Get to Know the New President - Q&A with Ryan Aiello
For the past several weeks, President Ryan Aiello has been busy getting to know faculty and staff, visiting with individual members of the Board of Trustees, traveling to meet community members all over the suburbs and Chicago, and setting forth his vision for his tenure. As he continues to learn about his new Lion family, he shared some personal details and his vision for our community.
What can you share about your first few weeks as president?
Since starting in May, I've made it a priority to listen to as many stakeholders as possible. I've enjoyed meeting with and learning from so many members of the Saint Viator High School community, including current and former parents, current students and alumni, faculty and staff, potential and major donors, the Clerics of St. Viator and local pastors, current and former trustees, Village of Arlington Heights officials, superintendents and Catholic School Presidents, and many others. To date, I've had meetings with over 100 people, and I'm eager to continue these conversations throughout the upcoming school year.
What are you most excited about as you begin your first academic year at Saint Viator?
I can't wait to spend more time interacting with our teachers and students. I'm excited to attend extra curricular events, community gatherings, and continue to build strong, trusting relationships.
How are you planning to engage with students and alumni?
You'll find me in front of the school most mornings (when I'm not off campus meeting with alumni or other community members), in classrooms, and dropping in to Burks Place and Querbes Hall. I'm excited to attend upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations for the Sacred Heart of Mary and Saint Viator High School Classes of 1974, as well as Homecoming festivities.
You’re new to the area. What’s been your favorite thing to do so far? What are you looking forward to exploring?
I've loved dining out with my family during Arlington Alfresco, and visiting local libraries, museums, parks, and events. I've also enjoyed spending more time with my wife's family. In fact, I lived with my brother-in-law in Libertyville and later my father-in-law in Antioch while my wife and son finished the school year back in Seattle. I'm excited to spend more time exploring Lake Michigan, downtown Chicago, and getting settled in our new home.
Away from work, what might you be engaged in? Any special hobbies or interests?
My wife's family loves the water, so I suspect that I'll be spending more time boating with them on many of the nearby lakes.
What do you want the Saint Viator community to know about you?
I will go anywhere and do anything to help spread the work about the amazing things happening at Saint Viator High School. This community already feels like home, and I'm so excited about what we will be able to accomplish together in the years ahead.
Watch his back-to-school message to the community below.
Watch his back-to-school message to the community below.
Saint Viator High School
Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
