Page 2 - The Paduan Summer 2021

Farewell Message
from the President Emeritus
Dear Bruins,
Those of us in Religious Life all profess a vow of obedience,
in addition to poverty and celibacy. It might surprise you to know that the vow of obedience is the most challenging one to live. When my Provincial Minister tells me to move to another ministry, after consultation of course, I must go to that ministry “under obedience.”
In the early days of my ministry around 1994, I was asked to consider ministering as the President of Padua Franciscan. That was the first and only time I said “no” to an assignment, being still “wet behind the ears.” God has a good sense of humor as once again I was asked to consider Padua as I ended my three years of Franciscan ministry in Rome. This time I said “yes” and the rest is history. When one door closes, God often opens a new one!
I experienced Padua’s Board of Trustees in early 2013 for the first time, the entity that hired me as President. The Board members peppered me with a large variety of questions trying to uncover the basics about this friar dropped into their midst from Rome. By the time our Cerino’s dinner ended both the Board and I had found a match!
Success is all about the relationships we foster no matter what kind of life style we live. Found in that first meeting was a group of Bruins dedicated to Padua Franciscan’s growth and success. That same spirit became the hallmark of the eight years I’ve spent with you, fed by the enthusiastic relationships we have fostered and grown together.
Padua has quite the community, protecting the present and future welfare of our college prep institution! The more than 12,500 alums who have walked these halls the past 60 years are the foundation of a future that is bright and forward-looking. I feel energized knowing we are in great hands as we transition to new leadership.
When we come together purposely there is no stopping our cumulative power to succeed! A BIG thank you to all who have contributed their time, treasure and talents to our communal accomplishments. To those who have hesitated to share your many gifts in any way, remember the foundation of your life-long education is grounded right here in Parma! Please continue to be generous and thankful for all that you experienced and learned at Padua!
God bless you and I wish you nothing but peace and everything good!
Fr. Allan DaCorte, ofm President Emeritus
Cover Photograph:
Photo by Don Gerda
(Left to right):
Vice Principal Elizabeth Oles Smith, President David Stec ‘86,
Principal Bob DiRocco
Board of Trustees
Mr. David Stec ‘86
President
Mr. John Chmura ’99
Chairperson
Mr. James Climer
Vice Chairperson
Mr. Dana Banyasz ’04
Mr. Michael Biehl ’74
Fr. Johnpaul Cafiero, ofm Mr. Ed Campobenedetto ’69 Fr. John Doctor, ofm
Fr. John Dombrowski, ofm Br. Tom Eaton, ofm
Mr. James Gaydosh ’78
Dr. Kelly S. Gibson ’00
Mr. Jeff Hall
Mr. Dennis Juliani ’68
Mr. David Knowles ’65
Mrs. Mary Ann Kocurko
Mr. Wayne Ligato ’68
Mr. Michael Margevicius ’82 Mr. Paul Marnecheck II ’00
Mr. Nicholas Marra ’76 Mrs. Lori Peterson
Mr. Joseph Schuerger Dr. Richard So ’89 Mrs. Linda Wasco
Mrs. Mary Jane (Dworznik) Zarach ’88 Mr. Stephen Suding
Secretary of the Board
Mrs. Ann-Marie (Lehman) DiPaolo ’86
Treasurer
Mr. Robert DiRocco
Principal
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