Fr. Patrick Fulton, CSB delivers speech at CC’s inaugural State of the School Address – Novi, Michigan

On February 2^nd, 2024, the Detroit Catholic Central Family gathered in the gymnasium for the inaugural State of the School Address, to reflect on the successes and future opportunities of the DCC Community.

Father Dennis Kauffman, CSB, led the opening prayer, and Father Patrick Fulton, Principal, opened the ceremony with a reflection on the school’s history and unique identity.

In 1928, DCC became a family embodying the Basilian Charism of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. One hundred years later, while some buildings and faces have changed, the Basilian Charism persists as a core value of DCC.

Father Fulton offered a thanks for the many blessings God has bestowed upon DCC over nearly a century, and for the Basilian founding Fathers who dedicated their lives to DCC’s mission of nurturing young men by providing endless opportunities for intellectual, physical, and spiritual excellence.

Amidst the global decline in Catholic institution enrollment, DCC has experienced growth in admissions over the last three years. Ninety percent of the student body is engaged in extracurricular activities, ranging from sub-varsity sports to community service.

“The more involved a young man becomes in our school, the more invested he is. The more people he meets, the more friends he makes. Then, it’s no longer a matter of ‘I have to’ go to school, but ‘I get to’ go to school because this is my home and my community.” Father Fulton said.

What drives the academic excellence, rising admissions and community involvement is the feeling of brotherhood. Every Basilian school extols it, and every Basilian graduate speaks of it – the spiritual connection that inspired the Congregation’s founders and guides Basilian schools today and does not allow one to simply forget their old high school, but actively come back, support, and remember the people that made it possible.

The speech was part of a series of talks by various members of the DCC staff:

(Photography was generously provided by the Detroit Catholic Central Communications Staff).

Dan Collins (Director of Advancement) – host/master of ceremonies

Paul Stuligross (Theology Teacher) – Faith life at CC

Ed Turek (President) – Keynote speech & Campus Development Announcements

Jake Marmul (Director of Admissions) – Admissions

Amy Ely (Director of STEM) – STEM Curriculum/Hall of Science

Aaron Babicz (Athletic Director) – Culture/Athletics