26 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2024 Alumni News Father Huber holds a Master of Arts from Middlebury College (1991), and a Doctorate in Education from the University of San Francisco (2004). Since his ordination on August 15, 1992, he has served in several high schools, including The Aquinas Institute where he served as teacher and campus minister from 1991-1995; Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, California; St. Thomas High School in Houston, Texas where he served as principal; and Detroit Catholic Central in Detroit, Michigan where he served as principal and then president. Father Huber sits on the boards of three high schools, including Aquinas, as well as the Board of Directors of the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He was elected to the Basilian General Council in 2014, re-elected in 2018 and then elected Vicar General in 2022. He holds the portfolios for the Basilians in France, Mexico and Colombia. In Toronto, he assists at St. Basil’s Church and at St. Michael’s College School. While anxiously awaiting the moment they would officially become Aquinas graduates, the Class of 2023 had the distinct honor of being addressed by Father John Huber, CSB ’81 at this year’s commencement ceremony held on June 3, 2023. The Basilian Fathers had a profound impact on Father Huber as they had an influence at not only The Aquinas Institute, where he graduated in 1981, but also St. John Fisher University where he completed his undergraduate studies in 1985, and the University of St. Michael’s College where he earned his Masters of Theology in 1990. Now, as Vicar General of the Congregation of St. Basil, and director of the Basilian Network for Education and the New Evangelization, it’s no wonder that Father Huber’s message to our newest alumni focused on the charisms at the heart of the Basilian motto and at the foundation of an Aquinas education – Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge. In his address, he asked the graduates to truly reflect on those charisms and to consider if one stands out as the most important. While he noted that the knowledge students obtain throughout their time at Aquinas is immeasurable, and that no student could make it to graduation day without self-discipline, it’s goodness that supersedes the other two. “As Christians we are inspired by the goodness of Jesus Christ, who was very consistent in showing us how we are called to treat one another,” said Father Huber. “He upheld the inherent dignity of every person created by God without distinction. Jesus tells us in Matthew’s gospel, ’Whatsoever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers, that you do unto ME.’” Father Huber went on to encourage each graduate to allow Jesus to continue to penetrate their hearts so that they can imitate his goodness in the future. He left them with these words: Sisters and brothers of the Class of 2023, I pray that your lives reflect profound love of God and neighbor without distinction. I pray that your knowledge open many doors for you, that your consistent discipline guide you well into the future. Above all, I pray that your fundamental choice to choose goodness as a way of life, especially in tense, frustrating or painful situations, serve you well and help society be a better place. In addition to being inspired by an Aquinas education, God sends you the grace of the Holy Spirit every hour of every day. Above all, I pray that you believe whatever the Son of God has told you, and that your actions, attitudes, demeanors and life choices reflect that belief. May God bless each and every one of you. 2023 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER FATHER JOHN HUBER, CSB ’81
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