A MessageFrom the President

Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends of De Smet Jesuit

KEVIN BERNS ’87

Where is God calling De Smet? ”

You would have been so proud of De Smet during your school’s opening Mass of the Holy Spirit on August 25.

Each student wore a commemorative t-shirt with the Jesuit motto “A.M.D.G.” in bold letters over his shoulder. Students read intentions in Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish to symbolize the global scope of a Jesuit education. Sixteen priests concelebrated the Mass. Many were Jesuits, along with our alumni who serve as priests for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

After the homily, in a traditional ceremony shared by Jesuit high schools around the country, Fr. Thomas P. Greene, S.J., the top Jesuit in our region, missioned me as President of De Smet Jesuit High School. In the presence of my priest-confreres, our students, staff, parents, and alumni, I promised to uphold our school’s Catholic, Jesuit mission.

For me, it was a moment of profound responsibility. For our school, it was a visible sign of our connection to the larger, global mission of Jesuit secondary education. The Jesuit legacy in secondary education began with St. Ignatius 500 years ago and has grown to include nearly 800 Jesuit schools serving some 800,000 students around the world.

In my remarks after communion, I asked everyone to consider the fundamental question: Where is God calling De Smet?

In response to that question, the Board of Trustees recently declared four strategic pillars:

n Deepening our Catholic, Jesuit identity. n Committing to academic excellence and critical thinking. n Forming well-rounded leaders. n Building a community where every qualified family can finance a De Smet education.

I need your help to bring these pillars to life.

De Smet must remain committed to its mission as a Jesuit education rooted in Gospel values, where students have a tangible experience of God and are encouraged to grow as well-rounded young men. Academics are important. So are athletics, co-curricular activities, retreats, and clubs, which aim to create a community where each student feels at home.

And so, my inaugural message is this: Consider our world. You know that a Jesuit education is needed now more than ever. Our students depend on your support, and this is a special moment in the history of our school. Don’t miss the opportunity to play a part. The best is yet to come!

For De Smet Jesuit, Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J.

PRESIDENT

Life at De Smet Jesuit

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

The Class of 2026 took victory laps around the track to culminate a new five-day Odyssey experience that offered time to build brotherhood and learn what it means to be a Spartan. Fr. O’Dwyer, S.J., summed up our hopes for these freshmen perfectly in his homily during their first Mass: “Your job these next four years is to help each other become the men God invites you to be.”