A New Chapter

by Dr. Daniel Karcher

Chaminade College Preparatory School is a massive unwritten book. Spanning generations and covering almost one hundred and twelve years, thousands have written in this book. Time spent in the hallowed halls of Chaminade have allowed students to make their mark in this large volume. Some have etched a few lines while others have contributed substantial paragraphs. Accomplishments in academics, the arts, and on the athletic fields and courts have all merited a place in this volume. Bonds of brotherhood formed in the classroom forged into life-long friendships. Struggles, challenges, and failures also have a place because these are all part of the learning process that leads to the formation of boys into men.

In its earliest days, Chaminade welcomed students as young as fourth grade. Fledgling boys came to be educated and formed into men. Many stayed for nine years of education. By the time they graduated from Chaminade, they had already spent half their lives here.

The lines written in this book of Chaminade are not limited to the students who passed through the halls. Parents, the teachers’ partners in education, believed, supported, and trusted the institution with the formation of their sons. This support and trust manifested itself in tuition to support the operation of the school, volunteering services of time and talent for the good of the school, and a faith that the quality education provided was what was best for their sons. Without this support, Chaminade would not be what it is today.

The parents’ partners in education, the teachers, are also written into the story of Chaminade. Some have passed through the halls quicker than the students while others have dedicated their lives to Chaminade and provided a richness to the Chaminade experience. Those with long tenures are the institutional memory of Chaminade. Their decades of service to the young men of Chaminade providing a model of servant leadership earns long passages by virtue of the number of lives they have touched.

Climbing the steps to Chaminade Hall and passing under the ornate façade that adorns the stately entrance, one faces a large portrait of Fr. William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Marianists and namesake of the school. To the left and right are administrative office and passage to other floors and another wing of Chaminade. Hundreds of people walk this hall every day. And they walk by, without noticing, the past presidents of Chaminade. Most would be hard pressed to name a past president other than Fr. Ralph. To be fair, his thirty-three-year tenure is the longest in school history and the most recent past president. This hallway has portraits of all the past presidents except Fr. Ralph whose portrait is in the works. It is strangely fitting that these men go unnoticed for they did not serve in the capacity as president for recognition. Two have buildings named for them, Fr. August Frische, SM (the first president of Chaminade) and Fr. Sylvester Juergens, SM. Others have awards or programs named for them, Jordan, Blume, and Klapp. Fr. Nobert Moellering, SM has the cafeteria named for him. And, of course, the Reverend Ralph Siefert Auditorium in the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts. These men and a dozen others have all served as president of Chaminade.

The role of president is an important one. This position is the head of the school, the public face of Chaminade. The president is the steady hand of the tiller of the ship as it is guided through both troubled and smooth waters. Prior to Fr. Ralph’s thirty-three years run as president, the previous presidents served terms from one to six years. It should be mentioned that Fr. Lawrence Jordan, SM is the proverbial Grover Cleveland of presidents having served two non-consecutive terms. These nineteen men, all Marianist priests and brothers, are owed a huge debt of gratitude. Though they are often forgotten, Chaminade is what it is today because of their dedication and commitment to Catholic, Marianist education. Today, Chaminade stands on the shoulders of these giants, these dedicated men who created the very foundation of Chaminade. Their decisions and deeds helped determine the course of the institution. For this forethought and perseverance, Chaminade continues to educate and form boys into men today. As the leaders of the school, their tenure as president helps to define the chapters in the book of Chaminade.

The largest chapter in this book belongs to Fr. Ralph. During his long tenure, he molded the school in his own image. Welcoming and out-going, his many gifts included

a strong vison for the school, an astute business sense, a gift for nurturing relationships among students, parents, and donors, culinary talents, and a photographic eye he willingly shared with his students. Almost a year ago, Fr. Ralph announced his retirement. This present school year was to be his victory lap. A year where he would provide on the job mentoring for his chosen successor. But that was not to be.

The installation of Dr. Todd Guidry Ed.D was a unique event. Normally, the installation of a school president would take place at a mass that would be attended by special invitees, primarily the board of trustees. Dr. Guidry’s installation was unique for two reasons. First, the installation took place during the First Friday Liturgy for November that is attended by the entire student body. Second, in this age of Covid-19, the mass was celebrated outdoors in the football stadium. Earlier masses this school year found the weather to be warmer than comfortable. This November Installation Mass was the opposite and was cold for early November. With students socially distanced and parents and guests in lawn chairs on the sides, this bright sunny day marked the beginning of a new chapter at Chaminade. Fr. Oscar Vasquez, SM, Provincial of the US Marianists, presided assisted by Fr. Sean Downing, SM, Chaplain of Chaminade. Also in attendance was Bro. Jesse, O’Neill, SM, Marianist Assistant for Education. Never before had the student body of Chaminade witnessed the installation of its president. Fr. Oscar eloquently spoke about the importance of the students witnessing this event. Father spoke of the importance of family and how this new role would have an impact on not only Dr. Guidry but his family and everyone present. As the Provincial, he assured Dr. Guidry that he had the confidence of the Marianists, the Board of Trustees, the faculty, staff, and administration, and the student body. Dr. Guidry is uniquely qualified for this new position. Dr. Todd Guidry will be the first lay president of Chaminade College Preparatory School. In that role, he will face some unique challenges. He will have big shoes to fill. Not being a professed Marianist will create new challenges for this position. Moving into the position without an experienced mentor in place will also be challenging. However, Dr. Guidry is uniquely qualified to serve in the role of president. He began his tenure at Chaminade as a Campus Minister. He was then tapped to be the Middle School Principal. Along the way, he pursued both a masters and doctorate in Catholic School Leadership from Saint Louis University. With the Board of Trustees and Fr. Ralph’s approval, Dr. Guidry was chosen to be the nineteenth president.

In addition to being a caring family man and skilled musician, Dr. Guidry brings many other gifts to his new role. Having risen through the ranks of Chaminade, Dr. Guidry is intimately familiar with the innerworkings of the institution. His easy-going manner reveals a passion for Marianist education. He possesses a vision for the school. Perhaps his two greatest gifts are his speaking ability and his ability to build relationships. His comfort in public speaking situations shows his ease and command of every situation. He is articulate, thoughtful, and relatable. This leads nicely into his second gift, forming relationships. He possesses the ability to be present and in-the-moment with everyone he meets and makes them feel special. He takes a genuine interest in others and puts their interests before his own. He is a genuine, caring man who will be writing the next chapter in the book of Chaminade.

Godspeed, Dr. Guidry!