To the Damien Alumni Community:
It is with great delight that today I share the message of Paul Escala, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, in announcing that one of our own Spartans (Class of ’86) AND a Damien parent, Dr. Joseph Siegmund, has been named the next President of Damien High School, effective July 1, 2020.
As you can read in his biography, which is attached, Dr. Siegmund comes from a unique background of higher education and business. His entrepreneurial success certainly bodes well for the future of Damien High School as we face real financial challenges in funding a replacement field turf and track this summer and a new kitchen/cafeteria shortly thereafter. In addition, our campus classroom upgrade plans are still in mid-stream.
The role of president is to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the school and holds responsibility for the school Mission and all aspects of the business operation. His primary efforts will be with the external affairs of the school to ensure sufficient resources, sound fiscal management and financial stability of the school through oversight of the business operations, development, alumni, community relations and enrollment management activities. He also works with the Consultative Board to promote the good reputation and values of the school to the external community.
Dr. Siegmund will be able to start at Damien for three months of shadow starting April 1, as I wind down my responsibilities as Interim President. He will also be involved in the process of selecting my replacement as Principal in the next few months. We are working on his calendar availability for an upcoming “Meet and Greet” opportunity in the next month.
Please welcome him home. “We’ll return again.”
Merritt Hemenway, Ph.D.
Interim President/Principal
