De La Salle Collegiate recently welcomed a distinguished guest to campus as Mr. Ernie Maier, a member of the Class of 1956 from St. Joseph’s High School, visited from Florida to finalize the creation of a new endowed scholarship recognizing excellence in teaching.

The newly established Ernest L. and V. Jean Maier Award for Excellence in Teaching was created to honor faculty members who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and a lasting impact in the classroom. The award reflects a deep commitment to celebrating the vital role educators play in shaping the lives of young men at De La Salle Collegiate.

Mr. Maier’s passion for education was rooted in a lifetime of experience. Both he and his late wife, Jean, were lifelong educators who believed strongly in the transformative power of education and the influence of great teachers. This new initiative stands as a tribute to that legacy—one built on service, inspiration, and a belief in the potential of every student.

His generosity also reflected a personal desire to give back to the institution and to the educators who helped shape his own journey. By investing in De La Salle’s faculty, Mr. Maier has helped ensure that future generations of students will continue to benefit from exceptional teaching grounded in the school’s Catholic, Lasallian mission.

“Looking back, I have concluded that various teachers contributed to our success in our daily lives, although I never fully realized it at the time,” Mr. Maier said. “The Christian Brothers who taught me at St. Joe’s did what they promised to do: Build boys into men. I am happy that De La Salle will be the conduit through which I can thank our teachers who continue to build boys into men.” 

The De La Salle community formally recognized this meaningful gift during a brief presentation held in the Steve & Kathy McShane STEM Innovation Center. Faculty and staff had the opportunity to welcome Mr. Maier and celebrate this important moment for the school.

This endowed award not only honors the legacy of Ernest and Jean Maier but also reinforces De La Salle Collegiate’s ongoing commitment to excellence in education—recognizing that great teachers are at the heart of every student’s success.