Annual President’s Reception Celebrates Leadership and Legacy

On Thursday, May 28, the St. Rita Office of Institutional Advancement hosted its Annual President’s Reception, celebrating the leadership and legacy of former principal, Hall of Fame inductee, and current Alumni and Athletic Chaplain, Father Bernard Danber, O.S.A. ’68, as well as former President of St. Rita of Cascia High School, Deacon John Donahue, J.D., Ed.D. (HON).

First, we commemorated our brick walkway in honor of Father Danber renaming it The Rev. Bernard R. Danber, O.S.A. ’68 Alumni Walkway. This dedication was to honor Father Danber’s 40th anniversary of priesthood and recognize his instrumental role in relocating St. Rita from its longtime campus at 63rd and Claremont to its current home at 77th and Western—a contribution that earned him the title of “The Second Founder of St. Rita High School.” We also recognize his continued service to the St. Rita Family as Alumni and Athletic Chaplain, providing faith-based support to generations of Ritamen.

In addition, former St. Rita President Deacon John Donahue was recognized and presented with a diploma bestowing him as an Honorary Alumnus of St. Rita of Cascia High School in appreciation of his distinguished leadership and his enduring commitment to the advancement of our school’s mission, students, and community.

“First and foremost, the Annual President's Reception is a thank you to our generous supporters; this year, at the event, we were also pleased to acknowledge Fr. Danber and Deacon John for their tremendous leadership,” Chief Advancement Officer Mike Swanson said. “St. Rita is set up for a new era of even greater success right now, thanks to our strong support and leadership.”

We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our generous supporters—both those who attended and those who were unable to join us—for your continued generosity and commitment to our shared mission.

Join us in continuing the legacy by making a gift before our fiscal year ends on June 30.