Las Obras Summer 2020

SUMMER 2020

THE CLASS OF 2020 On July 25, the Class of 2020 finally celebrated graduation! At staggered times, faculty and staff welcomed graduates to campus, each with up to two members of their family who watched their graduate walk across the stage to collect their diploma – a powerful symbol of their hard work and dedication over the last four years. This year, 125 graduates gained acceptance to 111 different post-secondary institutions – a 100% acceptance rate. Not including work-study compensation or loans, these graduates will receive financial awards covering an average 74% of tuition and fees at the schools they will attend this fall – 84% to four-year institutions – ranging from Columbia University in New York to Seattle University in Washington and The University of Chicago in between.

Amid uncertain times, one thing is for certain: these hard-working young Men and Women for Others are ready to set the world on fire!

FOLLOW CRISTO REY See the great works of Cristo Rey as they happen on social media and continue to visit www.cristorey.net. If you would like to join our e-newsletter mailing list, send an email to info@cristorey.net.

Facebook: crjhs Facebook Alumni: cristeros Instagram @cristoreychi LinkedIn: cristo-rey-chicago T H E WOR KS OF C R I STO R E Y J E S U I T H I G H S C H O OL

nation. Over the past decade, Duane volunteered as Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Magistrate Judge, and worked with at-risk youth and their parents.

Background and Formation Duane’s legal education and future leadership skills were forged by an outstanding Jesuit education. The only child of a single mom, he graduated from St. Ignatius High School, in Cleveland. Thereafter, he attended Boston College, where he graduated in 1976.

During the height of racial violence in Boston, Duane was elected the first African American President of the Undergraduate Student Government. He graduated from Boston College Law School in 1979. Although poverty was a constant companion, his mother understood, as did President Franklin Roosevelt, who she admired: Than while we many not be able to prepare the future for our children, we can prepare our children for the future.

MEET OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS Cristo Rey is honored to welcome five new members to our Board of Directors this fall:

Ma

Depu

DEAR FRIENDS, Remaining hopeful can be a challenging practice right now, but being a part of our class of 2020 graduation on July 25 was the perfect reminder of why we at Cristo Rey need to lead and live in hope.

On such a bright and sunny day, I was filled with gratitude that we were able to celebrate our seniors' graduation in such a meaningful way. The academic and facilities team at Cristo Rey saved the day with a safe, socially distant ceremony for the seniors. Walking across the stage was the one thing the Class of 2020 asked for from us—and we made it happen. It was encouraging to see the hope and excitement in the eyes of the graduates, and the pride and joy in the eyes of their parents and family members. To be honest, I was emotional. We have all existed in such a state of anxiety and uncertainty for months now and it's difficult sometimes to find the motivation to remain optimistic. But that afternoon reenergized our spirits, and affirmed for me that the Cristo Rey mission is alive and well! ¡Sí podemos!

With the formal conclusion of the year finally past, it was also a time to say goodbye to some legacy members of the faculty and staff of Cristo Rey, whose spirit and histories cannot be replaced, but who we keep in our hearts as we plan for the quickly approaching school year. At the same time, we said goodbye to some remarkable and dedicated volunteers on our Board of Directors, and we will welcome new faces to the table this fall. We have our work cut out for us as we work to re-envision our Corporate Work Study Program on top of navigating e-learning for the launch of the school year.

Thank you for your support of Cristo Rey. As we approach our 25th year, I recognize we would not be here without your generosity. The year ahead will be a challenge for us all—much like leading and living in hope can be—but I know we are blessed with tremendous support from people like you and the dozens of companies who partner with us with the hope that they will make a difference in the lives of the leaders of tomorrow. Muchas, muchas gracias.

Antonio Ortiz, President

As Dep for the Aon Bu Duane Deskins Rebecca Frett Bob Pillion Margaret Heneghan has more than 30 years Merger of expe Rebecca Frett specialty services to a broad spectrum of p Bob leverages his overseas assignment and Previou Becky currently serves as the Dean of Faculty at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago most valued resources to his clients.

Bob h Shared 13-year tenure at Saint Ignatius has included a variety of positions: administrator, teach life sciences, consumer products, department chair, coach, Kairos director, and service immersion chaperone.manufac Becky rec Organi August 4,from 19 B.A. in Theology from Boston College, an M.A. in Systematic Born Theology and Ethics closelyB Theological Union, and an M.Ed. in Administration from Loyola University Chicago.

Entered Society o Bob is regarded as much as for his technica busine in Chicago and her favorite hobbies include traveling and gardening. approach and serves as a key advisor to ma Talent working with management and audit comm Member ofAon’s the Ms divestitures, revenue recognition, stock co regions for Planning private offerings, internal controls and regu assignment along with leading largeMargar multin Education: in over 90 countries including significant op human Bob Pillion James Stoeger, S.J. America.

High School: commu

James Stoe

Undergrad:

Xavier University, Cincinnati, 19 Chicag Relevant experience Loyola University Chicago, AB C in May A product of Jesuit education, DuaneGraduate: Deskins is a retired Loyola Assistant University Chicago, MDi Membe

US Attorney, and was recently named Chief of►Prevention, Bob Pillion Harvard University, EdM 1977, Bob completed a three-year assignmen www.a Fordham University, Profession Intervention,Partner and Opportunity for Youth and Young Adults in was responsible for coordinating work Chicago, Illinois Assignments: Cleveland.

Office: +1 312 879 2099 Mobile: +1 224 619 2512

► In addition to his client responsibilities

Religious Studies teacher, Loyola Academy, W at EY including Illinois Assurance Leade Gonzaga Rebecca Frett is the Dean of FacultyHeadmaster, at St. Ignatius CollegeCollege Prep, robert.pillion@ey.com Management Leader.High School, Wa Tertianship, Philippines, 1982-83 where she has worked in several otherJesuit positions for 13 years.

Religious ► Studies Teacher, Campus Minister, Bob has a Bachelor of Science degreeSf Master’s degree in Business Administra Principal, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory In As a founding partner in our Corporate Work Study Program, Aon has School, Management, Northwestern University Provincial Assistant for Schools and Pastoral M supported Cristo Rey since 1996. We welcome Margaret Heneghan Province representative to the Cristo Rey Je Bob is a member of Our Lady of Perpet who is the Deputy Chief People Officer for Aon►Platforms at the Aon. founding member Cristo ReyBoth Network married toofAnne (27 years).

Bob Jesuit Secondary Education Association (JSEA) and high school. Anne has degrees fro Bob Pillion is a Partner with Ernest & Young LLP, a Corporate Work Vice President 2007-2011, University.

Bob andPresident Anne have2011-2 three c

Study Program partner since 2013.

Boston College); Kate, 22 – (OLPH, Loy (OLPH, Loyola (senior)).

Board Service: Regina HS (Maryland), Regis HS ( James Stoeger, S.J. serves on the Midwest Province Vocation Team Chicago Jesuit Academy, JSEA, Cristo Rey Ne is on the OLPH Endowment Board and is the Provincial Assistant for Planning. ► Bob OLPH Finance Council. He was formerl

Illinois and is currently a Board membe Credited summer courses and programs:

LUC, management courses USF, religious education instruction University of Pennsylvania, management cou Dominican Republic, Institute for Latin Ameri Chicago, Institute Spiritual Cristo ReyforJesuit HighLeadership Harvard, School education andcourses our sister Chicago, Cenacle summer intensive in Ignatia school, Christ theinKing Milford, Oho, supervised directing the Igna

Jesuit College Prep, stand united together Regular past participant in against or leader of school a Frequent weekend parish racism inpresider solidarityforwith our Masses Current residence: Gonzaga House Jesuit Comm communities. Read the full Cell: 773 307 9967 email: jstoeger@jesuits. statement from our leadership on our website at www.cristorey.net.

CRISTERO RESILIENCE 2020 hasn’t been a year any of us expected. This past spring, with 37% of Chicago’s COVID-19 cases and 25% of COVID-19-related deaths, the pandemic’s impact on the Chicago Latino community served by Cristo Rey surpassed all other racial and ethnic groups.

Illinois’ Governor acknowledged, “Decades of institutional inequalities and obstacles for members of our Latinx community are now amplified in this pandemic.” A spring needs assessment of Cristo Rey students confirmed that sentiment when 36% of respondents reported one or both parents losing their job because of the pandemic, and more than 20% reported their biggest worry was paying less than $100 per month toward tuition, food, or rent.

At the same time, to sustain core student services during the pandemic, Cristo Rey reengineered operations, curriculum, and instruction for a transition to e-learning and remote work in less than one week, compared to up to five weeks for other local schools and districts serving students from the same communities we serve.

After distributing more than 250 laptops and internet hotspots, student online attendance returned to 94% within a week and

averaged 92% for the duration of the school year, even as school districts across the country reported less than half of students signing in for online learning. Every day for the last 12 weeks of the 2019-2020 academic year, Cristo Rey teachers shared instruction, assignments, assessments, and feedback through our Office 365 platform—and made themselves available to students via video chat during scheduled office hours.

Six social-emotional counselors scheduled regular video-chat appointments with all students and conducted two needs assessment surveys, while a bilingual Parent and Student Outreach Team of 15 staff members reached out to check-in on every family at least twice.

Cristo Rey also extended additional support to alumni at risk of dropping out of college and meals for our hardest hit families.

All spring, the entire Cristo Rey community showed it's resilience, even during some of the most turbulent and frightening days in our school's history. Our students exemplify the courageous spirit of their parents by showing up, stepping up, and supporting their fellow Cristeros.

REMOTE WORK & FIRST YEAR BUSINESS INSTITUTE opportunity to achieve the outcomes of the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) model for both student workers and job partners, but in a wholly new, innovative manner.

With many companies working from home in our current climate, Cristo Rey has also made the transition to remote work for students. This spring, nearly 40 students collaborated with 20 corporate partners to deliver added-value work and all students participated in remote professional development. Remote work represents an

Cristo Rey is preparing students for remote work by providing all students with a computing device and secure, high-speed internet, training in online security and remote work best practices, as well as support for supervisors.

While CWSP remote work might involve engaging with students on day-to-day business activities, projects and tasks, students’ workdays will also be utilized for training and development. Companies can

continue to work with students, in lieu of hosting on-site with learning and development challenges, research projects, and e-training classes.

With fewer, more resource-intensive student jobs projected for the upcoming school year, freshmen will forego the two-week, intensive Summer Business Training to prepare for their work-study jobs for the first time in school history. Instead, freshmen will participate in a yearlong First Year Business Institute, to prepare for employment in the 2021-2022 year. This unique curriculum will level-set this year’s freshmen class so they are ready to seamlessly enter an office environment with the skills they need to be successful next year.

For more information on becoming a job partner or to support a freshman's First Year Business Institute experience, contact Maureen McInerney, Director of Business Development & Strategy, at (773) 890-6820.

3

YOU BUILD OUR LEGACY The Case for Endowment Funds

by Morgan Collier, Executive Vice President

At Cristo Rey, we are blessed in many ways. We are blessed with quantifiable outcomes that prove our students, who do not take an entrance exam, not only graduate from Cristo Rey, but from college and succeed in the workforce of Chicago and beyond. We are blessed to be the first Cristo Rey school in the nation, and as such, benefit from 25 years of continuous improvement, and also strategic financial planning by our talented Board of Directors and Investment Committee. And now we are fortunate to have funds set aside to sustain a quality, Catholic education for our students this year—even during a historic pandemic that has impacted the job market and revolutionary program that makes us uniquely Cristo Rey. In the weeks before the start of the 2020-2021 academic year, the innovative Corporate Work Study Program that allows students to pay for nearly 70% of their own education, and on which the school relies for its operating revenue, has been jeopardized by the pandemic’s impact on our corporate job partners—both their budgets and workfrom-home policies. At the same time, Cristo Rey will continue to stretch its resources to: • Increase financial aid to struggling families; • Provide direct relief services for our neediest families; • Invest in remote learning technology; • Increase support for alumni now at risk of dropping out of college If ever there was a time to consider a gift to support the Cristo Rey endowment and investment funds—the financial bedrock of our

“I am proud of myself for having graduated from UIC since I am a first-generation Latina. I want to strive for greater things. I hope that my education, work experience, and degree will open doors for opportunities in my field.” - Liliana Padilla (’16) pioneering mission, it’s now. As we approach what will soon become a celebration of 25 years of Cristo Rey, and look to the next 25 years, we know things will be remarkably different than they were in 1996. How do we adapt as an institution and become “pandemic resilient” for the future? How do we evolve our Corporate Work Study Program to teach our students to effectively work in an office environment, yet nimble enough to pivot to remote work as necessary? How do we engage and energize students learning remotely and provide the nurturing support we have done on the Cristo Rey campus for 25 years? It’s a steep hill to climb, but we are confident in our work, motivated by our mission, and grateful for our donors’ support.

If you would like to learn more about how endowment and investment funds enable Cristo Rey, or if you would like to join the conversation as we plan for the next 25 years, we’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, trust Cristo Rey to be the very best stewards of your generosity over the years and know everything we do is for the benefit of our students and our remarkable alumni. Below and on the next page you’ll see some of the most recent college graduates. They give us hope for what's next for Cristo Rey, and you should feel hopeful, too.

Liliana Padilla (’16) University of Illinois Chicago, BS in Marketing Ana Laura Saavedra (’10) Johns Hopkins University Doctorate, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Joanna Mena (’16) Saint Xavier University; BA in Psychology & Spanish/ Minor in Social Work

Diana Medina (’16) University of Southern California BA in Political Science

Rodrigo Maldonado (’16) Northern Illinois University BS in Accountancy

Lizbeth Delgado (’16) Elmhurst College BS in Psychology/Minor in Spanish

Michael Frutos (’16) Lewis University BA in PR/Advertising/Minor in Marketing

Cristo Rey Retention Fund recipient

Visit us on our website at cristorey.net to see more of our alumni graduates!

4

CRISTEROS CARE Cristo Rey continues to recognize our alumni working on the front lines—medical workers, first responders, and other essential positions—anyone who is going above and beyond at their own risk. Alumni pictured below earned degrees in medical fields this spring and are preparing to put their faith into action in our communities.

Alumni - we want to hear from you!

Please send your updates to Elizabeth Galka at egalka@cristorey.net or scan the QR code to fill out and submit online.

Amy Bustos (’16) - CVS Customer Service Vanessa Herrera (’14) - Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Bianca Garcia (’14) - Oak Street Health Ashley Vargas (’14) - MacNeal Hospital Gabriela Padilla (’12) - Advocate Christ Medical Center Miguel Blancarte, Jr. (’05) - CORE COVID-19 Testing Center Mila (Milagros) Perez (’07) - Nopalitos

Kalynn Bojorquez (Pineda) (’14) Chamberlain College of Nursing BS in Nursing Ariana Martinez (’16) Dominican University , BS in Nursing Ana Flores (’14) City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X Respiratory Therap Cristo Rey Retention Fund recipient

When Dennis Crowley came to Cristo Rey as a Jesuit Volunteer nearly nine years ago, after graduating from the University of Notre Dame, he unknowingly started a new legacy for his family. With a master’s degree in Urban Education from The University of Chicago, Dennis developed a new Honors Physics course and founded the school’s FIRST Robotics Team, in addition to coaching sports. Dennis professes, “I have been honored to work with such dedicated students, faculty, and staff. It has always been a joy... and I'm glad that my passion is infectious and that my family also feels inspired to support the school.” That’s because his parents—Dennis, Sr. and Renee—have also joined in the mission, as a family!

ACROSS GENERATIONS: The Crowley Family Daniel, Renee, Dennis, Jr., Anne, and Dennis, Sr., make a lifelong impact in other’s lives.

As a board member for longtime student scholarship provider HFS Chicago Scholars, advocates of the Invest in Kids “Tax Credit Scholarship Program” at Cristo Rey, and ¡VIVA! event supporters, Dennis, Sr. and Renee have long played a role in the lives of Cristo Rey students. As alumni of The University of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s University who have benefitted from Catholic education their entire lives, Dennis and Renee wanted to ensure that their family’s impact will last in perpetuity.

This summer, Cristo Rey received the most inspiring message a friend of the school can share: “...Renee and I named Cristo Rey as a beneficiary in our estate plans. It won’t move the needle all the way to the right, but every dollar helps... We believe the high quality education that Cristo Rey provides can positively change the trajectory of young men and women’s lives.”

When you make a planned gift to Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, you make an impact felt across generations – an impact that benefits you, your family, and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. Whatever your financial situation, contact Laura Aguilar at laguilar@cristorey.net to learn more and thank you forever to the Crowley family.

5

SAYING GOODBYE Fr. James Shea, S.J. departs Cristo Rey this August for his new mission: a 9-month Tertianship—the final stage of Jesuit formation.

Fr. Jim will begin the program as a spiritual retreat leader at the Jesuit Retreat House in Parma, Ohio before completing the program in Portland, Oregon during the summer of 2021. Over seven academic years at Cristo Rey (‘09-‘10 to ‘11-‘12 and ‘16-‘17 to ‘19‘20) Fr. Jim lovingly taught English, religion, history, and ethics; celebrated regular community Mass in English and Spanish; and served as Chaplain and Mission and Identity Officer. Generous with his time, caring affect, and his coffee—we wish Fr. Jim the best of luck in the next stage of his calling.

This June, Associate Principal Bernhard Walke said farewell to Cristo Rey to begin a new professional chapter as Assistant Principal of Elmwood Park High School. Over the course of his 18 years at Cristo Rey, Mr. Walke served as a teacher, Cross Country

coach, Department Facilitator, Head Asesor, and Dean of Students before becoming Associate Principal in 2010. Mr. Walke’s face was the first Cristo Rey saw each morning—greeting students at the front door—and the last as we left—bidding farewell to each student following his enthusiastic “Walke Talkie” announcements. That Mr. Walke’s duties will be shared between two staff members going forward speaks to his legacy at the school.

This summer, founding math teacher German Indacochea retired after 24 years in service to Cristo Rey. Moving to the United States from Arequipa, Peru, Mr. Indo helped build Cristo Rey alongside his childhood teacher and mentor, founding President Fr. John Foley, S.J. In the 24 years since, Mr. Indo has done it all in service to the mission, not least arriving first thing each morning to let in students who arrive early before making coffee for his fellow faculty. Even the Cristo Rey crosses that adorn each classroom were crafted by Mr. Indo. In his own words: “We have come a long way! From teaching classes in the old gym, under the East basket to teaching classes online from our homes!” Now, in the words of his colleague, faculty member Mr. Manuel Vasquez, “We ask God to guide and bless him always, to take care of him as he does with all the people who are part of his life. We will see all you have done for our students in the generations to come.”

Above left clockwise: German Indocochea in 2019 (left), on Cristo Rey's first day of school in 1996 (circled).

Above: Bernhard Walke in 2019, and through the years.

Right: Fr. Jim Shea, S.J.

WELCOMING NEW LEADERS

6

Fr. Jim

This fall we welcome new leaders to the Cristo Rey family. Maggie Martensen will lead as Vice President for Finance. Lizzie Torres will serve as our Assistant Principal for Academics. Kate Schulte will be turning in her math books to represent CR as Assistant Principal for Student Services. Reina Garcia (CR’07) is returning to Cristo Rey as our new Director of College Counseling.

While our signature event, ¡VIVA!, looked different this year, our virtual culminating celebration on June 18 captured the same ¡VIVA! magic – raising nearly $380,000 in support of Cristo Rey's Annual Fund, with performances by Mariachi Monumental de Mexico and our students, as well as a live dance party with alum DJ Mayhem. Special thanks to presenting sponsor LKQ Corporation, and to all our generous sponsors, as well as Cocina Fusion, Roscoe Village Pub, and all of our viewers and supporters.

Clockwise from top: DJ Mayhem (CR’12 alum Martin Arrendondo) provided the music for the ¡VIVA! virtual dance party, with Pro, the CR Lion, cheering him on. Mariachi Monumental de México, a traditional ¡VIVA! night favorite, created a special virtual Zoom performance for ¡VIVA! night.

Sophomores Alan and Hannia danced ‘together’ as part of a special video shown on June 18.

In case you missed it, watch at www.cristorey.net/viva.

Stay tuned for news and invitations to virtual events and programs this fall as we approach our 25th anniversary!

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter!

Scan this code with your phone to fill out the form online.

Support us every time you shop!

Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.

WAYS TO GIVE Online www.cristorey.net/donate Phone (773) 890-6800

Mail Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Attn: Advancement Office 1852 West 22nd Place Chicago, IL 60608

For More Information Matthew Crossett Director of Development mcrossett@cristorey.net (773) 890-6817

CONNECT WITH US 7

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT 1513 CHICAGO, IL

1852 WEST 22ND PLACE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60608

SUMMER 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

• T he Class of 2020 eet New Board Members •M • Cristero Resilence • You Build Our Legacy • CR Alumni: Cristeros Care • Farewells and New Leaders • ¡ VIVA! Cristo Rey Recap

Cristo Rey's Second Annual Giving Day

T H E WOR KS OF C R I STO R E Y J E S U I T H I G H S C H O OL