The Impact They Made

The impact of the Brothers is immeasurable. It is not shown in test scores, or graduation rates, or a student’s ability to quote passages from the Bible. It is only truly captured through the words of their students, friends, and family. Many of those appreciations may not be realized until well after the Brothers depart from this earth. The KabarA Challenge gives us the opportunity to reflect on how the Brothers have shaped our lives and share those stories with each other.

  • “I feel so blessed to be able to work with Br. James Gaffney at Lewis University. “

    — Jean Lucas

  • “For Br. J. Richard Rush, his excellence in teaching, being a great person to learn how to live, and an example of a man of God.”

    — John Nemanich

  • “To Br. Patrick Conway and Br. Michael Kadow, for their tireless and inspired dedication to education and making the world a better place with their joy!”

    — Joseph and Janet Debilzen

  • “My gift is in honor of Br. Richard Merkel for his quiet presence, Lasallian wisdom, and friendship.”

    — Maria Monhaut

  • “Br. Larry Schatz, you are an inspiration to many, but truly to me! I strive to walk and practice my Lasallian virtues and when I struggle, I take a look at the beautiful creation you gave me that easily reminds me of the 12 virtues!

    — Patrice Henning

  • “I am grateful for all of Br. James and Br. Raymond's kind words and acts throughout the years for students, faculty, and their peers.

    — Jane Trainor

  • “To all of the Brothers I loved and knew in my 32 years as a Brother. I was blessed!!!”

    — D. Patrick (De La Salle Institute 1952)
    and Nancy O'Shea

  • “As a classmate and coworker that worked with Br. Joe Saurbier, it has been an honor and pleasure to have him in my life. I consider him a true friend.”

    — Leonard Suhadolc Jr., Lewis University

  • “In honor of the Brothers of St. Mel High School & Saint Mary's University. They were a fabulous group of dedicated, moral, intellectual teachers and examples of life well directed.”

    — Donald (St. Mel 1960) and Barbara Pelletier

  • “Br. Roman Jarosz has been a special uncle to my children, Yonne, Robert, and Jennifer from the time he was a child himself and throughout all the succeeding years. He brought so much happiness to our family!”

    — Casimira Jarosz
    Passed into eternal life

  • “Thanks Br. Chris Englert and Br. Joel McGraw for all you did for our boys!”

    — James and Jennie Latta

  • “Br. Alfred Marshall was a real inspiration to my family and me. We were grateful for his kindness and good work for the Christian Brothers.”

    — Mary Norine Ceplecha

  • “In honor of Br. Roderick Robertson, my teacher, mentor, cheerleader, confidant, fellow faculty member at SMU, and lifelong friend of fifty-six years.”

    — Anthony Calabrese

  • “Thank you Br. Kent Connolly for dedicating your life to teach sinners like me. I still quote you when teaching my students!”

    — John and Sharon Rakos

  • “My family and I have been blessed to have the love and support of the Brothers Community of Lewis University, and we are eternally grateful to them.”

    — Margaret and Frank Martinez

  • “As a fellow St. Mel classmate ('60), Br. James Gaffney has performed God's work in leading Lewis University to prominence and in doing so has honored our alma mater, St. Mel High School.”

    — Jerome Fialek, St. Mel, 1960

  • “Thank you and all the other Brothers for your dedication to our faith and sharing your knowledge to make Driscoll Catholic High School a home for us Highlanders for all those wonderful years. Live Jesus in our Hearts forever.”

    — The Tomaino and Solorio Families

  • “Making me who I am today. The Christian Brothers of St. George High School in Evanston, IL, gave me two great careers which allowed me to work to age 75.”

    — Kevin Nuccio, St. George 1964