Q & A: Jim Mitchell ’77

Q & A with Jim Mitchell ’77 J

Q: What is one of the earliest memories you have of attending Saint Viator?

I go with a group of friends from elementary

have become very good friends of mine. Walking into class, all of a sudden you have a lifelong friend. High school felt like a time when all the right people came together —

a couple of times a year for a night out, or get our families together for a big event, outings,

Q: What was your experience like with the faculty and staff? dinary growth for me. The faculty there went so far out of their way to help me get on the path I wanted to be on—they helped me launch

just the way they do things at Saint Viator.

phenomenal. Br. Bob Ruhl taught me a lot about writing. Bob Strezewski led the newspaper and Fr. Larry Lenz helped me beyond academics, guiding me to an internship at Paddock Publications working for a radio

Dan taught me everything about the radio

where I met faculty in the broadcast department. I signed up for a degree and ended up with a career. Saint Viator has made a huge difference in every part of my life. 11

Q: What drew you back?

A: It was such a great experience, I did stay in touch with staff, faculty, and other alumni. I started hanging around doing what I could. I drifted for a while when I had kids, but

been a laundry list of ways to support Saint Viator. I was invited to join the Advancement

the special events person for a few years.

Q: What keeps you involved with Saint Viator?

A: When you spend time there, you see the great things being done, you want to support that—and also see what needs to be done. Saint Viator has always been welcoming and I was always encouraged, “Please keep

I would encourage others to stay involved

Q: Why do you think the mission of Saint Viator is important?

A: For more than 50 years, Saint Viator has been guiding students through service activities and friendships on a path that combines ethics, academics, and social

contribution to the area through the young women and men it helps form.

Q: What is your vision for the future of SVHS?

become as diverse as possible, representing what the world is like. I want to continue to see Saint Viator students go to universities

current, and go on to have great careers. Saint Viator High School uniquely prepares students to be leaders with values and ethics,

alum out there will make an effort to give back someday and in some way. If everyone can help a bit, we will have a very strong future.

Q: Our theme for the annual report comes from the Louis Querbes quote, “Strive to do everything well, so that through us Jesus may be adored and loved.” How do you connect with that message?

A: I learned from the faculty at Saint Viator, everything you do, do it the best you can. They taught and challenged me to do so, and I think every student should be challenged like that. Not just to do, but do your best. When

about competing for basic things, but about

more there than doing a job or task, there are also ethics that need to be upheld. If we can

have a better world.