Congratulations to Assistant Principal Christopher Dean, Class of 1989, named the “Lasallian Educator of the Year” by the Christian Brothers of the District of Eastern North America (DENA). 

Dean is the first De La Salle Collegiate educator to be recognized for this award since its inception in 1987.

The award is given to one individual who has been nominated by his peers and administration. 

Principal Brother Ken Kalinowski, ‘84, recognized Dean at a school assembly on Friday, October 13. Dean will receive his award in person at the 2023 Huether Conference, planned for mid-November in the Chicago area. 

“He has tirelessly served our school for over 20 years, as a teacher, administrator, chaperone, and advocate for our boys and school,” Brother Ken said. 

“I am overwhelmed to even be considered for this award, let alone be named Lasallian Educator of the Year,” Dean said. “It is even more humbling to learn that no one from De La Salle Collegiate has been given this honor considering the number of Brothers and teachers who have come before me or are now working with me.” 

Dean’s wife Michaele, son Christian ‘19, and daughter Megan, Bishop Foley ‘23,  were in attendance. The family lives in St. Clair Shores. Christian is currently working in New York City, while Megan is a freshman at Madonna College, studying American Sign Language. 

Dean attended St. Peter Grade School (now closed)  in Harper Woods and the University of Detroit Mercy for his undergraduate degree. He majored in History, and his teaching certificate is in Social Studies. 

He also earned a State of Michigan administrator certificate and has a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Michigan. 

Prior to coming to De La Salle in 2004, Dean was a teacher and administrator at St. Alphonsus in Dearborn from 1994-2003 and spent a year at the University of Detroit-Jesuit during the 2003-2004 school year as Dean of Students. 

“De La Salle has always been and continues to be a truly special place, and I truly enjoy serving this community,” Dean said. “I am very grateful to the De La Salle family.”