91�����

Campus Notes, the blog of the Cardinal Newman Society, features an amusing and inspiring profile of Michael Van Hecke (�86). The title of the post: .

As the headmaster of in Ventura, Calif., and president of the , Mr. Van Hecke has made Catholic education his life�s work. But it was not always so. When he entered 91����� Aquinas College as a freshman, he admits, he had littler interest in studying. �I came out here to learn how to surf and then I planned to transfer out,� he says.

Yet his time on campus was transformative. �I found myself in a truly Christian society, concerned about higher things, and concerned about people and imbued with holy charity,� he says. �People were good. They cared about you.�

That experience prompted in him a yearning to share the fruits of his education with others. �I found happiness,� says Mr. Van Hecke. �And I wanted to bring that to people, too. I want to give that joy to kids.� After graduation, he became a teacher, and not long thereafter, a headmaster.

Earlier this year, the Cardinal Newman Society named Saint Augustine Academy to its , which recognizes �excellence in Catholic identity, academics and civic education at Catholic high schools across the United States.� Saint Augustine is one of just 50 schools nationwide � and one of three headed by 91����� Aquinas College alumni � named to the list.