Powers Of The CB Prez

Everyone knows the powers of the POTUS. But what exactly does our very own President Mr. Lorcan Barnes do?

Hired by the Board of Trustees in 2004, Mr. Barnes is essentially the CEO of CB. His tasks include fundraising, working with admissions, doing PR, attending meetings, working with the Brothers, contacting and connecting with donors, attending alumni reunions, and reporting to the Board of Trustees.

“Approximately 50% of my time is spent fundraising for various school endeavors,” Mr. Barnes said.

Patrick Barnes (’17), son of the president, has unique insight into what his job is like.

“We drive in together and drive home together, so I get to hear about his job. It’s cool having him on campus, but his actual job is kinda boring.”

While these tasks may seem monotonous or uninteresting, it is all worth it for the head honcho for two reasons: graduation and reunions.

“My favorite perk of being president is graduation,” exclaimed Mr. Barnes. “Seeing all the pieces of the last four years come together in one day is my absolute favorite.”

In addition to loving graduation, President Barnes greatly enjoys seeing these graduates at reunions years later.

“Hearing alumni talk about how great the Christian Brothers experience was in forming their life — that’s what makes presiding over CB wonderful,” he said.

Having worked 27 years in Catholic education and 14 as president of a Catholic high school, Mr. Barnes knows what it takes to successfully preside over hundreds of college-bound students.

“I have to make sure I cover the religious, education, and business sides of CB.”

Mr. Barnes is just as much a businessman as he is an educator. Mrs. Corinne Pekari, administrative assistant to Mr. Barnes, is the glue that holds his insane schedule together.

“I help him to stay organized, schedule his meetings, and help prepare for those meetings,” explained Ms. Pekari.

Unlike the POTUS, there is no term limit, so Mr. Barnes is looking forward to serving as President for the Christian Brothers community for many more years to come.