Dear Brother Rice community,
Amidst the beauty of a late summer evening, we hosted an intimate gathering of loyal and devoted Brother Rice families and friends to honor the Zidar Family Legacy as we dedicated the Owen & Patricia Zidar Boardroom. The spirit of Blessed Edmund was alive, permeating through the hallways and in the hearts of our guests present for this joyful occasion.
Inspired by the exemplary virtues of faith, kindness, philanthropy, and educational empowerment set forth by their parents, the children and families of Owen and Patricia Zidar have been steadfast in championing the future of Brother Rice. Through their remarkable generosity, they have supported the Zidar Family Scholarship, thus ensuring affordability and accessibility at Brother Rice. To further honor their parents, they have contributed a cumulative family gift of $500,000 in support of the mission of the school. As such, we are pleased to designate the naming of the Owen & Patricia Zidar Boardroom, in perpetuity, at Brother Rice High School. This updated space, where Owen and Patricia once partnered as volunteer leaders alongside the Christian Brothers decades ago, is now named in their honor.
We are humbled by the loyalty and collective commitment of Owen (R' 75), Jim '76, Patty (M' 77), Peggy (M' 78), Mary (M' 81), Kathy (M' 83), Tom '86, Frank '88, and John '91. This meaningful act of giving back to Brother Rice in honor of their beloved parents ensures their enduring legacy lives on.
In heartfelt recognition of Owen and Patricia's remarkable contributions spanning service, citizenship, leadership, volunteerism, and professionalism, and their vibrant legacy that thrives today, we extend our profound gratitude to the entire Zidar family. Our distinction as the #1 Catholic High School in Michigan is made possible by those who value our mission and appreciate the shared responsibility for our legacy as a school.
Live, Jesus, In Our Hearts. Forever!
In Christ,
President
Brother Rice High School
John Zidar '91 and Michael Quaine '86 connect to enjoy the evening in the Gleeson Family Courtyard.
Jim Zidar '76, along with his classmate Len Dillon '76 and Greg Baur, revel in the evening's conversations and atmosphere.
Amidst the elegance of the Fr. Joseph Grimaldi Foyer, Board Chairman Tim Dugan '80, Tom Zidar '86, and Mark Rottenberk '85 engage in a discussion on the bright future of Brother Rice.
Bob Stark '64 visits with Colleen and Michael O'Brien '89, sharing laughs and fond memories.
Kali and Matt Henry '05 take a look through the Zidar Scholar updates, reading about journeys and achievements, and reflect on the impact their family has had on more than thirty past recipients.
Mike O'Brien shares a moment with current Warrior Owen '26 and Meghan Zidar, embracing the spirit of this beautiful evening.
Owen II and Laurie Zidar soak in the moment, cherishing the collective achievements and memories shared during this special gathering.
Ron Kalczynski joyfully catches up with members of the Henry family: Mike '78, Kali, Matt, and John '83, relishing the camaraderie and shared memories.
Dan Ervin '88, with his parents Nancy and Tom, gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of their dear friends.
Classmates Dan Padilla '86 and Tom Zidar engage in a thoughtful conversation.
Associate Director of Enrollment Eddie Young Jr. '90 was thrilled to reconnect with former teacher and coach, Ron Kalczynski.Head of Advancement Jay Gould welcomes guests to this joyous occasion and invites the Zidar family to join President Tom Reidy for an exclusive first look at the newly dedicated boardroom now proudly bearing their parents' names.
Brother Rice senior and current Zidar Scholar, Taras Sawka, is recognized and warmly welcomed by Board Directors Phillip Mansour and Roseann Donaldson, John Zidar, and President Tom Reidy.
Speaking on behalf of the family, John Zidar delivers a heartfelt address, acknowledging his parents' passionate and pivotal role as the driving force behind making Brother Rice the best Catholic high school in Michigan. He emphasized their enduring legacy, further affirmed by the family's commitment to the mission and vision of Brother Rice.
The beautiful tribute plaque is unveiled by several of the Zidar's grandchildren in attendance: Owen Zidar II, Molly Zidar, Owen Zidar, and Matt Henry.
Mary Baur and Tom Zidar share a moment of immense pride as they reflect on the enduring legacy of their parents.
After an emotional reveal of the tribute plaque, the moment brings Tom, Kathy, Mary, Peggy, John, Jim, and Patty together in unity and remembrance.
Gathered at the boardroom table with Principal Ed Okuniewski and President Tom Reidy, the extended Zidar family stands as a testament to their strong bond and shared heritage.