Loading....
Our Honorees
Dan and Sue White
Dan and Sue White have been active supporters of Verbum Dei Jesuit for over 20 years. Their deep respect for Jesuit education is what drew them to the Verb, and it was fellow Santa Clara University alum Fr. Scott Santarosa, S.J. who asked them to teach at the Verb after Dan’s retirement from a successful career as an actuary. Beginning in the 1999-2000 school year, Sue and Dan began tutoring students and in 2000, they moved into the classroom as Advanced Math teachers. In addition to volunteering as math teachers, Sue and Dan have participated in the Adopt-A-Student Program. Through teaching and mentoring legions of Verb students, they have forged lifelong relationships with many of our alumni. Sue and Dan have been loyal sponsors of the Annual Gala, and a steadfast example of the type of person we hope the young men of Verbum Dei Jesuit seek to emulate as adults and members of their own communities. The entire Verbum Dei Jesuit community is deeply appreciative of Dan and Sue White’s generosity and excited to honor them as a 2023 Gala Honoree.
Rev. Gregory M. Goethals, S.J
Fr. Gregory M. Goethals, S.J., President of Loyola High School of Los Angeles, a Glendale, CA native, graduated from Loyola High in 1973 and became President in 2006. During his 17 years as President, Fr. Goethals has overseen the successful execution of the $100 million-plus Campaign for Loyola, which included shepherding the completion of the Hannon Ardolf Building complex and the upgrading of Loyola Hall as well as spearheading and completing the remodeling of Ruppert Hall for the Jesuit Community’s living quarters and the Advancement offices. Both he and Loyola High School have been instrumental to Verbum Dei Jesuit since 2000 when the Jesuits arrived at Verbum Dei Jesuit. Fr. Greg served on the Verbum Dei Jesuit board from 2007-2014. The doors of Loyola have always been open for hosting events such as our faculty retreats and our Corporate Work Study Program end-of-year reception. Loyola has supported the Gala for the past 16 years. Fr. Greg and Loyola are, without a doubt, a true example of A.M.D.G. It is our distinct pleasure to recognize their service to Verbum Dei Jesuit.
Class of 2023
Since entering Verbum Dei Jesuit in 2019, the Class of 2023 has diligently applied themselves to their course work, their work study jobs, their personal development, and their quest to become men for others. 72% of the Class of 2023 will be first-generation college students, yet just as the 14 graduating classes preceding them, a 100% college acceptance rate is expected.
In Memoriam
Omer Simeon
At the age of three, Omer, together with a family of 4 brothers and 4 sisters, moved from Chicago to Los Angeles. He attended St. Lawrence of Brindisi Grammar School, St. Agnes High, and Loyola University. He saw education as an expansion of the opportunities in life. He was passionate that every young person be given a chance to learn, and encouraged to make the most of their drive. Omer saw Verbum Dei Jesuit as a calling where he could help so many realize that dream. After becoming involved as a board member, the mission grew and he soon became Board Chair. Omer always served where he was needed and was one of the rare individuals who had no status of place. He would build the booth, man it and collect the proceeds. You could call for almost anything and knew Omer would be there, and the job would be done well. Omer loved the Adopt-A-Student Program. He particularly enjoyed having a connection with the students as he genuinely understood their struggles. Together with his wife Cynthia, they began putting together suitcase packages for students going away to college and Cynthia continues to do so. We hope you will join us in honoring his legacy by supporting The Omer Simeon Adopt-A-Student Memorial Fund.