Page 6 - Padua Bruin Benefit 2021 Program

Fr. AllAn DAcorte, oFm
Fr. Allan DaCorte, ofm has dedicated his life to serving others in various roles both in the United States and abroad.
Fr. Allan is a native of Chicago, Illinois and played many sports in high school and college. His favorite was being the goal tender in hockey. He is a life-long Cubs fan (we don’t hold that against him) and someone that loves good food and good wine. Fr. Allan entered the Franciscan Order in the Province of the Sacred Heart in 1973, and was ordained a priest in 1977. He held various positions in Quincy, Illinois and Joliet, Illinois. His assignment before coming to Padua was Assistant Treasurer General for the whole Franciscan Order in Rome, Italy. During his time in Rome, Father traveled to interesting places such as China, Tibet, Australia, New Zealand, Aruba, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Communist Poland, England and Ireland.
On July 1, 2013 Fr. Allan began his presidency at Padua. He will be retiring as President on June 30, 2021, his 75th birthday. Before Fr. Allan came to Padua plans were initiated to begin a Capital Campaign that would invite the participation of many who had walked the corridors of the school over the years. It was known as The PaduaPlus+ Campaign – Restore. Renew. Innovate. Grow. Fr. Allan has worked tirelessly to fulfill the campaign’s goals.
Restore – In order to offer an increased level of safety and security, the main entrance and lobby were renovated. The new main entrance added 3,000 square feet to the front of the school. An additional set of doors were also added and provide enhanced security and traffic control.
The northeast entrance, known as the Kohuth Atrium, was expanded by 1,300 square feet. Other areas of improvement included the renovation of the General Office, the expansion of the Athletic Office and Bruin Shop.
Renew – It was necessary to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff, from the inside out.
Original lockers from 1961 were replaced with 800 bright, new lockers. Reconstruction of the boys’ locker room was completed and a dance studio was added on the lower-level of the building.
Innovate – Part of Padua’s mission is to provide the environment and tools needed to foster intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, problem solving, and a thirst for lifelong learning. To support the students’ academic experience, classrooms were renovated by adding modern drop ceilings, new lighting, fresh paint, carpet tile flooring and Smart Boards. In addition, two chemistry labs, one prep room, and two physics labs were modernized.
Grow – Fr. Allan expanded our acclaimed educational curricula and outside activities to prepare students for higher learning. In addition, competitive scholarships were established and tuition assistance increased.
Fr. Allan has made a positive effect on the students and the Padua community by living out his Franciscan values. His love, compassion and care for others are transparent and forever engrained in the lives he continues to touch. We have been blessed with his dedication, kindness, commitment and professionalism for the last eight years. We wish Fr. Allan the best in retirement and want him to remember, You’re Never Alone... You’re Always a BRUIN!
Peace and All Good!