La Lumiere Magazine - Spring 2015

la lumiere MAGAZINE

Forward Together • Building Global Thinkers • the last word

Spring 2015

LA LUMIERE MAGAZINE Spring 2015 Produced by La Lumiere School

Forward Together Table of Contents

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Michael H. Kennedy ’86 Headmaster

Note from the Headmaster Building Minds, Building Character

Co-Editors

Becca Hendricks Andi Jones

Contributors

Heather Augustyn Matt Buchanan Marie Campbell Amanda Graber

Photo Credits Chris Balawender Colleen Kennedy Tricia Koning Kellene Urbaniak

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Building Global Thinkers, One Grain at a Time

Kellene Urbaniak

Board of Trustees

Forward Together

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50th Anniversary Celebration

Design

Meg Caplice ’81, P’10, ’12, ’14, ’17 Rick-jan Dekker P’13, ’14 Connie Devers Falcone ’83 Dan Hillenbrand ’84 Bill Igoe ’74 Jim Kaminski P’08, ’10 Michael Kennedy ’86 Headmaster, P’18 Dan Kerrigan ’80 Mark Leyden ’77, Chair Tricia Luck P’11, ’13 Johanna Miller John Rumely ’69 John Schirger ’84 Victor Smith ’86, P’18 Kevin Sullivan ’83 Ceil Tristano P’01, ’04, ’07 Daniel P. Walsh, Jr. ’95 Rev. Wayne Watts

New Trustees

Commencement 2014 Events 2014-2015

Editor’s Note:

La Lumiere Magazine is published in-house for Alumni, Parents, and Friends of La Lumiere School. Every effort is made to contact all alumni germane to the magazine feature and contents.

We welcome communication about our alumni accomplishments, news, and current contact information to assist us in our ongoing efforts to improve alumni data.

It is the policy of La Lumiere School not to discriminate in violation of the law on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, or physical or mental disabilities which are unrelated to the ability to work or enjoy the benefits of the School’s programs, facilities, or services. All persons are encouraged to apply.

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Reunions Class Notes In Memoriam the last word

Note from the Headmaster

Suggested by our students, the theme for this school year is Forward Together.

This idea comes alive throughout campus daily, but truly manifests itself when the bell in Moore House is rung. It is in that moment when we all have the same reaction to its sound—not unlike a whistle or a siren. We stop what we are doing, we listen for what happens next, and we do so in concert.

Forward Together.

It was in July 2004, at my first faculty meeting as Headmaster, when I rang the bell to grab the attention of my new colleagues. I shared with them what I thought my role would be for La Lumiere, and I invited them to play their roles as teachers, coaches, dorm parents, and mentors to help move the school forward. In the pages that follow, you will read about two of my colleagues who have passionately enhanced our academic programs with experiences from their life journeys around the world, and enriched our community by introducing us to different perspectives, new cultures, and self discipline.

Throughout my tenure as Headmaster, I have taken great pride in ringing the bell for our alumni worldwide, asking for their heightened engagement and concerted efforts to make La Lumiere the premier small boarding and day school in the Midwest. I hope you enjoy reading about your fellow classmates as we share their news.

Many alumni came to Chicago from all over the world to attend our 50th Anniversary Gala. In this issue, we revisit the Gala where we proudly honored the men and women who have been and continue to be so critical to our present success. Those who were honored helped move La Lumiere forward and together we celebrated their efforts and commitment.

With the stained glass windows as its backdrop, the bell is

rung and a hush quickly falls over the room filled with La Lumiere students, faculty, and staff. Suddenly, everyone is silent and pauses for what follows: a prayer, a birthday announcement, a plan for the snow day.

The Moore House bell pictured on the cover of this magazine has value both in its utility and its symbolism. For decades it has made a bustling dining hall tranquil as students and faculty hang on to the bell ringer’s every word. This bell also symbolizes the tradition of making announcements. Students of the past and today know exactly where to go to make their declarations.

Mission La Lumiere School provides a college preparatory education based in character, scholarship, and faith.

As I ring the bell for the final time, I want the La Lumiere community to know how humbled I am to have served as La Lumiere’s fifth headmaster. Throughout the rapid growth, initiating and rekindling traditions, meeting and forming genuine relationships with so many amazing students, parents, alumni, and faculty, Colleen and I could not have asked for a better decade to spend our lives back on campus.

In my Student Council election speech to the student body in 1985, I paraphrased John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what La Lumiere can do for you; ask what you can do for La Lumiere.” So began my “service” to La Lumiere. Thirty years later, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to have been your servant leader.

Michael H. Kennedy ’86 Headmaster

Forward Together

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John Joy

Building Minds, Building Character

By Heather Augustyn “If you believe relativism is true, then you feel less

For decades at La Lumiere, students were

guilt. But if absolutism is true, then guilt will actually

required to take a morals class, or more

be a good thing. It will prevent us from doing

specifically, Moral Theology. This course had similar

wrong. The argument begs the question either

goals to today’s Ethics course, such as thinking

way,” Mr. John Joy tells his sixth form students,

critically about right and wrong, analyzing values

who sit taking notes, writing with a pencil in a

relating to human conduct, and discussing motives

notepad or typing on a tablet. They question him,

for decision making, but it also contained, as the

suggesting scenarios. “What if you steal to provide

name suggests, a definite theological component.

food for your family? Is that wrong?” postulates

Headmaster Michael H. Kennedy ’86, who was

one. “Yeah!” pipes in another, “Like Jean Valjean in

both a student and an instructor of this course,

Les Misérables. He was put in jail for five years just

explains the evolution of the Morals class from

for stealing bread!” “What about Robin Hood or

years past and today’s Ethics class; which students

Aladdin?” questions another. The dialogue is robust,

must still pass in order to graduate. “The Morals

the challenges and considerations deep, the

class from years prior gave students a strong

learning beyond any textbook. This is Ethics class

foundation in theological principles and focused

at La Lumiere School.

on issues and breadth of subject matter to

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“I want students to be aware that many of the ethical issues in life are more than the media tagline with bigger philosophical underpinnings...”

prepare students for college level Philosophy

In addition to teaching Ethics and Philosophy,

to deconstruct and examine these issues from

and Theology courses. Students in John’s Ethics

John also serves as the dorm parent for

all sides so that in college or any further study,

class master the application of their beliefs to

Augustine House and as assistant coach to the

students will be able to practice this level of

the position they are taking on any particular

Academic Decathlon Team at La Lumiere. He

thinking with greater aptitude.

issue. The depth of discernment and the

is also fellow of the Adler-Aquinas Institute,

expectations of this course today support the

co-founder and co-director of the Saint Albert

John came to La Lumiere after a thorough

notion that it is more college-like than college-

the Great Center for Scholastic Studies, and

employment exploration. He says he preferred

prep. Depending on course of study, some

associate member of the Society for Catholic

to work in a private Catholic school and after

students may never experience a class like this

Liturgy. His academic publications are numerous

visiting La Lumiere, “it just clicked.” He says,

again—even at the college level.”

and his achievements are great, but he says

“The location is wonderful. I interviewed at

that the most fulfilling work comes from the

several places around the country but this one

John came from his native Lansing, Michigan to

students themselves. “The actual moments in

felt familiar—it felt like home. It’s just this little

La Lumiere in fall of 2012 in order to stimulate

the classroom are the easiest part of my day,

place in the woods with a beautiful and very

these young minds with the big questions of life.

and that has to do with the students. There are

comfortable landscape. The people are friendly;

He majored in Theology and minored in Classic

only a dozen students in the classroom at a

the dining hall is this massive hunting lodge with

Languages at Ave Maria College, then furthered

time and so I get to know them well. They are

a fireplace; it doesn’t feel like an institution. It’s

his studies all over the world. As a devout

comfortable and open for the most part and

a place of charm.” John says that his wife and

Catholic, John spent five years in Austria at the

easy to relate to. They are friendly and curious,

their family feel at home at La Lumiere as well.

International Theological Institute obtaining a

and even if philosophy is a bit foreign to them at

“My wife Lisa and I have five children who range

master’s degree and a license. However, these

first, enough of them are always engaged which

in age from newborn to eight years old. Lisa is

are no ordinary degrees. John explains, “The

keeps the class interesting; they keep me on my

a registered nurse and she does the evening

degrees are granted by the Pope, not the state

toes,” he says.

nursing duties at the school so it works out really

of Austria. The school grants the degree in the

well,” he says.

name of the Pope. It’s unusual for sure!” John is

John’s academic discipline and background make

currently a candidate for a doctorate in theology

him an essential addition to the faculty and

Life is good for John at La Lu, and so teaching

at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland,

curriculum at La Lumiere, preparing students

about the moral and ethical dilemmas of life may

specializing in dogmatic theology.

to delve deeper into philosophical dilemmas,

be apropos. “I give students a heavy dose of logic

John Joy leads a discussion with his Ethics class where students are taught logic, the rules of reasoning, moral philosophy, Catholic medieval philosophy, and modern philosophy.

cases is what he hopes to bring to all students at La Lumiere. He also enjoys the camaraderie and interaction in class, whether it be bringing in pop culture scenarios like Aladdin or Les Misérables, or engaging in tough discussions over abortion or war. “The students are pretty active. They are talkative and I like that. I usually come in with a sort of informal lecture to begin with. I always have something I intend to explain or teach to them, but I typically don’t get through three or four sentences before someone is asking a question, so there is a lot of dialogue. It’s not quite an open forum discussion where they argue with each other.

It’s typically a two-way discussion between me and them, so it’s a constant question and answer, and I’m usually pretty happy to discuss The Joy family (pictured left to right): Lisa, Thomas (6), Anna (1), Edmund (4), John, and Maria (8). Not pictured is Patrick, born February 2015.

whatever they are thinking about, even if it gets away from my original plan for the day,” he says.

La Lumiere is a place where John can exercise his love for theology and philosophy with those

for a solid quarter of the year, formal textbook

issue, more than perhaps they would have

who are supportive and curious, and that,

logic to understand the rules of reasoning, which

otherwise. In the end I hope they would all

says John, makes the difference, “La Lumiere

is applicable to everything. Then we look at the

be better people for it and be more moral

doesn’t just want to prepare kids to do well

moral philosophy of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle,

and better citizens; that development is a bit

in college—we really want to prepare kids to

some of the Ancient Roman stoic philosophers, and Thomas Aquinas for some Catholic medieval philosophy. We also look at some of the modern philosophers like Hume, Kant, and Mill,” he says.

John says that he wants his students to not only gain an understanding of the theories and philosophies presented by these scholars of the past, but to also be able to apply the teachings that resonate in their own lives. “At the most general level, I want my students to have improved reasoning skills and a deeper understanding of the

be adults, to prepare them for the rest of their

“La Lumiere doesn’t just want to prepare kids to do well in college—we really want to prepare kids to be adults, to prepare them for the rest of their lives, to be good citizens...”

ethical issues,” he says. “I want them to be aware that many of the ethical issues in life are more

out of my control, but I hope that happens.”

than the media tagline with bigger philosophical

John says that developing students’

underpinnings. I want to get them to see that

abilities to express and defend themselves

these things are not always so simple, to see the

intelligently in controversial matters,

arguments on both sides. Ideally this will help

sharpens their skills to formulate and criticize

them to respect people on both sides of an

arguments, and study particular controversial

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lives, to be good citizens. We care about trying to help our students grow as people, which is certainly a reason to have philosophy in the curriculum.”

Characteristics of our Unique Faculty In addition to being skilled teachers, La Lumiere faculty bring a wealth of life experiences to their relationships with students in the classroom, on the courts and athletic fields, in the dorms, and around the tables. Here is a glimpse of where this issue’s featured teachers’ life journeys have taken them.

John Joy

Chris Ciambarella

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After graduation from Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti, Michigan, John lived in Austria

Chris practiced with the university basketball

for five years and earned his master’s

team during the Tim Duncan era.

degree and a license from the International Theological Institute. Rather than being granted by the state of Austria, his degree

•

International Development where he met people in Hmong villages in Laos and saw

He is currently a candidate for a doctorate

first-hand the destruction of the Vietnam

in theology at the University of Fribourg

War years. He was amazed to find entire

in Switzerland, specializing in dogmatic

villages constructed out of bomb shells and

theology. This requires him to travel to

bomb casings. Unexploded bombs, even

Switzerland every 12-18 months to work

today, are one of the major killers of children

on his dissertation.

•

John has traveled extensively, visiting France, Germany, Belgium, England, Ireland, Czech

in Laos.

•

California, San Diego, eventually traveling to

where he and his wife, Lisa, met Pope

Taiwan to begin his dissertation.

Benedict XVI in person shortly after they

•

•

in Taiwan, where he lived for nine years.

since they were small children. Their parents

•

John and Lisa enjoy living on the La Lumiere campus with their five children Maria (8), Thomas (6), Edmund (4), Anna (1), and Patrick (born February 2015).

Chris met his wife, Li Chen Tsai, while teaching English to elementary-aged children

John and his wife have known each other are college friends.

He entered a Ph.D. program in history and religious studies at the University of

Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Italy­—

were married.

He volunteered for a year after graduation with the United States Agency for

and license were granted by the Pope.

•

While an undergraduate at Wake Forest,

•

After marrying Li Chen, he taught at Tzu Chi Buddhist University and lived with their two children—Annie (6) and Leo (3)—in a little farm house in the mountains of Taiwan before returning to the United States.

Chris Ciambarella

Building Global Thinkers, One Grain at a Time

By Matt Buchanan To become a global thinker, one must receive a true education. True education does not merely inform; it transforms. To be transformed, one must be willing to be moved by what one learns, and to do something to better humanity as a result of the learning.

Mr. Chris Ciambarella, who has had a true education, truly educates. Inasmuch as a picture is worth a thousand words and one specific example is worth a million abstractions, here is one example of Chris’ transformative teaching style using a substance many might take for granted: grains of sand.

Step, if you will, into Chris’ World Religions class, where students are creating a Tibetan sand mandala.

It is day one of a five-day project. It is a gray fall day; multi-colored leaves fall from the large tree outside the Moore House.

The classroom is silent; collaborating students stare intently at the sand mandalas on their desks. Brilliant, colorful patterns emerge in the silence. Well-researched and well-chosen symbols start to appear amidst the swirling sand. The sole sound in the room is the sound of scraping and shuffling sand: students pour sand through numerous funnels onto surfaces, combine sand in colorful patterns to create beautiful temporary works of art, and deftly guide sand to its final resting place. Students work together, without saying a word, using tools fashioned by a Tibetan friend of Chris’ to the exact specifications of those used in a traditional mandala ceremony. Students create works of art by taking the Buddhist symbols they have researched and inserting those symbols into the mandala.

Come back to the classroom, each day for the next

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La Lumiere Magazine 2015

five, and be amazed. Students spend five hours creating

in complete silence. The purpose of the

enjoy the beauty created by their peers.

into the community at large. In other words,

mandala is to learn Buddhist symbols while

And then the mandalas will be destroyed.

blessings of the mandala are meant to be shared. As the sand of the mandalas pours

experiencing Buddhist Meditative Mindfulness and Concentration. In our digital age, the

It is Friday, and the mandalas have all been

into the lake, this observer cannot help

mandala presents students with a challenge:

built and displayed; it is time for them to be

thinking of the way that every member of

to be 100 percent present in the current

destroyed.

La Lumiere, in their time here, will pour their

moment and to continually bring the

lives, hopes, encouragement, and aspirations

wandering mind back to the task at hand.

into the lives of those around them.

Chris notes that, in written post-reflections, “Students always remark how difficult and torturous this was for the first hour, but then how refreshing and relaxing it was for the final four hours.”

While done in silence, the mandala is a complete team effort. Chris notes that

“The classroom is silent; collaborating students stare intently at the sand mandalas on their desks.

Brilliant, colorful patterns emerge in the silence.”

The National Education Association (NEA) asserts that students in the 21st century need four critical skills, which it has dubbed the Four C’s: Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, and Creativity.

Buddhists believe the merit generated from In a single lesson, Chris has engaged his

making a mandala with others is greater than any individual meditation. The idea

Walk with Chris and his students down the lake

students in all four of these crucial skills. After

reverberates with La Lumiere’s student-

road, past God’s Hand, to the docks of

doing independent research, students created

initiated theme of the year: Forward Together.

La Lumiere Lake. After saving a few grains of

sand mandalas reflecting both key personal

In the making of the mandala, students

sand for the students in necklaces as mementos,

and Buddhist values. Moving the sand

move forward—on silent haunches, like Carl

Chris lights the mandalas on fire and pushes

together, they collaborated and honed their

Sandburg’s fog—to create something that will

them out into the lake. Besides hammering

non-verbal communication skills; moreover, in

benefit all members of the project. Moving

home a content lesson about Buddhist

post-reflections students continued honing

sand into specific patterns, as anyone who

impermanence, the destruction of the mandalas

their written communication skills. Finally,

has tried to help a two year old build a sand

offers further insight into Forward Together.

they used critical thinking to overcome all the

castle can attest, takes a lot of teamwork and

Mandalas, and the blessings of communal

obstacles that come, in our talkative world,

togetherness. The mandalas will be on display

meditation, are not meant to be kept by the

from trying to accomplish a task without

for a week, allowing the entire community to

individual in question. They are to be sent out

saying a word. Interestingly, Ciambarella, also starts with C.

Chris Ciambarella teaches students in his World Religions class in front of the Moore House fireplace.

For Chris, teaching is all about making connections.

Educated in Catholic schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, Chris looks to help students connect concepts and to fully engage in crosscultural and cross-faith experiences. He says, “La Lumiere offers a unique opportunity for me and my family to connect cultures and faiths—specifically Catholicism and Buddhism. In many ways my study of Buddhism has returned me more to Catholicism and strengthened it. I feel a lot of my purpose now is to grow these connections for my own and others’ benefit.

“La Lumiere offers a unique ` opportunity for me and my family to connect cultures and faiths—specifically Catholicism and Buddhism.

In many ways my study of Buddhism has returned me more to Catholicism and strengthened it.”

The Ciambarella/Tsai family: Chris, Leo (3), Annie (6), and Li Chen.

This is one reason La Lumiere is such a wonderful place for me and my family,” he continues. “It ensures that faith is an integral part of education and that all faiths are respected and can support each other. This is one of the main topics explored in my World Religions and World History courses.”

In short, Chris is building global awareness and cross-cultural empathy—one grain of sand at a time.

Chris is the varsity girls basketball coach.

Character

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La Lumiere Magazine

Scholarship

Faith

Meg Caplice

New Trustees extraordinary effort on La Lumiere’s physical environment, its excellent academic staffing, and its long-term future.”

With their diverse experience in business and education, both Meg Caplice and Bill Igoe have a lot to contribute as members of the Board of Trustees, and La Lumiere School is sure to benefit from their experience and insight. “The simple concept of Character, Scholarship, and Faith is always in the forefront of our decision-making process,” Bill says, calling this “a simple motto, but a constant and evolutionary process for all individuals connected with La Lumiere School.” Meg

This year La Lumiere welcomed two new

At K.S. Trading, Bill spent ten years as the Head

echoes his sentiment. “La Lumiere School has

members to its Board of Trustees, Meg Caplice

of Information Technology and Derivative

and continues to be an important piece of my

and Bill Igoe. As an alumna, Meg is no stranger

Research, where he developed a real-time

personal history, as a student, parent, and now

to the traditions and culture of La Lumiere

risk management system. He currently serves

trustee,” she explains, “My goal is to preserve

School. After graduating in 1981, she received

as Managing Principal for Bachelier Capital

the La Lu experience as I knew it, as my

her Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Mary’s

in Chicago. Now he brings his professional

children know it today.”

College, Notre Dame, IN and then earned

experience to the Board of Trustees. He

her Master of Education at National Louis

explains, “Not only does the Board maintain

University in Chicago. Bill graduated from

a steady focus on cross-disciplinary education

La Lumiere in 1974 and went on to pursue

for our students, we also expend an

advanced degrees as well. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Advanced Econometrics from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.

Meg has served as a member on the board of The Notre Dame School Foundation and as a co-chair for fundraising events such as La Lumiere’s Run for the Roses. She was part of the original group of women to attend La Lumiere, and has strong ties to community development as co-owner of the Michigan City women’s clothing boutique Darling. As a La Lumiere parent, she has unique insight into the dynamics of the school over the last decade.

Bill Igoe

Forward

Together

Forward Together is the student-selected theme for the 2014-2015 school year. This theme is embodied in the community volunteer work, fundraising events, and academic goals that are being pursued by students and faculty members. Whether they’re moving forward toward their personal goals for the future or working to help better their world, the students and faculty of La Lu know that their efforts are made stronger by the remarkable community they’ve built together.

Continuing Education During the summer of 2014, two faculty members participated in professional development opportunities. “The love of teaching comes from the love of learning,” John Joy, a Theology and Ethics teacher, explains. Presented with a grant from the Parents Association of La Lumiere School, he was a student at the Aquinas Institute of Ireland Summer School. He spent his time in Knockadoon, County Cork, Ireland, helping the foundation promote the study of St. Thomas Aquinas’s writing and moral philosophy.

Equipped with a grant from the Dr. Scholl Foundation and La Lumiere School, Elizabeth Behar (pictured center), a Social Sciences teacher, immersed herself in the vibrant culture of southwestern Mexico and northern Guatemala. She visited contemporary Mayan settings around Lake Atitlán and toured Mayan ruins, such as Chichén Itzá and Palenque, and she also had the opportunity to spend a week studying the Spanish language at the Ixcehl School in Antigua, Guatemala.

Community Service & Service Trips The tradition of serving the community is important to the students, faculty, and staff at La Lumiere. Students have spent this past year leading food drives, visiting nursing home residents, and volunteering at the First Prebyterian Church Soup Kitchen.

During Spring Break, students also had the unique opportunity to participate in a service trip to Nicaragua, where they assisted the Asociación Familia Padre Fabretto in its mission to help impoverished Nicaraguan children and their families.

A fundraising event held by La Lumiere students in February, Night for Niños, raised $1,800 to benefit the foundation.

La Lumiere’s Academic Decathlon team also worked to benefit the community by supporting the Michiana Marines Toys for Tots program. At the Varsity Blue and Varsity White games against Spire Institute, the admission price was a new toy for the Toys for Tots drive, and by the end of the event, Lakers had filled two boxes with toys and raised $436 for the cause.

College Signings Throughout the winter season, La Lumiere students take part in a traditional ceremony to celebrate their time at La Lumiere and look toward their next adventures. These college signing events are meant to mark the culmination of what many students have been working so hard to achieve during their time at La Lumiere—acceptance to the college or university of their choice—and while graduation represents the end of their high school career, it is also the mark of new beginnings.

Since 2008, College Signing Chapel events have served as public celebrations of accomplishment. As students receive acceptance letters from universities all over the country, these special Chapel sessions allow students the opportunity to encourage one another and share in each other’s excitement, looking forward to where their journeys will take them next.

Fundraising for Cancer Research Effectively blending a good time and a good cause, La Lumiere’s basketball and volleyball teams set out to raise money for organizations that benefit cancer research. In October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the La Lumiere Lakers volleyball team held its fifth annual Dig Pink match to support the Side-Out Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

Dig Pink volleyball events around the country raise money for breast cancer research and this past year, the Lakers raised $1,600.

At the January Max the Marsch event, the Lakers basketball team played Wasatch Academy and encouraged friends, family, and the community to attend. The evening raised $2,300 with all proceeds benefiting the Mary Kline Foundation, an organization that raises funds for cancer research. Alex Kline, the founder of the organization, was in attendance as a guest speaker.

Forward Together

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50th Anniversary Gala Celebration “Make no little plans...”

La Lumiere School held its 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. The School celebrated its first half-century by welcoming over 350 alumni, parents, faculty, and guests from around the world, and the event grossed nearly $380,000.

The Gala was chaired by a committee of La Lumiere School alumni and parents, with longtime supporters Traute Bransfield, the Rev. Dr. Raymond Daly III, Mary Lou Linnen, Andy McKenna, Sr., Billie Moore, Dick Sandin, Larry Sullivan, Sr., and Dick Webster, Sr. serving as gala honorary chairs.

Headmaster Michael H. Kennedy ’86 kicked off the evening, saying, “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work.” Kennedy continued, “Here we are in Chicago, and these words of famed Chicago city planner and architect Daniel Burnham could also be describing La Lumiere School in 1963. Our Founders aimed high and crafted a quality education for future leaders, citizens, and servants. Fifty years later, this small School has achieved greatly. The founding of La Lumiere had less to do with bricks and buildings and more to do with mission and culture. And with a culture of connectedness,” Headmaster Kennedy remarked, “we have changed lives. Through our alumni, we have already changed, and will continue to change, society.”

Alumnus Paris Barclay ’74, a two-time Emmy Award-winning director and producer, served as master of ceremonies. Also, as a special entertainment feature, graduates Marty Lloyd ’86 from The Freddy Jones Band, and Mike ’82 and Paul ’83 Bolger from Mr. Blotto, performed live after the dinner.

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La Lumiere Magazine Spring 2015

Gratitude Among the Pines

By Paris Barclay ’74 in honor of La Lumiere’s 50th

Thanks may begin, but they will never end For every iconic teacher, for every unlikely friend Met in the place Forged in this grace Gratitude scattered among the pines It’s been forty years since we left its halls Like racehorses whipped, bolting from stalls Prepped and groomed Expecting we’re doomed Attitude standing in college lines But we had Kirkby in our minds The wit, the passion, the unruled lines And Moore in our hearts Like replacement parts That made us better; and, in part, divine For that was the weapon that La Lumiere gave A cudgel of kindness, a faith that could save Even the loneliest boy Could look back on some joy And gratitude scattered among the pines La Lumiere was always much more than the classes More than goals, takedowns and touchdown passes It was a gentle wind on our embers And when the fire takes, few remember Who breathed us across the finished lines?

It’s always been difficult for others to understand The feeling we had when we stood in God’s hand And where that lift takes us And how that lift makes us More empowered by the touch of the Divine All of us—now women AND men—We are La Lumiere.

Every student and teacher and family member here And those whose support Kept us alive in La Porte We thank you for every tie that binds Us to you and you to us.

We go out. We give back. As Breslin says: “Discuss.”

And discuss it we will with our parents and children The La Lumiere miracle and how it instilled in Us the logic of Sullivan The kindness of Linnens The judgment of Roberts And the Kennedy spirit And as Doc Booms’ Historic shock looms over our minds— Pause for gratitude And scatter it Among the pines.

Most Valuable Player award winner during his

to the School through the unification of former

athletic career playing Football, Basketball, Golf,

athletes and today’s student athletes.

and Baseball, All-Area for Football, and Leading Rebounder for Basketball; and Tim McGrath,

The Process and Criteria are straightforward, with

named All-Area Quarterback, All-Area Offense,

a selection committee comprised of the athletic

Leading Scorer in the Area, and leader of two

director, headmaster, selected faculty, and alumni.

consecutive undefeated seasons for Football; Tim

They meet periodically to review nominations,

was named Most Valuable Offense for Basketball,

identify a prospective slate of inductees, research

earned Most Points as a member of the Track

their accomplishments, and select inductees to be

Team, and also played Baseball.

honored. Using the following Nomination Criteria, the Hall of Fame Committee invites nominations,

Inductee Dave Tomaka ’81 earned eleven letters

for inductees to be presented next winter. To

and was captain of his Football, Wrestling, and

submit a nomination, visit lalumiere.org/hof.

Baseball teams, and was also named High School

Induction May 2014

All-American in Wrestling. Chris Duggan ’76 was

Nomination Criteria:

inducted as the Most Valuable Player in Football

•

Living or deceased alumni, former coaches, and longtime supporters of the overall athletic program of La Lumiere athletics are eligible.

•

Alumni are eligible at any time beginning five years after graduation from La Lumiere.

•

No current coach or staff member is eligible.

•

Entire teams are eligible to be inducted en masse into the Hall of Fame.

•

The number of selections for the Hall of Fame each year is at the discretion of the selection committee.

and Basketball. The 1980-81 and 1982-83 football teams, coached by Chris Balawender and Drew Danik, were inducted for their undefeated status.

On May 3, 2014, alumni and friends of La Lumiere gathered together in Chicago to

It may be that no class is more responsible for

celebrate new inductees to the La Lumiere

La Lumiere’s 50 years of athletic excellence

School Hall of Fame. Founding faculty

than the Charter Class of 1968. Inductee Jay

member, advisor, assistant headmaster, and

Nawrocki’s efforts and achievements set the pace

coach, Mr. Dave Kirkby emceed the event

in Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track.

by proudly highlighting each inductee with individual acclamations.

Following Mr. Kirkby’s remarks, alumnus Tom

Selection Criteria:

Rosshirt ’77 shared his reflections on Mr. Kirkby

•

Sport(s)—Levels (Varsity, JV) and years played at La Lumiere

•

Accomplishments/Statistics—including records, titles, wins, stats, and accomplishments beyond high school (i.e. college)

•

Level of commitment to La Lumiere Athletics

•

Contribution of professional athletic achievement, bringing acclaim to the School

In what Dave Kirkby described as one

as the final inductee of the afternoon. Rosshirt

of the most talented graduating classes,

noted, “Because Dave Kirkby coached at the

five members of the Class of 1983 were

school he helped start, with the students he

recognized, including La Lumiere’s first two

taught, in the Athletic Program he helped build—

female inductees: Maureen (Moore) Vear, a

where every kid was on a team, which meant

skilled athlete in Volleyball, Basketball, Track,

every kid was on his team, and his team meant

and Tennis; and Kathy (March) Breitowich,

his family ... and in his family, all his coaching gifts

victorious in every tennis match she played

were elevated by love. That is the real ingredient

during her four years at La Lumiere; she also

of his greatness.”

played Volleyball and Basketball.

When Michael Kennedy was a faculty member, he The Class of 1983 inductees also included

approached Headmaster Larry Sullivan with the

Joe Gaffigan, captain of both the Football

notion of starting the tradition of an Athletic Hall

and Basketball teams, Most Valuable Lineman

of Fame. So began this opportunity for a tradition

and All-Area for Football, and a member

of engaging alumni, honoring their athletic efforts

of the Track Team; Tim Grote, five-time

from yesteryear, and enhancing connections

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La Lumiere Magazine

Headmaster Michael Kennedy ’86 with Inductee Maureen (Moore) Vear ’83

Inductee David Kirkby

Inductee Kathy (March) Breitowich ’83 with son Jack ’18, daughter Andi ’17, and husband Lee

1982 and 1983 Football Teams: Drew Danik, Andy Vear, Tom Barry, Tom McQuillan, Tim McGrath, Tim Grote, Joe Gaffigan, Mike Bolger, Chris Balawender, David Byrne, 4Inductee Marty Lloyd, Victor Smith, Avery Holt, and Mike Delgado.

Inductee Jay Nawrocki ’68

Geoff and Katite (Grote) Mackey ’86 with Mary Frances and 6 Tim Grote ’83 Inductee

5

Inductee Dave Tomaka ’81

8

Inductee Chris Balawender, Inductee David Kirkby, and Inductee Joe Gaffigan ’81 with his son J.P.

9

7

Tom Rosshirt ’77

th Headmaster Michael Kennedy ’86 Inductee Tim La McGrath Lumiere’8350and Anniversary Issue | 17

10

Commencement

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La Lumiere Magazine 2014

2014

University of Notre Dame President Emeritus,

Fr. Malloy encouraged the graduates to take

Rev. Edward A. “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C, delivered

the opportunity of joining new communities, to

an inspirational keynote address to La Lumiere

expand their knowledge not only from the classes

graduates, parents, students, alumni, and guests at

they will take and the books they will read but

its 47th Commencement Ceremony on Friday,

also by learning about other people and what

May 23, 2014.

they have encountered. “You have to learn to ask questions, to share your story, to listen and

In his remarks to the graduates, Fr. Malloy expounded on the individual experiences he has seen in others at Notre Dame, from a student who held her baby brother while he died in her arms, to a student who was born with one leg and no arms, to another who was in a life-threatening car accident. All of these students overcame significant challenges in their lives and have since accomplished great things.

Fr. Malloy reminded the graduates that the size of our School allows students to know everybody and their “quirks and idiosyncrasies.” This unique environment gives everyone the chance to learn about what others have overcome and that their attitude toward experiences are invaluable and demonstrate important life lessons. As graduates move to larger communities and settings, Fr. Malloy said they should strive to connect with others in the same way they have connected to fellow students in the close-knit community of La Lumiere.

tell, to engage in some kind of dynamic human interaction. Because that’s a lifetime skill that you

“One of the things you are moving into in

can use wherever you are ... at whatever age.

the next stage of your life is the wonderful

But the next stage of your life will build on

opportunity to define yourself as a person:

what you’ve already done here at this

living away from home, moving into a kind of

wonderful institution.

independence that you may not have known up until now, being able to choose your friends, your

“As you move from La Lumiere to wherever

course of study, and eventually determine what

you go to college, you’ll find the opportunity to

you’d like to do with your life; what your central

establish the friends of a lifetime, the people that

values are, not those that have been passed on,

will be there for your weddings and for all those

which hopefully you’ll find precious and reaffirm

special moments, those who will reinforce you,

sometime in your life. But of all the things you’re

who will bring out the best in you. I assure you,

going to do in this time of transition, nothing may

the best years lie ahead of you. May God bless

be more enjoyable than getting to know a new

you on your journey.”

group of friends.”

Father Monk Malloy President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame Father Malloy led Notre Dame at a time of rapid growth in its reputation, faculty, and resources. During his tenure as President, the University of Notre Dame increased student body and faculty diversity, redirected academic and faculty priorities to emphasize research, dramatically improved its financial aid resources, made major capital improvements, and increased the academic profile of its students.

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Commencement

2014

Cormac Gahan, Head Prefect Miami University, Oxord, Ohio

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Head Prefect Cormac Gahan from South Haven, Mich. reflected on the impact of a La Lumiere education: “La Lumiere creates an opportunity for growth by compelling us to be participatory, or players—not just spectators— and Class of 2014, we engaged fully in these opportunities and we grew from them.

“We have been players, not spectators, by leading our community.

We’ve set new standards in athletic and academic competitions. We have seen impressive plays written by our classmates performed on stage. Four years ago we didn’t have an Academic Decathlon team or two Science Olympiad teams. Four years ago we did not have the distinctive student leadership program we enjoy today.

“Four years ago we didn’t have an entrepreneurial program. Four years ago we didn’t have an athletics program with a prominent national team to go along with two emerging programs in lacrosse and crew. A lot can happen in four years and these feats are the work of players, not spectators.

“It takes players to speak out against injustice; it takes players to take initiative on campus; it takes players to not accept mediocrity and to excel, both on and off the field.”

2014 Honorary Senior Medal Recipient Pat Kennedy

2014 Honorary Senior Medal Recipient Kasey (Ryan) Leake ’95

Patrick Kennedy was recognized for his commitment and dedication

“Both in and out of the classroom, you are well respected,” remarked

to each individual student at La Lumiere as Director of Student Life.

Headmaster Michael Kennedy ’86, as he presented faculty member Kasey

In his remarks about Patrick, Assistant Headmaster Bryan Smith said,

(Ryan) Leake ’95 with the Honorary Senior Medal. Michael reflected that

“Grounded in your faith, you conduct your everyday affairs with love

as a student, Kasey was, “strong-minded but wise beyond her years,” and

and respect for everyone who crosses your path...For the past eight

continued to speak about her impact now as a teacher. “When it comes to

years, you have marched through this community like Don Quixote on a

handling tough situations in her class, she is firm...Kasey, you are venerated

quest to educate each student to become a strong, ethical, caring,

by your colleagues, loved by your students, and La Lumiere is where it is

and giving adult.”

today because of your contributions.”

The Alumni Memorial Award - Thomas Andrew Yemc, Jr. Senior Award for Stellar Academic Performance - Taylor Alexandra Schaetzle James R. Moore Scholar Athlete Award - Daniel Algirdas Mockaitis and Claire Miller Jaffee Alan R. Hannan Unsung Hero Award - George Louis Koehm and Daniel Algirdas Mockaitis Trustees Award for Leadership Based on Character - Patrick James Lake and Isabella Darby Schuster Headmaster’s Award for Growth and Distinction - Exaucee Nkosi Ngiama, Cormac Colin Edward Gahan, and Connor Cullerton Anthony The One of Us Award - Richard Armando Cains and Connor Cullerton Anthony Senior Award for Service to Younger Students - Neal Minesh Patel and Solstice Zaranski

Alumni Memorial Award Thomas Yemc, Jr. University of Notre Dame

The highest award La Lumiere confers on a graduating senior, the Alumni Memorial Award, is given each year in recognition of the graduate who best portrays the La Lumiere ideal. This award is given as a tribute to deceased alumni and students whose character, scholarship, and faith are respectfully acknowledged and fondly remembered. Thomas was honored to receive this prestigious award. As a business major at the University of Notre Dame, another highlight of Commencement at La Lumiere was meeting Father Monk Malloy.

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2014 Annual Golf Outing & Alumni Reunion

2014 Parents Weekend

Class Notes

Class Reunions The Class of 1984 gathered in Chicago to celebrate their 30th reunion.

30th

Joe Gaffigan ’83

1983 Joe Gaffigan will be honored on April 23 for his tireless commitment to LINK Unlimited Scholars as a former Chairman of the Board, current board member, and LINK mentor to four scholars.

Joe Linnen,Yoshio Suzuki, John Kerrigan, Dan Hillenbrand, John Edwards, Andy Vear, Kerry Gabriel Turner, Greg Laka, Ed Gallaga, John Schirger, Marina Dimas, and David Byrne

1987 Ted Reese just returned from the 2015 Global CemFuels (Cement Fuels) conference held in Dubai, UAE. His company, Cadence

The Alumni Golf Outing

35th

Environmental Energy, was awarded the Runner-up Title for Global Fuels Supplier of the year award. In addition, Ted was awarded both the Personality of the Year and Top Presentation awards. He attributes his writing and speaking skills as being honed early from La Lumiere days.

1995 Kasey (Ryan) Leake married long-time love Brian Leake August 8, 2014 in Michigan City.

1996 The Alumni Class Award goes to 1979. Jack Crowe, Stephanie Hurley, Scott McAdams, Pat O’Malley, John Edwards, and Pete Grote

Natalie (Bergren) Keigher, a teacher at Lisle Junior High School, has earned the highest credential available to American educators by recently becoming a National Board Certified teacher through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

1997 Tom Sullivan and wife Sarah celebrated their wedding anniversary, along with their son Finnegan Oliver’s 10 month birthday, while living in Poland. Tom is managing the CH Robinson business in Poland and enjoys keeping in touch with La Lu friends, such as Ginny Leonard Huber ’99 and Josh Huber ’97 who joined the Sullivans in Athens, Greece Michael McGrath ’90, Nina Seme-Nelson ’89 and Kelly Bridgman-Dietrich ’89 visiting campus

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La Lumiere Magazine

Scott McAdams ’79, Mark Leyden ’77, David Wood ’77, and John Edwards ’79

for two weeks together.

2000 Siblings Colleen (Quirk) Morrison ‘97, husband Patrick and Rory Quirk ’00 and wife

Kasey ’95 and Brian Leake

Patrick Grimmer ’10

Anna Nti-Asare ’10

Josh Huber ’97 and Tom Sullivan ’97

Emily Dolan ’01and Robert Bourke ’01

Finnegan Oliver Sullivan

Theresa Siedlecki ’11 and Elaine Fehrs ’10 Political Science and Spanish in May 2014.

He is currently enrolled at the University of Notre Dame Law School.

Capt. Peter Balawender ’03 and Caitlin Putre Lumiao welcomed new additions to their families last year—only three weeks apart.

Pictured together this past Christmas are cousins Nora Morrison (born March 15) and Dylan Quirk (born April 5).

2001 Emily Dolan and Robert “Bo” Bourke were married on December 6, 2014 at the University Club of Chicago. Bo and Emily met at La Lumiere freshman year. While at the Senior Bonfire in 1997, Bo asked Emily to Homecoming which would be both of their first dates ... ever. Fourteen years later, they ran into each other at the University of Chicago, and the rest is history, as they say! Bo and Emily currently reside in Washington, D.C.

Nora Morrison and Dylan Quirk

2003 Capt. Peter Balawender, United States Marine Corps, and Caitlin Putre were engaged in October 2014, and will be married Sunday, May 24, 2015. The ceremony will be in the Milwaukee, WI area. Caitlin, a former Navy Nurse and graduate of Marquette University, is currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Georgetown University, Washington D.C. Peter is attending the Marine Corps University at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA and will be stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC in August.

2010 Patrick Grimmer graduated from the University of Notre Dame with degrees in

Anna Nti-Asare graduated with honors and distinction from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Medical Anthropology and is pursuing a Masters of Philosophy in Multidisciplinary Gender Studies at the University of Cambridge in England.

Elaine Fehrs graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a B.A. in Studio Art and a minor in Gender Studies. Elaine is currently enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Law School.

2011 Theresa Siedlecki is a senior at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD. Theresa will receive a B.F.A. in Drawing this spring and plans to stay in Baltimore to work in theater spaces.

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Class Notes

John Lake ’12 with his mother, Mary

2012 John F. Lake is a junior studying Computer Science at the University of Notre Dame and just received an internship with the U.S. Army Cyber Command at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia. John was the only cadet from the University of Notre Dame to receive an internship, and one of only two cadets in the entire brigade chosen for this particular branch.

Brian Tonino ’12 (center in blue) at Madison Square Garden

Don Snedden celebrated his 50th birthday with faculty, parents, and alumni.

Brian Tonino is a junior studying in the Heider

Rapheal Davis, a junior at Purdue University

College of Business at Creighton University,

studying management, and guard for the

and is the Men’s Basketball Head Manager and

Boilermakers men’s basketball team, was

Student Assistant. He is pictured above, center,

recently named the Big Ten Academic All-

during the Big East Tournament at Madison

Conference and Defensive Player of the

Square Garden.

Year. This makes him Purdue’s eighth Big Ten

Defensive Player of the Year. Rapheal and his

Don Snedden, Chemistry teacher, celebrated

team brought Purdue back to the NCAA

his 50th birthday on March 9 with La Lu alumni

Tournament this year.

Will Holdsworth ’12, Evan Schrauben ’10, Brad Miller ’10, and Zach Wisniewski ’11.

We are extremely proud that many of our alumni – from Arizona, Indianapolis, Chicago, and Northwest Indiana – have chosen La Lumiere School for their children’s education.

Row 1: Dana Rafferty (Andy Sperling ’87), Andi Breitowich (Kathy March Breitowich ’83), Lucy Caplice (Meg Linnen Caplice ’81), Kate Collins (Dave Collins ’77), Ana Kleihege (Tim Kleihege ’80 and Katie Miller Kleihege ’83), Lydia Costello (Ned Costello ’81), Fiona Whalen (Kathleen Kennedy ’83), and Annie Turner (Kerry Gabriel Turner ’84) Row 2: Nerissa Siwietz (Mike Siwietz ’74), Sophia Wood (David Wood ’77), Mary Adam (Charlie Adam ’85), Lily Kennedy (Michael Kennedy ’86), Marty Whalen (Kathleen Kennedy ’83), Rowan Whalen (Kathleen Kennedy ’83), Pat Jelinek (Bridget Adam Van Eekeren ‘88), Jack Breitowich (Kathy March Breitowich ’83), Emily Smith (Victor Smith ’86), Megan Jelinek (Bridget Adam Van Eekeren ‘88 ), and Belle Hendricks (John Hendricks ’85)

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La Lumiere Magazine

Thomas S. Farr ’93

In Memoriam

1975-2014 Portland, Oregon

We would like to express our sympathy to the family and friends of the La Lumiere School community members

When the family of Thomas Farr ’93 lost their

listed below who have passed away. If you know of others

son, many people—both within and beyond the

we have not recorded or hear of others in the coming

La Lumiere community—grieved with them.

months, please notify us.

After some contemplation, the Farrs decided that

Anthony Benacka Jr., Valparaiso, IN — Aug. 29, 2014

La Lumiere School would be the appropriate

Father of Sydney ’17

designation for memorial gifts given in Tom’s honor. In choosing how these funds would be

William Bolger, Naperville, IL — Nov. 22, 2014

most effective, it was Tom’s love for the School

Father of Paul ’83 and Michael ’85 Adam Brashear, Rolling Prairie, IN — March 12, 2014 Enrolled 2000-01

and his success as a student that seemed to make selecting La Lumiere as beneficiary a good decision. Therefore, the Farr family agreed that the generosity of so many memorial gifts should support one of Tom’s passions—Crew.

Helen Collins, Palos Heights, IL — Oct. 23, 2014 Mother of David ’77 Jannette Elliot, Owensboro, KY — Feb. 12, 2014 Mother of Elizabeth ’88 and Margaret ’90

Tom’s interest in Crew began at Lehigh University where he was an instrumental part of his rowing team and aided in elevating the university’s program. Although it did not exist during his days at La Lumiere, the La Lumiere Crew program prospers today thanks in large part to the gifts made in Tom Farr’s name. La Lumiere has successfully built and expanded its Crew

Norma Kaminski, La Porte, IN — April 25, 2014 Mother of James, Board of Trustees Grandparent of Peter ’08 and Clara ’10 Douglas Newcombe ’73, Anthem, AZ — July 3, 2014

program since 2012; beginning with 17 rowers and seven shells (boats), the team has grown to 27 rowers and 15 shells.

We are grateful for the support we have received to fund a Crew Program at La Lumiere.

Leo Newcombe, Evanston, IL — Dec. 10, 2014 Father of Richard ’69 and Douglas ’73 Jane O’Connor Kerr, Tuscon, AZ — July 1, 2014 Mother of William O’Connor ’68 Burton Ruby, Michigan City, IN — Dec. 27, 2014 Stepfather of John Zylstra ’79 Jennifer Yast, Flossmoor, IL — Jan. 13, 2015 Spouse of John ’75 William Zegers, Flossmoor, IL — May 22, 2014 Father of Walter ’75, Harold ’78, James ’81, John ’85, and Christopher ’90

The Dr. James R. Kennedy Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 in memory of Headmaster Michael Kennedy’s father and currently has a balance of over $800,000. The income generated by this endowed fund will be used to provide scholarships, giving preference to underserved, deserving students. These endowed scholarships will change the lives of young people by affording them a first-rate education at La Lumiere School. If you would like to donate a gift to support this scholarship, please visit lalumiere.org.

Over his 11-year tenure, Headmaster Kennedy has led La Lumiere to achieve several marks of success, making our School a remarkable place.

97 88 80 44 24 13 1

Percent increase in enrollment from 118 students in 2004-2005 to 232 students in 2014-2015

Percent increase in course offerings including 13 new Advanced Placement courses

Percent increase in giving

Percent increase in the number of faculty with advanced degrees

Countries represented in our student population over 11 years

Million dollars raised

Enduring mission: La Lumiere School provides a college preparatory education based in character, scholarship, and faith

the last word When someone leaves—someone who is so much a part of a

of connectedness” which is rooted as much in the traditions of the

place as Michael Kennedy is of La Lumiere—a community is sorely

place as in the interrelations of the community and in its outreach to

tempted to look backward. Here in the final pages of the magazine,

a global community. There is no nostalgia here, tinged with anxiety for

we should direct your attention to the promise of the future; that is

the future, for the Kennedys are leaving behind them a La Lumiere

certainly the direction Michael would encourage us to look.

School poised for progress. Forward Together.

But oh what a sweet indulgence it is to remember the past eleven years. They have been good years.

People progressing forward together amounts to a pilgrimage. We

Looking backward reveals a time of profound change, and the

to take individual pilgrims too seriously. The pilgrimage is about the

numbers show it. In 2004 enrollment was almost half what it was this

group and its holy progress toward a consecrated goal. But there

year. The school has seen significant number of new classes added

is a particular Canterbury pilgrim whom Chaucer did praise, the

to its curriculum including thirteen new AP courses. Opportunities

Clerk, a student and teacher at Oxford. His description reminds us

for music, leadership and faith activities, and athletics have also

of Michael: “Gladly would he learn and gladly teach.” From his days

significantly increased. Not only are there more faculty members, but

as a student at La Lumiere, to his stint as a teacher and coach, to his

now over two-thirds of them possess advanced degrees. With alumni

tenure as head of school, Michael has most gladly learned and most

involvement heightened, giving has increased by 80%. Underpinning

gladly taught how to be a “servant leader.” This ideal has a catholic

this growth is a capital campaign which exceeded all expectations.

significance in a plural community. But for Michael its foundation,

There are new buildings on a larger campus. And there is a new

like that of the school, is Catholic. A learner-teacher-servant-leader,

master plan with a blueprint for the future of the campus.

Michael has ministered to and cared for every student individually.

All this change was fueled by Michael’s vision and propelled by his leadership, but he is quick to point out that the credit does not

have known, since Chaucer taught us in The Canterbury Tales, not

He makes whomever he speaks to the most important person in the room. La Lumiere has been blessed to have him.

belong to him alone. Serving as Director of Advancement for nine of

Now, he is called to work with another, younger batch of potential

these eleven years, Colleen Kennedy was instrumental in pulling it all

servant leaders at The Frances Xavier Warde School. They are

off. And so were the School’s faculty, staff, board, alumni, parents, and

blessed to have him. The path of one La Lumiere pilgrim and his

the students themselves.

family may be diverging, but the pilgrimage truly is the same.

So, looking backward gives credit to many for this extraordinary time of change, and Michael can forgive us the indulgence. After all, he himself has put at the core of his work at La Lumiere a “culture

Forward Together.

by Marie Campbell

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