Lasallian Spotlight

Periodically, we'll highlight Lasallians from the District of Eastern North America and the good works they do in the Lasallian spirit for educating youth.

Jeff Sidoti's Speech

< Jeff Sidoti's Spotlight

President O’Donnell, Christian Brothers, Administrators, Faculty, Students, Alumni, and Friends: Good Afternoon.

I am very humbled to stand before you today extending wishes of congratulations to Brother Francis Bowers for his amazing tenure at our Manhattan College on behalf of the student body.

As an alumnus of Christian Brothers Academy in Albany and a Junior here at the College, I can attest to a wonderful 7 years of Lasallian education, but this is a mere notch on the record of Brother Francis’ 50 years of service here at Manhattan College…

When Brother Thomas Scanlan spoke at my College orientation over three years ago he described the Lasallian spirit here at the College as a “caring campus community.” These words have ever since echoed in my mind. There is no testament to this statement as powerful as our Christian Brothers. These men … have unselfishly given their lives to our great College. The Christian Brothers are the very bedrock on which our beloved College is built.

I wish my words could serve as proper homage to the dedication and love that Brother Francis has given to our campus, but this Herculean task is far too great. The actions of Brother Francis throughout the last 50 years speak louder than my words here ever could, and therefore no words are truly needed aside from “Thank You.” Thank you for all you have done, all you do, and all you that you will continue to do for our College community. You, and all the Christian Brothers, make Manhattan College a truly special place, unlike any other. It is appropriate, therefore, that we celebrate Brother Francis, and all our Christian Brothers, today, on the day of our Founder, Saint John Baptist De La Salle. Brother Francis, you live the mission of the Founder everyday in all that you do, and you have done so all these years with loving care, and a smile.

Saint John Chrysostom wrote, "What is nobler than to mold the character of the young? I consider that he who knows how to form the youthful mind is truly greater than all painters, sculptors and all others of that sort." Brother Francis, you need not look as far as the Quadrangle to see that Manhattan College is your very own living, breathing masterpiece of green and white and the life’s work of all the Christian Brothers.

For this we, the students, graciously say, Thank you.

— Jeff Sidoti, Manhattan College, 2011, 04/07/2010