Conversation With

Brother Ken Kalinowski, Class of ‘84

Brother Ken Kalinowski, ‘84, joined the DLS Religion Department this semester, after teaching the last few years at Papua, New Guinea.

You were halfway around the world the last few years? What was your teaching assignment in Papua, New Guinea?

I was the Vice Principal for Academics. I taught 10th grade Mathematics as well, and was the local Vocation Director at the school.

You had a special relationship with the late Brother George Synan. How was he influential in your life?

I attended St. Augustine’s Grade School, near McNichols and Davison, the grandchild of Polish immigrants. My mother had two jobs, including working at the rectory. She wanted me to attend De La Salle, which was then located in Detroit, across from City Airport. Making tuition payments was a struggle. After my sophomore year, DLS moved to Warren, and I remember getting a letter from Brother Kevin Gilhooly, asking “Are you coming with us?” I didn’t know if I could make the tuition payments. I got a job at Buddy’s Pizza, on Six Mile, and every two weeks, I’d bring my paycheck to school and go to the office and turn it in. It was a very tough time. Toward the end of the year, Brother George came to me and said that a generous alumnus had made a large donation, and that this money would be used to cover my tuition senior year. It was such a huge relief to me and my mother. It was as if a huge burden had been lifted off my back. Brother George was such a kind man. Those of us who knew him remember how he always knew your name; if your father was an alumnus, he remembered his name.

Did you ever find out the identity of your generous benefactor?

No. But it’s people like that man 35 years ago that made such a difference in my life, and others like him

Brother Ken with juniors John-Marcello Fecarotta and Kole Gjonaj.

that continue to support Lasallian education - whether it’s in Papua, New Guinea, or right here in Warren.

You’ve returned to Detroit and family for the first time in many years. What’s it like for you as an alumnus to be teaching at your alma mater?

Surreal and humbling. It is truly amazing to still have teachers like Mr. Michael Szatkowski, Mr. Gary Buslepp, and Mrs. Vicki Granger here, showing their zeal and dedication. And long time teachers who continue to inspire, such as Mr. Thaier Mukhtar, Mr. Mike Jolly, and Ms. Elaine Gagnon. The Lasallian spirit is endorsed by the faculty who show daily the face of Christ to their students. De La Salle is a great place and with our administration dedicated to the Lasallian Mission, I have faith that we will be true to our Founder for decades to come. As St. La Salle writes to the early Brothers, “The need for this Institute is great.” I truly believe that De La Salle Collegiate is needed in Metro Detroit more than ever today. We pray in thanksgiving for the generosity of our benefactors and loyal alumni who help us continue this Mission!