The birth of Chaminade was the result of the vision of the men of the Marianist Province of the Pacific. They wanted to expand their Catholic educational mission in a Los Angeles-area location. Fr. Tredtin, Bro. Wipfield and Fr. May negotiated the purchase of the Cheviot Hills Military Academy in West Los Angeles. It opened in September of 1952 under the leadership of Bro. John Perko as Principal and with the name of Chaminade High School. The student body numbered 114 boys.

In 1959, during a national emphasis on building codes for schools, the brick buildings were deemed unsound. A search began for new facilities. Nineteen acres of ranch land in Canoga Park were purchased and the Marianists helped to build the new campus. From an urban setting to one of rural growth, Chaminade's Valley site opened in 1961 to 144 students, all young men.

Soon an opportunity presented itself for further expansion providing a much needed middle school: St. John's Military Academy in nearby Chatsworth was closing. After completing negotiations for rental of the property, the "Little Campus" opened in 1969, adding grades seven and eight, and bringing the ninth grade to Chatsworth. The campus was purchased outright in 1987.

Chaminade became co-educational when girls entered the school in 1971, and then in 1972, the ownership and governance of the school was transferred from the Society of Mary to an Incorporated Board of Directors. The Marianists stayed on as spiritual leaders and mentors.

During the 80s, the program for boarding students was closed, the Uribe Sports Center was built, and the sixth grade was added to the Middle School when the ninth grade returned to the High School campus.
Chaminade College Preparatory now offered classes for grades six to 12. The 90s saw the construction of the stadium and Marian Hall.

Now, in the first decade of the 21st century, the school continues to improve with the construction of new buildings on each campus. Today, 1,700 boys and girls study at Chaminade. There are, alas, only a few Marianist religious on site to remind us of our early beginnings. Nevertheless, the spirit of those early Marianist Founders is alive in the lay people and religious of other orders as well as our own stalwart men of the Society of Mary, now all charged with keeping the light of Blessed Chaminade and his mission alive for the students of today.

Past Founders Day Honorees

Ed Ramsey ’66 and Monica Casteel Ramsey ’75 are a Chaminade family with deep roots in the school’s history. Moreover, they are a model of a growing tradition – graduates who send their children to Chaminade. Their three children Stephen ’98, James ’99 and Amy ’01 have distinguished themselves as leaders through service activities. We are grateful for their many contributions.

Thomas J. Condon ’56 has provided invaluable guidance in school finance and investment matters as a member of the Board of Directors, in addition to being a significant contributor to Chaminade’s building and physical plant enhancement campaigns. The High School’s Science and Technology Center was named to honor he and his family’s generosity.

Philip and Nancy Mundy Philip and Nancy Mundy brought their eldest child, Kimberly '88, to Chaminade Middle School in 1982. Brothers, Philip III '91 and Brian '98, followed her. Over the course of the 16 years the Mundy children were at Chaminade, and well beyond their graduation, these extraordinary parents rolled up their sleeves and became exemplary volunteers. It is Chaminade College Preparatory's sincere honor to recognize and formally thank them for their loyal friendship, by designating them as Founders.

Karen Valentine Joining the Middle School faculty in 1979, she taught American History and four typing classes on manual typewriters. Several years later, when the time came to renovate these machines, she saw the future in technology and suggested the investment be made in purchasing computers. Soon after, these “keyboarding” classes were the beneficiaries of her vision as the School purchased 30, state-of-the-art "Commodore 64s." Over the years she has worn many hats at each campus including Middle School academic dean, High School guidance counselor and moderator of Key Club for the past 16 years.

Bro. LeRoy Viera, S.M. has dedicated his life to service, as a Marianist and an integral part of Chaminade’s High School family. “He is a true man of service,” explained Drama Teacher, Paula LaBrot. “He is an artist, a craftsman, a teacher and a dear friend who is greatly appreciated by the students and staff alike.”

Barbara Tweedy Joined the teaching staff at Chaminade College Preparatory in September of 1978. Barbara Tweedy taught six English classes of sophomores and juniors and was the Girls' Dean. During her tenure at Chaminade, Barbara has been English Department Chairperson, Summer School Principal, and moderator of numerous clubs and publications. Having taught all levels of English and even some Algebra and Geometry classes, Barbara currently teaches A.P. English, Ethnic Literature, and Geometry.

Rev. Allen DeLong, S.M. is a Marianist who devoted much of his life to develop Chaminade into one of the leading private, independent schools in the San Fernando Valley. This teacher, president and spiritual leader’s presence is warmly felt today, seven years after leaving the School.

David H. Knapp A Chaminade graduate, Class of 1957 - of which he was Co-President - and a sixth generation Californian, David attended Georgetown University, receiving his degree from Columbia University.

Rev. David Schuyler, S.M. Father Dave, as he is most fondly known by the Chaminade family, has a long and rich history in both the earliest and most recent days of our School's fifty years. He became a brother shortly after graduating from the Marianist's St. Joseph High School in Alameda, CA. and continued his studies at St. Mary's College.

R. Michael and Anne Bierly are invaluable volunteers whose devoted service and special talents continue to enhance the School's development in numerous ways.

Henry and Janne Burdick have led the way in many efforts for Chaminade. They have provided contributions of time and energy. Henry is a 1960 graduate of Chaminade.

Dr. Wilson and Sharon Del Pizzo have greatly impacted the School through Wilson’s work as “team doctor” to the football team and on the Board of Directors, while Sharon guided many successful projects with the Fashion Show, Les Dames de Chaminade and the Equestrian Team.

Dee Flornes has served Chaminade in a variety of capacities through the years that began as a dedicated parent volunteer, an employee and later as a member of the Board of Directors. She established many of the School's cherished traditions that continue to support student programs.

Dennis Haas provides us with a example of what it means to volunteer time and energy. He assists with retreats, drama, yearbook, and athletics. In his photographs he speaks volumes.

Wally and Jean Hollenstein were very influential in putting together the Campus Ministry program. They assisted with major fundraising efforts of the Parents Association.

Bob and Dolores Hope as parents and supporters they recognized the need and gave the leadership gift which made possible the construction of the Bob Hope Student Center.

Thomas and Marlene Hynes have been a major part of Chaminade for over 20 years by sharing their time and talent. They showed leadership in the Parents Association, the Athletic Boosters Association, and in the funding of Marian Hall at West Hills.

Mose and Jeane Jadon have been most generous. They took a key role in building Marian Hall on the high school campus. They have always supported Chaminade whenever called upon.

James and Penny Kelly championed and helped make possible projects, including the stadium, that remind us all of the value of sports and extra-curricular activities in our program.

Alan and Joanne Leupp have supported Chaminade and served on committees including Board of Directors, Parents Association, Athletic Boosters.

Cardinal Roger Mahony extended his interest in Catholic education by making possible the continuation of Chaminade Middle School.

David and Barbara Meyers since 1984 have worked tirelessly in supporting and creating fundraising programs.

Father Lawrence Mann, S.M., is a gentle father who shows God's love in a real and tangible way. He is chaplain for the 9th and 10th grade retreats. Father Larry's life and mission have been devoted to young people.

Brother William McCall, S.M., former faculty member and President of Chaminade founded the High Sierra Club, which over the years has given thousands of our students the opportunity to experience the outdoors.

Father John McEnhill, S.M., was principal from 1964-1969. He negotiated the lease of the Chatsworth campus for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.

Stephen Mussack has been teaching at Chaminade for 28 years. A 1967 graduate of Chaminade, he has been principal of the Middle School, Department. Chair, and Math tutor to many.

Frank Otto, the 1st Chairman of the Board of Directors, made possible the existence of Chaminade when it was threatened with financial difficulties.

Joseph Rauser has been teaching at Chaminade for 34 years. He clarifies the subtleties of English grammar and is full of surprises to help his students experience success.

Christopher Redondo has been teaching at Chaminade for 29 years. As Religion Department Chair he has brought the Department to a level making it a model to other Catholic schools.

David Reeves taught at Chaminade for 31 years. A 1960 graduate of Chaminade, he was principal of both campuses, Department Chair, and Science mentor to many.

Brother Vincent Steele, S.M., was principal when the school moved to the Valley. He supervised the construction of our present buildings.

Javier Ricardo and Maria Uribe give their resources and talents to assist the development of Chaminade. They helped make possible both Marian Hall and the gym.

Brother James Wipfield, S.M., almost single-handedly put together the purchase of the Cheviot Hills Military Academy and launched Chaminade College Preparatory in 1952.

John Zovich was Chairman of the Board of Directors from 1984-1986. With his leadership the Board was able to purchase the Middle School campus.

Past Father Chaminade Day Honorees

Father Chaminade Day Honorees have been recognized for their service to the School as well as in the community.

Sister Noreen Arnold, C.S.J., Middle School Faculty Member. Sr. Noreen began the sixth grade program at Chaminade’s Middle School in September 1989. She continues to teach religion to the Middle School and coordinates the Chaminade R.C.I.A. program in conjunction with St. John Eudes Parish.

Helen Foster, Middle School Faculty Member. Helen began the sixth grade program along with Sr. Noreen at the Middle School joining the staff in 1989. She presently works in the library and coordinates the student spring break trips and teaches French.

David Genders, President and C.E.O. of Pacific Lodge Youth Services. David brings to Chaminade his experience as a 10-year volunteer reserve officer, Past President of the Pastoral Council at St. Mel Parish and 10-year member of the Woodland Hills Rotary. He works closely with both campuses organizing symposia for the Chaminade and surrounding communities.

Sister Frances Leonard, S.S.L., Director of Admission, Middle School. Sr. Frances joined Chaminade in 1994. She has given her talents, love and support for the past 43 years as a teacher, principal and counselor throughout our local Catholic Elementary Schools.

The Hon. Maureen Duffy-Lewis, former Member of Chaminade Board of Directors. Maureen, a Superior Court Judge for the City of Los Angeles, is credited with establishing the after-school care program on the Middle School campus.

Dr. Marilyn Luckey, Director, Santa Susana School. Dr. Luckey is a friend and supporter of Chaminade’s Middle School.

Michael Valentine, Middle School Faculty Member and Athletic Director. Mike, a Crystal Apple Award recipient, has invested 22 years into his teaching career at the Middle School. He is well known for his love of English literature and athletics.

Betty Ann Zdenek, Chaminade Parent. Betty is the founder of the Middle School Student Store.

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Last modified: April 09, 2008
Yannis Grammatis