Mr. Guarrieri receives his Letters of Benefaction during the Fifth Annual Christian Brothers’ Service Awards Dinner
Louis Guarrieri, Jr. (right) is presented with his Letters of Benefaction by Br. Dennis Malloy, Visitor for the District of Eastern North America.
11/13/10 – Philadelphia, PA – As part of the Fifth Annual ChristianBrothers’ Service Awards Dinner, held in the Ballroom at The Ben in Philadelphia, twenty Brothers from the legacy Baltimore District were recognized on the occasion of their Jubilarian years of service. Also honored, Mr. Louis J. Guarrieri, Jr. was bestowed Letters of Benefaction from The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for his many years of leadership in supporting the development efforts of the Brothers. As President and CEO of Cooke Publishing Company, Mr. Guarrieri has been a long time friend and supporter of the Christian Brothers and Catholic Education in the Philadelphia region.
Br. Joseph Juliano, President for San Miguel School in Camden, New Jersey and two of his students were present at the Awards Dinner.
Proceeds and sponsorships of the Awards Dinner helped to support the District of Eastern North America’s San Miguel Schools in the historic Baltimore District – La Salle Academy, Philadelphia; San Miguel, Camden; and San Miguel, Washington, D.C. These schools make a quality Catholic education available to elementary and middle school students from poor and struggling communities, at little to no cost. Many of the schools are named San Miguel after Saint Miguel Febres Cordero, a Christian Brother who devoted his life to the Christian education of children in his native Ecuador, as well as in Spain and Italy. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1983.
Many of the Brother Jubilarians honored, were on stage as they sang their Hymn to Saint La Salle – Honneur a Toi – to close the evening. From left to right, Brother Jubilarians and their years of service – Brendan Garwood (60), Patrick Phillips (75), Charles Gresh (60), Richard Kestler (50), Leonard Rhoades (25), Kevin Dalmasse (Master of Ceremonies), Peter Killeen, Mr. Louis Guarrieri, and William Johnson (50).
Louis J. Guarrieri, Jr.
Benefactor to the Institute
Stepping into the modern offices of Cooke Publishing Company in suburban Warminster, a full size Philadelphia street sign immediately catches one’s eyes – 23rd & Spruce Streets. “That’s where this company began in 1952,” Lou Guarrieri reminds every new client or guest. A giant in the publishing world, Lou has never forgotten from whence he came.
A proud graduate of Father Judge High School and of Villanova University, Lou took a position at Cooke Publishing in 1974. Over the years he would advance to the office of President and CEO. In 1975 he first became associated with the Christian Brothers as a yearbook consultant at West Catholic Boys’ High School. Thus began his FSC connection and over thirty-five years of providing publishing expertise to Calvert Hall, Central Catholic, Archbishop Carroll, Saint John’s, La Salle College HS, and La Salle University.
At their current facility, Lou’s talented and dedicated staff reflects the quiet confidence and “can do” attitude of their supportive boss. Just ask La Salle College HS. This past year, the first ever history of the school, Of This Time …Of This Place, was released by the Cooke team and has received well deserved plaudits from faculty and alumni for its imaginative layout and graphics. Such achievements have earned him numerous awards from his professional peers.
Lou’s talents, however, are not confined to computers and presses. He is a man who definitely appreciates the bigger picture. In 1989 he assisted Br. Charles Lackes in the establishment of the Baltimore District’s Development Office and the publication of its Visions newsletter. That same year, as Br. John McDonnell became the first President of the newly merged West Catholic High School, he recruited Lou to help in designing its “Invest in West, Return the Gift” capital campaign and the formation of “The Friends of West Catholic High School” advisory board. Lou subsequently became the first non-graduate to sit on that board. His enthusiasm and insight eventually led to his election as Board Chair and trusted advisor ever since.
As a member of the District Development Committee, Lou was instrumental in the creation of the annual Christian Brothers Service Awards Dinner, honoring Brother Jubilarians and providing financial support for special ministries in the region. In addition to his extensive involvement with the Brothers, Lou continues to be active in the development efforts of The Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales, Father Judge High School and the Office of Catholic Education in Philadelphia.
Lou’s wife, Agnes, along with daughters Carol, Susan, and Kate and son, Edward, continue to support his commitment to the educational mission of the Church. Saint John Baptist de La Salle spoke to his first Brothers of the need for a spirit of faith and zeal in their teaching mission. Over 300 years later, the Brothers of the Christian Schools stand in grateful admiration of Louis J. Guarrieri, Jr., a dedicated mentor, generous benefactor, loyal friend, and a man of faith and zeal for our times.