b'management style, he helped transform this Marianist- interest that served what I was trying to do in mysponsored college prep school into one of the best ministry. Catholic schools in the country. He placed Chaminade Among his many accomplishments, Father Ralphon firm financial footing and enhanced its reputation and his Chaminade leadership team earned thefor academic excellence.schools designation as a National Blue Ribbon SchoolWell-known as a quick wit and avid reader, Father by the U.S. Department of Education in 2016. HisRalph also was an outstanding photographer and contributions also were spotlighted in 2017 when hegourmet cook. But he will be remembered most for received the Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award fromhis role as a shepherd who accompanied thousands the National Catholic Educational Association.of boys on their spiritual and life journeys.After an already distinguished career in a variety The glue thatof Marianist roles, in 1987, Father Ralph returned to keeps us togetherSt. Louis, his hometown, and was named president Chaminades board, of Chaminade. To many, he embodied the schools administration and Fathermotto, Esto Vir (Be A Man)meaning be a good,Ralph were united infaithful, respectful, kind and courageous human being. their confidence in ToddJoe Eckelkamp, chair of the board of trustees, had Guidrys ability to servethree sons graduate from Chaminade. Father Ralph as presidentthe firstwas probably the best CEO of any secular or religious non-professed Marianistorganization Ive ever encountered, he says. He had to serve in that role.a humble confidence. And he had a clear vision for Todd, 40, grew up inAmong his many gifts, the late the school, along with great foresight. Louisiana and beganFather Ralph Siefert, SM, waswell-known for his gourmet Joe says that Father Ralph lived the Marianist serving at Chaminade cooking, often auctioning his Charism wholeheartedly, and by example, gifted it 14 years ago as associate skills at school fundraisers. to the school. It didnt happen overnight, he says. director of campus But part of his legacy ministry. Prior to joiningPHOTO: CURT DENNISONwas his constant rein- the school, he taught the- President Todd Guidry, forcement of the charism ology for several years at Chaminade College and Esto Vir culture, of two Catholic high schools: Preparatory-St. Louistaking responsibility for Brother Martin High School in New Orleans and Elderyourself and being mind- High School in Cincinnati.ful of the needs of others. Todd earned a bachelors degree in theology fromFather Ralph delighted Xavier University in Cincinnati and earned both hisin meeting parents and masters and doctors degrees in educational leader-alumni. He even influ- ship and administration from Saint Louis University. enced some studentsJack Twellman was tapped to succeed Todd asvocations to religious life. Chaminade Middle School principal. Jack has servedHis approachable person- at Chaminade for eight years, both as a sixth-gradeality and open officesocial studies teacher and recently as a middlealong with his always-full school counselor.candy bowlendeared Todd acknowledges that the leadership team ishim to students.following in big footsteps. We are who we are as aFather Ralph also was school because of Father Ralph, he says. Our stronga familiar and spirited academic program, extracurricular and faith-developmentpresence at school events programs, our financial stability, our world-class cam- often donning his pus, our deep embrace of the Marianist Charism, andcamera. He once said:the loyalty of our faculty, staff, alumni and parentsallI discovered that photo- of itare a direct result of Father Ralphs leadership.graphing students activi- High School Principal Phillip Rone adds, We willties was a great way to continue the direction that Father Ralph established.connect with them. He knew we would not always have a vowed MarianistIt blossomed into anleading Chaminade. And we are prepared for that.8 Call 1.800.348.4732'