BRIDGING
Generations
Few at Jesuit have
connected more people
through the years than the
ubiquitous and generous
Ernest “Cookie” Garcia ’50
JESUIT PERSPECTIVES • WINTER 2018-19 35
For 70 years, Ernest "Cookie"
Garcia '50 has connected gen-
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his generosity and enthusiasm for
the school.
On December 11 at a special ceremony,
Garcia's gift for bridging
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was formally recognized with –
appropriately enough – the blessing
and dedication of Garcia Bridge.
The bridge spans the pond from
Gonzmart Hall to Hyer Family Park,
Jesuit's award-winning baseball
stadium. The bridge was rebuilt
this fall as part of Phase I of Jesuit's
Campus Master Plan, which was
supported by the school's $50 million
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With Garcia and a few dozen
family and friends on hand, the
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dedicated by Fr. Richard C. Hermes,
S.J. The ceremony came right
after morning Convocation, during
which Garcia was recognized in
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"Cookie Garcia is one of the most
giving persons I know," Fr. Hermes
said. "Chances are, if you have been
fortunate to have a conversation
with him, even in the briefest of
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Garcia has been a kind, ubiquitous
presence at Jesuit for decades,
sharing his time, talent, and treasure
with the school while attending
dozens of events annually and
regularly providing – often without
anyone knowing – needed items
for Jesuit clubs and teams.
A 5-sport letterwinner in high
school, Garcia helped lead Jesuit to
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any kind, the 1950 basketball title.
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Hall of Fame. In 2014-15, Garcia was
honored as Jesuit's Alumnus of the
Year.
Chances are,
if you have
been fortunate
to have a
conversation with
Cookie Garcia, even in
the briefest of occasions,
it likely resulted in a gift
from him.
Jesuit president,
Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J.
Development Director
Nick Suszynski '98 unveils
the plaque as Cookie
Garcia '50 and Fr. Richard
C. Hermes,S.J. look on