Bro. Robert Carnaghi, Bill Fox ‘50, and Tony Mattar ‘50. Mattar is on the Board of Trustees and facilitated the gift with Fox and DLS.
De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren, MI has received a philanthropic gift of $5 million from Bill Fox, Class of 1950. It is the largest donation in the school’s history.
The gift will complete the school’s most recent capital campaign, “Preserving the Legacy,” started in 2004. The project includes a new chapel, academic wing, science labs, music room, and extensive technological upgrades. A portion of the gift will establish the William M. Fox Endowed Scholarship Fund at De La Salle. The funding will also be used for improvements to the school’s gymnasium and parking facilities.
“Bill Fox’s gift is a testament to the fact that De La Salle makes a difference for young men and their families, and that the experience of a Lasallian education is worth preserving,” said Brother Robert Carnaghi, De La Salle’s outgoing President.
A consistent benefactor, Fox has actively supported the school’s goal of making a Lasallian education affordable for all students. He was an honoree at the school’s 2005 annual Christian Brothers’ Dinner.
“I hope this gift from the Fox Family will keep De La Salle going strong in its mission as ‘Builders of Boys, Makers of Men,'” Fox said.
Fox reflected on his education at De La Salle. “It seems just yesterday I was a student here, getting an education that was priceless. One of our teachers, Bro. Brendan Patrick, used to say at least once a day: ‘Be a tree. And if you can’t be a tree, be a bush. And if you can’t be a bush, be a blade of grass. But be the best at whatever you do.’ The dynamic educators at De La Salle were able to take this poor kid from the East Side and make him a man.”
The gift was presented at a special tribute to Bro. Robert on June 26. At that time, the school’s Board of Trustees named Brother Robert “President Emeritus.” His accomplishments at the school since 2002 include the “Preserving the Legacy” Capital Campaign, planned expectancies of over $4 million, and a steady enrollment of more than 800 students. In 2010, Br. Bob initiated the “Brothers’ Promise,” which ensures tuition will be paid for a student whose parent may experience a job loss.
A Christian Brother for more than 60 years, Bro. Robert will continue to be associated with the school, assisting students as a tutor and assisting the incoming President. Bro. Thomas Lackey ’65 will return this summer to his alma mater as President.