Page 2 - Salesianum - Winter 2019

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Recently, Salesianum’s principal, Rev. Chris Beretta, OSFS, led an exercise during a faculty and staff meeting where he posed the question, “What about Salesianum is non-negotiable?” What
elements of our education, program, culture or ethos, if removed, would render us something other than what we are today? Not surprisingly, a lively and productive discussion ensued.
Like our faculty and staff, I suspect the readers of Distinguished Gentleman can rattle off a quick list of presumed non-negotiables: Catholic, Salesian, all-boys, dress code, etc. Rest assured, I am not about to announce any major changes. To stay true to what is most important to us, however, we must keep asking why.
We can maintain a dress code of coat and tie indefinitely, but if we forget that the point of having that dress code is about carrying ourselves with dignity and dressing in a way that shows respect for time and place, then we will have lost an important part of what makes us Salesianum without ever having changed a policy or rule.
We can enroll 1,000 boys, but if we fail to fill them with an understanding of gentle strength, they can easily succumb to the toxic brand of masculinity that is so frequently a target in today’s society. And thus, we will once again have lost an important part of what makes us Salesianum without ever having gone co-ed.
Are we conscious of the underlying rationale? Or are we merely checking a box, forgetting why we established a policy or rule in the first place?
Checking boxes is easy, but that has never defined Salesianum. Being rooted in the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, we remain true to our mission if the outcome is a loving and loyal community; a faculty that is aspirational for the personal, professional and spiritual growth of our students; an institution courageous enough to chart a new path when we think it is just; and an incubator for those in search of opportunity.
This issue of the Distinguished Gentleman features some of the best products of that environment: the generosity of Rocco Abessinio ’59, who used his success to help others; the scholarship and humility of Chris Reynolds ’14, who is spending his time as a Fulbright Scholar working with the people of Colombia; the tenacity of James Owens ’53, Thomas and Alfred Connell ’52, Fred Smith ’54 and William Jones ’54, who had the courage to walk through our doors before Brown vs. Board of Education; and the patience of Will Fetters ’99, who, after years of rejection, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for A Star is Born.
The spirit of Salesianum is alive and well, but we will keep asking why so that as we evolve, we can stay true to our mission.
Now, tuck in those shirt tails. Tenui Nec Dimittam,
Brendan P. Kennealey ’94
2 DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN | Winter 2019