September 2023 - David Holquin, President

Dear De La Salle Families:

This is the most challenging Spartan Spotlight I have written. I had planned to write one thing when I mulled over my letter weeks ago, but with the sudden passing this week of our fellow Spartan, sophomore Lucciano Castillo ‘26, all of that faded away quickly. And yet, the fragility of life cannot be escaped, nor should it consume us. 

Dr. Alumbaugh shared with our President’s Cabinet this quote from Toni Morrison, which so aptly describes all we can do as parents: “The real liberation was the kids, because their needs were simple. One, they needed me to be competent. Two, they wanted me to have a sense of humor. And three, they wanted me to be an adult.” Wow! Somehow, our teenagers know it innately. 

It was humbling how much our community rallied together: students and staff embraced one another; De La Salle and Carondelet students and leadership galvanized so that “two schools, one community” was more than a slogan; and our faith gave us context and hope amidst a trying time. Living our faith and Gospel values, especially when it is challenging, is the ultimate test, and as they so often do, our young people rose to the occasion. The song, Rise Up by Andra Day, continues to stir in my soul because of them.  

Amidst this, a lot has been happening on campus these past few short weeks. Today, we had a spectacular Club Fair where students on both sides of the street were able to explore their creativity and find outlets for involvement. Our redesigned website launched…Check out the hero video at the top of the homepage, which powerfully conveys just a slice of who were are as a community. (Many thanks to our Communications Team – of only two! – for their herculean efforts; and hats off to them for turning the bulk of this work around in just one month). There was a stunning production of The Little Mermaid Jr. by our Theater Company. Fall sports are in full swing, and our classes are brimming with engagement. Our faculty and staff gathered in early August to do a sorting activity on our Strategic Plan goals and objectives as we envision all the way into 2027. Our OnBoard! Leaders continue to check in on our newest Spartans, and daily mass in the chapel at 7:45 am has familiar and new faces (you’re always welcome!). These are just a few snapshots of the infectious vibrancy on campus.  

The opportunity you give us to educate your children is a sacred covenant to bear witness to their goodness and to love them as you do. I shared with our staff and students, “The Talmud, the central text of Rabbinic Jewish law says this: “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” The focus for me was on the word, “now”. What we hope our Spartans understand is there is never a better time than now to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God and one another. Now is the acceptable time. Now is always the right time.

So while I enter this new school year with obvious sadness, I also swell with pride and am humbled at the honor it is to serve you as president. Please hug yours a little closer and tighter, and remember that in the Holy Presence of God, we will always rise together.

God bless you and yours, and this Spartan community.

Warmly yours,

David J. Holquin
President