Academic Convocation Honoree

There are few individuals who have had a greater impact on the Lasallian international network than Brother William.

Br. William has been an inspiring, grounded, and visionary leader for Lasallian Catholic higher education in the United States as well as for all Lasallian ministries in the global Lasallian network for three decades; he continues to be actively engaged in promoting research as the chair of the AXIS Research Journal, helping to direct the International Association of Lasalle Universities Rome program, teaching in Buttimer Formation program, and launching new programs around topics of Lasallian spirituality and interiority.

A native of New York City, Br. William joined the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1965. He began his career as an English and Religion teacher, working from 1970 to 1979 at two Christian Brother high schools in New York and Rhode Island. Brother William earned a BA in English Literature from The Catholic University of America, an MA in Liberal Studies and Literature from State University of New York at Stony Brook, an MA in Spirituality from Salve Regina University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School.

In addition to launching his career as a Lasallian teacher, Br. William held the post of directing Christian Brothers formation for the Long Island-New England Province and USA/Toronto Region. From 1990 to 1996, he was International Secretary of Formation in Rome. He also served as Delegate Superior for India and as Provincial for the District of Eastern North America. From 2000 to 2007, he served as Vicar General for the Institute, the second highest ranking Christian Brother for the global Institute. Br. William served as president of Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota 2008–18, and as President of the International Association of Lasalle Universities 2015–18. He has served as a Trustee for Saint Mary’s College and all of the other United States Lasallian universities, including Saint Mary’s University, Manhattan College, Christian Brothers University, La Salle University, and Lewis University.

In addition to his decades of service in key leadership roles, Br. William is a noted scholar and writer on the life of De La Salle, and has written and edited numerous publications examining his writings and putting them into context for Lasallian educators in today’s world. He continues to impact as teacher, administrator, trustee, mentor, editor, and global leader.

Convocation is the centerpiece of a weeklong celebration of the life of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of teachers, founder of the Christian Brothers and the College’s Lasallian heritage and mission. Past recipients include:

• Joan Landeros, PhD, AFSC, Board member, International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU) (see the 2023 Academic Convocation)
• Brother Ernest Miller, FSC, DMin., Vice President of Mission, Diversity & Inclusion, La Salle University (read Brother Ernest's Convocation Address)
• Brother James Gaffney, FSC, DMin,  President Emeritus, Lewis University
• Kevin Michael Nagle, Chair, Board of Trustees, Saint Mary's College, Moraga
• Brother Louis DeThomasis, President Emeritus, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
• Dr. Carmelita I. Quebengco, Chancellor Emeritus and University Fellow at De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
• Brother Peter Bray, FSC, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem, University
• Brother Thomas Johnson,FSC,  Director of the Novitiate for the Lasallian Region of North America.
• Brother Robert Schieler, Superior General 
• Brother Armin Altamirano Luistro, Secretary of Education Philippines 
• Brother Alvaro Rodriquez Echeverria, Superior General
• Brother Gustavo Ramirez Barba, Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, General Councilor
• Brother Augustine (Gus) Boquer,  President of De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, Philippines
• Brother Carlos Gabriel Gomez-Restrepo, President of Universidad of de La Salle, Bogota, Colombia
• Gery Short, Director of Education for the De La Salle Christian Brothers for the Western Province
• Brother Jose Cervantes, founder of four universities in Mexico 
• Brother Gerard Rummery, International formator
• Brother Ed Siderwitz, founder of San Miguel and Catalyst schools in Chicago
• Brother Vincent Malham, former President of Bethlehem University