Office of Communications and Marketing (516) 742-5555 ext. 492
Chris Hanley '80 Executive Director of Advancement
Katie Hess Director of Development
Ted Fioraliso '03 Director of Alumni Engagement
Office of Advancement (516) 742-5555 ext. 444
Michael Bruno '90
William Clemens '14
Patrick Reichart '01 Contributors
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
Dear Chaminade Family,
Each year, as we prepare our Impact Report, I find myself reflecting on the incredible strength of the Chaminade community. What always rises to the surface - what always inspires me - is the remarkable generosity, volunteer spirit, and unwavering commitment of our alumni, parents, and friends. You are the reason this mission not only endures but thrives.
At Chaminade, every act of support matters. Every volunteer hour, every prayer, every dollar contributed directly fuels our ability to provide a transformative Catholic education for young men who seek it. As I review the stories of our students, stories of grit, of faith, and of lives forever changed, I am reminded that philanthropy is not about the size of the gift, but about the shared belief that we are called to lift one another up. Your participation, at every level, strengthens the very foundation of our mission.
This year, we once again saw firsthand how your generosity opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. Families who long desired a Chaminade education for their sons - families navigating financial hardship or uncertainty - found hope here because of you. One student recently shared that without financial aid, attending Chaminade “would never have been possible,” and that someday he hopes to give back so “another family in need” can have the same opportunity. Stories like his remind us of the profound ripple
effect of your giving. We are not simply helping students now - we are shaping the generosity of future alumni.
As I think about the road ahead, I am reminded of a reflection shared in a previous report about the marathoner’s journey: each mile matters, each step builds on the next. Our mission is much the same. Every gift this year builds upon decades of dedication. Every donor moves us forward. Every act of generosity ensures that we never miss a step in carrying out the work entrusted to us.
Your support is also essential to keeping tuition as affordable as possible for middle-class families. This commitment has been central to Chaminade’s identity for nearly a century. Quite simply, every dollar raised makes a real difference for a real family.
As we approach our centennial, I ask you to reflect on the role you play in this extraordinary story - one written through decades of faith, sacrifice, and generosity. Your continued support will ensure that the young men of today, and of the generations to come, experience the same brotherhood, formation, and excellence that have defined Chaminade since its founding.
On behalf of the entire Chaminade Family, thank you for all you do to support our students and our Marianist mission. It is an honor to walk this journey with youforward together, one step at a time.
not about the size of the gift, but about the shared belief that we are called to lift one another up.”
With heartfelt gratitude,
Bro. Thomas J. Cleary, S.M. ’81 President
A Letter from our COO
Dear Chaminade Family,
Each year, this Impact Report offers a glimpse into the extraordinary ways the Chaminade community continues to transform lives on our campus, across the country, and around the world. The stories highlighted in this edition reflect different yet deeply connected dimensions of our mission: forming young men of faith, character, compassion, and leadership.
You'll learn about the transformative power of access and affordability through a student-focused feature on financial aid. Told through the experience of young alumni, the piece
shows how opportunity, when combined with talent, hard work, and a Chaminade education, can help graduates reach new heights in college and careers. It serves as a real reminder of what becomes possible when we make sure finances are never a barrier to becoming a Flyer.
We also pause to honor Lou Gerstner '59, an iconic business leader and generous supporter of Chaminade. Renowned for his visionary leadership at IBM, he brought innovation, integrity, and courage to every endeavor. His philanthropic spirit and steadfast commitment to Catholic education have left a lasting imprint on our school community and generations of students.
Our coverage of the inaugural Chaminade Leadership Summit (CLS ’25) highlights the connections made, the ideas shared, and the tangible results that came from gathering hundreds of alumni, students, parents, and alumni parents to learn and lead in a complex world. As we look ahead to this year’s Summit, we are eager to build on that momentum with new content, engaging speakers, and even more opportunities for participation.
We also celebrate leadership on the field. The tribute to Coach Jack Moran and the Ring of Honor underscores how the legacies of our most influential role models endure. The announcement of the newly established Jack Moran Lacrosse Fund will support travel, training, and opportunities that elevate our athletes and honor the values he instilled in generations of Flyers.
Finally, we shine a light on the missionary work of Project MAST, where alumni are serving communities across the world through the Marianist charism. Their stories witness to faith put into action and remind us that our graduates’ impact does not end with commencement; it begins there. Together, these features reflect the heart of Chaminade today: a school that forms leaders, serves others, supports families, and creates lifelong bonds rooted in our Marianist tradition. Your belief in our mission makes all of this, and so much more, possible.
Thank you for being a vital part of the Flyer family.
Fortes in Unitate,
Brian Crimmins '95 Chief Operating Officer
2030 Strategic Plan Timeline
The 2030 Strategic Plan timeline reflects the steady implementation of our goals to expand access and affordability, strengthen our capital infrastructure, and deepen our Marianist mission. Each milestone represents a deliberate investment in forming young men of faith, scholarship, and service. To ensure the success of these initiatives, we have entered the quiet phase of a comprehensive fundraising campaign that will provide the essential support to bring these priorities fully to life.
CHAMINADE FAMILY SURVEY, INTERVIEWS, AND FOCUS GROUPS FEEDBACK, CAMPUS FEASIBILITY STUDY, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, MEETINGS WITH THE VILLAGE, PERMIT APPLICATION FOR NEW BUILDINGS ON JERICHO TURNPIKE
ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEER PLANS DEVELOPED
2026
DEMOLITION OF CURRENT BUS GARAGE, CONSTRUCTION OF NEW GARAGE NEW PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTER (PFC) CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON JERICHO TURNPIKE
RENOVATION OF CURRENT PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTER (PFC) INTO FINE ARTS BUILDING WITH A NEW CAMPUS STORE
REACH 50% OF INCREASED STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, REACH 50% OF OUR UNRESTRICTED ENDOWMENT GOAL, 50% OF MARIANIST FINANCIAL SUPPORT GOAL, REACH 75% OF CAPITAL NEEDS
2029
IMPROVEMENTS IN MAIN BUILDING TO CREATE ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC SPACE, REACH 100% OF INCREASED STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (13% TODAY TO 30%), REACH 100% OF UNRESTRICTED ENDOWMENT GOAL OF $25M, REACH 100% OF MARIANIST FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF $5M, REACH 100% OF CAPITAL NEEDS $40M
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS
All in the Family
As Chaminade’s centennial celebration approaches, one would be hard pressed to look back on the last century and find another family quite like the Fees.
Not only was Frank J. Fee, Jr. the chairman of Chaminade’s first Board of Advisors, but three of his sons - Frank, also known as FJ (1960), Kevin (1967), and Michael (1975) - were presented with the prestigious Founders Award as part of Chaminade’s Legacy of Leadership event in March 2025. Perhaps most remarkably, their uncle, Bill Clair, was one of the first 120 men to earn a Chaminade diploma, as he was a member of our school’s Class of 1934.
“Not only did I have two brothers go to Chaminade, I also had a son and a nephew!” boasted Kevin in a recent
interview. “As I said during my comments when I received the Founders Award, I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for Chaminade.”
Kevin is one of many Fees who has shepherded the Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company from its formation in 1920 by his grandfather, Frank J. Fee, into the industry titan it is today.
“Chaminade started in the same era as our company, and we had to do the same thing - build on values like discipline, dedication, integrity, hard work, and sacrifice,” Kevin explained. “We applied the same philosophies to Reliable as I learned at Chaminade, as I watched my father and grandfather build the company.”
In advance of the Legacy of Leadership event last spring, Kevin’s brother Michael shared similar sentiments: “Chaminade was the start - my rock and the foundation,” he explained. “It prepared me for the rest of my life, always putting Jesus first in everything.”
Michael and his wife, Melanie, have served as foster parents for over a decade, with 12 kids in their care. Michael has also served on the board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Clemson University and traveled on mission trips to places like Cuba, Honduras, and Guatemala.
In spite of their many commitments, the Fees have always been there when Chaminade has needed them, especially when it comes to the expansion of our school’s campus.
“I remember the campus when I was there, and when my son was there,” Kevin explained. “Then, I look at what it is today, and I just have to smile. It’s a fantastic development. It’s not like they had 60 acres to build buildings; they had foresight to maximize their campus.”
Such campus development has proven crucial to Reliable’s expansion, as well, as the company’s 2006 opening of a world-class manufacturing plant located in Liberty, South Carolina paved the way for its more recent growth – all while keeping firmly in place the family-like culture Reliable had long established with both its employees and customers.
“There are so many similarities between the growth
and development of our company and Chaminade,” Kevin reflected. “I love the name Reliable – it really stood out in our industry – and I think Chaminade could be called ‘Reliable High School,’” he chuckled.
“While remaining steadfast in its mission, Chaminade itself has grown, developed, and adapted to the times in order to deliver its exceptional education to each succeeding generation of Chaminade students,” added FJ.
With such appreciation for the past balanced with an ever-present focus on the future, there is little question that as the first century of Chaminade draws to a close, these Fees have proven to be nothing short of priceless.
Not Just Dollars and Cents
THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL AID
Previous issues of Chaminade News have chronicled the financial milestones, programmatic objectives, and the dedicated men and women whose efforts have transformed these aspirations into tangible outcomes.
What remains to be explored more fully, however, is the human dimension behind the numbers that power our financial aid program. Last June, Steven Zavala graduated from Chaminade with a stellar academic record. He had been named the recipient of the Quest Bridge Scholarship and was preparing to embark on his collegiate career at Colgate University. That particular award provides a student with a full scholarship to one of 50 top colleges or universities in the country. None of this would have been possible without the support of the financial aid program at Chaminade. Steven grew up in Hempstead and attended De La Salle Grammar School. He first became aware of Chaminade through a friend, but even then, he knew that his family wouldn’t be able to afford the school’s tuition without assistance. Persuaded to take the TACHS exam by his teachers, Steven soon received a full scholarship to Chaminade.
“It wasn’t just about the money, I also received mentorship and guidance from teachers and counselors. I was encouraged to join extracurricular activities like the Medical Club. It was a whole support system that enabled me to succeed. I was also able to develop a deep faith at Chaminade through my religious education classes.”
This year, a similar story unfolded with soon-to-be graduate Nicholas Galanis ’26. Raised in a single-parent household by his mother, Lisa Capiello, in Valley Stream, a Chaminade education would not have been possible for Nick without financial assistance. When told about Chaminade’s financial aid and scholarship program, Nick was not going to let an opportunity like this pass him by. At Chaminade, he has excelled academically and on an extracurricular basis. He thrust himself into the Social Studies, Business, and Economics Clubs, just to name a few. Like Steven Zavala before him, Nick also was named as a recipient of the Quest Bridge Scholarship. In the fall, he will attend Notre Dame University where he intends to major in economics.
Steven and Nick are not alone in their experiences. Director of Financial Aid Matthew Davis recently said, “I am happy to share that in working with our guidance and college placement teams, students have been able to attend colleges and universities that they would have never thought possible. The Chaminade experience is unparalleled. After class, students have access to everything from top-of-the-line athletic facilities to over 50 extracurricular activities. The programs’ benefits continue to reveal themselves well after a young man graduates.” Moreover, no two students in the financial aid program are the same. Every student has different support needs. The school’s guidance counselors tailor services on an individual basis. One student might require additional academic support, while another simply might need to learn more time management skills. Oliver Luisi ’97, who has been instrumental to the success of the program said, “The Guidance Department works hand in hand with the Financial Aid Office to ensure that each student receives the support he needs to be as successful as possible at Chaminade and in college.”
Today, at least on the surface, Steven is just another hard-working freshman at Colgate University. Although he is currently undeclared, he intends to focus on neuroscience and pursue a career in the health care industry. He humbly owns his own success story, even now at the beginning of his collegiate career, but does acknowledge that Chaminade played a tremendous role in his life. Nick has expressed exactly the same sentiment as far as the financial assistance that he received at Chaminade, and one can have little doubt that he will continue to thrive as he enters his collegiate years. These two young men, along with what will soon be hundreds of others, have demonstrated how much they can achieve if simply afforded the opportunity that has become part of Chaminade’s mission.
MARCH 21 SE Florida Chapter Event in Jupiter
MAY 1-2 Chaminade Leadership Summit (CLS ’26)
MARCH 22 Alumni Day of Recollection
MAY 8 Class of 2001 25th Reunion
APRIL 11
Ronald McDonald House Alumni Service Project
MAY 19-20 One Flyer Nation Campaign
Crew Alumni Row and Celebration at Bar Beach JUNE
Wreath Laying
Class of 1976 50th Reunion
Connected Leadership
CLS FOSTERS AUTHENTIC ENGAGEMENT THROUGH INTENTIONAL BRIDGE-BUILDING
The Chaminade Leadership Summit will return this spring on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, 2026, cultivating professional growth through workshops, mission-oriented talks, and intentional space for connection within the Chaminade alumni community, yet it is far more than an alumni event. Since its debut in spring 2025, the Chaminade Leadership Summit, or “CLS” for short, has not lost its momentum and has quickly become an integral part of Chaminade’s collective vocabulary within our community. Looking ahead, CLS ’26 seeks to respond to and expand the incredible spirit fostered at the first summit.
“From its earliest development, CLS has always been about connection,” states COO Mr. Brian Crimmins ’95. “There are alumni who are now doing business with one another because of the connection shared at CLS ’25. More than a conference, it is a place for professional connection that leads somewhere meaningful, rooted in the shared experience and memory of this institution many of us call home. CLS can and will serve as a tangible landing spot for alumni to return and connect in their respective professional journeys.”
CLS is a testament to Chaminade’s continued proactivity and willingness to identify a need in response to the radical changes occurring in the professional world. A natural expansion on its premier thematic subject, “Leading in a Complex World,” CLS ’26 will focus on “Connected Leadership,” which identifies the interconnectedness between industries and demographics in today’s business landscape. We are called to partner with one another, and CLS ’26 seeks to provide space for those authentic connections to flourish.
“With CLS ’25, we were able to fulfill the objective we set out to accomplish: namely, create an event that was on a completely new level of engagement with our alumni community from all over the country,” reflects CLS Administrator Deborah Kendric P ’22. “Marketing something that has never happened before presented a unique yet exciting
opportunity for us. Once we went through the first summit, we understood just how precious this opportunity is for our community-at-large, and how our efforts must cultivate future iterations of a summit that builds in reach and scope. We have not even scratched the surface in the depth of knowledge present in Chaminade’s alumni network, and CLS provides a platform to affirm and expand on the gifts and witness of Chaminade Flyers living in the modern era.”
“Connected Leadership” will manifest in an expansive new repertoire of guest speakers from across industry, from economics and comic books to cybersecurity and wellness to law and news media, and connection will occur across the range of professional praxis and experience. What is most vital is the interconnectedness identified amongst present and future alumni, both formally and informally, throughout the summit’s program of events.
“CLS is not simply connecting alumni together,” states Chief Academic Officer Gregory Kay ’98. “It connects alumni also to our school community currently, where the efforts of our students and teachers intertwine with the professional reach of our network. ‘Connected Leadership’ hits at the heart of what we are going through as a society, where everything seems divided, and is the most appropriate subject for CLS’ conversation to center around at the next summit. Where there is polarity, we hope CLS lays out common ground.”
As the world continues to move in different directions, the Chaminade Leadership Summit is the perfect catalyst for Chaminade’s collective response: from its support lent to young alumni navigating a brave new world to fostering intergenerational encounters between various professions and experiences. As a pioneer on its own path, the Chaminade Leadership Summit will continue to meet the challenges of the world in the style of Marianist education: thoughtfully, rooted in faith, and formative for the whole person. For more information and to register, visit cls.chaminade-hs.org.
Simply the Best
COACH JACK MORAN INDUCTED INTO RING OF HONOR
Choosing the recipient of the third Athletic Ring of Honor Award this year could not have been any easier, for the entire conversation began and ended with teacher and coach Jack Moran. Almost immediately after the announcement was made, preparations began to honor the often larger-than-life Jack for over 45 years of dedication and service to Chaminade High School.
Jack has been the heart and soul of Chaminade lacrosse for decades. Every single player and coach that worked with or against him would serve as witness to the fact that he is driven by preparation, precision, and passion for the game. That quality would lead his teams to 629 wins and 21 championship trophies. His motto, “Be the Best” stretched way beyond the lacrosse field. Although Jack will undoubtedly be remembered at Chaminade for his coaching career, one could easily forget that he also served as a health and physical education teacher and guidance counselor for almost 40 years. He also coached football for more than a decade.
Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81, always describes Jack in terms of his character: “His true greatness lies in the thousands of lives he shaped. To his players, he was far more than a coach. He was a teacher. A mentor. Sometimes even a father figure. He demanded excellence, but he gave back belief. He taught that character comes before championships, that faith and discipline go hand in hand, and being a Flyer means being part of something larger than yourself.”
For the event itself, Greg Kay ’98 began to rally the lacrosse coaches from over four decades: men who had worked side by side with Jack, as well as some of his worthy adversaries. His family’s and friends’ input would also be solicited, for Jack’s influence spanned generations of Chaminade Men.
Executive Director of Advancement Chris Hanley ’80 organized a tribute video to be played that evening. Together with Gerry Sievers ’93, they collected over 20 hours of raw footage of accolades delivered by colleagues, family members, former players, and his own family. Heartfelt messages were delivered first by Jack’s wife, Kathryne, and son Ryan ’99 followed by Tom Dillon ’92, Greg Kay ’98, Mike Ehrhardt ’10, Liam Entenmann ’19, Ryan Wellner ’96, Jim Keenan ’94, Don and Colleen Hickey P ’02, ’05, ’08, Jim Regan and Mary Regan P ’98, Cal Sullivan ’99, Gerry Byrne ’82, Brian Reilly ’81, Tom O’Connell ’15, Keith Wieczorek (head coach of St. Anthony’s High School), Steve Leghart ’85, and Bill Basel ’58.
Of all the accolades, perhaps longtime friend and colleague, Coach Bob Pomponio encapsulated Jack’s mission at Chaminade best, “(It’s) not just wins and losses. Jack is more than that. It’s about relationships and the ability to reach out to a young man who is on his journey and help him become not just a great lacrosse player but a good man, a good husband, a good dad.”
The transformation of the AAC featured a “Moran Museum” of posters of Jack, his family, and teams. The thematic aesthetic carried over to the LED lamps that served as table centerpieces with alternating illuminating red and yellow light customized to read “Flyers,” "Jackie Mo,” “629” (for his number of wins), “Be the Best,” and “19.”
On Saturday, October 25, Athletic Director John Honerkamp ’93 would serve as the evening’s emcee. One table was reserved for military personnel, as Jack remained close with the families of Gold Star Alumnus James Regan ’92 and Ronald Winchester ’97. One of the most memorable announcements from the evening was the unveiling of the Chaminade Lacrosse Endowment in Jack’s honor. Already funded with over $200,000, the program will, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, grow while simultaneously providing support for the continued excellence of our lacrosse program. The endowment will specifically:
• Provide resources for vital needs such as travel opportunities that give our players exposure and competition at the highest level.
• Deliver cutting edge technology and analytics to enhance player development.
• Enhanced professional development for our coaching staff.
The Lacrosse Endowment will be modeled similar to the previously established program for the football team. The Athletic Department hopes to expand similar endowments for all Chaminade sports teams over time.
By all accounts, this year’s Ring of Honor was an absolute success. Carla Fernandes, alumni engagement and events manager, noted, “The greatest reward in implementing and executing events like this is allowing people to feel emotion, to be moved. The event was a tremendous collaborative effort involving multiple internal departments and external vendors. It was a great achievement for everyone involved. The Morans could not have been more appreciative. Jack even said that he felt like he was at the Oscars. What more could we ask for?”
The Business of Goodness
REMEMBERING LOU GERSTNER ’59
On an unseasonably foggy morning in January of 1990, Lou Gerstner approached the podium that had been perfectly positioned in the corner of the stage in Darby Auditorium. Addressing the student body from which he had graduated just over three decades earlier, the then-chairman and CEO of RJR Nabisco shared some of his accrued wisdom with the next generation:
“Do what you have in front of you today better than anyone else,” he advised, urging the assembled young men to continue what he described as the three “extraordinary legacies” of Chaminade High School: “intellectual rigor, an appreciation for moral imperatives, and a capacity for teamwork.”
Each of these ideals served as a foundational pillar for much of what Gerstner accomplished during his life, as his endeavors in both business and philanthropy were nothing short of remarkable. The outpouring of condolences from all corners of the country in the aftermath of his passing on December 27, 2025, made clear that his legacy lives on.
“Lou often spoke about the power of education to change lives, and he supported our efforts to do so for many years,” said Chaminade’s president, Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81. “Chaminade is indebted to him for both his friendship and support, which have helped countless numbers of students to achieve their goals.”
A Mineola native, Gerstner was a member of Chaminade’s legendary Class of 1959, which included some of the most impactful graduates in our school’s history – Lou counted classmates who became fellow cornerstones in both Richard Haverland and Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M.
After graduating from Chaminade, Gerstner earned a degree in engineering from Dartmouth before completing his MBA at Harvard Business School in 1965.
Lou then began his professional career at the management consultancy McKinsey, where he became a partner after just four years, leading the financial services division at the age of 28. In 1978, Gerstner joined American Express, rising quickly through the company before becoming its president. Under his leadership, the credit card giant introduced gold and platinum cards for premier clients, a practice that has become an industry standard. In April of 1989 – less than a year before his address to Chaminade’s student body – Lou was named chairman and CEO of RJR Nabisco.
“I recall the assembly very well,” reminisced Christopher Garcia ’91, who covered the event for Tarmac and is now a partner at Latham & Watkins. “There was a palpable sense of pride that an alum of our school had accomplished so much. During the assembly, I recall vividly Lou’s straight talk. It was as if he was addressing a boardroom and not a student assembly.”
Over his decades at the forefront of some of the world’s largest companies, Gerstner’s blunt honesty and emphasis on accountability became two of his many trademarks – as did his ability to consistently deliver results. “You could not go into a meeting with Lou without having every ‘t’ crossed and every ‘i’ dotted,” reflected Chris Hanley ’80, Chaminade’s executive director of advancement.
In just four years at the helm, Gerstner increased Nabisco’s profits and halved its debts. This turnaround caught the attention of IBM, which appointed Lou its chairman and chief executive in 1993.
Caught in the technological crossroads of the early 1990s, IBM faced a very uncertain future at the time, but Gerstner was decisive, undertaking a massive restructuring of the company that would result in a loss of $8.1 billion in 1993. However, nine years later, when Lou stepped down, IBM’s market value had risen from $29 billion to $168 billion – its stock price increasing ninefold under Gerstner’s stewardship.
In 2003, Lou published his bestselling memoir Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance?: Leading a Great Enterprise Through Dramatic Change. The book, which focused on While Lou’s legacy as a titan of industry will remain forever intact, it was his passion for philanthropy that will continue
to have an overwhelming impact on countless lives. “For decades, Lou has been an ardent supporter of Catholic education, and specifically Chaminade High School,” said Bro. Tom.
Lou’s brothers – Dick ’56, Jim ’62, and Joe ’69 – were also Flyers. However, the Gerstner name is perhaps most recognizable to Chaminade students as it pertains to the school’s library, which was endowed in honor of Lou’s parents, Marjorie and Louis V. Gerstner, in June 1991. The atrium of the science center is also dedicated to the Gerstner Family. More recently, Gerstner provided the lead gift at the launch of Chaminade’s Access for All program, an initiative that has grown from eight students to nearly 100 and whose assets now total over $30 million.
“Lou had a working-class mentality,” recalled Hanley. “He came from a middle-class family, and he wanted to be an agent of change – so that people didn’t have to mortgage houses to afford a quality education. For him, it was a point of pride.”
Perhaps the greatest inspiration Lou provided came through his work with Gerstner Philanthropies, an organization that has supported several educational, environmental, and biomedical endeavors – both around the globe and across the country. One of Lou’s most noteworthy legacies derives from his work as a member of the board of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Institute, which became one of the world’s premier hospitals for cancer treatment due in large part to Gerstner’s support.
Lou was also a generous benefactor to Catholic Charities of New York; in particular, he was deeply committed to the group’s Feeding Our Neighbors program, which establishes pop-up food pantries to support families when they are in need.“I was most affected by the way he articulated the impact of the moral and religious education he received at Chaminade on his professional life – on the importance of bringing that education to our work and careers,” reflected Garcia, recalling Gerstner’s visit to campus 36 years ago. “All these many years later, I strive to be moral and Christian in my professional life – in ways inspired by that talk.”
On the morning of January 16, many of those New Yorkers impacted by Gerstner’s generosity stood shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the most successful businessmen in the country as they gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, collectively remembering Lou at his funeral, with the homily delivered by Cardinal Dolan.
Designated an honorary Knight of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth in 2001, Gerstner sat on many corporate boards – including AT&T, The New York Times Company, Caterpillar, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Additionally, he was
chairman of The Carlyle Group – a major private equity firm – from 2003 through 2008, as well as a member of both the Council on Foreign Relations and the National Academy of Engineering. A Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Lou also served as vice chairman of the board of the American Museum of Natural History.
Long before any of that, though – in the late-1950s – Lou Gerstner first found his footing as a Flyer. One of the most popular members of his class, Lou – a talented football player – often responded to life’s daily calamities by offering the following one-liner to his friends: “Now I’ll never get the car!” Lou Gerstner was a vehicle of change, delivering goodness all over the world. His successes in business were eclipsed only by his philanthropic focuses – efforts which will continue to positively impact so many people for so many more years to come.
A forefather to Flyers both future and former, Lou’s impact on Chaminade was as indelible as it is impactful – an unbreakable link in the legacy of leadership that has come to define the true Chaminade Man.
Project MAST Sets Sail
Five decades after first meeting one another at Chaminade, in the summer of 2025, two former Flyers found themselves together again, reuniting on the shores of the Solomon Islands as part of their participation in Project MAST.
“We were best friends at Chaminade,” explained Bro. Michael McAward, S.M. ’76 of his relationship with Archbishop Christopher Cardone, OP ’76, who has served in the Solomons for decades. Cardone was first appointed bishop by Pope John Paul II before being elevated to archbishop by Pope Francis in 2016.
Since the early 2000’s, the Province of Meribah has directed much of its missionary efforts towards the Islands, with members of the community visiting nearly every summer until the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020. “Bro. Tim [Driscoll ’76] could be president of the Solomon Islands!” laughed Bro. Mike, who first visited in 2005 – one of many members of the Province who have made the long journey over the years.
This summer’s trip was not only significant in that it marked the Marianists’ first visit since 2020, but it also was the first to include college-aged graduates. Angel Jimenez ’22 was joined by fellow Flyer Aidan Weber ’23 and Matthew Mormando (Kellenberg ’22) on the month-long excursion, which ran from late June to nearly August. Bro. Patrick Cahill, S.M. ’11, rounded out the travel party.
“The Solomon Islands are, unfortunately, very materially poor, but the people are spiritually rich,” explained Weber, a junior at the University of Notre Dame. “Everywhere we went, people greeted us with joy. They were thankful for us,
but we were deeply grateful for their hospitality and attention, so it created a beautiful feeling of undeservedness, where both sides tried to give the other all they had.”
Much of the trip was broken up into four- or five-day blocks, during which the group would stay at various parishes and cathedrals located throughout the Islands. While there, they would administer a series of programs, many of which were aimed at Catholic school teachers and catechists of the Islands’ different dioceses.
Other activities included trips to various landmarks, visits with several groups of religious sisters, a celebration of the country’s National Independence Day, and a stop at the American Monument in Guadalcanal, which stands in memory of the American forces who fought in the Solomons during World War II.
“My favorite moments from the trip came from the daily routine at our last parish,” recalled Weber. “The parish was located on the beach. When we finished teaching each day, we were diving into the ocean within 10 minutes. The whole experience was surreal - after finishing a day of rewarding work, we could relax in crystal blue water and recap our favorite moments from the lesson.”
“We had the entire beach to ourselves and would wait until the last rays of sunshine departed. Then, it was off to say the Rosary with the community,” he recalled. “It was a trip filled with joy - joy from waking up every day, and my sole responsibility being how I can teach enthusiastic believers about God. Then, we could simply bask in the glory of His creation.”
Gifts of financial support to Chaminade keep you connected in a very tangible way to the success of our school and its students. There are several ways to ensure that our 1,700 students may enjoy the most affordable experience possible. No gift is too small, and every gift matters to our young men and their families.
Ways to Give
Phone Online
Mail
Making a gift to Chaminade is as simple as filling our online form. Thank you for your generosity! www.chaminade-hs.org/online-giving
You may support Chaminade by sending a check through the mail. Checks may be made to the Chaminade Development Fund and mailed to:
Chaminade High School Office of Advancement 340 Jackson Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501
Our staff is here to receive your calls, answer any questions, and receive your donation. Call (516) 742-5555 ext. 483. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards are all accepted.
