Architects of a Decade
proud of that; I know I am. There’s nothing better for me than to see a strong, vibrant St. John’s going forward.”
Constructing the Future: Bro. Tom Gerrow, FSC
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A 2007 photo of Lou Donatelli ’52 (left) with his son, Doug ’79, at the headquarters of Donatelli Development in Bethesda, MD.
In addition to working with the board and the school administration, Donatelli has given his support in other areas at St. John’s. The arts are of particular interest to the family, many of whom have been part of the SJC visual and performing arts programs. In 2000, the family dedicated the Donatelli Art Center in honor of his parents, Louis and Elsie, who were so devoted to the school. The Donatelli Art Award is also presented annually to an upper-level art student for outstanding involvement, service and commitment to the arts. “The arts are an important ingredient in what we like to contribute to St. John’s. The programs were terrific when I was a student, and they are still strong today,” Donatelli said. “Studying the arts adds another dimension to a student’s overall education, and I like to see that fostered.” The Donatellis also generously support tuition assistance programs at several institutions in order to help deserving students receive a Catholic education. In 2007, Lou and Doug Donatelli made a $1.6 million lead gift to the St. John’s capital campaign that created a permanent endowment for tuition assistance, as well as helped implement the school’s master plan. “I came from modest means. I’ve been relatively successful, and it has been great to be able to help individuals who need financial assistance, who need a boost to attend a school like St. John’s,” Donatelli shared. While the school has changed significantly since his time as a student, Donatelli feels the changes have been for the better. The choices to make the school coeducational and the JROTC program optional have allowed St. John’s to become a more vibrant, inclusive Catholic institution, one that he feels was sorely needed in the Washington, DC, community. And while some things may have changed, the school’s core values and its tradition of excellence have not. He often interviews Cadets who are applying to Villanova, and he is pleased with what these students have shown him. “The Lasallian tradition continues on,” Donatelli said. “I’ve been very impressed with the caliber of the students and the education they’ve received at St. John’s. The school should be very 24 Scarlet&Grey Spring 2013
hen Bro. Tom Gerrow was called to serve at St. John’s in 1994, he found a school in need of a clear vision for the future. Enrollment had decreased, and the school had recently transitioned to a coeducational, militaryoptional institution. In addition, the physical facilities, which had not been updated since SJC moved to Military Road in 1959, were in dire need of update and repair. Fortunately, the school’s new president was a man of vision and purpose who would ultimately usher in a new era at St. John’s. “Knowing the challenges that Bro. Tom faced when he arrived at St. John’s, I can say emphatically that 100 people could have been chosen as president and 99 would have failed,” said Jeff Mancabelli, current St. John’s president. “Why was Bro. Tom successful? He was not simply taking a job; he was answering a call. He was guided by mission as his sole motivation. As he would say, divine providence had placed him exactly where he was meant to be.”
“ He was not simply taking a job; he was answering a call. He was guided by mission as his sole motivation. As he would say, divine providence had placed him exactly where he was meant to be.” – Jeff Mancabelli Bro. Tom was no stranger to educational facilities. His first assignment with the Christian Brothers was at South Hills Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, PA. He went on to work at St. Gabriel’s Hall, Resurrection of Our Lord School, West Catholic High School and Hudson Catholic Regional High School. Each of these schools was improved by his time there, through expanded enrollment, enhanced curriculum and improved facilities. He hoped that he could achieve the same success at St. John’s, but he wouldn’t be able to do it alone. Bro. Tom worked closely with the Board of Trustees, engaging them as active participants in the plans for revitalization. He also recruited new members with experience that would complement and strengthen the board. Together, Bro. Tom and the trustees started taking St. John’s in a new direction. “People make the biggest difference. At St. John’s, we were able to bring on some very good people, to let them come up with their ideas and run with them,” Bro. Tom said. Kevin Cassidy ’70 was nearing the end of a board term when Bro. Tom arrived, and he said that he was very impressed by Bro. Tom’s leadership and his clear vision for the school. Cassidy described Bro. Tom as a focused man who was at various times