Alliance for Catholic Education
“Be yourself.” These two words summarized the advice from legendary outgoing Notre Dame president Fr. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., to then-incoming president Fr. Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C., as he began his tenure as Notre Dame’s 16th president in 1987. Now President Emeritus, Monk graciously shared this wisdom with Cohort 23 this summer ahead of graduation. It is magnificent advice for a new leader — and, I would argue, for every leader.
There is no single right way to lead. You do not have to be six-foot-four with a booming voice or a charismatic orator delivering moving speeches. You do not have to be a graduate of the institution you lead. While those qualities may be useful depending on the circumstances — as they were for these two iconic presidents — leadership, ultimately, is about matching your actions to the situation in front of you and what is needed by those you serve.
That is why the Values of a Remick Leader are so invaluable. They represent the dispositions, habits, and practices that guide us in leading effectively, regardless of our personalities or leadership styles. And zeal is chief among them.
Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, described zeal as “the great desire to make God known, loved, and served.” For Remick Leaders, this is not simply enthusiasm or energy. It is a deep commitment to the mission and to the people entrusted to our care. Moreau was direct about its importance for educators: “Without this virtue…everything falls apart.”
Zeal shapes how we show up — for educators, students, parents, and our communities. We may lead differently, just as our schools and communities have different gifts, charisms, and specialties, yet all must remain fixed on the Church’s saving mission. That’s just as true whether 100% of our school community is Catholic or comparatively few are.
Implied in that zeal is a certain humility. Moreau instructed educators to be “‘all things to all people,’ like St. Paul — little with the little, great with the great, while seeing in every person the image of God imprinted within them…”
This is the sacred challenge and opportunity of leadership. When we, as Remick Leaders, bring our authentic selves to the mission, giving ourselves generously to others out of love, we are not simply leading effectively. We are leading with Zeal.
Frank O'Linn
Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Cleveland
Executive Coach, Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program