As our Viatorian schools celebrate graduates and outstanding students, it’s also a time to celebrate faculty and staff. At Saint Viator High School, the vote by faculty and staff for the Fr. Louis Querbes Award added up to a tie between two colleagues: Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, and Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV.
Faculty and staff are directed to choose a colleague who “best exemplifies the spirit and mission of the Saint Viator Community” and its mission, vision, and values. The citations in these nominations give witness to our Viatorians’ faithful ministry.
Viatorians had a special table together during the end-of-the-year reception. In front are Associate Cathy Abrahamian and Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV; around the table behind them (left to right) are Associate Kurt Paprocki, Associate Brigette Brankin, Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, Associate Jennifer Anderson, Fr. John Eustice, CSV, Pre-Associate Patrick McGarry, and Associate Ann Perez.
In his first full-time role at Saint Viator, Fr. Jhobany served this year as Associate Chaplain and Campus Minister. Colleagues described Fr. Jhobany as “the backbone of our faith formation,” someone who “paid special attention to enhancing our worship space in creative ways,” and a Viatorian reflective of “how Fr. Querbes wanted his catechists to ‘teach the Christian doctrine’ and ‘serve the holy altar.’”
Fr. Jhobany and Br. Rob with President Ryan Aiello
“Receiving the Fr. Querbes award was completely unexpected and deeply meaningful for me, especially because I have only been here for this year,” Fr. Jhobany said. “I think that this recognition is more for all the students and faculty who have been eager to help me in the activities and liturgies we prepare together. It was not up to me, but to the Holy Spirit, who inspires us to keep living, deepening, and celebrating our faith as Viatorians.”
Br. Rob has worked many years across multiple stints at Saint Viator, including the last four years as a school counselor. Colleagues said Br. Rob “models Christian behaviors to students,” serves as “a voice for the well-being of faculty, staff, and students,” and “represents the ideals of Fr. Querbes.”
It so happens that Br. Rob and Fr. Jhobany will both be moving on to new ministry placements this summer. As Br. Rob bids farewell and concludes this stint at Saint Viator, President Ryan Aiello selected him as this year’s recipient of the President’s Award, which recognizes an outstanding contribution to the school community.
Br. Rob addresses the faculty and staff.
“I was honored to know that my peers felt my support through my many years at Saint Viator. Then, the President’s Award was really a surprise because I have always been one to stand up strongly for Saint Viator and speak my mind – which sometimes gets me in ‘trouble,’” Br. Rob said. “It was nice to hear from the president that he respected my opinion and judgment, considered my opinions important, and counted on me for advice.”
These awards frame a fitting sendoff for Br. Rob, who has been deeply committed to this school community. “As I leave Saint Viator after 25 years of service, I can leave knowing that I have left a mark and truly am deeply blessed to have been acknowledged by these two awards for my service.”