Las Obras FALL 2017
THE WORKS OF CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
In the classroom, the community, and Chicago
KAIROS CONTINUES TO TRANSFORM This fall, Cristo Rey celebrated its fiftieth Kairos retreat, a major milestone in the school’s history. The inaugural Kairos occurred in the spring of 2000 and, since then, every class has participated in this beloved and sacred tradition. Kairos is a three-day retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, adapted to fit the spiritual and psychological development of our students. The purpose of Kairos is to allow students to see the value of our faith lived and experienced in community. Kairos emphasizes the revelation of God’s love in our everyday life. In accepting God’s love and life, we have the responsibility to serve in the Lord’s name. Each retreat explores a variety of topics including self-identity, relationships, images of and experiences of God, obstacles, reconciliation, affirmation, and hope. For many of our students, Kairos is a transformational experience. Edwin, a Cristo Rey senior, reflects that “Kairos was the most amazing experience of my life. It made me realize that nobody is alone because we have people in our lives that care about us, especially God. Kairos let me open up to those I thought I would never really open up to, and this showed me that there are people that care for what you have to share.”
Every Cristo Rey class since 2000 has experienced the time-honored tradition of Kairos. Kairos group photos from years 2000, 2010, and 2017 (left to right).
Following the impactful retreat, Cristo Rey students participate in ministry activities and service programs that reinforce Kairos. For students like Edwin, Kairos teachings are integrated into daily life. He explains, “After this retreat, I realized that God is there with you every moment of your life. Even in the small things, I can see God in the way we open ourselves up to each other.” Since 2000, Kairos has shaped the identity of our school, helping to fulfill our mission of preparing men and women for others who are open to growth, religious, loving, and committed to justice.
DEAR FRIENDS, Thanks to the many supporters who have walked with us over two decades, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School has built a firm foundation for student success – a rigorous academic curriculum, an exemplary work study program, and an impressive reputation across our community, city, and nation. This already firm foundation continues to strengthen thanks to our Annual Fund and the many people and organizations who support us. We remain committed to consistently improving how we serve our community of students and their families, and how we can best uphold the school’s Catholic and Jesuit principles of “magis,” striving for more. Raising an eye to the future from our 22nd year, we will undertake a new strategic planning process to ensure that we are staying true to our mission while evolving and growing as a school to better serve our students, families, job partners, and community. I hope you will support us in this endeavor and I thank you in advance for your continued dedication. In this issue, you will see our Annual Fund at work. Students’ learning extending beyond the classroom through summer programs, experiencing God through a Kairos retreat, and offering support to alumni far beyond graduation. Cristo Rey is a success because our generous donors and supporters make this all possible, and we thank you.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: RICH MOORE This fall, Richard Moore of Installation Specialists Inc. (ISI) in Itasca joined the Cristo Rey community for our annual Scholarship Breakfast and Assembly – recognizing the hard work of ISI/ Sprenzel Scholars Jaime B. and Lesley R., along with more than 100 other scholarship recipients. Mr. Moore reminds us of the many ways Cristo Rey supporters contribute to our mission through advocating for our students and mission within his company; attending special community events like ¡VIVA!; and sharing his time on school tours and at student events. Reflecting on his most recent visit to the school, Mr. Moore remarked: “It was a meaningful event, and I especially enjoyed having the time to catch up with Jaime and Lesley. They are exceptional students and so mature for 10th graders! Not sure if Cristo Rey, their parents, or a combination of both get credit for teaching them manners and nurturing their maturity, but they are impressive individuals. Actually, I was impressed with the entire student body and their respect for getting the assembly started. How Cristo Rey is able to accomplish that with over 400 teenagers in a gym is amazing! We were impressed with the opportunities Cristo Rey is providing for students who would not otherwise have the opportunity for a college prep education. I always get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I am on campus. These visits restore my faith in future generations to be leaders and set examples. I am glad ISI is able to participate in this process.” For more information on all the ways to support Cristo Rey, go to www.cristorey.net and click on “Support Us.”
Sincerely,
Antonio Ortiz, President
Mr. Moore at the Scholarship Breakfast and Assembly with scholars Jaime and Lesley.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN SUPPORT OF CRISTO REY More than 100 Cristo Rey alumni, faculty, and Leadership Advisory Council (LAC) members celebrated local artwork and education at Lo Rez Brewery & Taproom on Friday, October 20th. Lo Rez Brewery embraces the Pilsen neighborhood, which it calls home, and hosts a “Rezident Art Gallery” each quarter. Cristo Rey supporters enjoyed craft beer, live music by These Old Men They Play Records, food from Mexi Tacos food truck, and hand-painted beer growlers from Pilsen street artist Elloo Elloo. All proceeds from the growler sales, and a portion of the art sales, benefited Cristo Rey.
The LAC regularly hosts events in support of Cristo Rey and our students. We welcome new members to join our LAC: young professionals, including alumni, who are dedicated to improving the lives of high school students from families with limited financial means. LAC members are ambassadors for the Cristo Rey mission and brand through their philanthropy, event participation, and school-related volunteer opportunities. Since its inception in 2002, the LAC has helped to make Cristo Rey Jesuit High School one of the nation’s most successful solutions to educational access, by advocating for our students and their families throughout the Chicagoland area. Visit www.cristorey.net/getinvolved for more information, events, and new volunteer opportunities or contact Ryan Daily at 773.890.6816 or rdaily@cristorey.net.
Save the Date Las Mujeres De Cristo Rey Thursday, February 1, 2018 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Catalyst Ranch 656 West Randolph Street Chicago Join us for an evening to support Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with friends of Cristo Rey and learn more about our mission and the young men and women we educate and empower.
Invitation to follow. For more information, visit www.cristorey.net/lasmujeres. All proceeds will benefit the Cristo Rey Jesuit Annual Fund which supports the school’s arts programs and the Las Chicas student organization for the empowerment of young women.
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CLASS OF 2007 CELEBRATES TEN-YEAR REUNION On November 3rd, members from the Class of 2007 gathered for their Ten-Year Reunion. It was a wonderful evening of catching up, sharing photos, and laughs. We had a chance to sit down with three alums and hear about their favorite memories of Cristo Rey. Cristina Garcia ‘07
Miguel Diaz ‘07
Associate, Ruben M. Garcia & Associates
Philosophy Graduate Program Assistant, Loyola University
Marquette University, B.A. Interdisciplinary International Affairs
Loyola University, B.A. Communications
Illinois Institute of Technology, J.D. Law
What is your current role? I am an associate attorney at a small law firm. I work primarily on guardianship cases for adults with disabilities and minors, probate administration, and family law matters. What do you miss most about Cristo Rey? I miss hanging out with friends every day! Sure, high school was stressful and classes were difficult, but I miss seeing my friends and teachers. Cristo Rey’s staff were so supportive, teachers were passionate about their work, and I met my best friends at Cristo Rey. What is one thing that you learned at Cristo Rey that you still use now? I learned that everything in life is about balance. Being a student AND working meant having to manage homework, project deadlines, extracurricular activities, family, and friends while still being a teenager. Any advice to current Cristo Rey students or alums? Find role models and ask them questions. Seek out jobs that give you skills for a career that will make you happy, put in the work, and see everything as an experience to learn. It’s important to carve out time for family, friends, and for yourself. Also, never be afraid to ask for help. Being part of the Cristo Rey community means that you have a whole big family cheering you on, so no matter where are you are in your studies or career, you shouldn’t feel like you’re alone.
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What is your favorite memory of Cristo Rey? If I had to pick a moment, it would be my senior year during the opening night for the school play “Our Town.” Many of my friends were a part of that production, and I liked seeing our hard work pay off. That night cured my stage fright! What do you miss most about Cristo Rey? Cristo Rey is a small school; it’s a place where anyone can have a voice and be noticed. I miss that the most because the world outside CR is so very big in comparison. CR certainly prepared me for that “Big World,” but more importantly, it showed me the value of a close-knit community. What is one thing that you learned at Cristo Rey that you still use now? Everything I learned in Corporate Work Study has been invaluable. I always have that work experience to fall back on and I owe CR for that, but I also learned something just as valuable about myself. Any advice to current Cristo Rey students? Don’t hesitate! Join a club or three, do a sport, go to an event, volunteer somewhere, read a book not on your syllabus, whatever! You should be learning and experiencing – trying new things is a great way to do that. Even if you make a mistake, you’ll learn something valuable. It’s a big world with plenty to offer, go participate!
Sandy Magana ‘07 Freelance Photographer/ Videographer Columbia College Chicago, B.A. Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
What is your favorite memory of Cristo Rey? My favorite memory of Cristo Rey is of the retreats and events when the teachers and students played activities against each other or on the same “teams.” Being with the teachers outside of classroom really helped me feel a special connection with them.
What is one thing that you learned at Cristo Rey that you still use now? One thing I learned is how to be a woman for others, whether it be my family, friends, community, etc. My family instilled this in me from an early age, but going to CR really helped that seed grow. The events, retreats, and talks with teachers all helped to shape the woman I am today. Any advice to current Cristo Rey students? My advice to current students is to get involved in activities at school. Get to know fellow students as well as teachers, since hearing their life experiences and goals can help shape your own visions in life. The more involved you are, the more chances you have at making memories and learning from them as well. Life can get busy after high school and even more so after college, so take advantage of the time you have right now.
SEVENTEEN YEARS AND COUNTING AT AON By: Guillermo Cruz ‘03, Manager, Strategy and Operations, Aon
Guillermo has worked for Aon for 17 years. While at Cristo Rey and throughout college, he worked part-time for Aon. After graduating from DePaul, Aon offered him a full-time position. More than 50% of corporate partners employ Cristo Rey alumni throughout college and beyond. On an early September day in 1999, I walked into Aon’s headquarters for my 1st day of work. I was 14 years old. I grew up in an immigrant household, and no one in my family had experience in the corporate world. Little did I know that, at that moment, my life would be changed in a very positive and profound way. Because of Cristo Rey and Aon, I was presented with opportunities that transformed a simple high school experience into a successful career. Throughout high school, and then continuing in college, I was able to couple my education with real-world business experience that allowed me to expand my horizons. The journey was not easy, but I knew that if I worked hard and proactively learned new skills, there was no limit to my potential.
Eighteen years later, here I am – a proud member of Aon’s global network, managing and supporting our cross-border and multi-national risk business, and working with people from all over the world. Now looking back to that day in 1999 and thinking about my journey, I realized that there were many who helped me: Cristo Rey, my colleagues at Aon, and my parents, Guillermo and Maria, who taught me to appreciate our blessings and to help others in return. It is not only about donating money or raising funds, but for me, it is also about sharing my time, skills, and experiences with others. To that end, over the past 14 years I have volunteered my time as an athletic coach and mentor to the athletes at Cristo Rey. At the same time, I have been able to mentor Cristo Rey and college interns at Aon. I am proof that Cristo Rey’s work-study works, and it works because of all of you. Thank you. If you are interested in hiring Cristo Rey students to work for your organization, please contact the Director of Corporate Relations, Lillie Sellers: 773.890.6886 or lsellers@cristorey.net.
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STUDENTS EXPERIENCE THE WORLD The Cristo Rey Summer Enrichment Program Fund, made possible by generous supporters, grants students the opportunity to attend summer programs that they otherwise could not afford. Across the country and around the world, our students participated in programs that challenged and inspired them – opening up new possibilities for their future.
This past summer, our college counselors arranged for 79 Cristo Rey students to participate in 65 unique enrichment programs, 16 of which were subsidized by the Summer Enrichment Program Fund. Make a gift to the Cristo Rey Annual Fund to support future summer experiences for Cristo Rey students.
Jorge Escobar ‘18 Experiment in Living, Argentina
This summer program in Argentina helped me realize that I should be more grateful for what I have and who I am as a human because I was able to travel abroad for the first time.
Yailin Sotelo ‘18 AFS France Global Prep
This program helped me experience a different culture from my own. I am now learning to view things in a different way. There are so many things that I still have not yet experienced in life. The most rewarding aspect of my program was being able to discover new traditions and a new culture.
Margarita Perez ‘19 The Road Less Traveled, Colorado
This program helped me because it let me know that in the future I want work with animals.
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WAYS TO GIVE Online www.cristorey.net/donate Mail Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Attn: Advancement Department 1852 West 22nd Place Chicago, IL 60608 Phone 773.890.6800 Questions? Contact Vice President for Advancement Morgan Henington at mhenington@cristorey.net or 773.890.6818. Carla Jauregui ‘18 National Student Leadership Conference, Psychology & Nueroscience at Harvard Medical School
The program has helped me to understand the basics of psychology and I now know for a fact that I want to study psychology in college. I was also able to interact with different people from all over the country and even the world. Financial aid helped me participate to in this program that I would not have experienced without the help of Cristo Rey.
Recurring Donations: Set-up a monthly gift and support our mission all year long. In Honor or Memory of: Make a gift in honor of or in memory of a loved one, event, or individual. Stock Gifts: Contact us to give a gift of stock. Matching Gifts: Check with your company to find out if they have a matching gift program. Donor Advised Funds: We accept donations from Donor Advised Funds like Fidelity, Vanguard, the Chicago Community Trust, and more.
Christian Camarillo ‘18 The Road Less Traveled, Bon Aire
I really improved my confidence in being away from home. I was able to be independent and care for myself for a change. I am so thankful for the opportunity that I was given by the donors.
Editor: Ashley K. Donohue, Director of Communications
If you would like to receive electronic versions of Cristo Rey communications, visit www.cristorey.net to sign-up. 7
1852 WEST 22ND PLACE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60608
Las Obras FALL 2017
THE WORKS OF CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Kairos Continues to Transform • Young Professionals Support CR • Class of ‘07 Celebrates 10 Years • Students Experience the World
Cristo Rey alumni are earning a Bachelor’s Degree at a rate nearly six times higher than the national average for low-income, first-generation students. Give a gift to our Annual Fund and make a difference! www.cristorey.net/donate In the classroom, the community, and Chicago
ATTN: ADVANCEMENT OFFICE 1852 WEST 22ND PLACE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60608 THANK YOU FOR YOUR STAMP
Las Obras THE WORKS OF CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
Fall 2017
In the classroom, the community, and Chicago
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