Breaking news! There’s a new president in office, and it isn’t Trump nor Hilary—meet President Brian Liedlich of St. Viator high school! The first week of school includes a lot of putting your ducks into a row, and if you’re President Liedlich, there are quite a few ducks.

“There have been no surprises so far, and I’m anxious to get to know the students and their families better,” said President Liedlich.

President Liedlich is no stranger to schools, being the father of four children, three of whom have attended Viator.
“Sarah graduated Viator in 2012, Emma in 2015, and Andrew just this year. I actually took my son, Andrew, to college at Xavier University of Cincinnati the day we started classes here at Viator,” said Mr. Liedlich.

“We have a son named Jack who is an eighth grader at St. Anne’s and will be joining the Viator community next year. So, I have one year to get my feet [before starting the process all over again]” said Mr. Liedlich.

He hails far from the Midwest, and far from the teeth-chattering cold of a winter day in the science hallway.
“I grew up in southern California, and attended Servite High School, an all-boys Catholic high school in Anaheim California. My parents moved to Chicago when I finished high school. I attended Marquette University,” said Liedlich.

The road that led Mr. Liedlich to the Saint Viator presidency is extensive, diverse, and has shaped his role at the school today.

“From 1983 to 2003 I worked for a fundraising consultant firm called CCS, a national firm,” he said. “I have raised money for Catholic high schools, school systems, dioceses, and education. I worked at Marquette University for four years as a fundraising capacity and in the last four years I worked for advocate healthcare. I was on staff here from 2003-2008 as the Director of Institutional Advancement, and I have been a member of the board of trustees here for the past six years. This is my first job as a president.”

So why did Viator call his name?

“When the announcement was made that Father Corey wouldn’t be coming back for another term, Father Tom Von Behren asked me whether I would consider taking the job,” Mr. Liedlich said “I wasn’t really thinking about it, but I prayed and talked to my family. Due to all the love I have for the school and our kids’ experience, I couldn’t pass it by. I believe that God puts you in circumstances for a reason and it’s up to you to decide whether to respond or not.”

A new president marks a huge transition in leadership, and many students and faculty may be anticipating a change in guidance. What should they expect for this school year and beyond?

“An initiative strategic plan was made in 2007, but we need to update that and have a conversation about what makes us different as a school,” Mr. Leidlich said.  “I’m not going to come in and just change everything really quickly, but I believe we should focus on behaviors of excellence and recommit ourselves to our mission.”

Prayer! Fasting! Almsgiving! Academic excellence. Retreats and Ric Flairs. While Viator’s spiritual and educational achievements are undeniably extraordinary, President Liedlich suggests a fresh outlook on how students, their peers, and teachers interact.

“Teachers, rethink your positions and recognize that you spend the most time with our students, and you have an opportunity to create strong relationships, challenge, and emotionally support students,” he said.

High school, more often than not, is stressful. The pressures of schoolwork batter students from all sides, and the will to succeed academically can override relationships, rest, and even one’s own health. Peers compete for parts in the musical and positions on a team. As everyone in the school and in the country scrambles over one another reaching for the highest rungs of achievement, high school students can easily forget that the same battle burns in us all and illuminates our flaws, strengths, and ultimately our same human struggle.

Addressing the student body, President Liedlich offers another alternative.

“Students, support each other,” he said. “Appreciate the opportunity your parents have given you here at this school, focus on supporting your peers, and help them become the best people they can be. It’s not just your own achievement that matters, but how you can make a better community. Reach out to your peers in a deeper way.”