Page 6 - Salesianum - Winter 2019

NEWS FROM 18TH & BROOM
Jack Kramer H’17 (HONORARY ALUMNUS)
ack Kramer has been one of the most influential educators in Salesianum’s history. Commonly called Señor
Kramer, Jack impacted generations of
students, not only through instruction, but
also in athletics and guidance. Perhaps the
most salient characteristic of Jack Kramer
was his commitment; a commitment to the mission and identity of Salesianum, to students and learning — developing the whole person.
But his commitment to the mission and identity, often expressed in his devotion to the daily 7:30 a.m. Mass, is only the surface. For Jack, it was much deeper: he strived to embody gentle strength and being himself perfectly well.
Paul McConnell ’70
aul’s career in real estate development began in 1974. Since that time, he has developed office buildings, residential
and apartment communities, and industrial parks. His development projects of the past 38 years total over 5 million square feet.
In 1989, Paul started The McConnell Companies, Inc. primarily to purchase and develop land. That evolved into projects that included 600 acres of residential home sites, one apartment community, one town home community, and Centerpoint Industrial Park, which has over 1 million square feet and is owned and managed by McConnell Development, Inc. today.
In 2002 and 2005, Paul led a team of investors in the purchase of 1201 N. Market Street, Delaware’s tallest building, and Hercules Plaza, a city landmark with over 500,000 square feet of space. Paul recently founded 1313 Innovation to support growth of a high-tech, entrepreneurial culture in downtown Wilmington.
Paul is an active member of the community, with direct involvement in many local organizations. He is Chairman of the Board for Layton Preparatory School in New Castle, member
of the Board for Nativity Preparatory School in Wilmington, and member of the Board and Development Committee for
This mission-driven, faith-filled approach fueled his passion for teaching. Jack is recalled by his students for using any antic to unlock their potential. His playful “only Spanish spoken in the class” rule was a memorable hallmark that pushed learning in every moment students had with Jack in the classroom.
Beyond the classroom, Jack was an intrinsic part of the life
of Salesianum. His commitment to Salesianum and its students cannot simply be measured in hours. He was often the guiding light for advice, support and guidance. He led through a
gentle strength as a teacher and mentor, as a basketball coach and referee.
St. Edmond’s Academy in Wilmington. He is also the founder of the school’s Opportunity Fund. Paul is Executive Chairman of FMP Media Solutions and he is a member of the Board for the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, First State Innovation and The Siegfried Group, LLP.
Paul also belongs to the British American Business Council,
the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce, the Philadelphia Israel Chamber of Commerce, and the Delaware Business Roundtable.
Paul is one of Delaware’s leading businessmen and someone deeply committed to the betterment of his community and hometown of Wilmington. He has spent countless hours of his own time and his personal and company resources to improve the lives of all Delawareans, with a focus on education and economic opportunity. In education, Paul has helped found and support multiple schools and school programs, particularly those benefiting underprivileged students. Through his company’s substantial investment and his personal role in creating 1313 Innovation, he is single-handedly driving creation of a thriving entrepreneurial high-tech ecosystem in the downtown area.
4 DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN | Winter 2019