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CHIEF MISSION INTEGRATION OFFICER PUBLISHES BOOK
Decades-Long Commitment to Holy Cross
AS A LAY PERSON LEADS TO PUBLISHED BOOK
When Chief Mission Integration Officer Whitney Daly arrived at the University of Notre Dame as a freshman pre-med/ theology double major, little did she know the impact the institution would have on her life. She was captivated by the hope, hospitality and sense of family that she encountered throughout her four years in South Bend.
When a health condition forced her to withdraw her medical school applications, Mrs. Daly refocused and, instead, decided to spend a year volunteering with the Holy Cross Associates program in Portland, Ore. There, she worked with the terminally ill and homebound and discovered a passion for ministry.
Mrs. Daly then returned to Notre Dame, where she earned her Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree and applied to the Cleveland Clinic’s chaplaincy program, intent on continuing her health care ministry work. But, God had other plans. Mrs. Daly saw a job posting for a theology teacher at Gilmour and, on a whim, decided to apply. After meeting then-headmaster Br. Robert Lavelle, C.S.C. and spending a full day on campus interviewing with other administrators and faculty members, Mrs. Daly was impressed with Gilmour’s commitment to its Holy Cross mission and took the job. Fifteen years later, she now serves as the school’s Chief Mission Integration Officer, tasked with ensuring that that mission is woven throughout each student’s Gilmour experience, regardless of their faith background.
She says that, with every step of her journey - from young college student at a Holy Cross university to Holy Cross volunteer, and from Holy Cross educator to wife and mother of four boys - her connection to the Holy Cross mission deepens. She has been inspired by the Holy Cross brothers, sisters and priests with whom she has worked and says that she “has come to realize that one of the greatest gifts of Holy Cross is that its Mission and vision are so relevant for all of us, not just those who have taken vows.”
So, it seems only fitting that when contemplating her New Year’s resolution two years ago, Mrs. Daly decided to write a series of reflections on St. André Bessette, C.S.C., the Congregation of Holy Cross’ first saint. She shared these reflections in a monthly email to anyone in the Gilmour community who was interested. Her following quickly grew and, eventually, Marco Clark, Ed.D., executive director of the Holy Cross Institute, asked to receive them. He was so moved by the reflections that he asked Mrs. Daly to publish them. She set to work, editing and refining each of her reflections and completed the work last January. Her book, Doorkeepers Challenge: Reflections on St. Brother André Bessette was published by The Holy Cross Institute.
Dr. Clark wrote the book’s Preface, in which he cited legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano’s mantra after he was diagnosed with cancer. Valvano urged everyone to do three things each day - laugh, spend time in thought and allow your emotions to move you to tears. Dr. Clark said, “Thank you, Whitney Daly … You have given each of us the opportunity to laugh, think, cry, and be inspired by the life of Holy Cross’ first saint … You are truly a disciple with hope to bring.”
Interested in purchasing a copy of Mrs. Daly’s book? Scan the QR code to the left to order your copy today.
Mrs. Daly is now at work on her second book - a collection of reflections on Holy Cross founder Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C. Stay tuned!
Gilmour Theology Teacher Publishes Reflection Guide
FOR USE WITH IMMERSIVE SERVICE
Jimmy Menkhaus, Ph.D. teaches theology to seniors and provides the perfect capstone to their faith journey. He has a remarkable knack for connecting with young people, a profound faith, and practices what he preaches outside the classroom. Doc Menk, as his students refer to him, is deeply committed to immersive service projects. His interest was initially sparked in high school, during a presentation at school about an upcoming service trip. But, Doc Menk has battled cystic fibrosis since childhood and his parents thought it too risky for him to travel to a remote area. His dream of immersive service on hold, Doc Menk headed to John Carroll University for undergrad, where he majored in religious studies and history, with the goal of teaching. After graduating, he remained at JCU, working on his master’s in religious studies. While doing so, he lived on campus and worked for their campus ministry department. It was during this time that Doc Menk was offered the chance to help lead a service trip. As a faculty member on the trip, he knew he could ensure that he’d have time for his daily CF treatments. And so his immersive service journey began.
While completing his master’s at JCU and his Ph.D. in systematic theology at Duquesne University, and in the years since, Doc Menk has led and participated in trips to Immokalee, Fla.; Louisville, Ken. and Honduras. He has also led retreats for those embarking on or in the midst of post-graduate volunteer programs - including leading six retreats for volunteers in Ecuador and one in Tanzania. And, for the past 10 years, for two weeks each summer, Doc Menk has led the spiritual component of the orientation programs for the Jesuit Volunteer Corp International and Rostro de Cristo before the volunteers begin their year(s) of international service.
When the pandemic began in March 2020, he returned to his parents’ home and did not leave their property for the next four months to protect himself and his parents from COVID. He used that time to pursue a dream of his - creating a manual of sorts for people to use as they discern engaging in an immersive service commitment or after they have completed service and want to reflect.
He finished two thirds of the book that summer and the remainder when it was picked up by a publishing company. The book, titled Immersion: A Pilgrimage Into Service, is now available on Amazon. Scan the QR code on the right to purchase.
On January 20, Doc Menk was invited by the Holy Cross Institute to present about the transformational impact of immersive service. He was joined by one of his former students, Kat Rankin ’20, who participated in Gilmour’s Honduras trip twice and continues her volunteer work at the University of Kentucky, where she is a sophomore. Their presentation was called “Known, Loved and Served: Finding God in Immersion Zeal.”
Doc Menk, a longtime college professor who only began teaching at the high school level when he arrived at Gilmour, has loved the opportunity to work with the students at Gilmour, sharing his faith and making deep connections. He loves the school’s mission and its Holy Cross tradition. He stated, “The Congregation of Holy Cross demonstrates their commitment to Catholic Social Teaching through their charisms, service projects and education of students.
The main themes of this book are very much in line with those ideals as it challenges readers to encounter and accompany those who are marginalized in our world.”
Caritas Winner Revealed
Just before Christmas Break, during Convocation, the Middle School and Upper School student bodies listened to presentations by the three Caritas finalists — Matthew Lewis ’27, Abbey Steiner ’27 and David Kleyner ’27. Caritas, Latin for “charity,” is an annual cross-disciplinary project between English and theology classes in which students create persuasive presentations to demonstrate how a charity of their choice aligns with and upholds the Gilmour mission and Holy Cross charisms in hopes of gaining the support of the community.
Each of the three finalists did an excellent job advocating for their chosen charity: • Matthew Lewis - Alzheimer’s Association • Abbey Steiner - Fill This House • David Kleyner - Good Sports
Their presentations were thoughtful, deliberate and authentic, and successfully raised awareness about the good work of these charities. After Middle and Upper School students and teachers voted, the 2021 Caritas winner was Matthew Lewis and his charity, Alzheimer’s Association!
During his presentation, Matthew provided information about Alzheimer’s Disease and how it affects patients and their families, sharing his own grandmother’s 10year battle with Alzheimer’s. He also discussed what the Alzheimer’s Association does to research the disease as well as the ways it provides support to Alzheimer’s patients and their families. Matthew’s presentation was well-researched and his passion for the cause was evident.
Typically, the winner’s chosen charity receives a $500 donation from Gilmour in the winner’s name. However, Matthew felt strongly that the charities presented by fellow finalists Abbey Steiner and David Kleyner were just as worthy and asked that Gilmour’s donation be divided between the three charities. So, the Alzheimer’s Association, Fill This House and Good Sports all received donations from Gilmour!
Longtime Our Lady Chapel Administrative Assistant
RECOGNIZED BY CONGREGATION OF HOLY CROSS
Congratulations to Mrs. Patty Szaniszlo, the Our Lady Chapel administrative assistant, who was presented with the Spirit of Holy Cross Award by Head of School Kathy Kenny at Convocation at the end of January. The annual award, bestowed by the Priests and Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province, recognizes lay men and women who carry out the ministry of Holy Cross. Thank you, Mrs. Szaniszlo, for all you do for Gilmour, Our Lady Chapel and the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Br. Dan Kane, C.S.C. Performed Special Piano Recital
FOR GILMOUR COMMUNITY
Former Gilmour Academy music and choral instructor, Br. Dan Kane C.S.C. traveled from Notre Dame to Gilmour for a special piano recital on our Steinway grand piano. The concert was held on Sunday, April 10 and featured several selections, including works by Bach, Chopin and Mozart.
Br. Dan performed the concert for free for the Gilmour community. He loved the opportunity to perform and reconnect with friends and former students.
Fun fact: This recital took place exactly 50 years and one day after a performance Br. Dan gave in Tudor Lounge, presented by the Women’s Club.
Senior Named Heisman High School Scholarship
COMPETITION SCHOOL WINNER
Congratulations to Abby Minello ’22, who was notified that she was named a School Winner in the Heisman High School Scholarship Competition. The program, which extends the prestige of the Heisman Memorial Trophy and its representation of diligence, perseverance and hard work, recognizes outstanding student-athletes for their accomplishments in the classroom, in the athletic arena and in their schools and communities. Abby is a co-leader of the Global Medicine Initiative Club and helped organize a fundraiser for the Red Cross’ Measles and Rubella Initiative. She is one of the leaders of the Wellness Club and a member of the National Honor Society.
Abby is a four-year member of the varsity soccer team and was named a captain for her senior season. She has earned a host of honors throughout her soccer career, including:
2018 North Coast League Blue Division Honorable Mention
2019 Coaches All-Cleveland Soccer Area Honorable Mention
2020 All-Greater Cleveland Soccer Team Honorable Mention
2020 Coaches All-Ohio Area Honorable Mention
2021 All-Greater Cleveland Soccer Team Second Team
2021 Lancer Award for Gilmour soccer program
She is also a two-year member of the varsity lacrosse team.
Abby plans to attend The Ohio State University, where she will major in biology on the premed track.
Junior Places Second
IN HOLY CROSS ESSAY CONTEST
In early January, Chiara Bilant ’23 was notified that her essay, titled My Holy Cross Transformation, had been selected as a Top 3 Finalist in the Midwest Holy Cross Associates (MHCA) Reaching Out: Information, Formation & Transformation student contest.
The next step was on January 29, when the three student finalists presented their essays via Zoom during the Holy Cross Associates Conference. After her presentation, Chiara was notified that she placed second!
Chiara has attended Gilmour since first grade, and her essay focused on the impact of her Holy Cross education. Below is an excerpt from her writing:
"In all, Holy Cross education finds its roots in Christ and educates the mind and the heart by pushing students to strive intellectually as well as spiritually. Because we are taught when young, we will continue to mature while having the ‘competence to see and the courage to act in creating a more humane and just society’ (Gilmour Academy Mission Statement). With this, through information of the mind and formation of the heart, we are able to transform into constructive and active members of society, therefore making the world a better place for future generations."
