by Miranda Eby | Dec 18, 2025 | Development, School News
For longtime Cristo Rey St. Martin supporters Justin and Erin Foley, giving back has always been about creating lasting, generational change. Their journey with CRSM began years ago through friendships and faith, and has grown into a deep, personal commitment to transforming lives through education.
“We first heard about Cristo Rey through our parish, St. Mary’s,” recalls Erin. “It was something that was on our radar, but once I visited the old school, I knew I wanted to get involved.”
At that time, Cristo Rey St. Martin was still operating in its old, aging facility. It was a place where the school’s spirit shone bright despite serious challenges. “There were lockdowns due to shootings in the neighborhood,” Erin remembers. “The building itself wasn’t safe. Chair legs were literally going through the floor. Yet, even then, there was something magical happening there.”
Not long after that visit, the Foleys became active supporters, and Erin joined the school’s Board of Trustees, serving for eight years. During this time, she also spent many years on the CRSM event planning committee. Her leadership and creativity on the committee played an important role in elevating the school’s events and expanding their impact during key moments of growth.
Through Justin’s firm, the Gelber Group, the couple has continued to support Cristo Rey St. Martin’s mission both personally and professionally. “Every time Erin came home from a board meeting, she had stories about the students, their drive, their hope, their determination. That is what kept us invested,” Justin says.
They were involved long before the move to the new Waukegan campus, at a time when a new school was still only a dream. “To see where the school is now, compared to where it started, is incredible,” Justin reflects. “It is proof that this model works. Cristo Rey changes lives, not only for students but also for their families and communities.”
Justin also notes that sustaining the model is more important than ever. “The Corporate Work Study Program was once the main source of funding, but that is no longer the case,” he explains. “Individual giving and annual support have become essential. The mission still works. It simply needs all of us behind it.”
For Erin, the reason to stay involved remains clear. “There are so many ways to help people,” she says. “But education, especially for students who might not otherwise have access, is the most powerful way to make real, generational change. It changes everything for siblings, for parents, and for entire communities.”
The Foleys’ belief in education’s ripple effect has guided much of their philanthropy. Justin also serves on the board for the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, continuing his work to open doors for young people. “When a student experiences success, they often turn around and help the next generation,” he says. “That is how transformation happens.”
From the early, humble beginnings of Cristo Rey St. Martin to the thriving, state-of-the-art campus that stands today, the Foleys have witnessed and supported a story of hope, resilience, and faith in what is possible.
“It is about showing these kids what they can become,” Justin says. “When you invest in education, you are investing in the future of entire communities. That is something we will always stand behind.”
by Miranda Eby | Dec 18, 2025 | Development, School News
Since 2011, when her brother Preston Kendall became President of CRSM, Ann Kendall has been a vital member of the development events committees for Elevate and Founders. She began her involvement by helping to form a fundraising committee, and over the years, she has become one of the most essential contributors to the success of our events.
Ann’s creative vision shapes a majority of the decorations that make our celebrations truly memorable. Her work includes the giant sparkly “20” featured at our 20th Founders’ Dinner and the intricate cardboard TVs that brought a unique charm to our Elevate event. Beyond designing these elements, Ann devotes a great deal of time to sourcing centerpieces, finding the perfect décor items, and assembling them with care on her own time. Her dedication ensures that every detail reflects the spirit of CRSM.
“It feels good knowing that my talents help make a difference,” Ann shared. “CRSM is an amazing place filled with amazing people, and I am always impressed by the talent of the individuals who work and attend school here.”
With a background in marketing and a career in interior design, Ann brings creativity, expertise, and a generous heart to everything she does. CRSM is deeply grateful for her considerable contributions and for the beauty and warmth she brings to our community.
by Miranda Eby | Dec 18, 2025 | Alumni Spotlight, Campus Ministry, School News
When 2024 graduate Arlette Silva wrote to Campus Minister Jim Dippold, she shared a remarkable year of spiritual and personal transformation at Fairfield University.
“I got confirmed,” she began, noting that although she did not grow up attending Sunday Mass regularly, she felt strongly that it was time for a change. “I really felt like I wanted to change that, so I took that big step.”
At Fairfield, Arlette became involved in Campus Ministry through a letter-writing program for local second graders. That experience helped prepare her for something even more meaningful: a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee Year. “I got to see the pope and visited beautiful basilicas. It was truly a life-changing experience.” It was also her first trip outside the United States.
Arlette shared that the start of this academic year was challenging mentally, but turning toward her faith helped her regain her footing. She began attending Mass regularly and completed training to become a Eucharistic Minister. Her first Mass in this role will be on November 30.
Service remains an important part of her life. She recently took part in an eco-immersion weekend on a farm in Connecticut, where students learned about simple living and caring for the poor. They also visited Casa Amistad, a community of tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness. “It was so sad,” she said of hearing how residents often have their belongings thrown away.
Her commitment to justice continues through the St. Oscar Romero Immersion Trip, originally planned for Peru but now set for Costa Rica. She and her group meet weekly to prepare and discuss readings such as Tattoos on the Heart by Fr. Greg Boyle.
Arlette closed her message by thanking Mr. Dippold for the foundation she built at CRSM. “I wanted to thank you for igniting this fire inside of me to want to continue to do good for people. I truly think it is the reason why I am the way I am today.”
Her words are a powerful reminder of how the values learned at CRSM continue to guide our alumni long after graduation.
by Miranda Eby | Dec 18, 2025 | Academic, School News
Cristo Rey St. Martin is proud to celebrate two of its dedicated educators, Rob Horcher and Elizabeth Partenach, who recently achieved National Board Teaching Certification, one of the most rigorous and respected credentials in the field of education.
The certification process is renowned for its high standards and reflective nature, requiring teachers to thoroughly examine their classroom practices, analyze their impact on student learning, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional growth. Achieving this milestone signifies not only mastery of teaching but also an unwavering dedication to students and to the craft of education itself.
Principal Mike Odiotti shared the news with the CRSM community, noting that the accomplishment reflects “a deep commitment to students, to the craft of teaching, and to ongoing growth as an educator.” He added that the achievement exemplifies the culture of excellence and reflective practice that defines the Cristo Rey St. Martin teaching community.
“We are fortunate to have educators who continually push themselves to grow for the benefit of our students and our community,” Odiotti wrote. “Their accomplishment is a powerful testament to the belief that great teaching is rooted in thoughtful, reflective practice.”
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Horcher and Ms. Partenach on this well-deserved recognition of their dedication, excellence, and passion for teaching.
by Miranda Eby | Nov 19, 2025 | CWSP, School News
Freshmen and sophomores at Cristo Rey St. Martin spent the day diving into career exploration and skill-building during this week’s Professional Development Day.
Sophomores connected one-on-one with 20 professionals from organizations including Abbott, AbbVie, the Collision Engineering Career Alliance, the Lake County Department of Transportation, Libertyville Bank and Trust, Overture Promotions, Pfizer, Union Tank Car Company (UTLX), and the Waukegan Park District, along with several retired professionals and consultants. Through informational interviews, students gained real-world insights and advice about different industries and career paths.
Meanwhile, freshmen heard from an inspiring panel of CRSM alumni who shared their experiences in college and the workplace, and offered valuable lessons on perseverance, purpose, and professional growth.
AbbVie volunteer and mentor Tania Bedrosian shared what motivates her to stay involved: “As a Latina, I think about how much it would have meant to have a mentor and guide when I was growing up. Being part of this program gives me the chance to offer that support to students with similar backgrounds and to give back in a meaningful way.”
A heartfelt thank-you to all our volunteers and alumni for making the day a success. Your time, expertise, and encouragement empower our students to dream bigger and step confidently toward their futures!
