Sam Klein, Managing Editor 

PHILADELPHIA – The Lasallian community extends far beyond campus borders, a lesson that was reinforced by La Salle University President Dr. Daniel Allen as he arrived at Christian Brothers Academy (CBA), a Catholic Lasallian college preparatory high school, on Feb. 9. 

The Syracuse, NY visit began with two goals in mind: discuss intentional ways to collaborate with a fellow Lasallian institution and outline opportunities to students who hope to continue their Lasallian education. Yet the experience provided more than mere introductions, rather a reminder that the Lasallian community transcends boundaries, location and levels of education.

“It’s a serious, robust network that I don’t think we talk about enough,” President Allen remarked as he reflected on what being part of the Lasallian community truly means. 

President Allen was accompanied on his visit by President of Manhattan University, Dr. Frederick Bonato. The Lasallian Ministry in the United States is divided into three districts, one of which is the District of Eastern North America (DENA) where La Salle University, Manhattan University and CBA are all located. 

Both President Allen and President Bonato met with CBA’s leadership team including President Matthew Keough and Principal David Marshall, as well as the CBA Board of Trustees Chair and college counseling team.  

More notably, President Allen got the opportunity to not only tour the school, as graciously given by three CBA juniors, but speak to a number of 10th and 11th grade students as well. 

Through his conversations with students, President Allen discussed the strengths of La Salle University- including the school’s tight-knit culture, access to the city of Philadelphia, and most importantly, that an opportunity for a Lasallian education exists only four hours south. 

President Allen’s discussion left a lasting impact on students, as one 10th grade honors student, Isabelle Benjamin, explained she believes the Lasallian community directly correlates with a greater sense of belonging. 

“The campus’s small, supportive environment encourages growth not only in academics but also in faith and as a person,” Benjamin said.

Another 10th grade honors student, Coleman Wimer, enjoyed hearing both the educational and career opportunities both La Salle and Philadelphia offer students.  

“I enjoyed hearing him [President Allen] explain how students are able to connect with teachers on a personal level and be set up for future opportunities with these connections,” Wimer said. “I also appreciated his point on how convenient it is to visit Philadelphia from campus and the number of opportunities available for a college student in the city.”

The experience gifted students a greater awareness of Lasallian opportunities as well as a deeper understanding of the community’s expansive network. Yet the students weren’t alone in gaining meaningful insights from the visit.

President Allen was amazed by the similarities he noticed between La Salle University and CBA, affinities that extended beyond the school’s founder and mission statement, and rather core values and principles that were evident in every hallway and classroom. 

“All of what was happening at CBA reminded me so much of how we think about ourselves here at La Salle University in Philadelphia,” President Allen said. “We are this really close-knit community and these ties that bind us together, regardless of where we’re located and the level of education, are really important and really strong.”

A key highlight of President Allen’s Syracuse visit was being introduced to “Brothers Threads,” a student-run apparel shop that offers CBA students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. Money from merchandise goes back to student financial aid and supporting CBA students via scholarship, a concept that President Allen deeply believed in. 

CBA does not serve as a stand alone visit. President Allen aims to further the Lasallian bond by connecting with other Lasallian high schools. In addition to CBA, President Allen visited De La Salle Institute in Chicago in the fall of 2025 with the same purpose of ensuring students understand their opportunity to pursue a Lasallian college experience- encouraging students to look beyond “big name schools.” 

With over 64 Lasallian universities globally, the mission of providing a high-quality, faith-based education surpasses more than just La Salle University classrooms, and instead a strong community of individuals dedicated to upholding Lasallian values. 

Whether a university like La Salle or high school like CBA, President Allen believes there is one connecting thread that makes the Lasallian mission so special.

“Just like here,” President Allen said, “it’s always the people.”