Office of the President
De La Salle Institute Announces New President
May 3, 2024
Chicago – May 3, 2024
The Board of Directors of De La Salle Institute, celebrating its 135th year of educating students in
Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Zunica
as its next President. Zunica, with vast experience in athletics, development and leadership in
the Chicago Catholic League, becomes De La Salle’s 4th President.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead a historic institution like De
La Salle. I look forward to leading our school and community as we ensure De La Salle’s place
at the top of the list of high schools, not only on the southside of Chicago, but across the
country” said Zunica, who begins his term on June 1, 2024.
Mike Zunica is a Chicago native and graduate of St. Francis De Sales High School, with a B.A.
in Business Administration from St. Xavier University. Mike learned at an early age from his
parents, Leandro and Carol, the importance of serving the community and giving back, which
lead him to leave behind a successful career at the Chicago Board of Trade in 1996 to serve
Catholic high school students in Chicago. Mike has since devoted his life to Catholic education,
serving as a baseball coach, Athletic Director, Director of Advancement and President, during
his 31 years of service.
“After our extensive search, it was clear that Mike is a passionate, authentic and inspirational
leader, driven by faith and mission, devoted to ensuring that any institution he leads makes a
difference in the lives of its students. His impeccable experience and track record of success
make him the ideal individual to lead De La Salle,” said Steven Burrows ‘91, Chairman of the
De La Salle Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Presidential Search Team.
De La Salle Principal Tom Schergen ’97, added “I am excited to welcome Mike to the De La
Salle community. Mike is a proven leader in Catholic education and I look forward to
collaborating with him as we continue to support the De La Salle community while upholding
the LaSallian mission and 135 years of excellence. After 20 years of watching Mike’s successes,
it is nice to now be on the same team.”
Mike is a member of the St. Xavier University Hall of Fame (2004), the Chicago Catholic
League Hall of Fame (2012), the Sports Faith International Hall of Fame (2016), the St. Rita
High School Hall of Fame (2018), and is an 8-time Illinois High School Baseball Coach of the
Year.
Jeffrey Bryk ‘89, Vice Chairman of the De La Salle Board of Directors stated “I am excited to
see the fresh perspectives and positive changes Mike will bring to the De La Salle community.
The Meteors have a bright future under his leadership.”
“With Mike’s strong Catholic League background and track record, his leadership will be
unmatched. We look forward to working with him and ensuring a bright future for De La Salle,”
stated Mark Tomassini ’88, Board and Search Team member.
“When you speak to Mike Zunica, your immediate reaction is we are going to win, and as
you speak further, you see he is also extremely thoughtful and very well prepared.
Under his leadership, the Meteors will grow as a force in the Chicago Catholic League,”
added Michael Passarelli ’90, Board and Search Team member.
“I have shaped my career by working side by side with like minded people who share
my same passion and vision” Zunica stated. “My goal has always been to treat every
student and co-worker with the utmost respect and never ask anyone to do
something that I wasn’t willing to do alongside them. I immediately fell in love with
the story of St. John Baptist de La Salle and his approach to education and mission.
I look forward, along with my new family, to providing what I believe is the greatest
gift we can give to a young man or woman — a Lasallian Catholic education.”
Mike and his wife of 33 years, Jacqui, are the proud parents of three children [ Camille 32,
Mikey 29 and Mateo 26 ].
