Odessa, FL; St. George Class of 1952

I attended Christian Brothers schools, St. George High School and St. Mary’s University, for eight years. In those years, the Brothers had a profound influence on my life. Br. Hyacinth Bernard Lane, and his brother, Brother Robert Lane specifically, set examples and modeled compassion. Br. Bernard would have a special daily talk, only about three minutes that included an idea to carry throughout your day. Those short messages changed my life. 

Br. Charles, the head of Biology at St. Mary’s was tremendously inspirational. That is important—because today, I am a retired surgeon. A retired surgeon with one eye resulting from an early childhood accident. There were so many people who didn’t think I could become a surgeon in this condition. In part, because of the example and acceptance of the Christian Brothers, I did.

The Christian Brothers did so much for me. They were wonderful during a very difficult time. Following their example of compassion and selfless giving, I wanted to give back as well. I had become involved in trap shooting and started an organization called the Chair Shooters. It is an organization for children in wheelchairs to learn trap shooting as well as life. The group is now called Chair Scholars and is inclusive beyond students in wheelchairs. I’m proud to say that over the last twenty years, we have helped 3,600 students attend college.  

The thing that most impresses me about the Christian Brothers, then and now, is that they truly are brothers. I have seen how hard they work, and for little or no pay. They get transferred all over the world. They are so unselfish and get along so well. I saw their humanity. I saw their compassion. They didn’t care if I had one eye or two eyes. From them, I learned a great deal. The Christian Brothers made me the person I am today.