For Ben Westphal, ‘16, De La Salle Collegiate has never simply been a school—it has been home.

After graduating from St. Germaine Catholic School in 2012, Ben entered De La Salle and quickly immersed himself in every aspect of student life. He participated in Student Council, Spirit Week, Lacrosse, Tennis, Link Crew, National Honor Society, and Campus Ministry, eventually serving as Student Council Vice-President his junior year and as Student Council President his senior year. He also captained the Varsity Tennis Team. 

"I've proudly bled Purple and Gold since my first day," he said.

Returning Home

In 2020, while many schools shifted to remote learning during the pandemic, De La Salle Collegiate remained one of the few schools in southeast Michigan offering in-person instruction. That year, Br. Kenneth Kalinowski, FSC ‘84, welcomed Ben back to campus to complete his student teaching in the fall semester.

He never left.

Beginning in December 2020, Ben officially joined the English Department and has since taught Literacy, Composition and Literature I, American Literature, World Literature, Journalism, and Yearbook. The 2026-27 school year marks his seventh year as a member of the faculty.

Along the way, he has become one of the school's most recognizable leaders outside the classroom.

His service has included

• Kairos Director since 2022, helping revive and strengthen the retreat program.
• Assistant Varsity Tennis Coach and Junior Varsity Tennis Coach since 2022.
• Junior Varsity Lacrosse Coach 
• Link Crew Moderator
• Spirit Week Moderator
• Campus Minister, where he has expanded student service opportunities through initiatives such as Service Saturdays and the Middle School Tutoring program.
• Honors Convocation Chairman
• Senior All-Night Party Co-Chair
• National Honor Society and Yearbook moderator

Although his responsibilities are changing, several of those roles will continue. Ben will remain deeply involved in Kairos, continue coaching varsity tennis, and help organize the popular Mass Mob outreach program in partnership with Campus Ministry.

A Passion for Admissions

Admissions work isn't new for Ben.

While attending the University of Detroit Mercy, he spent four years working in the Office of Admissions. Beginning as a work-study student contacting prospective students and families, he eventually became an Admissions Ambassador, leading tours and representing the university at recruitment events.

He also collaborated with admissions counselors on recruitment strategies and major admissions programs.

"What I enjoyed most was building relationships with prospective students and showcasing a university that had such a meaningful impact on my life," he said.

His college years reflected the same leadership that defined his time at De La Salle.

Ben earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Education, complemented by minors in Leadership and Psychology.

He served as Student Government President and Vice President, and was an Orientation Leader before becoming Orientation Director where he helped guide Detroit Mercy's transition to virtual orientation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of his proudest accomplishments came after attending the National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference at Georgetown University in 2017. Inspired by the experience, he helped organize the successful effort to bring the conference to Detroit for the first time in university history in 2019, showcasing both the city and Detroit Mercy to student leaders from Jesuit institutions around the world.

In August 2026, Ben will complete his Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy from Boston College.

Looking Ahead

Ben plans to build meaningful relationships with prospective families while reconnecting alumni, parents, parishes, and community partners with the school.

His goal is simple: help families experience the same welcoming community that first inspired him as a child.

Growing up nearby, Ben frequently attended athletic events and Open Houses long before becoming a student.

"I remember Friday night Preview events, playing games, meeting people, and learning about the school," he recalled. "Even then, I dreamt of becoming a Pilot."

Today, he says that same excitement still drives him.

"As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, I want families throughout our community to know that De La Salle Collegiate is stronger than ever. Our students benefit from exceptional academics, championship-caliber athletics, innovative STEM programming, meaningful leadership opportunities, vibrant extracurricular activities, and an unwavering commitment to faith formation through service. Above all, they become part of a lifelong Lasallian brotherhood."

A Brotherhood Like No Other
When speaking with prospective families, Ben doesn't begin with rankings, facilities, or championships.

He begins with family and faith.

"De La Salle is a family, a true band of brothers," he said. "We support one another while preparing young men for whatever path lies ahead, whether that's college, the skilled trades, military service, vocations, or another calling. Every student is known, challenged, and encouraged to become the best version of himself. It is an experience unlike any other. Every day, we strive to live our Lasallian core values all while in the Holy Presence of God."

As someone who has experienced De La Salle as a prospective student, student leader, teacher, coach, retreat director, mentor, and now Director of Admissions, Ben brings a unique perspective to the role.

His own journey is proof that once someone becomes part of the Purple and Gold family, they never truly leave.

Now he looks forward to welcoming the next generation of Pilots.