Creighton Prep Appoints New President

After a lengthy search, Creighton Prep in Omaha, Neb., has named Michael Giambelluca, principal of Jesuit High School in New Orleans for the past 12 years, as its next president. Giambelluca will begin his term in summer 2013 as the first lay president of Creighton Prep, an all-boys Jesuit high school with just over 1,000 students.

Giambelluca will replace Jesuit Father Andy Alexander, who is serving this year as interim president. Fr. Alexander said in a statement that Giambelluca stood out “because of his strong roots in the Jesuit tradition, because of his experience as an administrator in a Jesuit school and because of his wonderful personality.”

Giambelluca, a graduate of Jesuit High School, earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from Tulane University. He also has experience as a teacher, coach and athletic director. As principal of Jesuit High School, he successfully led the school through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, making arrangements for students to continue their education at other institutions.

Jesuit Father Thomas Lawler, provincial of the Wisconsin Province Jesuits, also praised Giambelluca’s qualifications and his enthusiasm and love for Jesuit secondary education, and he expressed full support for Giambelluca’s selection by the Board of Directors at Creighton Prep.

Jesuit Father Raymond Fitzgerald, president of Jesuit High School, has appointed a search committee to find a new principal. “Michael has enthusiastically advanced the mission of Jesuit education here, especially in the challenging years following Hurricane Katrina,” Fr. Fitzgerald said.

In a reflection on his new position, Giambelluca commented that “the vision and mission of Jesuit High School have been formative and driving forces in my life — both as a student and as principal. Now it is time to take all that I am and all that I have learned and respond to God’s call in a deeper way.”

A video introduction and more information about Giambelluca can be found on the Prep website, creightonprep.org. [The Times-Picayune]