We are pleased to announce the appointment of Cristo Rey alum, Cesar Muñoz ('07) as the Founding Principal for Cristo Rey Miami High School. Cesar is the first Cristo Rey alum to serve as a Cristo Rey principal in the growing 35 college- and career-preparatory high schools that make up the Cristo Rey Network. Cristo Rey Miami is on target to open in summer 2020.  

Cesar was the first of three Muñoz children to graduate from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (Ana ('14) and Carlos ('15)).

"I am so proud of Cesar and his wife Jackie (Hernandez) Muñoz ('09), who both embody the values and spirit of Cristo Rey," said Antonio Ortiz, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago. “Clearly, credit starts with his parents who instilled this dedication to Catholic education since their elementary school days. Cesar's acceptance of this incredible opportunity at Cristo Rey Miami represents a deep commitment to our work and proves that Cristo Rey graduates are owning the next phase of our mission. This is truly a grace-filled moment for our school.”

Cesar currently serves as the Dean of Students at Aspira Haugan Middle School, and as the math instructional lead for the network of Aspira middle and high schools in Chicago. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago in Sociology and Latin American Latino Studies, and a master's degree in Teaching from the Academy for Urban School Leadership at National Louis University. Cesar officially begins his term at Cristo Rey Miami in August 2019. 

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School is proud to have prepared nearly 2,000 young men and women as leader in the Pilsen community, city of Chicago, and nation. The upcoming 25^th anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect upon the school’s journey and call on its alumni to give back in a new way. “I am excited for our alumni and the impact they have in their communities. Now is the right time for us to double-down on our support for our alumni and ask them to reengage with their Cristo Rey.” President Antonio Ortiz said.

The Board of Directors is challenging Cristo Rey alumni to reach new heights in philanthropy and alumni engagement by issuing an alumni gift challenge match with impressive goals for giving. Alumni gifts made now through June 30, 2019 will be matched one for one, and each gift will unlock additional funds up to $25,000, which will effectively double the impact of every gift.

“The Challenge is about participation as well as dollars. When you make a gift of any size to Cristo Rey, you communicate satisfaction, confidence and pride in your alma mater. As a member of the Cristo Rey Board of Directors, I contribute to the school, not only because I believe in its mission, but also because I want to encourage others, especially graduates, to contribute,” said Donna Carroll, member of Cristo Rey Board of Directors and president of Dominican University.

If the $25,000 alumni challenge goal is met, Cristo Rey will secure a total of $50,000 to continue preparing the city and nation’s leaders of tomorrow through this unique Jesuit, college preparatory, work-study education. Click here to make your gift today.

Gifts may be directed toward any fund and will still count in the Alumni Challenge.