by Miranda Eby | Jan 16, 2026 | Campus Ministry, School News
For the past ten years, the soulful sound of a saxophone has helped shape CRSM’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. worship services, guiding the community into reflection, prayer, and celebration. That sound belongs to Khalid Jernigan, a gifted saxophonist whose music has become a meaningful and beloved part of this annual tradition.
Khalid was first introduced to the CRSM community in 2016 by Dean of Students Pierre Edmonds, who recognized both his musical talent and the spirit he brings to prayer services. Since then, Pierre has continued to invite Khalid back each year, helping establish a tradition that many in the community now look forward to. With the exception of 2021, when services were disrupted by COVID, Khalid has faithfully returned to play for the MLK prayer service year after year.
In a brief interview, Khalid shared that his motivation goes beyond performance. “I just hope to empower the youth by doing what I love and sharing music and the Lord with them,” he said. His music reflects this mission, serving as both an artistic offering and a form of prayer that resonates deeply with students, staff, and guests.
Khalid has also witnessed CRSM’s growth over the years. “This school has come a long way. I remember when we were at the old campus. It was a lot smaller. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come,” he reflected. His long-standing presence connects the school’s different chapters, linking past and present through faith and music.
For Khalid, returning to CRSM each year is a source of joy and meaning. “I love being at this place and celebrating the Lord with this group of individuals,” he shared. That feeling is mutual. Campus Minister Jim Dippold reflected on Khalid’s impact, noting that his music has become inseparable from the MLK prayer service experience. “I know Stevie Wonder wrote and popularized ‘Happy Birthday’ for Dr. King,” Jim wrote, “but when I think of it, I hear Khalid on his sax, and my soul smiles.”
As CRSM celebrates 10 years of music and prayer, the community gives thanks for Khalid Jernigan’s humility, generosity, and commitment. Through the vision of leaders like Pierre Edmonds and the faithful presence of artists like Khalid, the MLK prayer service remains a powerful space where music, faith, and community come together.
by Miranda Eby | Jan 16, 2026 | CWSP, School News
Cristo Rey St. Martin students are off to a strong start through a new Corporate Work Study partnership with PurposeBuilt Brands (PBB), gaining valuable professional experience at the company’s Gurnee, Illinois and Somers, Wisconsin locations.
The partnership was established through a connection with Chris Bauder, Executive Chairman of the Board at PurposeBuilt Brands, with support from Peggy Talbot, a Cristo Rey St. Martin Board Member. PurposeBuilt Brands has warmly welcomed Cristo Rey St. Martin students into its operations, demonstrating a shared commitment to student growth and career development.
Eight students are currently participating in the partnership. Four students are placed at the Gurnee location, which combines manufacturing and office space and focuses on liquid products filled into spray bottles for distribution. Another four students work at the Somers, Wisconsin site, where cleaning tablets—such as those used in coffee machines—are manufactured. At both locations, students primarily support office-based operations while gaining insight into large-scale manufacturing environments.
During their first week onsite, students met individually with PurposeBuilt Brands team members to discuss their interests and future career goals. These conversations have already led to job shadowing, mentorship opportunities, and connections with employees in related fields.
“We are thrilled to partner with Cristo Rey St. Martin and welcome their students into our Gurnee and Somers sites,” said Elem Machado Tluczek of PurposeBuilt Brands. “Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and eagerness to learn have made an immediate positive impact.”
Both Cristo Rey St. Martin and PurposeBuilt Brands look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting students as they build skills, explore career paths, and prepare for future success.
by Miranda Eby | Jan 16, 2026 | Campus Ministry, School News
During Flex time on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, students gathered for a Lectio Divina prayer session led by Vincent, CRSM Class of 2028. Lectio Divina, Latin for “sacred reading,” is an ancient way of reading and praying with Scripture, inviting God’s word to speak to us and to rest quietly in our hearts. Vincent began hosting these weekly Tuesday sessions after a meaningful experience at the Viatorian Youth Congress this past summer.
Reflecting on his motivation, Vincent shared that he organized the gatherings because of his “powerful experience at the Viatorian Youth Congress during the summer and wanted to share and expand [his] faith with the greater CRSM community.” Jim Dippold, Director of Campus Ministry, said, “I’m grateful for Vincent’s leadership and the example he gives to others, students and staff — his genuine desire to grow in his own faith and to invite others into prayer helps to make God’s presence more visible in our community.”
According to Mr. Dippold, Vincent has been leading Lectio Divina during the Flex period for the past few months. Attendance has remained small but consistent, bringing together students from multiple grade levels along with staff members, including Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Kendall. This student-led initiative highlights the impact of retreat experiences and the leadership students bring to the spiritual life of the CRSM community.
by Miranda Eby | Jan 16, 2026 | Development, School News
For nearly seven years, Susan Felitto has been a dedicated volunteer at Cristo Rey St. Martin, supporting students through the college application process and serving on the Event Planning Committee. What began as working directly with students quickly grew into a deep connection to the school’s mission and culture.
Susan started volunteering in college counseling in 2019. “This has been my seventh year of the college counseling process,” she shared. “First, it really started with the students, but then it just kind of transcended everything, just being at Cristo Rey and being in that environment.” Wanting to do more, she later joined the Event Planning Committee, where she has volunteered for the past three years.
Susan says the school’s culture is what keeps her coming back. “From the minute I met one of the students for the first time, there was just something so special about the dynamic and the culture,” she said. “You could really feel it, and it made for such a rewarding experience.” She describes CRSM as collaborative, faith-based, and committed to excellence across students, staff, and volunteers alike.
Some of Susan’s most meaningful moments come from working with students on their college essays. “Their willingness to be completely open and vulnerable, sharing their personal stories, really struck me,” she shared. “When we finished their essay, and they felt so proud of it, it honestly gave me the chills.”
Through her work on the Event Planning Committee, Susan has also seen the impact of CRSM on a larger scale. Attending her first Elevate event was especially powerful. “Watching the story unfold made me very emotional,” she said. “To know I was even a small part of something that brings so much pride and joy was incredible.” Seeing the school’s strong outcomes has only deepened her commitment. “The numbers back it up,” she added. “Admissions, retention, college acceptance, it is so wonderful to see.”
Susan often brings friends and family to CRSM events and says the enthusiasm is contagious. “People quickly say, How could you not support this?” she shared. “It is such a great story.”
Reflecting on her experience, Susan shared, “In a time when so many things can make you feel hopeless, this really lifts me up. It is so empowering to be a part of.”
We are grateful for Susan’s continued dedication and the impact she has on our students and community.
by Miranda Eby | Jan 16, 2026 | Alumni Spotlight, School News
Alondra Murillo, a Cristo Rey St. Martin Class of 2018 graduate, is a powerful example of how the Corporate Work Study Program can shape long-term success and come full circle. Now a Senior HR Operations Specialist at AbbVie, Alondra is also supervising a current CRSM student intern in the same department where she once worked as a student.
After graduating from CRSM, Alondra balanced full-time work with college, earning her bachelor’s degree in HR Management from UIC and later a Master’s in Business Administration from Dominican University. For the majority of her undergraduate career, she continued working at AbbVie, transitioning from a student worker to an intern and finally to a full-time employee.
This year marks the first time in five years that Alondra’s team has hosted a Cristo Rey student. Drawing from her own experience, she is intentional about creating a supportive environment.
“I know coming in as a student, it’s very frightening because your grade depends on it and your tuition depends on it. I really try to take that pressure off.”
Reflecting on CWSP’s impact, Alondra credits the program with opening doors she had not originally planned to pursue.
“When I realized I didn’t want to be pre-med anymore, I had options, and the corporate world was one of them because of the Corporate Work Study Program.”
Now stepping into a leadership role, Alondra sees supervising a student as a way to give back.
“I’m hopeful I can give back by mentoring somebody and helping them grow into wherever they’re meant to be.”
Alondra’s journey highlights the lasting impact of Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study Program and the power of alumni who return to support the next generation.
