Cretin Class of 1957 Presents Significant Class Gift to Establish Emergency Fund

September 17, 2017

The Cretin Class of 1957 gathered on campus on September 15 to celebrate their 60th reunion from Cretin High School. Many members of the class started off the reunion festivities with a tour of the school led by JROTC students.  Mass in the Pax Christi chapel followed and dinner was enjoyed by all in the CDH Commons.  In addition, the program included a presentation by CDH President, Francis M. Miley, J.D. on the State of the School.

Class Gift Establishes Signum Fidei Fund

Pete Honsa'57 led the evening and presented Cretin-Derham Hall with a significant class gift of $260,000 that established the Signum Fidei Fund. 

The Signum Fidei Fund will be directed to a critical need for emergency aid at CDH.  Every year, some students and families find themselves with unforeseen financial hardships that may put their CDI education at risk.  This fund will provide assistance with tuition in situations of unanticipated financial hardships, such as the death of a parent, a diagnosis of a debillitating disease or temporary unemployment.

As a class, they sought to honor the Christian Brothers who provided the means for so many students to stay in school during tough times when they were students.  They originally set a goal of $100,000 which they met and exceeded with the generosity and support of their class.

It is their hope that future 60th reunion classes would support this fund.  The Class of 1956 has also committed their support to this critical need.

Signum Fidei refers to the Star of Faith that is a proud mark of a Christian Brother's school.  Engraved on class rings and adorning the original entrance to the school off Hamline Avenue, this image recalls the story of the Three Wise Men who followed a star, trusting it would lead them to God.