Smalarz brothers preserve school's past, present and future on film

By Julianne Mesaric
Collegian Reporter
October 4, 2006

Everyone has a history: a family history, a relationship history, a personal history. Few will argue that history is an important permanent in the scheme of life. College certainly qualifies as a part of a person’s history. In fact, some would regard it as a very important part of our history, shaping us into the adults we become in the future.

So, who wouldn’t want to see a documentary of our college to show our family, friends and children years from now?

Lucky for us, two La Salle students have dutifully worked to make sure La Salle’s rich history is available for us to see.

Together We Remember: A Legacy of La Salle, is the finished product of seniors Tim and Nick Smalarz. Historians in their own right, the brothers suggested to the University’s archivist, Brother Joseph Grabenstein, that they produce a documentary video to help introduce freshmen to La Salle, its history, and the city of Philadelphia. Grabenstein gave full support and, with that, the brothers jumped right into La Salle’s history pool.

What they found was an impressive collection of pictures, documenting rare and priceless moments from University history.

The video is broken up into three narrative parts. The first features the Christian Brothers who founded La Salle, the second concentrates on general University background, while the third offers quirky facts about the school.

The creators hope the video will emphasize the vitality of La Salle and stir up pride in each student.

“It’s a nice way of letting the students know about the rich traditions La Salle has,” Tim said. “Most students don’t realize how unique our school is in that it puts effort into things like the preservation of history. Also, we want the students to know that they play a role in making La Salle history by leaving something behind when they graduate. “Everyone can make a mark.”

Tim and Nick’s brother, Matt Smalarz, graduated from La Salle in 2003. He also contributed to La Salle by way of history by founding a literary magazine for history students, approprietly named Histories. Matt was also the first student to receive a Masters in history from La Salle. He hopes all students will share his pride after watching his brothers’ documentary.

“I am more proud than ever to be from La Salle now that I know about the Brothers and where La Salle came from,” Matt said. “I think the values La Salle imparts on its students are important, but I don’t think you have to go to La Salle to understand that ethic.”

Tim and Nick are constantly working on video projects of this kind; they started their own video production company, Moose Crossing, in 2005. So far, the team has sold over 200 copies of the video outside the University. .

Together We Remember; A Legacy of La Salle, is available to rent in the library. It should be available for purchase in the campus bookstore next month.

mesaric1@lasalle.edu