President Jim Segredo Looking Forward to Retirement
Barb Dawson • May 26, 2023

Montini's east entry to be named Jim Segredo Drive!

Earlier in the school year, Montini Catholic Board of Directors Chair, Dr. Janis M. Orlowski, announced the retirement of  President Jim Segredo (June 2023) - after a dedicated 26 years at Montini Catholic, 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 19th, parents, friends and colleagues gathered to say goodbye and wish him well at a special reception in his honor. Jim 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 Jim 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 - Jim 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, Jim 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, Jim 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 3 years of Science and 2 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 Jim, were learning its culture and leading a coed school. 


While Principal, Jim 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). 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.”  Jim 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. It's a tradition I began when I was principal and I haven't missed a year since!"


Jim 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. 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, Jim 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, President Jim 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 '15 in 2012 and Taylor Williams '16 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. 


Jim 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 - I am continuously in awe of their strength and resilience."


"Jim, this school community has changed dramatically and radically since you arrived," said Principal (soon to be Montini's 3rd 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 '05. "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.” There is no doubt in my mind that you have done this. Enjoy retirement. You have earned it."


Jim's last day as president of Montini Catholic will be June 30th. Kevin Beirne is the Lasallian college preparatory high school's new president and Chris Tiritilli will be stepping into the new role as principal. 



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By Barb Dawson May 30, 2025
Montini Catholic in Lombard proudly congratulated this year's St. John Baptist De La Salle Award recipients from their Class of 2025. The awards were announced on Friday, May 16th, during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Celebration of Excellence ceremony. The honor, named after Montini Catholic's founder, is presented each year to senior students who have demonstrated a spirit of service and dedication to the students, faculty and staff of Montini Catholic. Congratulations to the following seniors: John Barrett (Villa Park, St. Pius X graduate) Annika Bartell (Downers Grove, Forest Park graduate) Bryanna Bell (Bolingbrook, Jefferson Junior High graduate) Maxwell Bell (Westchester, Westchester Middle School graduate) Joshua Brunke (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Hannah Bushati (Downers Grove, St. Joseph graduate) Liliana Cruz (Elmhurst, Immaculate Conception graduate) Isabela Evenson (Villa Park, St. Pius X graduate) Nolan Ferris (Wheaton, St. Pius X graduate) Santino Florio (Oak Brook, Butler Jr. High graduate) Sophia Fountain (Berkeley, St. Pius X graduate) Julia Gergen (Lombard, St. Pius X graduate) Jaxon Lane (Carol Stream, Monroe Middle School graduate) Daniel Sherman (Bolingbrook, St. Scholastica graduate) Matthew Silveyra (Carol Stream, St. Isidore graduate) Sienna Skarda (Elmhurst, Immaculate Conception graduate) Olivia Weiland (Villa Park, St. Pius X graduate) Collins Whitfield (Downers Grove, St. Joseph graduate) Image above: Front row l to r: Daniel Sherman, Matthew Silveyra, Olivia Weiland, Santino Florio, Nolan Ferris, Liliana Cruz, Bryanna Bell, Max Bell, Hannah Bushati and Annika Bartell; Back row l to r: Sienna Skarda, Collins Whitfield, Jaxon Lane, Sophia Fountain, Julia Gergen, Isabela Evenson, Joshua Brunke and John Barrett;
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By Barb Dawson May 29, 2025
It was a memorable night for Montini Catholic alumni members and their families as they were honored for their dedication, achievement and service and inducted into the Montini Catholic Alumni Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's cafeteria earlier this spring on Saturday, April 26th. Inducted this year were: Mike Manna ‘70 Debra (Tauscher) Goff ‘75 Rick Rafanelli ‘76 George Panos ‘81 Kevin Kuster ‘86 Bridget (Moriarty) McNamara ‘86 Whitney Holloway ‘11 Individual biographies follow for each inductee: Mike Manna '70 (Southern Wisconsin) Mike was recognized for his continued dedication and service to Montini Catholic High School and for his professional excellence and leadership in the manufacturing industry. A member of Montini Catholic’s Chartered Class of 1970, Mike Manna was a three-year member of the Bronco baseball team, sang in the men’s chorus, wrote for the school newspaper, and was class treasurer during his senior year. After graduating from Montini, Mike attended Lewis University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He later received an MBA from Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University). Mike spent his professional career in the manufacturing industry in a variety of management positions, starting out as a Production Control Manager for Aurora Pump, Inc. and eventually working his way up to a General Manager position at both Grove Gear, and later, Milwaukee Machine Works. He helped both companies grow their businesses by at least 30%, improved their on-time performance, and guided them through the difficulties of the late 2000s recession. In 2014, Milwaukee Machine Works was recognized by the town of West Allis, Wisconsin, as their “Business of the Year” for their efforts to grow jobs, improve the educational process and help the town’s economic development. Upon his retirement in 2014, Mike became an Adjunct Professor of Business at Robert Morris University and later founded his current company, the Manna Consulting Group, where he helps small companies improve both operational and marketing capabilities. Mike continues to be involved in the Montini community to this day; he has been a member of the Board of Directors for the past ten years and is a supporter of the Bronco Classic Golf Outing. More recently, Mike helped spearhead the Class of 1970 Classroom Renovation initiative which provided upgrades, including lighting, paint, classroom fixtures, and technology equipment, to room 103, one of the original Class of 1970 homerooms. Mike and his wife Lynn have two sons, Chris and Dan, and reside in southern Wisconsin. Debra (Tauscher) Goff '75 (Ohio) Debra was recognized for her achievements in the field of medicine as an Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor of Pharmacy Practice. Debra Goff knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career as a pharmacist. While still a Montini student, she spent weekends working at a local pharmacy and credits the head pharmacist there for helping form her interest and desire for a career in this field. After graduating from Montini, Debra attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, a Doctoral Degree in Pharmacy and completed a residency as well. Debra has spent most of her professional career at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Since 1988, she has served in the hospital as the first Infectious Diseases clinical pharmacists. She is the founding member of the Global Antibiotic Stewardship program. 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Her TEDx talk titled “antibiotics just-in-case” has over 35,00 views on YouTube. She has received over 50 grants for her work and is the author of 150 scientific publications. She lectures nationally and internationally on infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship. Debra and her husband Doug reside in Ohio and have two children, Natalie and Nick. Rick Rafanelli '76 (Indian Head Park) Rick was recognized for continued dedication and service to Montini Catholic High School and for his leadership in the manufacturing industry. At Montini Catholic, Rick Rafanelli was a three-year member of the boys’ tennis team and also wrestled and ran cross country. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar. After Montini, Rick attended Valparaiso University and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration while studying accounting. He received his CPA certificate in 1981 and spent the early part of his career in public accounting. Rick then began a long career in the manufacturing industry, working first for Par Packaging before moving over to Chicago Block and Brick Company, where he served as both the Controller and President during his fifteen-year tenure. Rick then served as the General Manager of the Midwest Region at Northfield Block Company for seven years and has been a Manager at Meade Investments LLC since 2017. Outside of work, Rick served for many years as the Scoutmaster of Troop 117 at St. John of the Cross in Western Springs. One of his proudest achievements was watching his son Robbie earn his Eagle Scout award in 2018. Rick continues to stay involved in the Montini Catholic community as an active member of the school’s Board of Directors and is often seen at Montini Catholic events such as the Auction and Golf Outing. Rick resides in Indian Head Park. He has three children; daughters Anna and Cara, and son Robbie, a 2018 Montini Catholic alum. George Panos '81 (Northwest Suburbs) George was recognized for outstanding academic and athletic achievement while at Montini Catholic High School and for his professional excellence and leadership as an oral surgeon. The son of Greek immigrants (his full last name is Panagiotopoulos), Dr. George Panos was a four-year member of the Montini football team and was a captain during his senior year, when he was named as a Chicago Prep Athlete of the Week and was featured on WLS-TV. He also played baseball, ran track, was an Illinois State Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society (1981 President) and the French Club. He also graduated as the Salutatorian of his class. After Montini, George attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and briefly walked on to the Fighting Illini football team before deciding to focus on his studies. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and later earned both his Bachelor of Science in Dentistry and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. George worked for 27 years at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. He is fully licensed with four different certifications including his Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and is a member of seven dental associations, including the Hellenic American Dental Society of which he served as President. In addition to his private practice, he served as an Attending Physician at Stroger Hospital where he supervised and trained residents in the operating room, ambulatory, and academic settings and served as a mentor to current and aspiring Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. In his spare time, George was a practitioner of martial arts and holds a Black Belt in both Tae Kwon Do and Jujitsu and a Brown Belt in Judo. He has also coached travel softball and served as an assistant football coach here at Montini Catholic. George and his wife, Nikki, have two daughters, Vasiliki and Katerina, and reside in the Northwest Suburbs. Kevin Kuster '86 (Downers Grove) Recognized for outstanding athletic achievement while at Montini Catholic High School, for outstanding excellence in his career as a professional photographer, and for his continued dedication to service and leadership in the community. During his time at Montini Catholic, Kevin Kuster was a member of the football team, track and field team, and the Student Senate. After Montini, he attended the University of Kansas and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design and Visual Communications. Following graduation, he began a 20-year career as a professional, award-winning photographer at Playboy Magazine where he worked with some of the world’s most renowned celebrities. However, Kevin’s life later took an unexpected and profound turn following a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit. Renewing his commitment to God and his Catholic faith, Kevin left a life of decadence behind and embarked on a second, service-oriented career. Along with his sister and fellow Hall of Fame member, Nancy (Kuster) Economou ’84, Kevin co-founded Watts of Love, a global nonprofit based in Downers Grove dedicated to providing sustainable solar lighting to individuals living in extreme poverty. He served as the organization’s Creative Director and Chief Marketing Officer while continuing to pursue additional artistic endeavors and real-estate development. In 2021, he returned to Montini Catholic to serve as a long-term sub for the school’s photography class. Kevin is the author of the forthcoming memoir, From Playboy to Prodigal Son, published by Dynamic Catholic. In this deeply personal account, Kevin reflects on his remarkable journey from a successful career in the magazine industry to a life dedicated to faith, service, and redemption. He is often invited to share his story as a public speaker. Kevin and his wife Sherry reside in Downers Grove. He has a son, Kaedin, and a step-son, Brady. Bridget (Moriarty) McNamara ‘86 (Naperville) Bridget was recognized for outstanding athletic achievement while at Montini Catholic High School and for professional excellence in her career as a physical therapist. At Montini Catholic, Bridget McNamara was a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Senate, the school choir, and was named as an Illinois State Scholar. She also excelled athletically as a member of the girls track and field team. As a sophomore in 1984, she was part of the 4x100 relay team which set a school record time that stood until 2023. In 1985, as a junior, she set Suburban Catholic Conference records in both the 100-yard dash and long jump. In her senior season of 1986, she was named as an All-Conference selection, won the long jump event at the conference meet, was named team MVP, and set a Montini school record in the long jump that stood until 2005. She was also a three-year member of the cheerleading team, which advanced to the USCA National Championships during her senior year. For her outstanding athletic success and her academic excellence while at Montini Catholic, Bridget was named as the “Female Student Athlete of the Year” in 1986. After Montini, Bridget attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy. Following college, she worked for ten years at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago as a clinician with rotations in acute care, pediatrics, geriatric rehabilitation, and outpatient orthopedics, serving as a manager in outpatient orthopedics for three of those years. For the last twenty-five years, she has been working as an outpatient clinical manager at Newsome/Accelerated/Athletico Physical Therapy in Naperville, with her areas of practice including Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, Dry Needling, ASTYM Therapy, APTA Clinical Instruction, Sports Rehabilitation and Spine Rehabilitation. Bridget met her husband Bryan, a fellow 1986 alum, while attending Montini. They live in Naperville and are the parents of three children, all Montini alumni: Kelly ’15, Katie ’17, and John ’22. In 2023, they welcomed another Montini alum to their family when Kelly married fellow Class of 2015 alum Joe Palasek. Whitney Holloway '11 (Chicago) Whitney was recognized for outstanding athletic achievement while at Montini Catholic High School. Whitney Holloway was a four-year starter on the Montini Catholic girls basketball team, playing for head coach Jason Nichols. During her time as a member of the program, she helped lead the Lady Broncos to IHSA Class 3A State Championships in 2010 and 2011 as a junior and senior and a third-place finish in 2008 as a freshman. She scored 1,594 career points in a Montini uniform, good for third all-time behind fellow Hall of Fame members Lynette Pestel ’92 (1,728) and Tammy Kocher ’89 (1,710). For her success on the court, Whitney was twice recognized as a two-time My Suburban Life All-Area Most Valuable Player in 2010 and 2011, a four-time All-Area pick by numerous Chicago-area media outlets from 2008-2011, a two-time Suburban Christian Conference Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011, a four-time First-Team All-Conference choice and four-time Academic All-League pick from 2008-2011, and was the captain of the Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area Team in 2011. After graduating from Montini, Whitney attended the University of Notre Dame on a basketball scholarship and played for legendary coach Muffet McGraw. During her four years at Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish made the NCAA Women’s Final Four each year, finishing as the national runners-up three times. Whitney served as a team captain during her senior season and was twice named to the Big East All-Academic Team and once to the ACC Academic Honor Roll. She graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business Economics. Whitney currently works as the Senior Coordinator of Corporate Partnership Activation for the Chicago White Sox and resides in the South Loop. "First established in 1992, the Montini Catholic Hall of Fame has grown to include 152 alumni representing 41 different graduating classes," said Montini's Alumni Relations Coordinator, William Dawes who emceed the event. "Each year we have the privilege of acknowledging these impressive alumni." The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas: 1. Exceptional academic ability exhibited while at Montini Catholic High School or in college. 2. Exceptional athletic ability exhibited while at Montini Catholic High School, in college, or as a professional athlete. 3. Exceptional leadership exhibited while at Montini Catholic High School, in college and/or their chosen profession. 4. Exceptional positive impact for Montini Catholic High School, through leadership shown in the business, professional or civic community. 5. Exceptional contribution to Montini Catholic High School, through continual active participation and engagement in school and alumni projects and events. In order to be nominated for the Hall of Fame, an alum must have graduated from Montini at least five years prior to nomination. Nominees must receive at least 70% of the vote from the Hall of Fame Committee in order to be inducted. Image above: l to r: Mike Manna, Debra Tauscher Goff, Rick Rafanelli, George Panos, Kevin Kuster, Bridget Moriarty McNamara and Whitney Holloway
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