School News

The Women of D: Mrs. Iris Gist-Cochran During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Mrs. Gist-Cochran.She is the Director of Development in the Office of Advancement and has been at De La Salle since 2001. Her day-to-day activities vary greatly, however, her overall goal is to raise funds for the Meteors and for the school. Background and Journey to De La Salle“I have a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Non-Profit Management,” she says about her professional development and educational journey. “With more than 30 years of fundraising expertise, I was hired at De La Salle Institute nearly 20 years ago to help raise funds for the school. I love my job!” What inspires you about De La Salle?Ms. Gist-Cochran enjoys being a part of the De La Salle family and talks about how “it is very gratifying to know that the funds I help raise are directly helping the students at De La Salle. My…

The Women of D: Mrs. Carrie Contreras During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Mrs. Contreras.She is the Dean of Language Arts and has been at De La Salle since August 2002. She teaches and oversees three departments including English, languages, and fine arts. In addition, she helps edit the yearbook and is a junior class co-moderator. Background and Journey to De La Salle“I taught English and theater in public schools before arriving at De La Salle 19 years ago,” she notes. “I decided to apply for a job here at De La Salle where I could still teach and also work with teachers to help them reach their goals while encouraging them to strive to be their best.” What inspires you about De La Salle?“I enjoy the diversity of our student body,” she described as part of her daily inspiration at De La Salle. “I am blessed to work closely with the teachers in my…

De La Salle Blood Drive is here! Help save lives.Papa John's is once again sponsoring the March Blood Drive (March 1-March 31) and providing free pizza to those who participate. Details are as follows:Click here. This will take you to the page to “pledge” to be a part of the VBD and to donateAfter you fill out the form you will then receive a second email (based on the email address you give during the “pledge”). You must open this email and click on the link to schedule your appointment at one of our 17 donor centers around the Chicagoland area. PLEASE NOTE that the group name WILL NOT be listed but by using the link  and searching for the donor center you wish to donate at, it will automatically know which group you are donating under.Donate on the day you schedule. If for any reason you miss your appointment and need to reschedule, you should use the link again to reschedule in order to be able to be tracked.*As a reminder, all donors will receive a free Covid-19 antibody test with a completed donation. And all donors will receive a coupon for a free Papa John’s pizza at the time of donation…

It is with great sadness that De La Salle announces the passing of faculty member Brother Ralph Heppe, FSC.Brother Ralph began his teaching career at De La Salle Institute. He returned to our neighborhood in retirement to the St. Benilde Community on Indiana Avenue (just blocks from De La Salle Institute) where he was in residence from 2005-2018. He later moved to the St. Paul Community for additional care.Brother Ralph Heppe, FSC, born into life on May 15, 1936, was a dedicated Christian Brother for 66 years and died in the Lord on February 9, 2021."We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love our brothers. Whoever does not love is still in death. This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We, too, then, ought to give our lives for our brothers!”(1 John 3:14, 16) BROTHER RALPH HEPPE | Assignments:De La Salle Institute, Chicago, IL | 1958-1962Providence Catholic HS, New Lenox, IL | 1962-1964St. George HS, Evanston, IL | 1964-1967Scholasticate, Lockport, IL | 1967-1970Christian Brothers Center, Lockport, IL | 1970-1974St. Patrick HS, Chicago, IL | 1974-2003San Miguel School, Chicago, IL | 2003-2005De La Salle-Benilde,…