Inspired by the life of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of teachers, a graduate of De La Salle Institute Chicago, through their attitudes, actions and words, is:
A PERSON OF FAITH
A De La Salle Institute graduate has faith in the presence of God; embraces the Christian values of love, respect, compassion and generosity; and actively nurtures their spirituality. Seeing the world through eyes of faith, a core principle of Lasallian education is “Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.”
AN ADVOCATE FOR SERVICE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
A De La Salle Institute graduate seeks a life based on Christian values. The graduate is aware of poverty and injustice in the world and through education, community service and advocacy actively works to understand and dismantle systems of oppression. A De La Salle Institute graduate “Enters to Learn and Leaves to Serve” realizing the privilege of a Catholic, private education is for service to and solidarity with others.
A BUILDER OF COMMUNITY
A De La Salle Institute graduate actively builds community by respecting the value and dignity of all. A person steeped in the Lasallian charism is well-rounded and cultivates community by being compassionate and accepting of individual and collective strengths and limitations. Diversity and inclusion are embraced. No one is left out, and everyone finds a place. This is expressed in the common phrase for Lasallian education worldwide: “The Lasallian Family.”
AN ACHIEVER OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
A De La Salle Institute graduate is prepared for college, career and life. Graduates have acquired the practical skills required to function productively in society and do so with the ability to think critically and to make sound judgments. Graduates take responsibility for their own education and become lifelong learners. This core principle of Lasallian education is expressed in the ideal: “Teaching Minds and Touching Hearts.”
A LEADER WITH INTEGRITY
A De La Salle Institute graduate is a courageous leader. Graduates live life rooted in Christian principles and model honesty, authenticity, trustworthiness and accountability. Graduates have learned resilience and are aware of their strengths and limitations. They make conscious choices and are fully aware of how one’s actions affect others. They know, as stated by our founder Saint John Baptist de La Salle, “God has chosen you to do his work.”
Adopted in 2022
