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.


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.”


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


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.


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


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


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


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


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


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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