As of July 1, Br. Hank Hammer, FMS, took over the reins as president of Marist High School. He replaces Br. Patrick McNamara, FMS, who was assigned by the Marist Brothers to a role in Switzerland.
Br. Hank has served Marist Chicago as academic dean at the school for the last five years. He has previously served as a teacher at Marist Chicago and Mount St. Michael Academy in New York, and was also principal at Marist Chicago from 1993 to 1996. In addition, he served the Marist Brothers Province as vocation director, director of evangelization, and assistant provincial. His experience in a variety of administrative roles and his many years of service at Marist High School will be good preparation for his new role as president.
“I was as surprised as anyone to take on this role,” Br. Hank explained. “I loved my role as dean and working with the students, but I am confident, because of the good people who are part of the Marist community, that I can help the school move forward. It’s going to be an exciting time for me personally and Marist.”
As he steps into the role, Marist is poised for continued growth and improvement. Br. Hank will take the lead in helping craft strategic goals for long term planning and financial stability. “I want Marist to continue to be a place where the best is possible,” Br. Hank said. “In forming young people spiritually, academically and physically, I want the community to know that we are always working to offer the best experience to our students, and that our Catholic mission is always at the forefront of our planning.”
The 2014-15 school year marks the start of an iPad program at Marist for freshmen and sophomores, along with other new initiatives. While the role of president does not oversee academics, the partnership between president and principal is crucial to the school’s success. “I was thrilled that Br. Hank was named president,” explained Principal Larry Tucker ‘79. “I know firsthand his commitment to our students and families, and I know together we can light a path for the future of Marist. ”
Send a message of welcome to Br. Hank Hammer!