Gordon Tech High School To Rebrand, Rename

CHICAGO, March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of several ongoing academic initiatives to strengthen Catholic education on the north side of Chicago, the Provincial of the Congregation of the Resurrection and the Board of Directors of Gordon Tech College Prep announced today that effective summer 2014, the name of the school will formally change to:

DePaul College Prep
Fr. Gordon Campus 

The Board also voted to: establish a Fr. Francis Gordon Endowed Scholarship Fund for family members of Gordon Tech alumni; establish a Heritage Committee to maintain the heritage of Gordon Tech at the school; and retain the Ram as the school's mascot.  The school colors will incorporate the orange so strongly associated with Gordon Tech and the Board will consider adding another color to represent the future direction of the school.

The Congregation of the Resurrection (CR), the founders and Catholic sponsors of the school will continue to serve as the school's sponsors.  Governance of the school will remain with the lay Board of Directors. The new name reflects the unique academic partnership between Gordon Tech, which opened in 1952, and DePaul University, the largest Catholic university in the nation.  DePaul was invited to serve as an academic partner to the school in 2012, a partnership that has resulted in strengthening and creating several new educational initiatives at the school.

"This decision honors the rich heritage of Gordon Tech and most especially honors Fr. Francis Gordon, CR,  while also reflecting  the exciting momentum of our academic partnership with DePaul," said Rev. Gene Szarek, CR, Provincial Superior.  "As the founders and Catholic sponsors of the school, the Congregation is grateful to the Board of Directors for undertaking this rebranding process to ensure the vitality of Catholic education at the school and grateful for DePaul's partnership in that important work.  We are proud to join with the excellent Catholic high schools in our area to provide another strong academic option for families on the north side.  We look forward to welcoming you to DePaul College Prep at the Fr. Gordon campus."

Most Reverend Francis Kane, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago said, "I commend the priests and brothers of the Congregation of the Resurrection for their leadership and foresight.  Through their long history of good work at Gordon and now with the University, they have further strengthened Catholic education in Chicago. The academic partnership with DePaul University, which is reflected in this name, has already been transformative.  I am grateful to both the CRs and to DePaul for working together to benefit current and future generations of students and their families."

DePaul University President Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM said, "DePaul University is honored to assist in this important endeavor to strengthen Catholic education in Chicago."

Dia S. Weil, chairperson of the Board of Directors, said DePaul was invited by Gordon Tech to help enhance the school's academic curriculum in 2012 and to build on improvements previously introduced by the school's current administration.  DePaul University administrators and faculty have provided resources including professional development, curriculum, administrative and academic expertise, college planning and counseling along with college-specific educational resources and initiatives.  With DePaul's help, the school applied for and was granted International Baccalaureate candidate status.  Faculty members are participating in IB professional development this year.  Additional resources and expertise are being provided by the University's Colleges of Computing and Digital Media, Theatre, Music, Education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: Education for Global Leadership), the Office of Catholic Schools Initiatives, Enrollment Management and Marketing, the Office of the President and Facility Operations.  Recent changes to the school since 2012 include appointment of a new principal, Dr. James Quaid, an enhanced curriculum focused on active and engaged student learning including STEM and connected learning, innovative partnerships with academic leaders and Chicago cultural groups and new Writing Labs. 

"The new name reflects the heritage of Gordon Tech and the substantial academic support provided by DePaul which importantly, builds on the stability, leadership and foundation brought to the school by the current administration and faculty. We are proud that we are able to respect our heritage while also moving the school into the world of 21^st century educational initiatives.  The school is strong and getting stronger.  We are thrilled to continue to move ahead and to further strengthen Catholic education in Chicago," said Weil.

"Rooted in the proud traditions of Gordon Tech and embracing the promise of a strong future, DePaul College Prep, located on the Fr. Gordon Campus is a great gift to the families of Chicago," said Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey, O.P., Superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools.  "This is a wonderful addition to the network of other strong Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago."

"The new name, DePaul College Prep – Fr. Gordon Campus, is a great sign of renewal for Catholic education on the north side of Chicago.  Building on the tradition of the past, DePaul University's partnership brings a new spirit and spirituality to this much needed venture," said Fr. Kenneth Simpson, Pastor of Saint Clement Parish in Chicago.

The rebranding process took place over the course of several months under the direction of the Rebranding Task Force of the Board of Directors.  The Task Force met with and received input from faculty, administrators, parents, students, and alumni of Gordon Tech; pastors and principals of surrounding Catholic elementary schools; prospective parents; and consulted with members of the Congregation of the Resurrection before making its final recommendations to the Board of Directors. 

About Gordon Tech College Prep
Gordon Tech College Prep is a Catholic, coeducational high school with an enrollment of 540 students, located on the north side of Chicago at 3633 N. California.  It was founded by the Congregation of the Resurrection in 1952.  The Congregation remains the Catholic sponsor of the school.  The core values of the school are Faith, Respect, Excellence and Service. For more information, visit www.Gordontech.org

SOURCE Gordon Tech College Prep