Alumni Stories

By Dana Larkin Sauers '74, P'99, P'03, P'03, P'09

Anyone who knew Greg Rattell ‘97 during his high school years and met up with him now would find the same good-natured, optimistic, and whimsical person from years before. Among his favorite hobbies, he lists a lot of “stills” like writing, reading books, watching movies, playing golf, and, unsurprisingly, watching and sometimes performing stand-up comedy.

His close friendships are with many Delone Catholic classmates. He’s still in touch with Blake Ulam, John Keffer, Ed Cullison, James Weaver Jr., Davy McAnall, Mike Webb, Neil Ruberg, and Matt DeCesare, to name just a few.

Those bonds were created through activities that he recalled with nostalgic fondness, including pep rallies, especially Spirit Stick time, the Delone Catholic golf team, and gatherings with classmates and teachers who truly cared about the students. In particular, Rattell shared, “If I had to pick a single moment, I would say the Mock Political convention in 1996. Ms. Furlong asked if I would give the acceptance speech as Bob Dole.” 

Throughout his professional career and life’s work, beginning with a bachelor's honor degree in biology from Western Maryland College (now known as McDaniel College), his Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and his doctoral candidacy in homeland security via Walden University, Rattell has “carried many lessons learned at Delone.” The drive to continue learning and exploring different courses of study demonstrates his commitment to lifelong learning. 

“Delone's motto, ‘Be Doers of the Word,’ also stayed with me. For a few years, I helped with Hands Across the Americas, a charity focused on providing support and medical missions to needy areas throughout South America. My parents were co-founders, and I helped with some of the logistics for packing and organizing shipments.” Due to Rattell’s Peruvian ancestry, his cultural knowledge of South America undoubtedly aided him in his service. 

“Delone was a big part of my education and did prepare me for the real world. The lessons I learned there stayed with me through college and as I entered a career as a scientist. The connections I made with friends and teachers have been lifelong, and I'm grateful for all those people.”

Spiritual lessons he attests to include that he knows that “Delone helped in my growth in being Catholic.” He learned that “being part of a community that cared about its neighbors is paramount. Trying to see where one can live his faith, not only through worship, but applying these lessons helped grow relationships in my life. I also found myself trying to find ways to engage more in faith. I was fortunate enough to go on a pilgrimage to Italy.” 

A long-time Marylander, Rattell, his wife, Mandy, and their daughter, Emma, have returned to the local area. He aspires to pass on the wisdom he has gained. “I'm hopeful that my daughter will have the opportunity that I did to grow and learn in the same way.”