After 46 years in Catholic education, Montini Catholic President Jim Segredo looks forward to his retirement

Earlier in the school year, Montini Catholic board of directors chair Dr. Janis M. Orlowski announced the retirement of President Jim Segredo after dedicating 26 years to Montini Catholic, and 46 years total in Catholic education.

"Jim has been a Montini Catholic Bronco for 26 years and has led our school through many wonderful opportunities," said Dr. Orlowski in her letter to members of Montini Catholic's community. "He has seen us through many school years, campus renovations and growth and he has also had his share of crisis with the recent pandemic. He has set an example of how much work it takes to lead a school. We have all been very fortunate to have such a dedicated leader."

On Friday, May 19, parents, friends and colleagues gathered to say goodbye and wish him well at a special reception in his honor. He was brought to tears by the many speeches given and upon being informed that Montini's board had unanimously elected to have the school's east (entrance) drive named after him - Jim Segredo Drive. He was presented with the sign during the reception.

It was in 1997 when Segredo, vice president at St. Rita High School at the time, "got the bug" to become a school principal. Answering an ad for a western suburban Catholic high school seeking a principal - he was not aware at the time of what school he was applying to.

"After about a week, I received a call from Brother Thomas Harding and that is when I knew it was Montini Catholic. Brother Tom used to work at De La Salle in Chicago so we knew each other from Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic League events."

When the position was offered, Segredo found himself a little reluctant. "I didn't realize how tough it would be to leave St. Rita after 20 years as a graduate, teacher and administrator. Brother Tom was great and he gave me the time I needed to decide and after spending a low profile day at Montini, with the students and faculty, it really felt right to me and I accepted the position three weeks after the initial interview."

As principal of Montini, Segredo was determined to reduce class size by adding more teachers to the faculty. He also increased class time by six minutes and increased graduation requirements, adding three years of science and two years of World Language. He added more AP classes to the curriculum, established the Signum Fidei Program and brought the Kairos Retreat program to Montini. He also began Montini Catholic's now 26-year tradition of hosting a Golden Gobbler Thanksgiving Food Drive every November.

The two biggest challenges of becoming principal at Montini, according to Segredo, were learning its culture and leading a coed school.

While principal, he facilitated the opening of Montini's 300 Wing and Field House.

"There have been so many great memories as principal over the years. It was great announcing a free day for the student body in celebration of our first IHSA State Championship (wrestling, 2000)," Segredo said. "I also got to experience our first Football Championship in 2004 - the school spirit and enthusiasm was truly unforgettable. After we won, the 'Montini Nation' took over the hospitality tent area at the University of Illinois - there was a sea of maroon and gold everywhere - all super excited for Montini and Coach A."

Segredo was also witness to Montini's first baseball team going to state (finishing third) under head coach Bill Leeberg.

"Another great memory for me is going to cheer on our Broncettes at state and handing out chocolate roses to the team," Segredo said. "It's a tradition I began when I was principal and I haven't missed a year since!"

Segredo is very honored to have been a part Montini's first graduation ceremony in the field house as well.

"Leading the school on 9/11 was a very emotional day, and one I'll never forget. We all did our best to keep everyone calm and to reach out and help those students who may have had parents traveling on a plane that day," Segredo said. "Our faculty and staff did a great job. I remember getting on the PA and letting the students know what was happening and how we prayed together. "

In 2004, with the resignation of Brother Thomas, Segredo became Montini's second president, naming Maryann O'Neill as principal.

As president he has successfully led three capital campaigns during this 19-year span. The Celebrate Our Future Building on Success Campaign propelled Montini into the future with the addition of the Academic & Administrative Center, the renovation of the Campus Ministry Center, art studios, Student Services Center, cafeteria and auditorium. Jim also oversaw the renovation of Duffy Memorial Stadium and the baseball field.

With the 50th Anniversary Campaign in 2016 came the renovation of classrooms, locker rooms, the Ed and Pam Mack LRC (Learning Resource Center) as well as the creation of the Kazma Innovation Center and the Blessed Mother Prayer garden. His most recent successful campaign was the installation of turf on the baseball infield.

From leading the first Habitat for Humanity Service trip, to celebrating the lights at Duffy Stadium in 2010 (thus ushering in Friday Night Light Football), to performing with the Treble Makers onstage at the Christmas concert, Segredo has seen and done it all over his last 26 years at Montini Catholic.

He has celebrated many highs including the school's 50th anniversary year-long celebrations (2015-16), but also has experienced devastating lows, mourning the passing of students and colleagues (Johnny Weiger, Class of 2015 in 2012 and Taylor Williams, Class of 2016, in 2016). The sudden death of head varsity coach Daryl Thomas in 2018 was also a time of great sorrow throughout the Montini Catholic community. "These tragedies have been difficult to navigate, but have brought us together and made us stronger over the years - being there for each other," he says.

Segredo says he will also never forget the two years of managing a high school throughout the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am so proud of - and will never forget - our two senior classes and how they handled the adversity. Our students are still dealing with the impact," Segredo said. "I am continuously in awe of their strength and resilience."

"Jim, this school community has changed dramatically and radically since you arrived," said Principal and soon-to-be Montini's third president Kevin Beirne. "Though you won't take credit for all that the school has accomplished in those ensuing years, your thumbprints are all over this place. Thumbprints not least of which are on the hearts of the many people - students, colleagues, parents, friends of Montini - that you've touched over the years. A very few people are able to leave an indelible mark that fundamentally shapes the soul of the place. Jim, you've done just that, and though your presence will never go unfelt here, you will be missed."

"Jim, you have been a strong, but caring leader and a good friend. You have several mantras that we have learned over the years, like 'we teach bell to bell,' 'the student is the subject,' and you added the Lasallian motto 'touching hearts' to your repertoire," said former principal Maryann O'Neill. "I know you to be a man who is passionate about helping children, a visionary who wants the best for students and a superb role model for the entire school, faculty, staff and students. You are a big idea person with the ability to forecast and plan and execute expansions to the building as well as his spectacular special events. Who else do you know that would bring a truckload of hay into a school building for a parent social in October?"

"So much of what we do as educators comes down to how we treat each other," said Montini teacher/dean and alumni, Andrew Weisenburger, Class of 2005. "Jim, you have always said it was the people that make a school. In 46 years, I am sure that you don't remember every meeting, email, or angry parent phone call, but I know that you must hold close those moments that can't quite be quantified. The energy on the first (or last) day of school. Beating Driscoll or Mt. Carmel. The positive conversations with kids who needed an ally. Being there for a student, player, or colleague when they needed help.

"I leave you with a quote from De La Salle, 'Fulfill your ministry with all the affection of your heart,' Weisenburger said. "There is no doubt in my mind that you have done this. Enjoy retirement. You have earned it."

Segredo's last day as president of Montini Catholic will be June 30.

Kevin Beirne is the Lasallian college preparatory high school's new president and Chris Tiritilli will be stepping into the new role as principal.