St. Viator Honors Outgoing President at Night of the Lion Gala

Saint Viator High School’s biggest night of the year, its Night of the Lion gala, turned out to be an emotional tribute for the outgoing president of the school, Fr. Robert M. Egan, C.S.V., Saint Viator class of 1969.

Nearly 400 guests filled the ballroom at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel for the event. They ranged from parents, alumni and business leaders to members of the Viatorian Community. They all came to honor Fr. Egan as he completes his eighth year guiding the school.

Guests arrived to find the energy ramped up, with the Saint Viator jazz band playing during the reception. Fr. Corey Brost, C.S.V., the school’s incoming president, opened the program, recalling that Fr. Egan, a Saint Viator graduate himself, had a unique perspective to his leadership role.

“Mick, you embraced the Saint Viator values as a student and you have spent your entire adult life spreading them as a Viatorian,” Fr. Brost said.

A  video tribute included testimony from Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene J. Mulder, as well as Fr. Egan’s colleagues and students. Guests learned all that was achieved during his tenure:

Fr. Egan instituted one of the first drug testing programs at area schools as a deterrent to substance abuse. He also established a mandatory service requirement for students, while doubling tuition assistance from $670,000 in 2005 to $1.3 million this school year.

Under Fr. Egan’s leadership, Saint Viator earned its status as a National Blue Ribbon School, and he currently is shepherding a $10 million “Shaping the Future with Faith” capital campaign, which will add classrooms, a new cafeteria, student commons area, fine arts studios and rehearsal space.

“He truly embodies the mission and vision of the school,” said Fr. Thomas von Behren, C.S.V., provincial and former Saint Viator president.

Members of the board of trustees gathered with past members and supporters to surprise Fr. Egan with a trip to Paris and the coast of Normandy this summer, knowing his love of history and travel.

True to form, Fr. Egan downplayed his role in the school’s success, instead crediting the faculty, staff, and the students, whom he called “the school’s best ambassadors.”

“Our mission is to give students an education that is outstanding and excellent, and to mold them into people of faith,” Fr. Egan said. “I’m thankful for your friendship and support, and confident that there are even better days ahead.”

Information provided by St. Viator High School.