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Transcript of La Lumiere Magazine 2015
Forward Together • Building Global Thinkers • the last word Spring 2015
la lumiere MAGAZINE
LA LUMIEREMAGAZINE
Spring 2015
Produced byLa Lumiere School
Michael H. Kennedy ’86Headmaster
Co-EditorsBecca HendricksAndi Jones
ContributorsHeather AugustynMatt BuchananMarie CampbellAmanda Graber
Photo CreditsChris BalawenderColleen KennedyTricia KoningKellene Urbaniak
DesignKellene Urbaniak
Board of TrusteesMeg Caplice ’81, P’10, ’12, ’14, ’17Rick-jan Dekker P’13, ’14Connie Devers Falcone ’83Dan Hillenbrand ’84Bill Igoe ’74Jim Kaminski P’08, ’10Michael Kennedy ’86 Headmaster, P’18Dan Kerrigan ’80Mark Leyden ’77, ChairTricia Luck P’11, ’13Johanna MillerJohn Rumely ’69John Schirger ’84Victor Smith ’86, P’18Kevin Sullivan ’83Ceil Tristano P’01, ’04, ’07Daniel P. Walsh, Jr. ’95Rev. Wayne Watts
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.
Forward TogetherTable of ConTenTs
3 Note from the Headmaster
8 Building Global Thinkers,
One Grain at a Time New Trustees
Forward Together
14 50th Anniversary Celebration Commencement 2014 Events 2014-2015
26 Reunions Class Notes In Memoriam the last word
4 Building Minds, Building
Character
Forward Together | 3
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.
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.
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.
Michael H. Kennedy ’86HeadmasterMission
La Lumiere School provides a college preparatory education based in character, scholarship, and faith.
Note from the Headmaster
4 | La Lumiere Magazine
Building Minds, Building Character
By Heather Augustyn
“If you believe relativism is true, then you feel less
guilt. But if absolutism is true, then guilt will actually
be a good thing. It will prevent us from doing
wrong. The argument begs the question either
way,” Mr. John Joy tells his sixth form students,
who sit taking notes, writing with a pencil in a
notepad or typing on a tablet. They question him,
suggesting scenarios. “What if you steal to provide
food for your family? Is that wrong?” postulates
one. “Yeah!” pipes in another, “Like Jean Valjean in
Les Misérables. He was put in jail for five years just
for stealing bread!” “What about Robin Hood or
Aladdin?” questions another. The dialogue is robust,
the challenges and considerations deep, the
learning beyond any textbook. This is Ethics class
at La Lumiere School.
For decades at La Lumiere, students were
required to take a morals class, or more
specifically, Moral Theology. This course had similar
goals to today’s Ethics course, such as thinking
critically about right and wrong, analyzing values
relating to human conduct, and discussing motives
for decision making, but it also contained, as the
name suggests, a definite theological component.
Headmaster Michael H. Kennedy ’86, who was
both a student and an instructor of this course,
explains the evolution of the Morals class from
years past and today’s Ethics class; which students
must still pass in order to graduate. “The Morals
class from years prior gave students a strong
foundation in theological principles and focused
on issues and breadth of subject matter to
“I want students to be aware that many of the ethical issues in life are more than the media tagline with bigger philosophical underpinnings...”
John Joy
prepare students for college level Philosophy
and Theology courses. Students in John’s Ethics
class master the application of their beliefs to
the position they are taking on any particular
issue. The depth of discernment and the
expectations of this course today support the
notion that it is more college-like than college-
prep. Depending on course of study, some
students may never experience a class like this
again—even at the college level.”
John came from his native Lansing, Michigan to
La Lumiere in fall of 2012 in order to stimulate
these young minds with the big questions of life.
He majored in Theology and minored in Classic
Languages at Ave Maria College, then furthered
his studies all over the world. As a devout
Catholic, John spent five years in Austria at the
International Theological Institute obtaining a
master’s degree and a license. However, these
are no ordinary degrees. John explains, “The
degrees are granted by the Pope, not the state
of Austria. The school grants the degree in the
name of the Pope. It’s unusual for sure!” John is
currently a candidate for a doctorate in theology
at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland,
specializing in dogmatic theology.
In addition to teaching Ethics and Philosophy,
John also serves as the dorm parent for
Augustine House and as assistant coach to the
Academic Decathlon Team at La Lumiere. He
is also fellow of the Adler-Aquinas Institute,
co-founder and co-director of the Saint Albert
the Great Center for Scholastic Studies, and
associate member of the Society for Catholic
Liturgy. His academic publications are numerous
and his achievements are great, but he says
that the most fulfilling work comes from the
students themselves. “The actual moments in
the classroom are the easiest part of my day,
and that has to do with the students. There are
only a dozen students in the classroom at a
time and so I get to know them well. They are
comfortable and open for the most part and
easy to relate to. They are friendly and curious,
and even if philosophy is a bit foreign to them at
first, enough of them are always engaged which
keeps the class interesting; they keep me on my
toes,” he says.
John’s academic discipline and background make
him an essential addition to the faculty and
curriculum at La Lumiere, preparing students
to delve deeper into philosophical dilemmas,
to deconstruct and examine these issues from
all sides so that in college or any further study,
students will be able to practice this level of
thinking with greater aptitude.
John came to La Lumiere after a thorough
employment exploration. He says he preferred
to work in a private Catholic school and after
visiting La Lumiere, “it just clicked.” He says,
“The location is wonderful. I interviewed at
several places around the country but this one
felt familiar—it felt like home. It’s just this little
place in the woods with a beautiful and very
comfortable landscape. The people are friendly;
the dining hall is this massive hunting lodge with
a fireplace; it doesn’t feel like an institution. It’s
a place of charm.” John says that his wife and
their family feel at home at La Lumiere as well.
“My wife Lisa and I have five children who range
in age from newborn to eight years old. Lisa is
a registered nurse and she does the evening
nursing duties at the school so it works out really
well,” he says.
Life is good for John at La Lu, and so teaching
about the moral and ethical dilemmas of life may
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.
6 | La Lumiere Magazine
for a solid quarter of the year, formal textbook
logic to understand the rules of reasoning, which
is applicable to everything. Then we look at the
moral philosophy of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle,
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
ethical issues,” he says. “I want them to be aware
that many of the ethical issues in life are more
than the media tagline with bigger philosophical
underpinnings. I want to get them to see that
these things are not always so simple, to see the
arguments on both sides. Ideally this will help
them to respect people on both sides of an
issue, more than perhaps they would have
otherwise. In the end I hope they would all
be better people for it and be more moral
and better citizens; that development is a bit
out of my control, but I hope that happens.”
John says that developing students’
abilities to express and defend themselves
intelligently in controversial matters,
sharpens their skills to formulate and criticize
arguments, and study particular controversial
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.
“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...”
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
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
who are supportive and curious, and that,
says John, makes the difference, “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. We care about trying
to help our students grow as people, which
is certainly a reason to have philosophy in
the curriculum.”
Chris Ciambarella
• While an undergraduate at Wake Forest, Chris practiced with the university basketball team during the Tim Duncan era.
• He volunteered for a year after graduation with the United States Agency for International Development where he met people in Hmong villages in Laos and saw first-hand the destruction of the Vietnam War years. He was amazed to find entire villages constructed out of bomb shells and bomb casings. Unexploded bombs, even today, are one of the major killers of children in Laos.
• He entered a Ph.D. program in history and religious studies at the University of California, San Diego, eventually traveling to Taiwan to begin his dissertation.
• Chris met his wife, Li Chen Tsai, while teaching English to elementary-aged children in Taiwan, where he lived for nine years.
• 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.
John Joy
• After graduation from Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti, Michigan, John lived in Austria for five years and earned his master’s degree and a license from the International Theological Institute. Rather than being granted by the state of Austria, his degree and license were granted by the Pope.
• He is currently a candidate for a doctorate in theology at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, specializing in dogmatic theology. This requires him to travel to Switzerland every 12-18 months to work on his dissertation.
• John has traveled extensively, visiting France, Germany, Belgium, England, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Italy —where he and his wife, Lisa, met Pope Benedict XVI in person shortly after they were married.
• John and his wife have known each other since they were small children. Their parents are college friends.
• 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).
Characteristics of our Unique FacultyIn 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.
4 | La Lumiere Magazine 2015
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
five, and be amazed. Students spend five hours creating
Building Global Thinkers, One Grain at a Time
Chris Ciambarella
in complete silence. The purpose of the
mandala is to learn Buddhist symbols while
experiencing Buddhist Meditative Mindfulness
and Concentration. In our digital age, the
mandala presents students with a challenge:
to be 100 percent present in the current
moment and to continually bring the
wandering mind back to the task at hand.
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
Buddhists believe the merit generated from
making a mandala with others is greater
than any individual meditation. The idea
reverberates with La Lumiere’s student-
initiated theme of the year : Forward Together.
In the making of the mandala, students
move forward—on silent haunches, like Carl
Sandburg’s fog—to create something that will
benefit all members of the project. Moving
sand into specific patterns, as anyone who
has tried to help a two year old build a sand
castle can attest, takes a lot of teamwork and
togetherness. The mandalas will be on display
for a week, allowing the entire community to
into the community at large. In other words,
blessings of the mandala are meant to be
shared. As the sand of the mandalas pours
into the lake, this observer cannot help
thinking of the way that every member of
La Lumiere, in their time here, will pour their
lives, hopes, encouragement, and aspirations
into the lives of those around them.
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.
In a single lesson, Chris has engaged his
students in all four of these crucial skills. After
doing independent research, students created
sand mandalas reflecting both key personal
and Buddhist values. Moving the sand
together, they collaborated and honed their
non-verbal communication skills; moreover, in
post-reflections students continued honing
their written communication skills. Finally,
they used critical thinking to overcome all the
obstacles that come, in our talkative world,
from trying to accomplish a task without
saying a word. Interestingly, Ciambarella, also
starts with C.
enjoy the beauty created by their peers.
And then the mandalas will be destroyed.
It is Friday, and the mandalas have all been
built and displayed; it is time for them to be
destroyed.
Walk with Chris and his students down the lake
road, past God’s Hand, to the docks of
La Lumiere Lake. After saving a few grains of
sand for the students in necklaces as mementos,
Chris lights the mandalas on fire and pushes
them out into the lake. Besides hammering
home a content lesson about Buddhist
impermanence, the destruction of the mandalas
offers further insight into Forward Together.
Mandalas, and the blessings of communal
meditation, are not meant to be kept by the
individual in question. They are to be sent out
“The classroom is silent; collaborating students stare intently at the sand mandalas on their desks. Brilliant, colorful patterns emerge in the silence.”
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 cross-
cultural 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.
`
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.
The Ciambarella/Tsai family: Chris, Leo (3), Annie (6), and Li Chen.
Chris is the varsity girls basketball coach.
“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.”
10 | La Lumiere Magazine
Character Scholarship Faith
New Trustees
This year La Lumiere welcomed two new
members to its Board of Trustees, Meg Caplice
and Bill Igoe. As an alumna, Meg is no stranger
to the traditions and culture of La Lumiere
School. After graduating in 1981, she received
her Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Mary’s
College, Notre Dame, IN and then earned
her Master of Education at National Louis
University in Chicago. Bill graduated from
La Lumiere in 1974 and went on to pursue
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.
At K.S. Trading, Bill spent ten years as the Head
of Information Technology and Derivative
Research, where he developed a real-time
risk management system. He currently serves
as Managing Principal for Bachelier Capital
in Chicago. Now he brings his professional
experience to the Board of Trustees. He
explains, “Not only does the Board maintain
a steady focus on cross-disciplinary education
for our students, we also expend an
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
echoes his sentiment. “La Lumiere School has
and continues to be an important piece of my
personal history, as a student, parent, and now
trustee,” she explains, “My goal is to preserve
the La Lu experience as I knew it, as my
children know it today.”
Meg Caplice
Bill Igoe
Continuing EducationDuring 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 TripsThe 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.
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.
ForwardTogether
Forward Together | 13
Fundraising for Cancer ResearchEffectively 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.
College SigningsThroughout 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.
14 | La Lumiere Magazine Spring 2015
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.
Gratitude Among the PinesBy Paris Barclay ’74 in honor of La Lumiere’s 50th
Thanks may begin, but they will never endFor every iconic teacher, for every unlikely friendMet in the placeForged in this graceGratitude scattered among the pines
It’s been forty years since we left its hallsLike racehorses whipped, bolting from stallsPrepped and groomedExpecting we’re doomedAttitude standing in college lines
But we had Kirkby in our mindsThe wit, the passion, the unruled linesAnd Moore in our heartsLike replacement partsThat made us better ; and, in part, divine
For that was the weapon that La Lumiere gaveA cudgel of kindness, a faith that could saveEven the loneliest boyCould look back on some joyAnd gratitude scattered among the pines
La Lumiere was always much more than the classesMore than goals, takedowns and touchdown passesIt was a gentle wind on our embersAnd when the fire takes, few rememberWho breathed us across the finished lines?
It’s always been difficult for others to understandThe feeling we had when we stood in God’s handAnd where that lift takes usAnd how that lift makes usMore 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 hereAnd those whose supportKept us alive in La PorteWe 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 childrenThe La Lumiere miracle and how it instilled inUs the logic of SullivanThe kindness of LinnensThe judgment of RobertsAnd the Kennedy spiritAnd as Doc Booms’ Historic shock looms over our minds—Pause for gratitudeAnd scatter itAmong the pines.
18 | La Lumiere Magazine
On May 3, 2014, alumni and friends of
La Lumiere gathered together in Chicago to
celebrate new inductees to the La Lumiere
School Hall of Fame. Founding faculty
member, advisor, assistant headmaster, and
coach, Mr. Dave Kirkby emceed the event
by proudly highlighting each inductee with
individual acclamations.
In what Dave Kirkby described as one
of the most talented graduating classes,
five members of the Class of 1983 were
recognized, including La Lumiere’s first two
female inductees: Maureen (Moore) Vear, a
skilled athlete in Volleyball, Basketball, Track,
and Tennis; and Kathy (March) Breitowich,
victorious in every tennis match she played
during her four years at La Lumiere; she also
played Volleyball and Basketball.
The Class of 1983 inductees also included
Joe Gaffigan, captain of both the Football
and Basketball teams, Most Valuable Lineman
and All-Area for Football, and a member
of the Track Team; Tim Grote, five-time
to the School through the unification of former
athletes and today’s student athletes.
The Process and Criteria are straightforward, with
a selection committee comprised of the athletic
director, headmaster, selected faculty, and alumni.
They meet periodically to review nominations,
identify a prospective slate of inductees, research
their accomplishments, and select inductees to be
honored. Using the following Nomination Criteria,
the Hall of Fame Committee invites nominations,
for inductees to be presented next winter. To
submit a nomination, visit lalumiere.org/hof.
Nomination Criteria:
• 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.
Selection Criteria:
• 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
InduCTIon May 2014
Most Valuable Player award winner during his
athletic career playing Football, Basketball, Golf,
and Baseball, All-Area for Football, and Leading
Rebounder for Basketball; and Tim McGrath,
named All-Area Quarterback, All-Area Offense,
Leading Scorer in the Area, and leader of two
consecutive undefeated seasons for Football; Tim
was named Most Valuable Offense for Basketball,
earned Most Points as a member of the Track
Team, and also played Baseball.
Inductee Dave Tomaka ’81 earned eleven letters
and was captain of his Football, Wrestling, and
Baseball teams, and was also named High School
All-American in Wrestling. Chris Duggan ’76 was
inducted as the Most Valuable Player in Football
and Basketball. The 1980-81 and 1982-83 football
teams, coached by Chris Balawender and Drew
Danik, were inducted for their undefeated status.
It may be that no class is more responsible for
La Lumiere’s 50 years of athletic excellence
than the Charter Class of 1968. Inductee Jay
Nawrocki’s efforts and achievements set the pace
in Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track.
Following Mr. Kirkby’s remarks, alumnus Tom
Rosshirt ’77 shared his reflections on Mr. Kirkby
as the final inductee of the afternoon. Rosshirt
noted, “Because Dave Kirkby coached at the
school he helped start, with the students he
taught, in the Athletic Program he helped build—
where every kid was on a team, which meant
every kid was on his team, and his team meant
his family ... and in his family, all his coaching gifts
were elevated by love. That is the real ingredient
of his greatness.”
When Michael Kennedy was a faculty member, he
approached Headmaster Larry Sullivan with the
notion of starting the tradition of an Athletic Hall
of Fame. So began this opportunity for a tradition
of engaging alumni, honoring their athletic efforts
from yesteryear, and enhancing connections
La Lumiere 50th Anniversary Issue | 17
4
5 6 7
8 9 10
Headmaster Michael Kennedy ’86 with Inductee Maureen (Moore) Vear ’83
Inductee 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, Marty Lloyd, Victor Smith, Avery Holt, and Mike Delgado.
Inductee Jay Nawrocki ’68
Inductee Dave Tomaka ’81
Inductee David Kirkby
Geoff and Katite (Grote) Mackey ’86 with Mary Frances and Inductee Tim Grote ’83
Inductee Chris Balawender, Inductee David Kirkby, and Inductee Joe Gaffigan ’81 with his son J.P.
Inductee Kathy (March) Breitowich ’83 with son Jack ’18, daughter Andi ’17, and husband Lee
Tom Rosshirt ’77
Inductee Tim McGrath ’83 and Headmaster Michael Kennedy ’86
18 | La Lumiere Magazine 2014
Commencement 2014
Forward Together | 21
University of Notre Dame President Emeritus,
Rev. Edward A. “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C, delivered
an inspirational keynote address to La Lumiere
graduates, parents, students, alumni, and guests at
its 47th Commencement Ceremony on Friday,
May 23, 2014.
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.
“One of the things you are moving into in
the next stage of your life is the wonderful
opportunity to define yourself as a person:
living away from home, moving into a kind of
independence that you may not have known up
until now, being able to choose your friends, your
course of study, and eventually determine what
you’d like to do with your life; what your central
values are, not those that have been passed on,
which hopefully you’ll find precious and reaffirm
sometime in your life. But of all the things you’re
going to do in this time of transition, nothing may
be more enjoyable than getting to know a new
group of friends.”
Fr. Malloy encouraged the graduates to take
the opportunity of joining new communities, to
expand their knowledge not only from the classes
they will take and the books they will read but
also by learning about other people and what
they have encountered. “You have to learn to ask
questions, to share your story, to listen and
tell, to engage in some kind of dynamic human
interaction. Because that’s a lifetime skill that you
can use wherever you are ... at whatever age.
But the next stage of your life will build on
what you’ve already done here at this
wonderful institution.
“As you move from La Lumiere to wherever
you go to college, you’ll find the opportunity to
establish the friends of a lifetime, the people that
will be there for your weddings and for all those
special moments, those who will reinforce you,
who will bring out the best in you. I assure you,
the best years lie ahead of you. May God bless
you on your journey.”
Father Monk MalloyPresident 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.
Commencement 2014
Cormac Gahan, Head PrefectMiami 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.”
Commencement 2014
Forward Together | 23
The Alumni Memorial Award - Thomas Andrew Yemc, Jr. Senior Award for Stellar Academic Performance - Taylor Alexandra SchaetzleJames R. Moore Scholar Athlete Award - Daniel Algirdas Mockaitis and Claire Miller JaffeeAlan R. Hannan Unsung Hero Award - George Louis Koehm and Daniel Algirdas MockaitisTrustees Award for Leadership Based on Character - Patrick James Lake and Isabella Darby SchusterHeadmaster’s Award for Growth and Distinction - Exaucee Nkosi Ngiama, Cormac Colin Edward Gahan, and Connor Cullerton AnthonyThe One of Us Award - Richard Armando Cains and Connor Cullerton AnthonySenior 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.
2014 Honorary Senior Medal RecipientPat KennedyPatrick Kennedy was recognized for his commitment and dedication to each individual student at La Lumiere as Director of Student Life. In his remarks about Patrick, Assistant Headmaster Bryan Smith said, “Grounded in your faith, you conduct your everyday affairs with love and respect for everyone who crosses your path...For the past eight years, you have marched through this community like Don Quixote on a quest to educate each student to become a strong, ethical, caring, and giving adult.”
2014 Honorary Senior Medal RecipientKasey (Ryan) Leake ’95“Both in and out of the classroom, you are well respected,” remarked Headmaster Michael Kennedy ’86, as he presented faculty member Kasey (Ryan) Leake ’95 with the Honorary Senior Medal. Michael reflected that as a student, Kasey was, “strong-minded but wise beyond her years,” and continued to speak about her impact now as a teacher. “When it comes to handling tough situations in her class, she is firm...Kasey, you are venerated by your colleagues, loved by your students, and La Lumiere is where it is today because of your contributions.”
2014 Annual Golf Outing & Alumni Reunion
2014 Parents Weekend
1983Joe 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.
1987Ted Reese just returned from the 2015 Global CemFuels (Cement Fuels) conference held in Dubai, UAE. His company, Cadence 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.
1995Kasey (Ryan) Leake married long-time love Brian Leake August 8, 2014 in Michigan City.
1996Natalie (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.
1997Tom 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 asGinny Leonard Huber ’99 and Josh Huber
’97 who joined the Sullivans in Athens, Greece for two weeks together.
2000 Siblings Colleen (Quirk) Morrison ‘97, husband Patrick and Rory Quirk ’00 and wife
Joe Gaffigan ’83
26 | La Lumiere Magazine
Class Reunions
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
The Alumni Class Award goes to 1979. Jack Crowe, Stephanie Hurley, Scott McAdams, Pat O’Malley, John Edwards, and Pete Grote
Michael McGrath ’90, Nina Seme-Nelson ’89 and Kelly Bridgman-Dietrich ’89 visiting campus
Scott McAdams ’79, Mark Leyden ’77, David Wood ’77, and John Edwards ’79
The Class of 1984 gathered in Chicago to celebrate their 30th reunion.
The Alumni Golf Outing
Class Notes
35th
30th
Forward Together | 27
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).
2001Emily 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.
2003Capt. 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.
2010Patrick Grimmer graduated from the University of Notre Dame with degrees in
Political Science and Spanish in May 2014. He is currently enrolled at the University of Notre Dame Law School.
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.
2011Theresa 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.
Emily Dolan ’01and Robert Bourke ’01
Patrick Grimmer ’10
Finnegan Oliver Sullivan
Josh Huber ’97 and Tom Sullivan ’97
Kasey ’95 and Brian Leake
Anna Nti-Asare ’10
Capt. Peter Balawender ’03 and Caitlin Putre Nora Morrison and Dylan Quirk
Theresa Siedlecki ’11 and Elaine Fehrs ’10
28 | La Lumiere Magazine
2012John 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 is a junior studying in the Heider College of Business at Creighton University, and is the Men’s Basketball Head Manager and Student Assistant. He is pictured above, center, during the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Don Snedden, Chemistry teacher, celebrated his 50th birthday on March 9 with La Lu alumni Will Holdsworth ’12, Evan Schrauben ’10, Brad
Miller ’10, and Zach Wisniewski ’11.
Rapheal Davis, a junior at Purdue University studying management, and guard for the Boilermakers men’s basketball team, was recently named the Big Ten Academic All-Conference and Defensive Player of the Year. This makes him Purdue’s eighth Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Rapheal and his team brought Purdue back to the NCAA Tournament this year.
Class Notes
John Lake ’12 with his mother, Mary
Brian Tonino ’12 (center in blue) at Madison Square Garden
Don Snedden celebrated his 50th birthday with faculty, parents, and alumni.
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)
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.
In MemoriamWe would like to express our sympathy to the family and friends of the La Lumiere School community members listed below who have passed away. If you know of others we have not recorded or hear of others in the coming months, please notify us.
Anthony Benacka Jr., Valparaiso, IN — Aug. 29, 2014Father of Sydney ’17
William Bolger, Naperville, IL — Nov. 22, 2014Father of Paul ’83 and Michael ’85
Adam Brashear, Rolling Prairie, IN — March 12, 2014Enrolled 2000-01
Helen Collins, Palos Heights, IL — Oct. 23, 2014Mother of David ’77
Jannette Elliot, Owensboro, KY — Feb. 12, 2014Mother of Elizabeth ’88 and Margaret ’90
Norma Kaminski, La Porte, IN — April 25, 2014Mother of James, Board of TrusteesGrandparent of Peter ’08 and Clara ’10
Douglas Newcombe ’73, Anthem, AZ — July 3, 2014
Leo Newcombe, Evanston, IL — Dec. 10, 2014Father of Richard ’69 and Douglas ’73
Jane O’Connor Kerr, Tuscon, AZ — July 1, 2014Mother of William O’Connor ’68
Burton Ruby, Michigan City, IN — Dec. 27, 2014Stepfather of John Zylstra ’79
Jennifer Yast, Flossmoor, IL — Jan. 13, 2015Spouse of John ’75
William Zegers, Flossmoor, IL — May 22, 2014Father of Walter ’75, Harold ’78, James ’81, John ’85, and Christopher ’90
Thomas S. Farr ’93 1975-2014Portland, Oregon When the family of Thomas Farr ’93 lost their son, many people—both within and beyond the La Lumiere community—grieved with them. After some contemplation, the Farrs decided that La Lumiere School would be the appropriate designation for memorial gifts given in Tom’s honor. In choosing how these funds would be most effective, it was Tom’s love for the School 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.
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 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.
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.
9788804424131
Percent increase in enrollment from 118 students in 2004-2005 to 232 students in 2014-2015
Percent increase in giving
Percent increase in course offerings including 13 new Advanced Placement courses
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
When someone leaves—someone who is so much a part of a place as Michael Kennedy is of La Lumiere—a community is sorely tempted to look backward. Here in the final pages of the magazine, we should direct your attention to the promise of the future; that is certainly the direction Michael would encourage us to look. But oh what a sweet indulgence it is to remember the past eleven years. They have been good years.
Looking backward reveals a time of profound change, and the numbers show it. In 2004 enrollment was almost half what it was this year. The school has seen significant number of new classes added to its curriculum including thirteen new AP courses. Opportunities for music, leadership and faith activities, and athletics have also significantly increased. Not only are there more faculty members, but now over two-thirds of them possess advanced degrees. With alumni
involvement heightened, giving has increased by 80%. Underpinning this growth is a capital campaign which exceeded all expectations. There are new buildings on a larger campus. And there is a new master plan with a blueprint for the future of the campus.
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 belong to him alone. Serving as Director of Advancement for nine of these eleven years, Colleen Kennedy was instrumental in pulling it all off. And so were the School’s faculty, staff, board, alumni, parents, and the students themselves.
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
of connectedness” which is rooted as much in the traditions of the place as in the interrelations of the community and in its outreach to a global community. There is no nostalgia here, tinged with anxiety for the future, for the Kennedys are leaving behind them a La Lumiere School poised for progress. Forward Together.
People progressing forward together amounts to a pilgrimage. We have known, since Chaucer taught us in The Canterbury Tales, not to take individual pilgrims too seriously. The pilgrimage is about the group and its holy progress toward a consecrated goal. But there is a particular Canterbury pilgrim whom Chaucer did praise, the Clerk, a student and teacher at Oxford. His description reminds us of Michael: “Gladly would he learn and gladly teach.” From his days as a student at La Lumiere, to his stint as a teacher and coach, to his tenure as head of school, Michael has most gladly learned and most
gladly taught how to be a “servant leader.” This ideal has a catholic significance in a plural community. But for Michael its foundation, like that of the school, is Catholic. A learner-teacher-servant-leader, Michael has ministered to and cared for every student individually. He makes whomever he speaks to the most important person in the room. La Lumiere has been blessed to have him.
Now, he is called to work with another, younger batch of potential servant leaders at The Frances Xavier Warde School. They are blessed to have him. The path of one La Lumiere pilgrim and his family may be diverging, but the pilgrimage truly is the same. Forward Together.
by Marie Campbell
the last word
Percent increase in enrollment from 118 students in 2004-2005 to 232 students in 2014-2015
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