Cover Story

HOBAN'S 12TH PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER DIMAURO ’99

RETURNING TO HOBAN IS THE honor of a lifetime. IT IS MY VOW TO EXHAUST MYSELF IN upholding the standard of excellence THAT HAS BEEN SET BY THOSE WHO HAVE COME BEFORE ME, AND TO PASSIONATELY lead our school into a future of possibility. — President Chris DiMauro ’99

After serving at Hoban for several months, Christopher DiMauro ’99 was officially installed as Hoban’s 12th president on Nov. 1. William Scala ’71, chair of the board of directors, and Brother Ken Haders, provincial superior of the Midwest Province of Brothers of Holy Cross, inducted DiMauro at an all-school Mass and installation ceremony.

The Rev. Michael Ausperk, Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Medina and Hoban board member, celebrated the Mass on the Solemnity of All Saints. The Mass was concelebrated by the Rev. Matt Jordan ’08, assisted by Deacon Ramon DiMascio, theology teacher at Hoban, and Deacon Raymond Herrick ’68 of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

In his homily, Ausperk spoke about superheroes and how “we are like superheroes and hopefully want to imitate them because they use their superhuman strength to do good for others.

"More than superheroes, the Feast of All Saints celebrates the ‘God-heroes’ of our church," Ausperk said. "As children of God, we are to imitate the saints by using the strength of our faith in Christ to build God’s Kingdom of love and service for others.”

Haders recognized the members of the board of directors present as well as the Hoban leadership staff and student council members as they directly assist DiMauro in his role as president. Haders spoke of the importance of unity, comparing it to the construction of a palace.

“It is not one alone who builds,” Haders said. “Nor is it one stone or one single beam of wood that forms it. Unity, then, is a powerful lever with which we can move, direct and sanctify the world.”

The installation and blessing of DiMauro then took place as well as the presentation of the ceremonial mace and chain of office.

After Mass, DiMauro addressed the congregation, citing what a “tremendous and humbling honor” it is to address the Hoban family in his new role. He spoke of the many changes in his life and at Hoban since his time as a student, but also the many constants that have helped shape and guide him. He examined three main constants in his life and reminded all that, “even though you might lose sight of their importance from time to time, it is the persistent, loyal and faithful constants in our life that help us to define who we are and where we are going.” DiMauro first focused on the constant of family, thanking his family for their support, encouragement and guidance. He then stated that family can mean many different things.

“Family can also mean friends, colleagues, teammates and others in our life that make a difference, DiMauro said. “They show up for us time and time again, no matter the circumstance and no matter the burden it might place on them.”

While focusing on the second constant of mentors, DiMauro quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Our chief want in life is to have somebody who will make us do all that we can.” DiMauro stated that many of his most pressing and important questions in his life were answered, “subtly and sometimes not so subtly,” by the “powerful men and women” in his life who guided him. DiMauro thanked his Hoban mentors in attendance: Brother Dennis Bednarz, Brother Ken Haders, Dr. Mary Anne Beiting, Ralph Orsini and T.K. Griffith ’89.

“Your love for Hoban and Holy Cross have inspired me to return to my alma mater to continue the great work that has come before and to ensure its vibrancy into the future,” DiMauro said.

DiMauro’s final constant of faith and belief is one that is central to the mission of Hoban. He quoted St. Joan of Arc by saying, “One life is all that we have, and we live it as we believe in living it, but to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.” He spoke to the student body about using their faith and Holy Cross values to grow and overcome tests in life.

“Today, rooted in faith, we celebrate Mass and our Hoban family–trust me when I say that this is an incredible privilege that deserves great honor and reverence,” DiMauro said. “Returning to Hoban is the honor of a lifetime. It is my vow to exhaust myself in upholding the standard of excellence that has been set by those who have come before me, and to passionately lead our school into a future of possibility.”

DiMauro, Holy Cross educators and guests in attendance attended a reception after the Mass and installation ceremony in Moreau

Q&A WITH PRESIDENT DIMAURO ’99

WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE AS PRESIDENT SO FAR?

In one word, rewarding. It has been an incredible blessing to reconnect with members of the Hoban community who continue to prioritize the advancement of our school and care deeply about students and their wellbeing.

AS A HOBAN ALUMNUS, IN WHAT WAYS IS HOBAN THE SAME AND HOW HAS IT EVOLVED?

In my estimation, Hoban has grown leaps and bounds in its ability to continue to provide a cutting edge, 21st Century education. At the same time, our time-honored traditions and high standard of excellence for all students are still very much intact.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO USE YOUR PAST EXPERIENCES TO PROPEL THE SCHOOL FORWARD?

I think it is important to honor our traditions and all the incredible Hoban family members who laid the foundation for what we enjoy today. That said, it is also vital that our current students, families and Holy Cross educators continue to propel our school forward, creating unique opportunities for students to excel.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS TO CONTINUE TO ADVANCE AS A 21ST CENTURY ACADEMIC INSTITUTION?

We are in the early stages of studying a capital facilities project that would update all the classrooms in our main corridor with new technology, furniture, carpet, paint, LED lighting and other cosmetic improvements. Further, we have a strong desire to build a new student center that will replace Foley Commons as the predominant large group meeting and cafeteria space in the building. I think it is important to provide our students with a comfortable, updated atmosphere where they can enjoy time with their friends and teachers.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN YOUR NEW ROLE?

Creating new relationships with members of the Hoban community and promoting the great things that are happening on our campus every day.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST PRESSING PLANS FOR THE HOBAN COMMUNITY?

Most pressing is the desire to communicate the leadership team’s vision for Hoban’s future in several important areas. Most notably academic achievement and student wellness/climate.

WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH HOBAN ALUMNI BEEN SO FAR?

Hoban alumni are incredibly supportive and consistently show up for us time and again. They are selfless individuals who make great sacrifices to ensure Hoban’s vibrancy.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE HOBAN COMMUNITY SO FAR?

Reconnecting with our students and seeing their incredible passion for Hoban, witnessing the Hoban community and their commitment to acts of service for those in need. Finally, watching our Holy Cross educators interact with students in their classrooms.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Human potential, servant leadership, opportunities for authentic lifelong learning.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

Helping others to reach their full potential, overcoming challenges, seeing others become energized by a vision.

INSTALLATION MASS AND CEREMONY OF

PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHER A. DIMAURO