b'Making a DifferenceA FORCE FOR GOODMyron Achbach has found ways to use his history and deep connections with the Marianist Family to help people in ways large and small. By Kevin ConwayE ducator. Exceptional administrator. Servant Myron joined the admissions team in 1970 and whenleader. Force for good. Those who know Myron the director of admissions left in 1974, I was offeredAchbach agree: Hes all those thingsand more. that position, says Myron, a role he held for 27 years.These attributes are part of his legacy of distinguished Upon retirement, he was named director emeritus. service in the Marianist Family for more than 60 years. Among his many accomplishments, Myron helpedOf Myrons many Marianist roles, his career in edu- the university establish a connection to high schoolcation, both at the high school and university levels, students in Puerto Rico. Today, about 20 studentsshines brightest. from Puerto Rico attendMyron grew up in a close, traditional Catholic UD each year, and his I admire who thefamily in a small community north of Dayton, Ohio. efforts are acknowl- Marianists are andHis call to a Catholic vocation came while attending edged in the Myron what they do inChaminade High School in Dayton (now Chaminade Achbach Scholarship service for others.Julienne Catholic High School), where he first encoun- for students from thistered the Marianists.Caribbean island.Jan AchbachTheir influence led him to profess vows in the Society Looking back, Myronof Mary in 1955. Upon graduating from University of is pleased with how the admissions staff under hisDayton (UD) in 1958, Myron began his first teaching leadership tried to embody Marianist values, he says.assignment at Cathedral Latin School, a former Marianist We had a great spirit and atmosphere as we workedhigh school in Cleveland. I learned a lot at Cathedral to accomplish what Blessed Chaminade taught. Latinabout teaching students, relating to their In 1989, the Marianists honored Myrons decades ofparents, living in community, friendshipsand service with the prestigious Lackner Award. Namedabout what it means to be Catholic and Marianist, after Marianist Brother Elmer Lackner, the awardhe says. While in Cleveland, he also earned a masters honors a lay member of the UD faculty or staff whodegree in history at Western Reserve University. makes a significant contribution to the Catholic andAfter eight magical years at Cathedral Latin, as Marianist character of the university.Myron describes them, he moved to Cincinnati to teach Myron and his wife, Jan, were married in UDshistory and serve as assistant principal at Purcell High chapel nearly 50 years ago. Jan, who hails fromSchool (now Purcell Marian High School). Then, in Cincinnati, had a long career as an English teacher.1969, he found himself at a turning pointa water- Together they raised two daughters, Molly and Sarah,shed moment. After nearly 20 years as a professed both UD graduates. Having a family is primary to me,Marianist, Myron made the decision to leave the Society says Myron, but I have never regretted my years asand return to lay life.a Marianist Brother. His love for the Marianists led Myron to join Common1969: A new chapter begins Bond, a 700-member association of former MarianistMyron moved to Dayton and taught at Archbishop priests and brothers who, along with their families,Alter High School. It was his first exposure to girls began meeting every three years, starting in 2001, within the classroom. This coeducational experience members of the Marianist Family. Although theseserved him well in the next chapter of his Marianist gatherings ended in 2015, future meetings are beingjourneythe UD admissions team. planned, says Myron. These reunions offer us a way16 Call 1.800.348.4732'