By Alex Cichowicz ‘23

On Thursday, January 19, 2023, Brother Rice celebrated Founder’s Day at Brother Rice. On this day, we invite the “Men of Edmund” who have been alumni of Brother Rice for 40 or more years to enjoy the event. We also have some guest speakers to talk about the journey of Edmund Rice and their experience at Brother Rice. This year Dr. Kenneth Furlough ‘09 shared his story with the Crusaders. Seniors Joe Heilmann and Matthew Perez also gave inspirational speeches about becoming a crusader and their years at Rice.

Founder’s Day is the day where we acknowledge Edmund Rice founding the Christian Brother schools.  As Crusaders, we carry on his legacy and bring the joy back into the hopeless.

On this day, we also induct two faculty members into the Brother Rice Hall of Fame. This year those two lucky people are Frank DiNovella ‘89 and Tom McAuliffe. On behalf of all of Brother Rice we would like to congratulate and thank them for their hard work and dedication to the school.

Mr. McAuliffe said, “I was totally shocked and overwhelmed as an inductee into the Brother Rice Hall of Fame. The response by all has been amazing.” He was very grateful for the support of his fellow colleagues and family members that have always stuck by his side through thick and thin. Frank DiNovella said, “I would help or do anything for a Brother Rice Crusader.” Frankie has been a long time supporter of Rice and was always there at the end of the day cleaning up after us. He will always have your back and be there when something needs to be done.  He was very shocked when his name was announced, but he is very thankful for the help he has had along the way and where this life has taken him.

These two men have made an incredible impact on all the staff and the students. Even a simple greeting such as “how are you doing” can brighten up someone’s day. They may not realize it, but they truly motivate each one of us to be the best that we can possibly be.