Monsignor Stuart Swetland
More than 50 elected officials, Champion-level donors, Board of Trustees members and clergy attended Donnelly College’s inaugural State of the College address.
The event, held at Lake Quivira Country Club, included remarks from President Monsignor Stuart Swetland and Board Chair Dick Flanigan.
Monsignor Swetland began with a tribute to George Breidenthal, a longtime Board member who recently passed away.
“I know I relied on his counsel so very much, because he knew everything that was happening in education in Wyandotte County and the KC region,” Monsignor Swetland said.
He also spoke to the successes and challenges the College faces.
“We need the support of you – our friends, our elected officials, our supporters, our…donors, our Board of Trustees, our church leaders,” he said. “Because the holistic formation that these young people need…can be quite daunting. But I do not despair because I’ve seen miracles happen already in my year and a few months at Donnelly College.”
In conclusion, Monsignor Swetland encouraged continued support of eastern Wyandotte County, an area in which Donnelly has existed and served for more than 65 years.
“I think we can do wonderful things if only we have the courage to risk failure,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with failure; there’s something wrong with not even trying.”
Flanigan echoed Monsignor Swetland’s thanks to all who support the College in various ways.
“The more I get involved in Donnelly, the more I see the good work,” he said. “We’re an institution that will not just change lives, but change the community.”