www.canisiushigh.org
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arry Castellani must be on a first-name basis with flight attendants on the New York to
Washington, D.C., route. As amanaging director of Strategas Research Partners, a firmthat advises
institutional investors on strategy, economics, public policy and more, he has to be as familiar
with the ins and outs of the nation’s capital as he is withWall Street.
Though it might appear a bit intimidating,
“helping investors make investment decisions
based upon our firm’s research is fun,” Castellani
says. One day, he might be counseling a hedge
fund on economic data, the next, meeting with
portfolio managers at a mutual fund, advising
them on how coming legislation could affect the
stock market.
“The last five years have been quite interesting,
to say the least, for the financial markets and pol-
itics. We’ve had a front row seat for that,” he says.
The personal side of Castellani’s life is similar-
ly fast paced. He, his wife and their baby daugh-
ter live in Connecticut where he is a volunteer
fireman, a role he also played during college at
Colgate University. The job takes a considerable
amount of training. “You learn how to make
quick decisions under pressure, solve problems
and work as a team,” he explains. The dichotomy
between his mentally challenging professional
life and his physically demanding volunteer role
is obvious, and “a nice contrast. Being tied to a
desk all day, the fire department provides amuch
different perspective on life. But the lessons are
interchangeable.”
The foundation for his work ethic—“all day,
every day, start to finish”—was laid at Canisius.
His time there had a major impact on his life.
“Attending Canisius was an opportunity to have
a fantastic high school education and learn the
day-to-day Jesuit values: Honesty, humility and
dedication to a task without question or hesita-
tion. It was integrity to the highest standard,”
says Castellani.
Interestingly, though he seems to relish mo-
tion in one formor another, Castellani still values
most the quiet internal growth that took place
at Canisius. “You can’t coach integrity and other
values, but they can be instilled as you watch the
example of others. When I look back on my time
at the school, I appreciate the example set by the
Jesuits and other teachers.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the school’s
dedication to educating kids to grow to be
Canisius men. They sacrifice so much for the
good of kids.”
Indeed, Castellani hopes that this article can
serve as a “call to arms” for alumni and parents
to be active in solidifying the future of Canisius
High School and keeping it on solid ground for
future generations. “As alums, we should never
forget the great education we received and the
sacrifice that people put forth for us,” he says.
“We shouldn’t wait for the school to ask us; we
should be proactively involved in giving back in
any capacity.”
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“My father always said, ‘
Always try to surround yourself with great
friends. It’s all a team effort
.’ You formbonds with themen of Canisius
High School and the basis of thought that guides you throughout life.”
Larry Castellani ‘97
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