The passing of Harry White Sr. at the age of 102 in 2019 and of Helen White at the age of 93 in 2017, reminded their sons of their “educational roots and the extraordinary level of personal attention, academic excellence, and broad opportunities provided by the years at Chaminade. Mom and Dad had an active presence on the Chaminade campus, and they were two extraordinary and wonderful parents” (White Family). Harry, Sr. held the position of President of the Men’s Club, and he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003 due to his extensive fund-raising energies rallying for the construction of the Bob Hope Student Center and the creation of the Chaminade baseball field that had formerly been a cow pasture. To posthumously honor their parents, the White Family became the Challenge Donors for the Chaminade Alumni Challenge held on October 8, 2019. On that date, the goal was to gather participation from as many alumni as possible, and to that end, the Challenge was on: If 450 alums pledged any amount of money before midnight on Challenge Day, the Whites would generously add an additional $10,000 donation in honor of Mr. and Mrs. White. In anticipation of the event, the White’s proudly and passionately claimed their role as the Chaminade Alumni Challenge Donors for the 2019 campaign. They were honored to play such an integral part in giving back to Chaminade and providing a graceful and meaningful tribute to their parents. Harry White emailed his classmates before the Challenge encouraging them to send their pledges. He reflects that “It has become apparent through comments made at the 10-year, 25-year, and 50-year class reunions that the education provided by Chaminade has been so beneficial to thousands of young people on so many different levels and over several decades. The common thread that many Chaminade alumni share is a genuine appreciation for the extraordinary benefits of having a Chaminade education”. The family was also grateful to the Chaminade Alumni Office, for handling the role of the White family as Alumni Challenge Donors with great attention to details and personal touches through every step of the process.
Harry, Jr.’s Wedding Day - September 9, 1978 Top row left to right: Rolland '66, Bill '70, Jim, Bob '72 Bottom row left to right: Harry, Jr. '67, Mr. William Ellis (Mom’s Dad), Helen White, Harry White, Sr.
For the third year in a row, alumni have accepted the challenge #forChaminade and made a difference in our students’ lives.
465 Alumni $40,964 Total Raised
WINTER/SPRING 2020
21
