I was providedwith at FD, I would not have made it or wouldhave had a difficult time making it. With FD’sguidance, I was able to succeed and eventu-ally become a priest.”

– Monsignor David Quitugua, FDMS Seminarian, ’55

"Father Duenas Memorial School has doneso much for me and has impacted my life inmany ways. The school prepared me for col-lege and my career, and strengthened myfaith in God. The Catholic teachings that theschool has impartedon me have altogeth-er made me a betterCatholic person. FDalso left me with theskills needed to suc-ceed in college at the

University of Guam where I received my Bach-elor of Business Management and Master ofPublic Administration. This led me to my ca-reer as Deputy Executive Manager for theGuam International Airport. The school devel-ops leaders on-island in every field. We have alumnae in the local gov-ernment, military and private sector as lawyers, doctors, attorneys,etc… The values that I have learned at FD have created a strongbrotherhood between my FD brothers and me. These values tie great-grandfathers, grandfathers, fathers, sons and brothers together withour faith and family. To this day, a few members of my class, theclass of 1961, continue to hold a monthly luncheon where 15 to 20alumnae get together and talk about everything under the sun. I justwant to thank Father Duenas Memorial School for everything theschool has done for me. "

– Peter Roy Martinez, ‘65

“Going to FDMS was not just a continuationof my education, but the beginning of myjourney towards becoming a Capuchin Fran-ciscan Friar and a priest.  For the years that Iwas in Father Dueñas, I was also in the mi-nor seminary andl ived at theschool.  The schooldid not just prepareme academically ineducation, but alsobegan preparing me

for a life of prayer and in the practice of theCatholic Faith.  I look back at the years at Fa-ther Dueñas and I thank God for all the goodpeople who have supported me and treated melike family.  My classmates especially are likebrothers to me ready to help whenever needed.”

– Father Gus Gumataotao, ’74

“There was never any doubt in my mind ormy mom’s mind—the one whose matteredthe most—that I would attend FDMS. After all,the reason she and my dad uprooted ourfamily from Saipan to move to Guam in 1962was to give my sib-lings and I the besteducation possible,which meant aCatholic education intheir world at thattime. No questions

asked. My family and I were fortunate that theCapuchin Fathers, who were managing theschool in those days offered that I work forthem in exchange for free tuition So, for threesummers, I lived at the St. Fidelis Friary andperformed domestic work such as making beds, cleaning bathrooms,mopping floors and - one of my favorite duties - cleaning the chapel.It was a great experience, a sacrifice worth making and the placewhere I learned the value of silence and reading; the priests had a greatlibrary. My FD experience set my compass in my journey through life.Through this experience, I have built an everlasting bond and cama-raderie with men of character, making memories that do not fadeover time; just re-written and edited on the many lessons of howsacrifice and service are part and parcel of a successful life. I am grate-ful and thankful for the Capuchin Friars during my time and those whopreceded them and followed them in fulfilling the school’s mission toprovide a Catholic education to young men of Guam.”

– Sen. Vicente “Ben” Cabrera Pangelinan, ’74

“In my four years at FDMS, I made lifelongfriends. I formed a bond of friendship andrespect among the young men at FD that car-ried throughout my life. It got me involved inextra curricular activities, sports and studentgovernment, and Iwas able to interactwith students from allthe different publicand pr ivate h ighschools. The fact thatFD as a faith-based

Catholic high school taught principles and val-ues with emphasis on character and integritywere lifelong lessons that I greatly appreciat-ed. I consider it a great privilege to attend FDand I am extremely grateful to my parents forinvesting in myself and all my six brothers by having us attend FD.”

– Former Gov. Felix Camacho, ’76

"When I went to FD, it was a completely dif-ferent school than what it is now. We weredealing with no aircon, windows, or doors. Itwas rough. Our rationale was that if we couldlast at school in those conditions, we couldreally deal with any-thing life threw at us.In my time, it was allabout characterbuilding. Boys will beboys. There’s some-thing about going to

school with just guys. It helped build our char-acter because we weren’t at school to impressgirls. Everyone was able to be themselves. Itwas competitive but friendly. Truly, it was abrotherhood that extends throughout life. Itwas one of those schools where during lunch time, we’d play foot-ball. Half the guys would have their shirts off. It’s memories like thesethat really bonded our class. We still hold our annual alumni basket-ball tournament. It’s all about basketball, beer, and barbeque. Thefunny thing is that 90% of the guys that play aren’t basketball play-ers. We’re just there because it’s an annual reunion. Instead of a 10year reunion, we meet every year.

One thing that FD has really helped with in my career today is thenetworking aspect. I work at a non-profit so it’s helpful that in everyorganization, there’s an FD graduate; so there’s always someone I know.Networking, in my role at Make-A-Wish is definitely one of the rea-sons I’m able to do my job. "

– Victor Camacho ‘89

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“On the occasion of Father DuenasMemorial School’s 65th Anniversary, Iam reminded of the wisdom and positiveimpact my alma mater has given me. Fa-ther Duenas Memorial School has pro-v i d e d m e w i t h afoundation in criti-cal thinking, broth-erhood and, mostimportantly, a foun-dation in God. Theschoo l p repared

me for more than just a career, but a lifeof fulfillment and service to others. Thespirit of Father Duenas Memorial Schoolserves as a constant reminder to stayrooted in my faith and to continue to liveout a Christ centered life, a life that is "Fortes in Fide".

The Father Duenas bond, as strong and resilient as it is, hascontinually proven to be invaluable. Whenever I meet a fel-low Friar, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and connectionwith them, knowing that we were fostered in the same valuesand raised to always express a sense of respect to others.This lifelong camaraderie and brotherhood is a unique expe-rience that can be achieved by attending FDMS and that I willalways be grateful for.”

– Sen. Dennis Rodriguez Jr. ‘96

“One of the first things that come to mindwhen you mention FDMS is their traditional-ly strong sports program. I was blessed tohave great coaches who are all legends oftheir sport from Bill Ada, Keone Badua, RolandSan Nicolas, BruceMeno, and Ivan Shi-roma for Football, andPaul Claros for Rug-by, all of whom at-tended FD. Less thana decade later I found

myself returning to the school and coaching tosome capacity alongside the same men thatcoached me, giving back to the communitythat gave me nd my coaches so much. The fun-damentals, the strong work ethic, and the es-pecially the passion that the school and the coaches installed has fol-lowed me through my young adulthood from college to my work pro-fession to the many opportunities of traveling the world playing thegame of rugby at some of the highest levels. Congratulations FD onyour 65th anniversary and I pray for many more years of blessings.” – Chris Sgro, ’05

“Father Dueñas Memorial School is an excel-lent institution dedicated to the intellectualand spiritual growth of its students. As a col-lege preparatory high school, FDMS provideschallenging and rigorous academic prepara-tion to ensure students are ready for collegelevel work. FDMS goes above and beyond inensuring that its students take more than therequired amount of classes to be acceptedinto a top institution, which improves theodds. As second year college student, I amthankful for my time spent at FDMS, and I

am proud to call myself an alumnus.” – Aaron Rios, ’12

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1946Bishop Apollinaris W. Baumgartner plans for FatherDueñas Memorial School, a preparatory seminaryfor boys who wish to study the priesthood.

1950Rev. Joseph Morgan, C.P.S writes theFDMS alma mater. FDMS celebratesits first graduating class.

1984Governor Ricardo Bordaand 1st LadyMadeline Borat the dedicatof the FDMS gymnasium.

Father Dueñas Memorial School is “a living monument at so great a sacrifice, for the primary pu preparing for professional careers - hoping that from this institution would come for

- Frank Perez, Chairman of the building of Fat

1974Marist

Brothersadminister

FDMS.

1958Father DueñasAlumni Association(FDAA) is organized.

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1948FDMS is estab-lished in Tai tohonor Father Je-sus Baza Dueñas.The Stigmatinepriests staff theseminary.

1956First volume ofPhoenix, the schoolyearbook, is released.

1959CapuchinFranciscanFriars admin-ister FDMS.

1973Naval Junior Reserved Officers Training Corps (NJROTC)is established.

1981FD holds first songfest.

Sixty-five years ago, Father Dueñas Memorial School opened its doors as the first Catholic school on Guam. With hum to the values of its namesake, Father Jesus Baza Dueñas. While it is rich in history and rooted in tradi

1962Typhoon Karen batters

the FDMS campus.

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1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

allo

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1999Restoration ceremony of “The Jungle”is held. Friars football team is invitedto challenge the Louisiana Carencro inthe Volcano Bowl in Manoa, Hawaii.

urpose of training and bringing up a native clergy and secondarily, to help students rth priests of Father Dueñas’ caliber and men of Father Dueñas’ ideals.”

ther Dueñas Memorial School

2009The Salesiansof Don BoscoadministerFDMS.

2012Diocesan priest, Fr. Jeff SanNicolas is appointed princi-pal of the school. The first

alumnus to head the school.

2013RenaissanceProject begins.

1990Jack Stettenbenz

becomes thefirst lay person

to head FDMS.

1991William “Bill” Rothis the second layprincipal of theschool.

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1988Friars FootballTeam is reborn.

1994Archbishop An-thony Apuronholds ground-

breaking offront quad.

2007Archbishop Apuronblesses the Phoenix

Center.

2011Induction of the

Phoenix Templars,made up of the al-

tar servers andlectors at theBoys’ Chapel.

mble beginnings as a minor seminary. FDMS has since become known for its excellence in academics, sports and faith, living up ition, the story of Father Dueñas Memorial School is one that will continue and live on forever, Fortes in Fide.

Aspart of its 65th anniversary celebration,Father Dueñas Memorial School wel-comed the start of the Renaissance Pro-ject, a momentous occasion for the Father Dueñas com-munity. Marking the first phase of the Renaissance Pro-ject with the groundbreaking and blessing of the Boys’Chapel on March 21, it celebrates FDMS’s 65th an-niversary with the revitalization of the campus, start-ing with the root of the school’s identity, the Catholicfaith. The “Renaissance Project” is a part of FDMS’s

capital improvement campaign, a project inspired byDr. Tom Robinson. First visiting FDMS as part of theaccreditation team, Dr. Robinson realized the lack ofand need for a chapel to serve the FDMS communi-ty. Coming together with his sister, she and Dr. Robin-son made the first phase of the Renaissance Projectpossible through their support. Set to bring a new chapel, state-of-the-art sports

facilities, more classrooms, a gated entry and oth-er features to the campus, the Renaissance Projectsignifies FDMS’s continuing growth. The project inits entirety will cost several million dollars to com-plete and will be built in phases as the FD familywork to raise funds and secure funding for eachphase.The first phase is the construction of the Boys’

Chapel slated to be completed later this year fol-lowed by the addition of more classrooms.

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