| |
Donor Profile
Brian & Sheila Whalen
Brian and Sheila Whalen have been Cristo Rey supporters since 2004. We asked them to tell us about themselves and what compels them to support our mission here in Pilsen. We are very grateful that they agreed to be the first donors we profile in this new section of the VIVA newsletter.
Brian and Sheila have Jesuit education backgrounds. Sheila is a graduate of St. Louis University. Brian is both a Loyola Academy and Loyola University graduate. Brian was the principal assistant to Governor Richard Ogilvie, then developed and directed the government and regulatory affairs program at Navistar. Sheila, in addition to raising their three children, freelanced as an editor of college textbooks and presented book reviews at local libraries and book clubs. Today, Brian is a Minister of Care and a Mikva Challenge board member, and Sheila facilitates books discussion groups. They both enjoy traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.
The Whalens believe that students need to learn to write and express themselves clearly in high school. The Jesuits have high expectations for their students regardless of their socioeconomic background. “It is heartening to see inner-city students being challenged in school,” says Brian.
Brian and Sheila first learned about Cristo Rey from Fr. Foley at a birthday party for a mutual friend, Bob McMenamin. They took Fr. John Foley, S.J. up on his offer to visit the school and were “blown away” by what they saw.
“When you realize the effort the parents make to give their children a Cristo Rey education, knowing that financially the family portion of the tuition represents a significant part of their total resources, it makes you want to be helpful when there is a shortfall. Both in and out of the classroom, a Cristo Rey education makes an incredible difference in the lives of these students. Many of the students will be parents one day. Our hope is that they will push their children to get the best education available too.”
The Whalens have chosen to tell their friends about the school too. “Cristo Rey is not hard to sell. Telling the story of how it got started and how it is being replicated across the country is a pleasure. It is a privilege to invite our friends to learn about Cristo Rey and Christ The King Jesuit College Prep knowing they will be moved by the story. Then they help spread the word.”
Educating to new experiences is something Sheila and Brian value greatly. Whether through Cristo Rey, the Boys Hope Women’s Auxiliary or the Mikva Challenge, the partnering in mission is rewarding because they know the students get to see things they would not otherwise see. “Cristo Rey empowers students. It will allow them to achieve a solid well-rounded Christian lifestyle in an otherwise difficult and materialistic world.”
In closing Brian and Sheila recommend an evening at ¡VIVA! “It is a fun party, with good food, and without a lot of speeches. It is also inspiring to see so many young adults interested in supporting Cristo Rey. Come join us this year!”
John & Rosemary Croghan
John and Rosemary Croghan became involved with Cristo Rey a year before it opened. They heard about the new Jesuit endeavor from some school through friends and from their pastor, and they saw the need for quality education in the area. What impressed the Croghans was that this Catholic, Jesuit school had devised a sustainable financial model for serving the Latino population. Rosemary told her pastor she wanted to get involved and in May of 1996 she received a call from Father John Foley, the school’s first president, who asked her to join the Board.
From committees to board meetings, Rosemary has dedicated much of her time to school functions. She has served three terms on the Board of Trustees and was Chairwoman during her second term. During her last term, she led the chapel renovation project that created a beautiful, dedicated prayer space for the Cristo Rey community. Rosemary asked that students be present to comment on renderings for various chapel components, especially the retablo. She strongly believed the Chapel should reflect the students’ ideas of spirituality and the Mexican culture, and should also contribute to their spiritual formation in the Catholic tradition. During every Chapel Committee meeting, Rosemary stressed students’ sentiments.
When asked to recall the most memorable or rewarding aspect of her involvement, Rosemary said, “In many ways, the chapel was the final piece of the campus. It had been discussed at board meetings for years until finally we decided to move forward with the project. I felt strongly that the school needed a spiritual space where students, faculty, staff and families could pray.” Thanks in large part to John and Rosemary’s efforts, Cristo Rey now has a stunning chapel.
The Croghans are involved in many Catholic causes including the Big Shoulders Fund, but Cristo Rey is very special to them. They have said that, “To witness so much growth in 14 years and experience what transpired through the formation of a national network of 24 schools is remarkable! The spirit of all those involved in the beginning is the same today. The sense of hospitality and the desire to change lives is genuine and obvious. This spirit truly permeates the school.”
Many of the changes and transformations would not have been possible without the leadership, generosity, love, and faith that the Croghans have given the entire Cristo Rey Jesuit High School community. Although Rosemary will no longer be on the board, she will always have a home here in the heart of Pilsen- a home she helped build.
|
|
|
