Profile of an Alumnus

Head of Wealth Management & Private Banking

“I probably speak for most alums when I say Saint Paul’s had a profound impact on me, shaping our adolescent years and the men we’ve become. And like so often, it’s the people, not the institutions that make the impact. For me, so many teachers come to mind.

Certainly Brother Bill Parsons, whom I had the good fortune to have for English and Writing classes as a sophomore and junior. Demanding, disciplined, and very, very funny. I can hear his howling laughter from down the hall now. Brother Bill was an ingenious writer, who had a knack for getting the most out of his students.

Coach/Señor Trevor Watkins also expected a great deal of his students in every level of Spanish that he taught. He encouraged me to join the Cemanahuac language immersion program in Cuernavaca, Mexico, the summer after junior year, a program that he led from Saint Paul’s over many years. About a week before departing, several guys had to drop out, and suddenly I was the only one attending. Coach encouraged me to go anyway. That summer changed how I viewed the world and my place in it.

Brother Ken Boesch was a pillar of the Saint Paul’s community, always wearing many hats. Most know “BK” as the hard-nosed religion teacher that he is. He was also my varsity Tennis coach for 5 years. His career record and long tenure as Saint Paul’s Tennis coach will never be matched, and Brother Ken is widely considered the Nick Bolletieri of Covington, Louisiana. And the team bus driver. He had a joie de vivre that made everyone on the team have a great time, particularly on road matches. We placed 2nd in the State Championship in both my junior and senior seasons narrowly missing the title both years. No team had more fun. Still today, not a birthday goes by without a text from Brother Ken.

Finally, what is left to say about Brother Ray Bulliard that hasn’t been said already? The impact he made on our school and his students over the decades is profound. Memories that come to me: my interview with him in his office when applying to Saint Paul’s in 7th grade, my surprise and good fortune to learn my 8th grade English teacher was also the Principal, the definition of ‘Plot,’ his love of Shakespeare, the poetry of E.E. Cummings, and the American novel. His asking me to be a senior retreat leader. Brother Ray was ‘all-in’ whenever I’d ask for his support and funding for school events or projects. He had an ability to seemingly be in all places at all times on campus. And, while he was the smartest guy in the room, he was also the most humble. Brother Ray commanded respect and attention in such a humble manner. I believe the position and stature of Saint Paul’s in the greater Northshore and New Orleans community today are a direct result of Brother Ray and his leadership.

Of course, there are so many more teachers and staff who’ve made huge contributions.

Realizing that I’ve used the word ‘fortunate’ several times here, that’s how I’ll sum up this reflection. How fortunate are we all to have benefited from the impact of Saint Paul’s School.”

“I am proud and blessed to have had the privilege of attending Saint Paul’s. The brotherhood instilled in us has fostered lifelong friendships that I still have to this day. I am thankful the focus was so much more than the rigorous academics – focus on God was at the center of the school with community and brotherhood close behind. The priorities and habits that were stressed by school leadership and teachers still shape how I live both personally and professionally today. There is a unique sense of pride and relatability when I meet someone new and discover they too are a Saint Paul’s graduate. I knew pretty quickly when my two sons were born that they would one day attend Saint Paul’s as well, and I know they will get as much out of the experience as I did. It was tough for me to understand the significance of my time at Saint Paul’s while I was there, but I am immensely appreciative of the experience while looking  back. Thank you to all the teachers and leaders during my time there.”

“My time at Saint Paul’s laid the foundation for nearly everything I value today – faith, integrity, hard work, and brotherhood. It was the first place where I felt called to lead, and those early lessons continue to guide me both as a business owner and father. The school didn’t just educate me; it formed me. I still carry the quiet strength of those Lasallian values into boardrooms, job sites, and moments at home with my kids. Being a Saint Paul’s alumnus means being part of something that lasts long after graduation – a legacy of excellence, service, and humility. I stay involved because I believe in what Saint Paul’s stands for, and I want to help pass that gift to the next generation.”

“To me, being a Saint Paul’s alumnus starts with the introductory line of the prayer that students recite each and every school day: “Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.” It continues with each alumnus striving to fulfill the Five Core Lasallian Principles. Each alumnus may also have their own way of translating these call-to-action Lasallian principles. My simplified version would be to embrace the following:

First: The Brotherhood – The Brotherhood is built on our shared and unique Saint Paul’s experiences (academics, Principal/President’s Assemblies, sports, extracurriculars, retreats, etc.), our shared daily prayers, and our willingness to always help each other throughout life.

Second: Being Generous and Giving Back – Whether it be through monetary donations, volunteer time and efforts, and/or positive feedback, I’ve always wanted to give back to a school that gave a lot to me.

Third: Filling the Void: Coach Gene Bennett’s “hand in a bucket of water” analogy stated that a void created by the removal of a hand (the departure of critical members of the Saint Paul’s community) would be filled by the surrounding water in the bucket. Yes, the surrounding water will fill the void, but in order for the water level to remain high, we should all feel compelled to help fill the void.

I encourage all alumni to continue (or start) coming back home to help Saint Paul’s continue to thrive. As I mentioned to the Class of ‘25 at their recent Commencement Breakfast, Saint Paul’s and the world needs more people who have their PHD and GSD (Passion, Heart, Desire and a Get-Stuff-Done attitude). Don’t be afraid to ask the school, “How can I help?” As our fight song states and as I think all alumni would agree: Saint Paul’s, Forevermore!”

“Saint Paul’s will always be part of who I am. I made lifelong friends at school. I was held accountable and pushed myself to become a better person, friend, and student athlete. I am proud to be part of the  brotherhood!”

“Saint Paul’s played a significant part in shaping my life. I am grateful for the academic foundation based on Christian values which prepared me for college and a career in public service. Remarkably, friendships forged over 50 years ago in my class still endure today. I have seen firsthand how Saint Paul’s alumni are making positive impacts in our community and far beyond!”