Wafer | Chaminade College Preparatory

Distinguished Alumni

Distinguished Alumni Directory
(2002 - 2015)

List of 2 items.

Last Name

Charles Behm '57
Henry Burdick '60
Thomas Condon '56
Fred L. Gabourie '59
Charles "Bud" Hayes '69
Richard Hunsaker '58
Ron G. Insana '79
Ben Labrot '94 and Sky Labrot '99
Jay Leupp '81
Fr. Ted Ley, S.M. '58
Mike Lynn '75
Brian McGilvray '76
Pamela Gonzalez Meyer '76
Ron Prechtl '79
Kenneth J. Purcell '57
Gary Simons '77
Thomas J. Wafer '59
James B. Watters '69
Dr. Diana Zschaschel '87
Year Inducted

2015 - Gary Simons '77
2014 - Pamela Gonzalez Meyer '76
2013 - Ben Labrot '94 and Sky Labrot '99
2012 - Ron Prechtl '79
2011 - Brian McGilvray '76
2010 - Mike Lynn '75
2009 - Dr. Diana Zschaschel '87
2008 - Fr. Ted Ley, S.M. '58
2007 - Thomas J. Wafer '59
2006 - Charles "Bud" Hayes '69
2005 - Ron G. Insana '79
2004 - Fred L. Gabourie '59
2003 - James B. Watters '69
2002 - Jay Leupp '81
2001 - Richard Hunsaker '58
2000 - Thomas Condon '56
1999 - Henry Burdick '60
1980 - Charles Behm '57
1979- Kenneth J. Purcell '57

Thomas J. Wafer ’59

Tom Wafer, who graduated from Chaminade high school, then all boys, in 1959, is a true representative of his generation. These young men were usually the first family member to attend college, they got married at a young age to their high school sweethearts, served in the US Military and found lifelong employment with the same company.

During his junior year at Chaminade College Preparatory, Tom began working as District Manager for the Culver City Star-News. Over the next 30 years he rose to the position of Publisher for The Daily Breeze (a Copley Los Angeles Newspaper) and then Vice President for The Copley Press. He later held the position of Senior Corporate Consultant until retiring in 2002.

Tom’s dedication to supporting his community is exemplified through his many years of volunteer service. Tom served on and led several non-profit boards including St. John’s Hospital and Health Center in Santa Monica, Torrance/South Bay area YMCA, California State University Dominguez Hills, Torrance Cultural Arts Center Foundation and South Bay Economic Development Partnership.

“I am especially proud of my time when I was Board Chairman at St. John’s Hospital. Together with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, we were able to bring the destroyed hospital back into operation four months after the 1994 earthquake.”

Looking to his own family, Tom notes, “I believe very strongly in our Catholic faith and educational system. In fact, I believe it is the thread that holds family and friends together for life. My two children attended Catholic schools from K through 12 and my six grandchildren continue this wonderful tradition.”

While paying tuition and providing financial support to Loyola High School, Notre Dame Academy, Loyola-Marymount and Santa Clara Universities, Tom has continued to remember his Chaminade roots with generous contributions to the Chaminade Fund and the Synthetic Turf Campaign.

Tom and his lovely wife Betsy, reside in Rolling Hills and are celebrating their 46^th year of marriage. Tom concludes, “I do believe that Betsy and I have provided the leadership and set the example for our children to do God’s work, and we are very proud to see that accomplishment flower.”