Meet Our New Director of Corporate Work Study: Mark Gasche

Meet Our New Director of Corporate Work Study: Mark Gasche

by | Oct 16, 2025 | CWSP, School News

Cristo Rey St. Martin is excited to welcome Mark Gasche as our new Director of Corporate Work Study. Mark brings a wealth of experience in career development, coaching, and employer relations. He has worked at several universities, including Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, the University of Chicago, the University of Evansville, the University of Minnesota, and Capella University.

Mark earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cornell College and his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Minnesota. His journey into career coaching began during his time at Cornell, when a work-study position helping students with career planning and job search efforts sparked a lifelong passion for guiding others. “That experience showed me how powerful it can be to help people find direction and purpose in their lives,” he says.

Throughout his career, Mark has focused on connecting students with opportunities that help them grow personally and professionally. His background includes managing career centers, developing corporate partnerships, and coaching individuals through career transitions. “This is a career pivot for me to work in a high school setting, but it feels completely natural,” he says. “I have always loved helping students gain experiences that transform their lives.”

Mark was drawn to Cristo Rey’s mission because it perfectly aligns with his values. “I have spent my whole career encouraging students to seek internships. At Cristo Rey, every student graduates with four years’ worth. This program gives our students a real advantage.” He looks forward to building strong partnerships with local employers, adding new business partners and helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

A native of Park Ridge, Mark grew up in a family of educators. His father taught at Maine South High School, and Mark says working in a high school setting feels like coming full circle. He lives nearby, enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Allison, who works at Deloitte, and his Sheltie, Sophie. He is also a proud father to his son Chris, a second-year law student, whom he calls “my favorite person in the whole universe.”

Mark’s enthusiasm for his new role is unmistakable. “Cristo Rey is such a special place,” he says. “The combination of strong academics, faith-based mission, and real-world work experience creates something truly transformational. I am proud to be part of a community that helps students build bright futures.”

Volunteer Spotlight: Moira Caserio’s Legacy of Care and Connection

Volunteer Spotlight: Moira Caserio’s Legacy of Care and Connection

by | Oct 16, 2025 | Academic, School News

For four years, Moira Caserio has been a familiar face at Cristo Rey St. Martin, first as a volunteer and now, briefly, as a college counselor, stepping in while Sharon Holdvogt, one of two CRSM college counselors, was on maternity leave. Her last official day is October 3, but her impact on students will be long-lasting.

“I love hearing students’ stories. That is the best part of being a college counselor,” Moira says. “I wish everyone had to write a personal statement. Students are so willing to open up and dig deep, and I really appreciate the trust they place in me during this process.”

She works hard to make the stressful college journey more approachable. “I try to make it fun and comfortable for them. Students are so engaged and willing to participate. It’s a wonderful experience for me, and I hope it is for them as well.”

A recent moment perfectly illustrates her approach. A student who was initially hesitant to trust Moira ended a personal statement session with a high five, a small but meaningful sign of confidence and connection.

Before joining CRSM, Moira was a lawyer and completed a college counseling certificate through UCLA. She also works as an independent education consultant with Tree Street College Consulting. Still, she says the best part of her work is collaborating with Sharon and Ana and helping students grow.

Through her guidance, Moira has demonstrated that college applications can be challenging, rewarding, and even enjoyable. CRSM is deeply grateful that she stepped in during such a critical time for college counseling. Without her support, the tremendous workload would have been a tall order for just one college counselor, and Moira’s presence made all the difference for both students and staff.

Alumni Spotlight: Sebastian Catalan-Castrejon CRSM ’20

Alumni Spotlight: Sebastian Catalan-Castrejon CRSM ’20

by | Oct 16, 2025 | Alumni Spotlight, School News

Sebastian Catalan-Castrejon (CRSM ’20) recently earned his Bachelor’s in Athletic Training from the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. He is currently completing his Master’s degree through the UIS Athletic Training program, before transitioning to a clinical setting for 16 weeks.

Now interning with an athletic trainer at Athletico Physical Therapy in Grayslake, IL, Sebastian is putting his skills to work while inspiring others to follow his path.

“Being the first in my family to attend a four-year institution signifies the forging of a new path for future generations,” he said. “I want to be a leader to anyone and everyone, because kindness and compassion can help others continue building forward for our community.”

“I wish to give back to the community that has given me so much, so others who look like me can find their own success.”

Donor Spotlight: Kristen and Mike Watson

Donor Spotlight: Kristen and Mike Watson

by | Oct 16, 2025 | Development, School News

When Kristen Watson first volunteered in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood in the 1990s, she didn’t know it would set her on a path back home to Waukegan and to Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep. Encouraged by her Jesuit brother, Brian Paulson, she joined a junior development board in 1996 and met many dedicated members of the Catholic community, including Preston Kendall.

Years later, after settling in Evanston with her family, Kristen’s brother stopped by and mentioned that Preston was now leading a Cristo Rey school in Waukegan. It felt like things had come full circle. Kristen had grown up in Waukegan, where her family once owned and operated a restaurant across from what is now the school.

“I loved the model,” she said. “It helps students not just prepare for college but also learn how to navigate the world through real work experience.”

Kristen soon joined CRSM, first helping to build partnerships for the Corporate Work Study Program, then serving as the Director of Development and participating in a capital campaign that led to the state-of-the-art campus we are in today. Her brothers, Martin and Tom Paulson, have also been part of the school’s early history. Martin served on the founding board before it became Cristo Rey St. Martin, and Tom has supported fundraising and work study efforts throughout the years.

Kristen worked at CRSM for eight years, leaving to spend more time with her children but carrying with her a deep connection to the place. “I don’t consider myself a very religious person, but at CRSM I often felt close to God. Miracles happen there. The students and their resilience constantly reminded me of that.”

She smiles when she remembers the early days. “Back in the old school, gym class took place in the parking lot. Seeing photos now of students playing on a real field and in a gym makes me so happy. No community deserves it more.”

After leaving full-time work at CRSM, Kristen expanded on her passion for supporting the rights of migrants and the rights of educational opportunities for under-resourced youth.  Today, she serves on the boards of Evanston Scholars and Jesuit Refugee Services USA, and as a mentor with the Humanas Foundation.  Through Humanas, Kristen and her husband, Mike, mentor CRSM alumni Litzy Martinez (’23) and Josh Hernandez (’22), meeting regularly to encourage and advise them as they navigate college life.

Kristen and her husband continue to be deeply involved with Cristo Rey St. Martin as generous supporters of the Promise Scholars Program, which provides financial assistance to help CRSM graduates persist through college. Their commitment reflects the same spirit that drew Kristen to the school years ago, a belief in opportunity, hard work, and the power of community.

For Kristen Watson, CRSM will always be a place where hard work, faith, and compassion come together to make something extraordinary happen every day.

October 2025 President’s Pen with Preston Kendall

by | Oct 16, 2025 | President’s Pen

Because of our Corporate Work Study Program at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, all our students have the appropriate documentation to be able to work.  All are United States citizens or legal residents.

Since September, ICE has had a very prominent presence in Waukegan and it has become more pronounced these first weeks of October.  In a word, the situation is disturbing.

Who would have thought that in the United States, the greatest country on earth, anonymous agents wearing no recognizable identification and traveling in unmarked vehicles can indiscriminately seize anyone they like with impunity?  This is certainly not the America I thought we lived in.  Consider these local examples.

Ten days ago, three workers at a business directly across the street from our campus saw two SUVs roll up.  Masked, unmarked agents jumped out and took the workers to the ground, zip-tied them, stuffed them into their vehicles, and left.  Their wheelbarrow and shovels were left lying on the ground.

Last week, a relative of one of our students was stopped while getting gas on the way to work at the station next to CRSM.  They took his entire crew and left his landscaping truck there at the pump.

Also last week, a 23-year-old US citizen was arrested in front of Waukegan City Hall.  The Mayor came out to try to help her but ICE agents refuse to listen and took her away.  All charges were later dropped and she was eventually released.

Just this week, one of our teachers was working late and got pulled over after dark by an unmarked car after leaving our lot without any probable cause.  Two masked, shadowy figures came to either side of her car and demanded identification.  When they found that she was white and had a valid license, they let her go.  Shaken and intimidated.

Where are the drug dealers, gang bangers, murderers, and rapists that the current administration promised would be their focus?  This is nothing but political theater at the expense of peoples’ lives.  It is causing real harm to our community.

Studies show that immigrants (both legal and undocumented) commit crime at a far lower rate than U.S. born citizens.  A Princeton University study (2012-2018) using felony arrest data for the state of Texas found:

  • U.S.-born citizens are over 2 times more likely to be arrested for violent crimes than undocumented immigrants
  • For drug crimes, U.S.-born are ~2.5 times more likely to be arrested
  • For property crimes, US citizens are over 4 times more likely

A CATO Institute study came to similar conclusions looking at incarceration rates:

  • Native-born Americans account for ~1,471 per 100,000 inmates
  • Undocumented (“illegal”) immigrants are incarcerated at rate of ~756 per 100,000 (~49% lower than US-born)
  • For legal immigrants, only ~364 per 100,000 are incarcerated

Factual data does not support the current storyline and yet, too many people are willing to believe the lies.

What is most disturbing, however, is that for those of us who claim to be Christians, especially Catholic Christians, we have somehow compartmentalized our beliefs and abdicated our responsibility to live the gospel.

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)

The words of Jesus are simple, but they reach into the heart of our faith. They remind us that every act of mercy is an encounter with Christ himself. The stranger, the hungry, the imprisoned, and the forgotten are not interruptions in our discipleship—they are the very presence of the Lord who says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did for me.”

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25–37) further reveals that love of neighbor knows no boundaries and that mercy, not status or nationality, defines authentic discipleship.

In one of Pope Francis’ homilies, he acknowledges that it’s not easy to put ourselves in another person’s shoes, especially those very different from us, and this can cause us to have doubts and fears.  He goes on to say, “These fears are legitimate, based on doubts that are fully comprehensible from a human point of view. Having doubts and fears is not a sin. The sin is to allow these fears to determine our responses, to limit our choices, to compromise respect and generosity, to feed hostility and rejection. The sin is to refuse to encounter the other, to encounter the different, to encounter the neighbor, when this is in fact a privileged opportunity to encounter the Lord.”

Pope Francis also said, “The brother who knocks at the door deserves love, hospitality, and every care… We are called to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate migrants and refugees… Christ’s love invites conversion—a change in how we see the world and one another. The measure of our discipleship is not comfort but compassion. In welcoming the stranger and lifting up the poor, we open our hearts to God’s own mercy.”

Catholic social teaching deepens this truth: every human person bears the image of God and possesses an inviolable dignity. To honor that dignity is to practice solidarity—to recognize that our lives are bound together. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls the works of mercy “indispensable expressions of love” (CCC 2447). The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church teaches that “love for others, and especially for the poor, is made concrete by promoting justice.”

Pope Leo XIV recently wrote, “God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his Church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest.”

The current state of affairs is full of misplaced judgment, irrational hatred, and breathtaking cruelty.  If we truly believe in the message of the gospel, then we, too, must find a special place in our hearts to treat others with the inviolable dignity and respect they deserve as fellow human beings – fellow children of God.

At least that’s my prayer.  We are better than this.  ¡Viva Cristo Rey!