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s494_r1.qxd 3/8/2002 5:00 AM Page 4 Jack O’Brien ‘90 New Director of Institutional Advancement pg. 3 Alumni Justices Rule! pgs. 8-9 2 a Spring 2002 F EATURE S D EPARTMENT S SJCP Boasts All- American Soccer Star pg. 5 Reunion 2002 Preview pg. 11 President’s Message p. 1 Around Campus p. 4-6 Principal’s Perspective p. 7 National Merit Scholar Finalists p. 7 Alumni Association Update p. 10 Class Notes pgs. 12-16 Births p. 13 In Memoriam p. 16 Cross Ties Inside Back Cover Crusader Chronicle Volume 34, Number 2 The Crusader Chronicle is published three times a year by Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. a President Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, S.J. Principal Mr. Richard Nevle Director of Institutional Advancement Mr. Jack A. O’Brien ‘90 Alumni Director Ms. Mary Linda Portner Alumni Chaplain Fr. Chris Billac, S.J. Alumni Assistant Mrs. Ellen Thompson Contributing Writers Mr. Jerry Crist Mr. Bill McDonald Mr. Larry Mason ‘66 Mr. Sean Mullen Mr. Robert Peri Deadlines for articles, photos, and news releases for the summer issue is May 1. Please mail enclosures to: Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Alumni Office 8900 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX 77036
s494_r1.qxd 3/8/2002 5:00 AM Page 5 a JACK A. O’BRIEN ‘90 RETURNS TO JESUIT AS DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Jack A. O’Brien ‘90 joined the administrative team at Strake Jesuit in December, 2001, as Director of Institutional Advancement. A graduate of Texas A & M with a degree in Political Science, Mr. O’Brien’s previous work history includes posts with the University of Houston (as the Transfer Admissions Counselor) and with United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast as Manager of Fund Development. In that capacity, he oversaw fund-raising campaigns in healthcare and handled new business development, as well as the major and middle market arenas. As he begins a new career at Jesuit, we discussed with him the reasons for his return and his vision for the Office of Institutional Advancement. Crusader Chronicle (CC): What do you find most attractive about this opportunity? Mr. O’Brien: While I truly enjoyed my position with United Way, I never lost my taste to work within an educational setting after leaving U of H. A strong education, as I witnessed through my work in the city at United Way, can cure so many of the social ills within our communities. My true interests, both professionally and through volunteer efforts, lie in education. When you combine that passion with the experience I have had in the world of fund-raising, this opportunity felt just right. But, while my background and interests would make this job seem to fit on paper, there is something that would not show up on a resumé that makes this opportunity attractive. My love for Strake Jesuit and the work that everyone in this community does for the young men that come through here were the factors that truly encouraged me to change careers. And, as a graduate who received financial aid here, I am particularly excited about raising money so others will have a chance at the opportunities the school afforded me. CC: How do you view the potential of this office? Mr. O’Brien: The Office of Institutional Advancement has tremendous potential. I have been blessed to have the charge of directing an office with dedicated team members who understand the mission of our School. That is going to be the key to our success because they put their heart into what they do. Also key is the vision and support from Fr. Lahart, our president. He understands that our office can provide many resources for the future success of our School. He has great vision for Strake Jesuit and, with his experience and ideas, will help tremendously in reaching our goals. CC: What do you see as the greatest opportunities? Challenges? Mr. O’Brien: In our new office, with a somewhat expanded structure and focus, the greatest opportunity will be for us to all work together as a team to meet our individual goals in an effort to meet the overall needs of Strake Jesuit. Our office will have an effect on many areas of the school since it encompasses so much. Major gift fund-raising, parent and past parent outreach and fundraising, all alumni functions, financial aid and work grants, Spring Fling, the Fantasy Auction, booster clubs, and all public relations and outreach for the school fall in this office. We can really make a difference in the success of the School with resources we will provide to students now, and to our alumni in the future. Our greatest challenge will be keeping focused on our goals with so many activities coming out of one office. With our great team, I know we will succeed. CC: Why Advancement, not Development? Mr. O’Brien: I have been asked this question quite a few times in my two months in this new position. With our expanded role that includes all of the areas above and their staffs, we felt that development did not accurately describe the charge we had ahead of us. The goal of all of the above functions is to advance the opportunities and mission of the school. Many schools across the nation have taken the same approach. I like it; I think it is very forward thinking. CC: What was your biggest surprise in coming back to Strake Jesuit? Mr. O’Brien: Probably calling all of my former teachers by their first name! Can you imagine? Calling my good friend Mr. Nevle, Richard? Coach Finke, Larry? But seriously, this leads into the things that I am most happy to see upon my return. There are so many people here that have worked here for many years. It is truly a testament to this school and the community it creates. This school is a success because of the people that have dedicated their lives to carrying out our mission of Building Men for Others. While there have been many changes in terms of administration and new facilities on campus, that mission will never change. That is a great comfort to us all. Crusader Chronicle a 3
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