From the creation of the IB Programme, to the rebranding of our school, even going back to the creation of our school in general, DePaul College Prep has had an amazing 10 years so far. Our school has gone through tremendous changes throughout the years that are still continuing.
In the beginning, over 10 years ago, Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, CM (the President of DePaul University at the time), Ms. Dempsey (DePaul College Prep’s President) and many trustees and administrators were tasked with creating another Catholic school in the city of Chicago. Through many discussions and with huge help from people at DePaul University, they named the new school “DePaul College Prep” as it stands today. The reasoning behind this change was that the Father Gordon campus was a great location to start the change and it created another option for a Catholic high school in the city of Chicago.
As Ms. Dempsey said, ”We had a vision to create a school that would be welcoming to students who learn at all different levels, to a diverse student body, religiously, racially, socially, and economically. We would also be a community anchor for families who want to raise their children in a diverse city.”
So with the foundation of the school set, the building of the school community would start from there. Ms. Demspey said that “From the beginning, we have had a strong partnership with DePaul University, which helps us with our academic curriculum, professional development for faculty, partnerships for student retreats, athletic facilities, and graduation.”
This partnership extends far beyond the classroom ranging from our Mission and Ministry, to the athletics programs. Not many schools have the resources and connections that DePaul College Prep has had to a university.
Also since the beginning, there have been some teachers who have seen it all. One of them is Ms. Rand, who has been a counselor and learning specialist here at DePaul Prep. In total, she has been at DePaul College Prep for a total of 10 years.
“When I first worked here, there were only about 450 students and now we are a lot bigger, and I have loved being here to see the huge changes in our school,” she said.
Today, Rand says that what has kept her here is the holistic view DePaul College Prep offers through the FRESH core values, and a true emphasis on social emotional learning.
“I really think that the mission of this school is a very noble one, and we need to help students see themselves as citizens of the world and what they can do to make a difference.”
As for the celebration of the 10th Anniversary, Ms. Dempsey says that all of the events this school year will be to celebrate and reflect on our school’s history. One of these examples is the Dedication and Blessing of the South Academic Wing this on September 17.
The event featured Principal Dr. Stanton-Anderson, Ms. Dempsey, Fr. Joe Malczyk, CR, our student body president Carter Chambers, and vice president Mia Lisnich. Others involved included Fr. Chris Robinson, CM, of DePaul University to bless the addition of our new wing, remarks from the Board of Directors President Joe Haugh, and the reading of a letter from Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago.
Cardinal Cupich wrote to the school celebrating the construction of the new South Wing and the continuing enrollment growth. He also gave thanks to St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac and blessed the students of DePaul College Prep. At the end, Cardinal Cupich said in his letter to the school, “As you grow in wisdom, hone critical skills, and discover new talents, we count on you to bring your fresh insights, bold ideas, and faith-filled enthusiasm to the challenges and opportunities of our society.” He ended with a blessing for peace and hope that Christ fills the students, faculty, staff, and volunteers throughout the year.
Since the Blessing and Dedication, Ms. Merkl-Deutsch (Director of Mission and Ministry) said that, “Our work is not done, but let’s celebrate and give thanks for where we are right now, with our growth.”
This dedication was all planned to mark another milestone in the school’s history. On top of that, it has been almost three years to the day when the entire new campus was blessed.
“It almost seems poetic to me that three years later, we are dedicating the newest addition, which is our South Academic Wing,” Ms. Dempsey said.
In terms of the South Wing, our school added 38,000 square feet, 19 additional classrooms, two more chemistry labs, and a dining hall for 330 students. In total, the entire school is 178,0000 square feet, contains 62 classrooms, 10 science labs, four maker spaces, a theater, a library, a chapel, two dining spaces, two commons areas, and office spaces throughout.
In the end, Ms. Dempsey said, “It’s a beautiful day, it’s a happy day for DePaul College Prep, and I am really proud to be on this journey with the families, faculty, the students, and the staff of DePaul Prep. I think we have one of the greatest communities of faith and learning possible, and I am excited for where our journey is heading next.”
Now that the school has reached this major milestone, there are many more to come. Since DePaul College Prep is a young school, students are able to contribute to its future and legacy.
