September 2026 - David Holquin, President

Dear De La Salle Community:

Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote, "Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; but only he who sees, takes off his shoes, the rest sit round it and pluck blackberries." Winton Drive is sacred ground, and some weeks are crammed with heaven in the most compelling of ways.

When you receive this, it will be Back-to-School Night, and you will feel the palpable energy of a school rooted in its mission and driven by its call to form Men of Faith, Integrity, and Scholarship. But the beginning of the school year has offered a glimpse of what makes this community so extraordinary.

Two weeks ago, Company’s performance of Rhinoceros was a powerful, thought-provoking production that showcased our students’ remarkable talent, creativity, and courage as artists. Then, last Monday kicked off our Welcome Week. From Bingo to tie-tying contests, DJs, and an obstacle course, our young men found themselves in a community brimming with excitement and joy. Tuesday, I attended a presentation on AI and Nonprofits at the Commonwealth Club. It was invigorating and thought-provoking, raising important questions about how artificial intelligence can help us be more effective without diminishing the critical thinking and humanity that define us at our best. Isn’t that what you expect of us? Wednesday brought two meaningful gatherings: we welcomed Bishop Barber, our Brother Visitor Nick Gonzalez, FSC, and our Auxiliary Visitor Brother David Caretti, FSC, for our Holy Spirit Mass. Bishop Barber's homily was among the finest I have ever heard. He wove a reflection on Dolly Parton's passing and her beloved song "I Will Always Love You" into a tender reminder that God and the Holy Spirit will always love you, no matter what. We also hosted our Leadership Giving Society event, celebrating donors whose generosity represents true leadership and deep commitment to our mission. On Thursday, I spoke with one of our Law classes about contract law and reminded them of the importance of the student/parent handbook, the employee handbook, and where the First Amendment begins and ends in private schools. 

Friday was a quintessential day in the life of a school president. It began with an enrollment meeting alongside Carondelet's administration, examining demographic data and planning for the next decade. I then met with a donor family whose values led them to De La Salle and whose continued commitment reminded me of why this work matters so deeply. I attended the funeral of the father of one of our Finance Committee members, where his son's eulogy was among the most emotionally stirring tributes I have witnessed. And when I returned to campus, we hosted our first rally of the year, and our young men brought the energy in full force.

De La Salle is a busy place, and yet there are moments when I feel I should take off my shoes (don't worry, you won't find me wandering the halls in my socks anytime soon) because this place truly is crammed with heaven. Our task, yours and mine, is to recognize the remarkable community before us and continue to steward it well for those who come after us.

Let's make it a great school year. We pray for your success, as we ask for yours in return.

Warmly Yours,
David J. Holquin
President