The De La Salle Christian Brothers

Brother Michael Avila, FSC

Department of Theology and Religious Studies 

Brother Michael Avila came to the Christian Brothers in a most unconventional way. He likes to say he was “left like Moses—in a basket at the Brothers’ door.” In reality, his mother asked the Brothers in Berkeley to take two of her three sons in the wake of a difficult divorce. Brother Michael was enrolled in Saint Mary’s College High school as a boarder from the 3rd grade through his junior year and was deeply touched by the selflessness of Brothers who taught him.

Brother Glenn Bolton, FSC

Graduate School Advisor

Brother Glenn Bolton had a huge appetite for learning when he was a child, traveling for six to eight weeks every summer with his eclectic family of seven to explore a wide range of interests. As an adult, his drive and curiosity held true as he acquired an education that included numerous graduate degrees, something that ideally suited him for his work now at Saint Mary’s.

Brother Chris Brady

Brother Kenneth Cardwell, FSC

Integral Program

Brother Kenneth has taught the sharp minds of Integral Program students, ridden in a cattle drive, and stared down the muzzle of a gun—all in the interest of education and service. 

Brother Christopher Donnelly, FSC

Facilities Department

He’s a man who wears many hats—hardhats included. Brother Christopher is a builder, a pilot, a locksmith, and fire chief—just to name a few of his jobs since becoming a Christian Brother in 1968. With a unique skill set, Brother Christopher has spent most of his career as an administrator or facilities director in high schools from Washington State to Southern California.

Brother Charles Hilken, FSC

Department of History, Chair of Cummins Institute for Catholic Thought, Culture and Action, Residence Hall Director, SMC Board of Trustees

Some children grow up hearing fairy tales. Brother Charles heard yarns of a different kind. His father shared stories of student life at Saint Mary’s College and of the Brothers who influenced him there. Some 40 years later, Brother Charles is an expert on medieval manuscripts, history and the papacy. He is currently in charge of the Cummins Institute for Catholic Thought, Culture and Action at Saint Mary’s.

Brother Thomas Jones, FSC

Staff Psychologist in Counseling and Psychological Services, Resident Hall Director, Director of the SMC Brothers' Community, SMC Board of Trustees

Brother Thomas juggles several jobs, applying his experience and deep academic preparation in psychology to helping Saint Mary’s students cope with stress and identify the resources for support available to them. He says being a resident director for sophomores is one of his most satisfying duties. On July 1, 2023, Brother Thomas will begin serving as Interim President of the College.

Brother Richard Lemberg, FSC

Associate Librarian

Brother Richard is a study in contrasts—a committed bookworm and a passionate outdoorsman. You might expect the latter in someone who grew up hunting and fishing in Wisconsin. The book-loving part of his personality has been hard at work for past 35 years in the Saint Mary’s library, where he focuses on reference, collection development and instruction.

Brother Bernard LoCoco, FSC

President of the School of Applied Theology in Berkeley 1999–2008, President of Christian Brothers University 1973–1980, Spiritual Advisor, Retreats, Workshops and Spiritual Advisor

More than six decades into life as a Lasallian, the connection with God is stronger than ever for Brother Bernard. Like a pilgrim on the path toward enlightenment, his days in semi-retirement are spent leading retreats/workshops, giving spiritual direction and prayer. It’s important, he says, because it is the foundation of his vocation and his ministry.

Brother Brendan Madden, FSC

Scholarship Counselor

Brother Brendan is a dreamer. Twice a month, he attends dream interpretation groups that encourage self-discovery and reflection. But it’s his “day” dreams that have led to his biggest discoveries. Brother Brendan is known for being one of the founders of the Career Center at Saint Mary’s College—an idea he came up with as a graduate student at the school in 1979.

Brother Michael F. Meister, FSC

Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Residence Hall Director

Brother Michael has been at Saint Mary’s since 1981 as a member of the Department of Theology & Religious Studies and he has also served the College in administrative roles. Until his recent retirement, he taught courses in various areas of biblical studies, hagiography (study of the Saints), theology and literature, Jan Term courses in Italy, and, for almost twenty years, his favorite course on Dante’s Divine Comedy.

Brother Michael Murphy, FSC

Department of World Languages and Culture, Residence Hall Director

Brother Michael teaches linguistics in the Department of World Languages and Culture, and is resident director to 46 students in the Sabatte Townhouses. “The De La Salle Brothers have a presence in 77 countries. There are so many opportunities to serve God as an educator.”

Brother Ronald Gallagher

Brother Iñigo Riola