Dedication of Kestler Hall / Induction into the Archdiocesan Hall of Fame
10/11/12 – Wyndmoor / Philadelphia, PA – On Wednesday evening, October 10, 2012, over 300 members of the La Salle community gathered for the formal dedication of Kestler Hall. Brother Richard Kestler, FSC, is a 1960 graduate of the school and served as its President from 2005 until June of 2012. During his tenure at La Salle, Brother Richard energized the La Salle community and his charisma positioned the school as one of the top independent secondary schools in the Delaware Valley. He was responsible for a major capital campaign that added 34 acres to the campus along with 40,000 square feet of additional academic space. That expansion, Kestler Hall, was dedicated in his honor and will forever be associated with his accomplishments. The formal dedication included remarks by Brother Richard along with an address by the school’s President Brother James Butler, FSC and a toast by Benjamin Ventresca, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
photo (left to right) – Principal Michael O’Toole ’68, Chairman of The Board of Trustees Benjamin Ventresca ’70, President Emeritus Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60, and President Brother James Butler, FSC
Since his days attending Saint Martin of Tours parish school in the Oxford Circle section of Philadelphia, Brother Richard Kestler has always had a passion for education.
Even after graduating from high school, completing his undergraduate studies, and earning two master’s degrees, Brother Richard still spends every day in school. As President of West Philadelphia Catholic High School, he continues to share his passion for faith and learning with future generations of students.
Brother Richard always had an interest in teaching young students, but it wasn’t until he was strongly influenced by a handful of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Brothers of the Christian Schools that he decided to become a member of the Christian Brothers himself, – something he has enjoyed for every minute of the past 52 years.
It is because of this passion and dedication, that Br. Richard was honored with the Philadelphia Archdiocese’s Distinguished Graduate Award and inducted into the Archdiocesan Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 11th. The Distinguished Catholic School Graduate Award was established in 1991 to recognize those graduates whose commitment to the values of a Catholic life have inspired an appreciation for a Catholic education. The event honors those Catholic school alumni who have not only achieved professional success in their chosen fields, but also demonstrate a commitment to living their lives by the Gospel Values.
Congratulations Br. Richard Kestler, FSC!