Page 23 - Salesianum - Distinguished Gentleman - Summer 2020

got their tuxes too. The boxes were so popular, it’s hard not to see some elements of this continuing in the years to come, social distancing
or not.”
Alumni also became involved in
the ceremony, not solely as authors of personal letters to graduates in their commencement kits, but also in vignettes that were filmed along
a virtual pilgrimage from 8th & West Streets to the current campus, which helped enhance the sense of community and spiritual connection between generations. Mike Querey ’90, president of the Salesianum Alumni Association, shared a unique perspective on graduation
as both a parent and an active alumnus: “As a father, I was amazed the school did so much to make my son (Matt Querey ’20) literally feel the love from our living room. But I was also amazed at the response of guys living across the country who couldn’t wait to share insights and encouragement with our grads. It was awesome.”
Salesianum still plans to host a formal recognition of the class of 2020 so they may assume their place in the bleachers like so many classes before. In the meantime, they have officially joined the ranks of Salesianum alumni. Brendan Kennealey ’94, president
of Salesianum, frames graduation this way: “These kids are heading off to college in a few short weeks and we don’t know when we can host a gathering large enough
to accommodate a Salesianum graduation. We needed to make them graduates. I’m proud we did it in the absolutely best way possible given the circumstances.”
See for yourself at vimeo.com/wsal.
SALESIANUM. WHERE MODERN MEN BEGIN. 21