calendar of events - Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

s494_r1.qxd 3/8/2002 5:00 AM Page 5
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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.
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