St. Viator annual fundraiser honors president Fr. Brost
The Night of the Lion fundraiser for Saint Viator High School turned out to be a historic event last month. It started with a tribute to its president, Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, who announced in November that he would pursue a ministry in peace and justice at the end of his three-year term.
"You have had a passion for the ministry of a president that all of us have witnessed," said Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial and president of the board of governors. "Your passion for teaching students has called them to something greater, and for your passion and leadership, we thank you."
Brost drew a standing ovation from the crowd gathered at the Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates. He described his years at Saint Viator as an "incredible blessing."
"It's so important that we are here tonight to celebrate the excellence that is Saint Viator High School," Brost said. "We form kids in faith and service - as well as in academics."
"I am a better man, a better religious and a better priest because of the kids, parents and supporters here at Saint Viator High School," he added. "I have seen the face of God in these students, and I will be eternally grateful."
Von Behren also introduced the incoming president, Brian Liedlich, a sitting member of the board of trustees, former administrator, and current parent, of Barrington.
"We were able to find not just a good person, but the right person," von Behren said.
The evening also showcased a pair of distinguished alumni. Dr. Mildred Olivier, a 1978 Sacred Heart of Mary graduate and ophthalmologist, introduced them. Dr. Olivier herself received the award in 2012 for her work in Haiti in preventing glaucoma - and blindness - in the Third World country.
She introduced Chuck Heinrich, class of 1965, first. He worked as a police officer in Arlington Heights for 21 years before serving another 20 years as an air marshal for the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Homeland Security. He, too, received a standing ovation.
"Along with other Viatorian alumni, we share a very special pedigree," Heinrich said. "When you're a Lion, you're a Lion for life."
Kate Costello received the second alumni award. She has directed fall plays and musicals at Saint Viator High School for 17 years, giving back to the same theater program and stage where she got her own start.
Costello described her job as a labor of love, especially when she works with a student who's not the star, and might be having trouble communicating or fitting in.
"My real reward is the opportunity to try and work small miracles every day with the young men and women at Saint Viator High School," Costello said.
Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, a former president of Saint Viator, introduced the recipient of the first Loyal Hearts Leadership Award, Frank M. Covey Jr. Covey, who passed away in 2012, helped guide the merger of Sacred Heart of Mary and Saint Viator into a coeducational institution as its first board president.
"Frank was a great servant leader," Fr. Bolser said, "who gave us vision - and hope."
In accepting his award, his son, F. Michael Covey III announced the formation of the Frank M. Covey Jr. Endowment for Faculty Fund to be set up at the school.
"Faith, family, and education," Covey said. "Those are the values my dad instilled in us and they continue to guide us to this day."
Members of the Cashman Stahler Group of architects received the first Lion Business Partner Award. The Lombard-based architecture company has helped shape the modern footprint of Saint Viator High School, transforming everything from its Boler Center field house and classrooms, to its new Querbes Hall dining center, fine arts facilities, and Academic Commons.
"They have gone above and beyond," said Steve Burks, director of building and grounds, "in supporting and embracing the mission of Saint Viator High School."
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