Alumnus Finds Inner Superhero

He Calls on Fellow Alumni to Get Involved

Dave Pateros '66 knows that Catholic education at OLG can give a child a better chance to succeed in life and wants other alumni to get involved.

As a donor and an advocate for Our Lady of Grace School, Dave joined the ranks of alumni, students, teachers, parents, friends, and parishioners who make up the noble and enthusiastic band of OLG Superheroes.

Dave got involved after months of thinking about the importance of the education he received throughout his life. "It was at OLG that the foundation of my education was formed and my commitment to success, both professionally and personally, began," he explained. Pateros is also a graduate of the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and is now a managing director at a private bank.

During a visit in 2010, David met dedicated teachers and motivated students and quickly offered to help. In conversations with Principal Sr. Rita and Board Members, he discovered that although the school charges tuition at discount rates, over half of the families needed financial aid.

Access to quality education is essential to overcome many of the obstacles facing children in the city, especially children in low-income communities. In 2010, 1 out of 11 students attending a Chicago public school dropped out of high school. Without a high school diploma, a person is at greater risk of getting involved in crime, being unemployed, and living in poverty.

The challenges begin in the primary grades. Unfortunately, more than half of the elementary public schools in the 60647 zip code are on probation. Based on research about Catholic elementary education, a child in OLG has a much better chance of finishing high school and going to college than his peers in public schools. Catholic education at OLG changes lives. Parents know this very well and choose to make every possible effort to keep their children at OLG.

When Dave asked what he could do to help, the answer was clear: tuition assistance. "Our Lady of Grace provides superior educational opportunities to children of families who are challenged financially. These families sacrifice greatly to send their children to OLG, but their financial contributions cover only a portion of the cost of tuition."

He is now part of the OLG Board of Directors and chairs the Fundraising Committee. "I am very happy because I can give back by helping families in need get access to the best education, which OLG can do for less than what public schools spend per child."

Dave invites alumni and friends to get involved any way they can --- as donors, mentors, volunteers, or advocates. "You can start by visiting the school and meeting the students. That alone will remind you of what a special place OLG is and that children's futures are at stake," he added.