A Reflection: The last 20 years and hopes for the next 20 years with former DMA President Mike Daniels

In celebration of De Marillac Academy’s 20th Anniversary, we sat down with Mike Daniels, who served as DMA’s president from 2008 to 2016 between Catherine Ronan Karrels and Theresa Flynn Houghton. He now  serves as the director of the office of education for the Lasallian District of San Francisco New Orleans and continues to be closely involved in our mission. In our conversation, we talked about the evolution of the school and Mike’s hopes for the future of De Marillac Academy.

Q: What is one thing you’re most proud of in the 20 year history of DMA? A: I am most proud of the perseverance of the De Marillac students, graduates and families. Their strength of community, their faith commitment, and their belief in one another animate a spirit of hope that transcends all aspects of De Marillac Academy. The students, graduates and families of De Marillac are at the heart of the school’s mission and are a source of inspiration for all whose lives are touched by the De Marillac Academy experience.

Q: How has the school evolved?  
A: In so many ways! Its leadership in the Tenderloin, programmatic expansions like the arts, counseling, technology and sports, numerous capital improvements around the campus, parent and graduate support, and faculty development are just some of the examples of growth that come immediately to mind.

 Additionally, the expansion of the benefactor community has been so life-giving to many San Franciscans. Overall, I think that the recognition of the school’s 15-year scope from 4th grade through post-secondary schooling has transformed the understanding that De Marillac is truly unique in its impact for the youth and families served by its comprehensive model.

Q: What are you most excited about as DMA celebrates its 20th anniversary?
A: I am most excited for the chance to celebrate the many individuals who have helped to make these first two decades such a success. De Marillac has never been about just one person – it is always about community. Reflecting back on the first 20 years allows for the opportunity to recognize all those who have worked tirelessly in support of the school’s mission, like the parents, teachers, volunteers, donors and institutional funders, the Lasallian Christian Brothers and Daughters of Charity. 

 And of course we celebrate all the students who have graduated on to various points in their lives; it will never so much be about what they do in terms of their success, but rather how the contribute to the world by continuing to live on the school’s motto of “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.”

Q: What are your hopes for the future of DMA?
A: I hope that De Marillac graduates continue to serve as an example of how a community partnering together can make real and lasting change. I am so proud that several graduates are currently on staff at De Marillac, and l look forward to how our other graduates will continue to improve our local and global communities. It is by their example, and the resilience of De Marillac’s families and teachers, that more individuals will be made aware of De Marillac Academy and be drawn to be part of this dynamic mission.