Lasallian board chairs, chief administrators and District leaders gathered Sept. 25–26 at St. John’s College High School in Washington, DC, for the 2026 Association of Governance Leadership Fall Convocation.
Centered on the theme, “Strategic Lasallian Leadership: Charism as a Bridge to Our Future,” the gathering invited participants to consider how Lasallian ministries can remain grounded in their mission while responding thoughtfully to the realities facing young people and educational communities today.
Throughout the two-day gathering, presentations, table conversations, prayer and fellowship created opportunities for leaders to reflect on their shared responsibility for sustaining and strengthening the Lasallian mission.
In his keynote, Faithful and Forward: Leading Lasallian Ministries Between Heritage and Horizon, Dr. Kurt Schackmuth, PhD, explored the importance of creative fidelity in Lasallian leadership. He encouraged participants to remain rooted in the essential commitments of the mission while recognizing that programs, structures and approaches must continue to evolve in response to changing needs.
Brother Robert Schaefer, FSC, Visitor of the District of Eastern North America, joined the Convocation virtually from Rome, where he was participating in the Institute’s Plenary Assembly. He invited leaders to look beyond traditional measures of institutional success and consider a deeper question: What kind of person is a Lasallian education helping to form?
His reflection emphasized the important role educators and leaders play in creating communities where young people experience care, encouragement, high expectations and a sense of belonging.
Formation also emerged as a key focus of the gathering. Participants considered how intentional formation for trustees, administrators, faculty and staff can strengthen Lasallian identity throughout a ministry. Examples shared during the Convocation highlighted the value of mentoring, retreats, reflection and other opportunities that connect the Lasallian mission with everyday experiences.
Additional conversations explored governance, leadership succession and the long-term sustainability of Lasallian ministries. Participants reflected on how strong leadership, responsible stewardship and collaboration can help ministries remain responsive to their communities while keeping mission at the center of decision-making.
Beyond the formal sessions, the Convocation provided valuable time for Lasallian leaders to build relationships, exchange experiences and learn from one another. Those connections reflected the spirit of association at the heart of the gathering and the shared commitment to carrying the Lasallian mission forward.
With gratitude to the St. John’s College High School community for hosting this year’s gathering.
Photos courtesy of Ben Ventresca.
