News Notes De La Salle Christian Brothers * 7650 S. County Line Road * Burr Ridge, IL 60527 CBU commits $12m to educating Latino immigrants September 2015 In July White House officials visited Christian Brothers University to bring national recognition to two of the university s programs intended to level the playing field for Latino immigrants. CBU s Latino Student Success Program is a privately funded scholarship and loan program for Latino students who are ineligible for state and federal aid because of unknown residency status. CBU also has Hola CBU, a student-led organization that provides Latino students with opportunities for social and academic activities, both on campus and in the community. The two programs are an example of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, a 25-year initiative that encourages stakeholders to develop partnerships in order to stimulate public, private and nonprofit community investments in the expansion of quality education programming for Latinos. CBU President John Smarrelli announced CBU is committing $12 million dollars over seven years to launch the next phase of the Latino Student Success program. This commitment is made possible, in part, through a $3.6 million dollar anonymous grant, as well as through CBU s ongoing partnership with Latino Memphis. The $12 million will financially, academically and socially serve more than 100 Latino students throughout their four years at CBU. Buttimer Institute a success again Participants from across the globe gathered for the 2015 Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies at Saint Mary s College in Moraga, CA, this summer to further develop their Lasallian formation by deepening their knowledge of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and engaging in community with Brothers and Partners. Ninety-seven people attended this summer s Buttimer Institute from June 28 July 11. While a majority of participants were from the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN), other countries represented included Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Myanmar, Eritrea, Philippines, Congo, Jamaica and Ethiopia. There were forty-one participants in Buttimer I, twenty-six Buttimer II, and thirty in Buttimer III. Twenty-five participants were from the Midwest District. Welcome to the Midwest District On August 30 th Brother Martin Montoya arrived in the Midwest District to begin studies at Lewis University. He is from the ARLEP District (Spain) and is enrolled in the MBA program with a focus on human resource management. Brother Martin earned an MSc in Environmental Sciences and Civil Engineering in 2005 from Universitat Politècnica de València, an MA in Resource Management in 2006 from Hogeschool van Hall Larenstein Velp in the Netherlands, and an EdD in Community Development from Universidad de València in 2010. A participant in the Camino de Santiago experience in July, he will be a member of the La Salle Community on campus during his program of studies. Welcome Brother Martin!
Welcome to the Midwest District office On September 1st the Midwest District Office will welcome Samantha VenHuizen to the staff. She will be an Assistant Director of Development with a focus on Lasallian events in the District. A Lewis University Alumna ( 09), she is currently working on a Masters in Organizational Leadership at Lewis. She has been employed at Cornerstone Services Inc. (Joliet) since September 2009 serving most recently as the Fundraising and Events Manager. In 2010 Samantha served as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Pawtucket, RI, at Tides Family Services. She currently lives in Lockport with her husband Ryan and two cats. Her interests include reading, craft projects, and knitting. Welcome Samantha! LSJI examined violence and peacemaking in Chicago neighborhoods Gathered in Chicago, Illinois, nineteen participants and three staff members examined the theme of Violence and Peacemaking in an Urban Setting during the 2015 Lasallian Social Justice Institute (LSJI) July 19-24. LSJI is a formation program for Partners and Brothers in the Region based on the Gospel and the Lasallian vocation to the promotion of social justice and service to the poor. Developed by Partners and Brothers, it is a response to the call from both grassroots Lasallians and General Chapters of the Brothers for programs that strengthen association for educational services of the poor. In previous years, LSJI has focused on immigration in Tucson, Arizona, and El Paso, Texas; homelessness in San Francisco, CA; and civil rights in Memphis, TN. Next year LSJI will take place for the first time in Minneapolis, MN, and will focus on human trafficking. LSJI is a program of Christian Brothers Conference. Midwest Lasallian Youth gathered in June From June 21-26 Lasallian Youth from all over the Midwest joined together for a week of prayer, reflection, service, and community building at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. Participants came from Christian Brothers High School (Memphis, TN), Christian Brothers College High School (St. Louis, MO), Montini Catholic High School (Lombard, IL), Bishop Kelley High School (Tulsa, OK), Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul, MN), De La Salle Institute (Chicago, IL), and Totino-Grace High School (Fridley, MN) and focused on the theme for the week, Seeing with the eyes of faith. Students and moderators had time to reflect in small groups and had private prayer time each day. They learned more about the Lasallian tradition, scripture and prayer through keynote presentations and served at Feed My Starving Children where they packaged and boxed over 46,000 meals which will feed 126 kids for a year. The group also got a chance to see downtown Chicago and even attended a Chicago FIRE soccer game. At the end of the week, most students found it difficult to say goodbye. They summed up their week as rejuvenating, refreshing, reflective, and fun! The group is excited for LYG 2016 next summer in Memphis, TN, where the focus will be service. Novitiate community will hold an open house The Novitiate Community will have an open house on Sunday, October 11th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. The novitiate address is 5225 S. Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL. Please email Brother Tom Johnson at tjohnson@lasalle.org to indicate if you or how many from your community will be attending. One caution: The novitiate has three floors and no elevator.
Orientation kicked off new service year for Lasallian Volunteers Before starting at their respective ministries, this year s cohort of forty-nine Lasallian Volunteers (LVs) gathered for Orientation July 21-31 at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. The thirty first-year and the nineteen second-year LVs attended daily presentations and workshops, which were both practical and reflective. LVs learned more about community living, the Lasallian charism, building support networks, spirituality, and peace and justice. Two days featured intense sessions where LVs learned best practices for classroom management, mentoring, learning environments, lesson planning, and how to work well with both middle school and high school-aged learners, among other subjects. Community building events took place as well, including a ropes course, a scavenger hunt, daily group prayer, and various socials. This year s LVs will serve at twenty-four ministries, nineteen of which are Lasallian, as teachers, tutors, mentors, social workers and more. The LVs will provide both service and the Lasallian presence across the United States in ministries in Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Since the LV program began twenty-seven years ago, more than 700 young men and women have volunteered in this program of faith, service and community. Johnston summer session built relationships Participants of the Brother John Johnston Institute of Contemporary Lasallian Practice came together July 12-17 at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, for the program s summer session. While the spring and autumn sessions take place locally and online respectively, the summer session is a chance for all participants from the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) to gather together as one. The Johnston Institute focuses on the Lasallian heritage in light of contemporary realities. Utilizing contemporary texts to address the signs and issues of the times, the Johnston Institute engages participants in reflection and discussion on several critical areas of the Lasallian mission. The topic of this summer session was Lasallian Spirituality, Vocation and Association. Presenters included Brother Michael French, special projects, Midwest; Brother Charles Kitson, Auxiliary Visitor, DENA; Heather Ruple, Young Lasallians director, SFNO; and Joseph Gilson, international coordinator for Young Lasallians. Lasallian Volunteers honored four The Lasallian Volunteers (LV) honored supporters who have made notable contributions to the program with the 6 th annual FSC Awards. The July 26 th ceremony held at Lewis University honored recipients in the spirit of three Christian Brothers who embodied the LVs values of faith, service and community during their lifetimes. The Bassen Service Award, which recognizes LV alumni who have continued a life of service, was presented to Thaddeus Smith (LV, 90-92) for his service as principal and executive director at San Miguel School in Chicago and as a mentor and site director to Lasallian Volunteers. Brother James Gaffney and Brother Stephen Markham were the recipients of the Johnston Faith Award, which recognizes those who have demonstrated great faith in the work of LVs by sharing time, talent or treasure. President of Lewis University, Brother James was chosen for his support of every facet of the program from recruitment to LV Scholars. LVs honored Brother Stephen for the role he plays in their formation as part-time staff and as the LVs primary contact in the Midwest District. Brother Robert Walsh received the Farrell Community Award. He was honored for the positive impact he has had on the community experience of volunteers through his commitment to walking with and being present to them at the DeLaSalle High School Community in Minneapolis.
Brother William Mann was honored On July 22 nd Brother William Mann, President of SMUMN, was awarded an honorary doctorate by De La Salle University - Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) in the Philippines. The university and Saint Mary's agreed to explore future collaborations and faculty/student exchanges, holding promise for valuable opportunities and experiences. Brother William was honored at a special academic convocation and conferral ceremony. The citation for his Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, recognized him for "meaningful contributions in the global educational ministry," including "leading the way in advancing an education ministry that is responsive to the signs of the times, anchored on a tradition built on the ideals and charism of Saint John Baptist de La Salle." The citation noted that Brother William was "a guiding force in the evolution of the global Lasallian educational network, expressed through his commitment to uphold the roles of Lasallian educators in today s world by providing resources and becoming available for formation opportunities based on the writings and spirituality of the Founder, thus creating possibilities for the many young people entrusted to the care of the worldwide Lasallian educational ministry." Brothers are invited to the 10 th Annual Alumni Golf Outing The District Office is gearing up for the 10 th Annual Alumni Golf Outing. Over the past nine years the outing has generated close to $300,000 for the care of Senior Brothers. Alumni from St. George and St. Mel, as well as friends of the Brothers, are invited to participate. Brothers who would like to play golf, attend dinner, help out with registration, or simply be present may contact Megan Davison at (630) 323-3725, ext. 218 or email at mdavison@cbmidwest.org. Alumni have the opportunity to sponsor Brothers for either golf or dinner. The attendance by Brothers means a lot to the alumni. September 14, 2015 - Rain Date: September 21, 2015 - Registration Opens: 10:00 AM - Cocktails & Dinner: 5:30 PM. Old Orchard Country Club, 700 W Rand Road, Mt. Prospect, IL 600656. Save the Dates - Lasallian Days Fall 2015 are coming From 2014-2015, the Midwest District held twelve Lasallian Days around the country, and plans are moving ahead for another successful year. Lasallian Days allow Lasallians to be Together and by Association with friends, family, donors, and alumni around the country. The success of these events is due to the charisma and the charism of the Brothers. Upcoming Lasallian Days: September 15 th : Stevens Point, WI; September 29 th : Twin Cities, MN; October 7 th : Chicago, IL, speaker Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey, OP, Superintendent of Chicago Catholic Schools; November 4 th : Memphis, TN. Mark your calendars. Information will be sent as soon as possible. For details, contact Megan Davison at mdavison@cbmidwest.org or call (630) 323-3725, ext. 218. The Kabara Challenge was announced Brother Larry Schatz, Visitor, recently announced a $25,000 Challenge Grant from Betty Kabara to the Christian Brothers of the Midwest. Ms. Kabara, a longtime friend of the Brothers and a trustee of SMUMN, confirmed the Challenge in May. Her gift will match, on a one-to-one basis, all gifts to the Senior Brothers Fund up to $25,000 for a total grant to the Fund of $50,000. Brother Larry noted that the Kabara Challenge is the first of its kind to the Midwest District and that the Brothers are deeply grateful for her leadership. She and those who help meet the Challenge truly accompany the Senior Brothers as they continue to witness their vocation. The deadline to make a gift and take the Kabara Challenge is October 9 th.
De La Salle to become co-educational high school As De La Salle Institute begins its 126 th year, the Board of Directors has set an aggressive agenda of innovation and transformation for the school. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, De La Salle Institute will merge its two campuses to become a co-educational high school. In 2002, De La Salle became one of two co-institutional schools in the nation when it established its Lourdes Hall Campus for young women. Based on recent stakeholder survey results, however, the single-sex educational environment is no longer the reason that parents choose De La Salle Institute for their children. Fr. Paul Novak, OSM, President, noted that this will be an historic achievement, although the school has long been at the forefront of educational innovation, whether it was becoming a co-institutional school in 2002, or becoming the first school in Chicago to implement a one-to-one Tablet PC program and curriculum for students in 2006. De La Salle has continued to serve the Chicago area since 1889. The school is accessible through its own bus service as well as public transportation. In its 126 years De La Salle has graduated over 10,000 students with five former Chicago mayors among its distinguished alumni. Ninety-six percent of De La Salle alumni go on to college. Alisa Macksey will assume new Lasallian position Alisa Macksey, interim executive director and Regional programs director at Christian Brothers Conference, announced that she will leave her position on September 4 th to continue her service in the Lasallian mission in a new role. She has accepted the position of director of programs for the First Generation Initiative at Saint Mary s University of Minnesota, where she will also pursue a doctorate in educational leadership. She has served as program director for four years, after eight years on the staff (four as associate director and four as director) of Lasallian Volunteers. A graduate of Saint Mary s College in Moraga, she served for two years as a Lasallian Volunteer. The search for a new programs director will begin in September. Prescription drug subsidy verification may be coming Brothers who have the prescription drug subsidy (reduced prescription costs) under Medicare Part D, may be receiving the annual verification of eligibility to complete for the Social Security Administration. It often arrives in September or October. Brothers should follow the instructions carefully and submit by the due date. Brothers who might have questions after receiving the form should contact Brother Joe Saurbier at the Provincialate Office. Those interested in obtaining 20 th anniversary stickers may contact Alex Vasiliades in Burr Ridge. avasiliades@cbmidwest.org or (630) 323-3725
Happy Birthday Brother! This feature supports a Brother in Skilled Care. Send a card or letter; make a visit or a phone call. Brother John Wozniak will celebrate his 71st birthday on September 19. 1381 Oak Park Pl., #220, Dubuque, IA, 52002. (563) 585-4933 Directory Changes Brother Damian Steger - Send all mail to Brother Frank Carr, 700 Terrace Heights #24, Winona MN 55987 Brother Martin Montoya (Spain) 100 Faculty Lane, Romeoville, IL 60446. Brother Getachew Alemayehu (Lwanga) 100 Faculty Lane, Romeoville, IL 60446. Brother Joel Dolan - Mercy Circle, 3659 W. 99th St.- Room 2308, Evergreen Park, IL 60805 (773) 253-3682 - Room Phone Rest in peace Brother Leo Srubas, 83, died on August 1st at Resurrection Life Center in Chicago, IL. A De La Salle Christian Brothers for 66 years, he was born Paul Ernest Srubas in Chicago, son of Peter and Agnes (née Derringe) Srubas. He attended St. Mel H.S. in Chicago and later graduated from La Salle Institute in Glencoe, MO. He earned BA and MEd degrees from Saint Mary s University in Winona, MN, and a PhD from Universidad Interamericana del Norte in Saltillo, Mexico. During his years as an educator he taught in Colombia and Mexico and in Kansas City, MO, and Wheaton, IL. From 1967 to 1975 he served at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, as an instructor and registrar. He was assistant director of student Brothers in Memphis and in Romeoville. Brother Leo was the business manager at St. Patrick H.S. in Chicago from 1981 to 1997. He retired in 1997 and lived at Roncalli H.S. in Manitowoc, WI. Recently, he lived at Resurrection Life Center in Chicago. Survivors include his sister-in-law, Alice Srubas, niece Lorraine King, many other nieces and nephews, and the De La Salle Christian Brothers. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on August 10th with interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville on August 11th. Memorials may be made to the Christian Brothers Retirement Fund, 7650 S. County Line Rd., Burr Ridge, IL 60527. Roger Conway, 98, father of Brother Patrick, died on August 8th in St. Paul, MN. Other survivors include sons Jim and John, daughters Mairzy, Margaret Lonetti, Theresa Hammer and Kathleen Russell, sister Sally Boland, and grandchildren and great grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on August 12th at Assumption Catholic Church with interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Donald Geimer, 85, brother of Brother Richard and Brother Nick, died in Chicago on August 20th. A funeral service was held at Galewood Chapels in Chicago on August 22nd, and interment was private. Carmen Gutierrez de Cervantes, 94, mother of Carmen Cervantes, died in Mexico City on August 20th. Carmen is the Executive Director of Fe y Vida. Other survivors include Carmen s sister, Pila, a contemplative sister, and Carmen s children: José Maria, Isabel, and Carmelita. Funeral services and interment were in Mexico City.
Health Notes Pneumococcal and Flu Vaccines Pneumoccal Vaccination Two pneumococcal vaccines are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in adults: a 23- valent pneumococcal polysaccharide indicated for all adults and a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) indicated for adults 50 years or older. In addition, adults age 19 through 64 years who have not preciously received PCV13 and who have the conditions specified below should receive a PCV13 dose at the next vaccination opportunity. Immunocompromising conditions (e.g., congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, HIV, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin s disease, solid organ transplant, and multiple myeloma). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends one or both of these vaccines for adults with pneumococcal risk factors. CDC recommends only PPSV23 for the following adults: Age 65 or older Age 19-64 years of age with asthma, diabetes, lung, heart, or liver disease, or alcoholism Cigarette smokers Residents of long-term or chronic care facilities Alaska Native and American Indian adults age 50-64 years if recommended by local health authorities in areas where risk of invasive disease is increased. PPSV23 Revaccination: Those who received one dose of PPSV23 before age 65 years for any indication should receive another dose at age 65 years, or later if at least five years has elapsed. Flu Vaccines All of the 2015-2016 influenza (flu) vaccine is made to protect against the following three viruses: An A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus An A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 (H3N2)-like virus A B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus. (This is a B/Yamagata lineage virus) Vaccines that give protection against three viruses are called trivalent vaccines. CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against flu soon after vaccine becomes available, preferably by the month of October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February. Remember meticulous handwashing with soap helps prevent contracting the flu and spreading it to others. May you continue to be aware of God s blessings during this lovely month of September. Live Jesus in our hearts! Sheila Cusack, RN., BSN.