At the annual Founders’ Dinner hosted by Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in
Fr. Thomas von Behren, right with Preston Kendall, president of CRSM
Waukegan, IL, officials are turning the tables and honoring one of their own: Preston Kendall, president of the school, who marks 20 years with the Cristo Rey Network.
Last fall, speaking to a crowd at the school’s Elevate gala, Kendall underscored Cristo Rey’s commitment to empowering young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose and service.
“These are great young people with a ton of potential, with so much to offer to our society and our world,” Kendall said. “They have phenomenal, God-given talents.
At the 2015 graduation of CRSM students
Photo by: Jim Dippold
“Cristo Rey St. Martin stands as an example of just how capable and effective young people can be,” he added, “if we just give them a chance.”
The Viatorians wholeheartedly believe in that mission. Back in 2004, when the school opened, they were among the founding religious communities to financially back the high school, and they continue to support it.
Over the years, Viatorians have served in administration, on its board, on the faculty and staff, in Campus Ministry and as mentors and benefactors. Fr. John Milton, CSV, continues to serve as a visiting professor at the school and Associate Jim Thomas serves on its board of trustees.