MARIAN A N ewsletter
for
Matters
M arian C atholic A lumni , P arents , and F riends . . . B ecause M arian C atholic R eally D oes M atter SUMMER 2014
MARIAN GRADUATE WELCOMED AS PRINCIPAL Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, Marian Catholic welcomes a new principal. Mr. Steve Tortorello ’04 begins his tenure at the beginning of July, as the current principal, Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, O.P., departs for her new dual responsibilities as Director of the Dominican Association of Secondary Schools (DASS) and Director of Mission Advancement for the Dominican of Springfield. Tortorello has been a member of the Marian Catholic family for more than 15 years, beginning with his earliest days as a student. After graduating from Marian Catholic in 2004, Tortorello went on to earn three degrees from the University of Notre Dame: Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies, Masters of Education, and Masters of Educational Administration. Since his return to Marian Catholic in 2010, Tortorello has served as a freshmen English teacher and an Advanced Placement history teacher, quickly earning the praise of his students as an outstanding educator. He has consistently gone above and beyond to provide for the needs of his students, spending many hours after school to help seniors with their college applications. Outside of the classroom, Tortorello has enhanced school spirit and rallied students to support each other at various extracurricular events. He has worked to promote the future of Marian Catholic through involvement with recruitment and marketing committees. Devoted to his Catholic faith, Tortorello has offered major support to the Kairos Retreat Program. Tortorello becomes the eighth principal of Marian Catholic and is the first layperson
to hold the position. At this important time in the school’s history, he offers the unique perspective of having been on both sides of the desk. Tortorello recognizes the high expectations placed on students, but also understands the responsibilities of the faculty and staff. Tortorello embraces Catholic Dominican values, living them as part of his daily life. He has a keen sense of the school’s Mission and will work hard to ensure that Marian Catholic remains a faith-filled community devoted to excellence in academics, athletics, and fine arts. Tortorello brings strong energy and enthusiasm to the role of principal and offers a new vision that is sure to inspire the institution for many years to come. Chairperson of the Mission Integration Committee of the Board of Directors, Dr. Joseph Hamann ’79 is excited about the announcement of Tortorello as the first lay principal of Marian Catholic High School. “Steve is a gifted educator and dynamic leader with outstanding interpersonal skills,” said Hamann. “I have great confidence that he will work with the leadership team of Marian Catholic to embrace the abiding ethic of providing young men and women with a premier education steeped in Catholic values and Dominican truths.” Tortorello comes to his new position in tandem with three outstanding assistant principals. Dr. Shirley Morris, the Assistant Principal for Academics, assures the strength of the collegiatelevel curriculum, offering expertise and direction to the academic leadership platform. Mr. John Kozojed, the Assistant Principal of Student Services, has worked closely with Tortorello over the years and brings wisdom and a lifetime of committed service to this time of transition.
Mr. Steve Tortorello ’04
Mr. Jack Heneghan, the Assistant Principal of Operations, works with individual student and faculty issues, helping each person in the school environment to achieve his/her highest level of good citizenship. The cumulative knowledge and experience of current leadership continues to be a tremendous asset to the Marian Catholic Community as Tortorello assumes the responsibilities previously held by Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, O.P. In reflecting on her decision to select Steve Tortorello from a large group of qualified candidates, Sister Judine Hilbing, O.P., looked to the future. “Throughout the course of this most recent academic year, the school community has been engaged in a process of strategic planning. As we prepare the final document for publication I am confident that Steve has the vision, enthusiasm, and energy to carry our 2020 VISION into the future, ensuring the long-term vitality of Marian Catholic High School.”
ALUMNI & FRIENDS Gather at Union League Club Continues on Page 3 The Marian Catholic Alumni Association hosted the Eighth Annual Metro Chicago Network Event of Alumni and Friends on Thursday, June 5th, at the Union League Club of Chicago. It was the perfect setting for alumni, board directors, and friends to network and socialize. Carol Burke Swanson ’81, the Director of Alumni Relations, organized a wonderful event and was pleased with the turnout. Over 50 guests attended the event, representing every generation of Marian Catholic’s history. Head Men’s Basketball, Coach Mike Taylor