Cristo Rey Las Obras Winter/Spring 2021

WINTER/SPRING 2021

CRISTO REY: BORN OUT OF NECESSITY AND AHEAD OF ITS TIME In 1995, when Fr. John Foley, SJ and Sr. Judy Murphy, OSB received calls from Fr. Brad Schaeffer, SJ about starting a new kind of Catholic high school in the service of Chicago’s young Hispanic men and women, both took pause.

by Morgan Collier, Executive Vice President

They asked for time to research and work through the myriad of scenarios that could occur as they recruited students and built a duallanguage, college prep curriculum for students. And they did it all while not knowing how they could pay for any of it, since the intent was to serve families who couldn’t afford this type of education. Counting on a traditional tuition-based model wasn’t going work. When they asked for more time, they were told no. There was no time; the need was immediate.

The Cristo Rey model was born amidst uncertainty, but with a mission and a sense of purpose of what needed to be done. Cristo Rey was created to reach families and youth who otherwise wouldn’t have the access nor the opportunity to attend a Catholic high school, let alone one grounded in Jesuit tradition and values.

It is remarkable to look back at how and why our school was founded and to see the parallels to today. The institutional racism that hindered access to opportunity for people of color for generations still exists today. However, the national conversation and reconciliation around race and identity provides an opportunity to amplify the voice of our students and their experiences.

We continue to see our history through the lens of social justice and our faith in action. At Cristo Rey, we are committed to our growth as a (Continued on page 3)

Then and now: (top) The first Cristo Rey Jesuit graduates - the Class of 1998; (above) Cristo Rey's most recent graduates - the Class of 2020 - on Field Day in September 2019.

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

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE 2020 In celebration of our 25th anniversary, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School presented a virtual Mass for Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe on December 12, presided by Cristo Rey's founding president, Fr. John Foley, SJ, with dramatization and music by Cristo Rey seniors, and a special performance by Mariachi Monumental de México.

DEAR FRIENDS, What were you doing 25 years ago? For me, I was wrapping up my time at the University of Notre Dame and looking forward to the ACE program, preparing to become a Catholic school educator. I never would have imagined then that I would join the movement that is today’s Cristo Rey.

In this unprecedented year for the school and all of us, the Mass and dramatization was recorded and shared virtually for our entire community. Cristo Rey seniors and their families, however, were invited to participate in the service in-person – socially distanced in their own cars – at a pre-dawn celebration at ChiTown Movies in Pilsen, with a group of dedicated parents on hand to pass out roses, keepsakes, and cookies organized by Campus Ministry and teacher Carolyn Alessio.

Looking back at my time at Cristo Rey, after the “you can’t say no” recruitment efforts of Sr. Judy Murphy, OSB, I started in the development office. I learned quickly how impactful our mission was on the families and students we serve, but also on all of us.

From there, I moved to the position of Associate Principal. I learned the ‘ins and outs’ of daily schedules and how our unique model functions at a student and faculty level. Carving out time for both classes and a shared full-time job for every student was no easy task and never has been – this delicate balance still exists and drives our school at all levels.

I left Cristo Rey for a brief time, but was fortunate to be asked back to try and fill the legendary presidential shoes of Jesuits like Fr. Foley and Fr. Gartland. Nine years later, I’m still trying to fill those shoes. My career at Cristo Rey has been nothing short of life changing and I am grateful for every part of it. Even today, in our 25th year, as we are experiencing some of the biggest challenges we have ever faced as a school community, I’m grateful to be part of a mission that is not just surviving, but evolving into the next iteration of Cristo Rey. Though we are tested time and time again, I see what the future of Cristo Rey can be thanks to the dedication, creativity, and perseverance of the team around me – a future that’s also thanks in large part to your generosity.

Please take the time to read on and see our work, and your gifts, in action. As we bring more students back to campus in the coming weeks, I ask for your continued prayers for our families, students, faculty, and staff. Know that we keep you in our daily prayers and are grateful for your support in the past, the present, and for our future.

Gratefully,

Antonio Ortiz, President 2

Watch the entire 25th Anniversary Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and celebration on our website: www.cristorey.net/guadalupe

CRISTO REY: BORN OUT OF NECESSITY Jesuit institution that serves Latinx students. As such, we have engaged in meaningful and ongoing diversity work with the faculty and staff to learn and grow together as a culturally aware and sensitive community.

At the same time, we have witnessed the disproportionate response and access to healthcare for these same communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, further changing the landscape of Cristo Rey’s mission in ways that were unimaginable just a year ago.

During all of the recent unrest and challenging times, Cristo Rey has persevered. Our students have shown their will is strong and their resilience is almost unbreakable. From an administrative level, we see the landscape of tomorrow will demand even greater change and flexibility in its workers. Our students will need to display nimbleness to work effectively remotely, the ability to lean into new technology to get work done, and the work ethic to show up and give their all for the common goal and mission. We know this is possible, and we know we need to do more, which is why Cristo Rey is reimagining the Corporate Work Study Program.

In the coming months, and certainly the next school year, Cristo Rey will reconfigure its physical space to allow students to work remotely for their jobs, safely from school. At the classroom level, we will further infuse the soft work skills necessary into curriculum and classroom

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conversations. Most importantly, from a training perspective, we will reimagine how students are prepared before they are even deployed to an office environment. The bottom line: In this new environment, we need to do more to prepare our students to better serve the companies they work for, which will lead to a better experience for our job partners.

The task before us is daunting, much like the original opening of Cristo Rey was for Fr. Foley and Sr. Murphy. But we know from experience that you don’t have to have all the answers before you can make change for the better. As Preston Kendall, the first Executive Vice President of Cristo Rey Jesuit, once said: “There is a real freedom in not knowing what’s next.”

This is where we need you, friends of Cristo Rey, to continue to support us more than ever – whether that be in gifts of time, talent, or treasure.

Visit our website for updates on the work being done to reimagine Cristo Rey at 25 years and contact us directly at advancement@ cristorey.net or me directly at (773) 890-6818 if you have the capacity to do more.

Now is the time for Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Pilsen to once again pioneer the way for our unique model of Catholic education for this generation, and for generations to come. We go forward with hope – con esperanza.

25TH ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT: BERNARD HEEREY FAMILY FOUNDATION

Among Cristo Rey's Class of 2020, almost one-fifth had received scholarship support from the Bernard Heerey Family Foundation at least once during their four years at the school.

Since 2006, the Foundation has provided over $2M in scholarship funding to hard working Cristo Rey students – nearly 300 of whom now call themselves proud Cristo Rey alumni. In addition to care for aged persons,

the Foundation supports scholarships at select parochial schools for students whose families can afford to pay the tuition expense of enrolling one child, but not multiple children.

Thus, the scholarships Cristo Rey students received also indirectly benefitted approximately 500 younger siblings who were concurrently enrolled at Cristo Rey or a parochial elementary school. Combined, the Cristo Rey alumni who have benefitted from the Foundation’s support at Cristo Rey represent 17% of all students to graduate from the school since its founding in 1996.

The Foundation’s namesake, Bernard “Bud” Heerey, was born and raised in Chicago by Catholic parents who had emigrated from Ireland. After a lifetime of hard work and success in commercial real estate, Mr. Heerey passed away in 1999, leaving the majority his estate to charity. Longtime attorney and

friend, Nathaniel Grey, has since served as Trustee of the Foundation. According to Mr. Grey, “A major influence on Bud was his father’s attitude of hard work… [And,] as a Catholic, Bud went to daily Mass… [So], when I discovered Cristo Rey and its workstudy program, I thought it was terrific... It became an early beneficiary of what we had in mind. It was right.” Such generosity, adds Mr. Grey, is possible because “Bud saved his pennies – he didn’t spend money on himself.”

In this most extraordinary 25th anniversary year, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School extends its gratitude to Mr. Heerey and the Bernard Heerey Family Foundation for providing generations of hard-working young people, from Spanish speaking families of limited financial means, with the gift of opportunity and the gift to give back themselves.

For more information on Cristo Rey giving opportunities, contact Matthew Crossett, Director of Development, at (773) 890-6817.

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25 YEARS OF CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL

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1995

1996 JANUARY

1996 AUGUST

1996 SEPTEMBER

At the request of the Midwest Jesuits, Father John Foley, SJ and his team develop a bold plan to open a Catholic high school in Pilsen funded in part through a unique work-study program.

Father Foley is named president of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.

First Lady Hillary Clinton visits Cristo Rey and speaks about the importance of eduation at the dedication ceremony.

Cristo Rey Jesuit opens with 70 students.

1998 JUNE

2000 APRIL

2003 NOVEMBER

2004 JUNE

The first graduating class of 19 students is celebrated by family, friends, and faculty.

The new school classroom building is completed.

Cristo Rey's multi-purpose building that houses the gym, media center, and cafeteria is completed.

Father Jim Gartland, SJ, is named the second president of Cristo Rey.

2007 MAY

2008 SEPTEMBER

2010 APRIL

2012 JUNE

Melinda Gates visits Cristo Rey, calling it “magical,” and reinforcing her belief in the effectiveness of this model of education.

Jesuit Volunteer G.R. Kearney publishes More Than a Dream: The Cristo Rey Story: How One School's Vision is Changing the World.

The remodeling of Cristo Rey's Chapel of the Sacred Heart, of the original St. Stephen's parish, is completed.

Mr. Antonio Ortiz is named Cristo Rey's third president.

2015 AUGUST

2016 JUNE

2018 AUGUST

2020 MARCH

Pope Francis holds a virtual papal audience with our students televised nationally on ABC.

Cristo Rey hosts first-ever All Alumni Reunion in celebration of the school’s 20th anniversary.

23rd school year begins with a record enrollment of 600 students.

Due to the pandemic, students begin remote work, effectively changing the future of student work and the Corporate Work Study Program.

1996 SEPTEMBER Our groundbreaking work-study program begins on September 30, 1996. These companies have employed our students for 25 years: Aon, CME Group, The John Buck Company, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, The National Mexican Museum of Art, and O'Keefe Lyons & Hynes LLC.

CRISTERO CHATS

2004 OCTOBER

2005 AUGUST

60 Minutes profiles Cristo Rey as a successful model of Catholic education.

Cristo Rey's Corporate Work Study Program grows to 100 job partners.

2012 NOVEMBER

2013 AUGUST

Pilsen Community Field opens, operating as the school's home field and is shared with the community.

Cristo Rey's shared Corporate Work Study Program grows to 200 partners

2021

2022

In celebration of Cristo Rey's 25th anniversary, the first alumni are elected to the Cristo Rey Jesuit Board of Directors.

Cristo Rey Miami, the 37th school in the Cristo Rey Network, will open with Cristo Rey alum Cesar Muñoz ('07) as principal.

In celebration of Cristo Rey Jesuit's 25th anniversary, and for engaging conversation and opportunities to connect, share, and learn, Cristo Rey is hosting monthly Cristero Chats on the third Thursdays of academic months at noon on Zoom.

The first Cristero Chat was held on January 21 - a historic conversation with founding leadership Fr. John Foley, SJ, founding president; Sr. Judy Murphy, OSB, founding principal; and Preston Kendall, founding work study director. Led by current president, Antonio Ortiz, Foley, Murphy, and Kendall shared stories and reflected on how Cristo Rey was brought to life 25 years ago.

Sr. Murphy recalled, “We were inviting these students to believe in themselves and to believe they could succeed academically…helping them know we respected them…

Language carries culture, and so by using a bilingual situation we could engage and invite the parents in, the students could see that we respected them, who they are, and where they came from. And so we were inviting them to take the risk to succeed at this college preparatory education.”

Coming in February and in celebration of Black History Month, Cristo Rey will convene the next conversation around the importance of work in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and what the future of work looks like thanks to the more than 2,100 Cristo Rey Jesuit alumni who are now in college and the workforce.

Join the community in stimulating conversation that engages all ages in the work of Cristo Rey for free and from the comfort of your home or office!

Visit www.cristorey.net/chats or scan this QR code to learn more about the series, watch the January Chat, view the full schedule, and to register.

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EVOLVING WORK STUDY This fall, for the first time in Cristo Rey’s 25-year history, students did not deploy to offices for in-person professional work experiences. Instead, the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) has expanded remote work opportunities and training for a safe return to offices in the near future. More than 80 volunteers from corporate partners participated in various professional development programs for our students.

Students unable to work remotely participate in weekly, targeted professional development activities, including Microsoft Excel Certification training and a leadership curriculum, Learning2Lead, designed by Accenture. During a session in December, Cristo Rey alum Melanie Vazquez ’14, senior analyst at Accenture, came full circle when she spoke to students about her journey from CWSP to career. Other partner companies, like Deloitte, hosted a career exploration panel led by employees.

Freshman students are participating in the rigorous First Year Business Institute, replacing Cristo Rey's two-week, intensive business training that typically occurs during the summer before freshman year.

Perhaps the most anticipated part of the traditional freshman training is the Company Exploration field trip, where students tour an office and meet with employees who might soon become their co-workers. In this year’s virtual format, students still had the opportunity to hear directly from supervisors and company leaders from five partner companies – Gibsons Restaurant Group, Latham & Watkins, LKQ, SEIU, and The John Buck Company – gaining a deeper understanding of organizations, their structures, and the roles and functions of various departments.

Additionally, nearly 60 employees from partner EY jumped at the opportunity to coach freshmen students during their final project presentations for their PowerPoint Class. The experience was an important lesson for the freshmen students, most of whom are new to Microsoft Office – and to public speaking. EY is committed to preparing their student workers, not only for their return to offices in 2021, but for the longterm success of the Cristo Rey model. “EY is proud to support Cristo Rey students as part of our overall commitment to supporting the next generation,” said Bob Pillion, EY Partner and Cristo Rey Board member. “Now, more than ever, it’s critical we invest in our future and we couldn’t think of a better investment than our youth. We invite others to join our commitment to Cristo Rey and invest in their students through volunteerism, pro bono, and financial sponsorship.”

Students and job partners eagerly await the day they can safely return to their work assignments in person.

As the CWSP looks ahead to the workplace of the near future, support and input from corporate partners has become more vital than ever.

To learn more or get involved, contact Taylor Sticha, Manager of Corporate Engagement, at (773) 890-6816.

Left: Virtual career explorations with LKQ Corporation and Gibsons; Above: Melanie Vazquez (CR'14)

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25TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS Cristo Rey would not be the successful model of college-prep education and workforce development that we are today without the investment in our students and our mission to mold the future leaders of a more diverse Chicago by our corporate partners. The following companies have made a commitment of $25,000 or more this school year. * Denotes partner since 1996.

Advanced Group of Companies Aon * Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois BMO Harris Byline Bank Catholic Extension CIBC Citadel LLC Clifford Law Offices Constellation Brands, Inc. Cooney & Conway Cristo Rey Network EN Engineering Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. Ernst & Young LLP Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Foley & Lardner, LLP Forde Law Offices LLP Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P. GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company, N.A. Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. Jones Day Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP * Lamar Johnson Collaborative, LLC Latham & Watkins LLP Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC LKQ Corporation Loyola Press Loyola University Medicine Madden, Jiganti, Moore & Sinars LLP Madison Dearborn Partners, Inc. Marquette Bank McAndrews, Held & Malloy, Ltd. McKinsey & Company Merkle Mesirow Financial National Equity Fund Newcastle Limited Northern Trust Northwestern Memorial HealthCare O'Keefe, Lyons & Hynes, LLC * Old Republic Professional Liability, Inc. Relativity Robert W. Baird & Company SEIU-Finance Sidley Austin LLP The John Buck Company * Winston & Strawn LLP Wintrust

ALUMNI CHALLENGE As Cristo Rey celebrates its 25th anniversary year, we reflect on our our storied history as an agent of change in Chicago’s business, civic, and faith communities. The strongest demonstration of that success over 25 years: our inspiring, 2,100-strong alumni community.

This fall, as alumna Estela Sorenson (Barragan) ’09 and some of her classmates discussed the critical impact of their Cristo Rey experience, they decided to help ensure that current and future Cristeros had the same opportunities to grow as they did. Especially in the context of the pandemic’s impact on Cristo Rey families, Estela and her friends wanted the next generation of Cristeros to continue growing as Men and Women for Others.

So Estela, alongside classmates Maritza Contreras, Marisol Perez, Julio Martinez, and Arturo Gonzalez started their own online campaign to encourage the Class of 2009 to step up and give back to Cristo Rey. The friends have shared memories from their time as high schoolers, tagging classmates and included a giving link. Julio Martinez ’09 explained his support: “Cristo Rey taught us that we all have the ability and obligation to use our talents to make a difference in our community and society as a whole. COVID-19 has negatively impacted the world but not all communities have been affected the same way. Some communities are being impacted at a higher rate compared to others, especially in Chicago where it’s obvious that our Latino and Black communities are losing more people and jobs due to COVID-19.”

Their effort is growing – they’ve reached nine classmates toward their goal of 20 and already pledged nearly $1,000! Even better, Cristo Rey now has the incredible opportunity to receive matching funds for these alumni donations through the McCormick Foundation – a match of $25,000 in recognition of our 25th anniversary year.

Cristo Rey is proud of Estela and the Class of 2009 for kicking off what we hope is a movement among our alumni community. Alumni, look out for

Cristo Rey Class of 2009

“

“The idea for this fundraising campaign stemmed from talking with classmates at our 10-year reunion. It was not only a wonderful experience to reminisce on our time at Cristo Rey, but also in reconnecting with one another. After our reunion, I kept thinking, ‘Wow, my classmates are amazing and have done so much after graduation. How do we stay in touch?’ When the pandemic hit, I knew we had to do something. Cristo Rey has given me so much and has served as a foundation for my personal and professional growth...My teachers, my mentors, and my friends have all played a role in who I am as a person today. When you are 18 years old, it can be difficult to see how something has positively impacted your life, but as a 30-year-old, I cannot thank Cristo Rey enough. Cristo Rey helped us - their students - so much and now it is our responsibility to pay it forward.” - Estela Sorenson (Barragan) CR'09

more details on this developing story, including information on the McCormick Foundation’s generous offer. Take a look at the Class of ‘09 giving page, www.cristorey.net/09challenge, and email advancement@ cristorey.net to get involved.

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

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For More Information Matthew Crossett Director of Development mcrossett@cristorey.net (773) 890-6817 Support us every time you shop!

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WINTER/SPRING 2021

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

• The Impact of Cristo Rey • The Heerey Foundation • 25 Years: A Timeline • Cristero Chats • CWSP: Evolving Work Study • 25th Anniversary Sponsors • Alumni Challenge

Third Thursdays at Noon on Zoom February 18: DE&I and the Future of Work March 18: Women of Faith April 15: Ignatian Volunteerism May 20: College Trends September 16: Hispanic Ministry October 21: Mosaics, Art & Culture at CR November 18: Our Story of Gratitude Learn more and register to attend at www.cristorey.net/chats

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