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This year’s annual report for Canisius High School arrives at a unique moment in our school’s
history. Several months ago, we bid farewell to John Knight after his four year tenure as president.
John helped steer the school through the critically important transition from Jesuit to lay leadership, a
transition that has been occurring with greater frequency in Jesuit institutions nationwide. He initiated
the Ignatian Mission & Identity Ofce with The Rev. Bob Pecoraro, S.J. at the helm as vice president
and the two year-old Alumni Volunteer Corps program. John also helped complete an undertaking
begun by Fr. JimHiggins—a major campus renovation. We wish him well in his new endeavor.
Because the board is blessed with strong leadership, we were able to call upon one of our own,
alumnus and former trustee P. Joseph Koessler ‘81, to serve as interim president for 2012–2013.
Joe brings deep knowledge and love for his alma mater, strong family connections to the school, and
vitally important experience as a business executive. He stepped of the board to take on this new
responsibility, but Canisius already is beneftting from his exceptional background and skills.
This past spring, I named Dr. Thomas Lombardo ‘65 to chair a search committee that will fll the
position of president. Tom and an extremely capable group of current and former trustees, composed
of religious, business leaders, and past and current heads of school, are entering the fnal phase of
their work. The eforts of these distinguished men and women together with feedback from all CHS
constituencies will bring us, I am sure, a ftting and successful result.
The board this year also expressed its deepest thanks for the generous service and commitment of
trustees Michael Montante ‘86 and Anthony Domino ‘56, who completed their tenures on the board.
Both helped the board lead through a transformational period in the life of Canisius.
The board approved two new trustees: Kenneth Kencel ‘77 is managing director of the Middle Market
Division of New York City-based Carlyle Group. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a
signifcant record of success in global fnance. The Rev. Phillip Judge, S.J. is president of Regis High
School in New York, a well-regarded Jesuit high school for boys.
This remains a truly exciting time for Canisius as we walk the halls with one of the largest and most
qualifed incoming freshman classes in our history. We prepare to welcome a new president with
experience and vision to help fulfll the board’s strategic plan. With strong leadership executing a
visionary plan, I have no doubt we will move forward to set new standards of excellence and
accomplishment in this great institution.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
David J. Kersten ‘79
Chairman
m e s s a g e
from the
ch a i r m a n