With a career spanning four decades, Tom Chandler has become a model figure in Central Florida's architectural scene. As the recently retired CEO of SchenkelShultz Architecture, he has led the firm to regional acclaim, focusing on aviation, education, and community projects. Tom's impact transcends architecture, evident in his recent recognition as the '2023 Bring Change Award Winner' for his humanitarian and charitable contributions. The Collage Companies, led by Chairman and CEO Brian Walsh and President Rob Maphis, stands alongside Tom in community commitment, notably through partnerships like the one with Cristo Rey Orlando High School. This harmonious synergy was celebrated at 'Party with a Purpose', hosted by Collage, exemplifying the transformative power of visionary dedication to community enrichment.
We are deeply grateful that Tom has been part of building the Cristo Rey Orlando mission from the beginning and continues to be an inspirational voice on our Board of Directors and as Chair of our Corporate Work Study team. When we open our doors in 2025, it will be in large part because of Tom's dedication which has impacted us every step of the way.
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" Over the last four decades, Tom Chandler has been a well-respected peer in our industry. He has led one of central Florida’s premier architectural firms whose hallmark buildings are prominent throughout our community. But it is Tom’s character as a business leader, and an admired husband and father that truly tells his story. It is those qualities and his impact on Orlando through his humanitarian and charitable efforts that caused us to recently honor him as the 2023 Bring Change Award Winner; a recognition that is well-deserved."
- Rob Maphis, President of The Collage Companies
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We asked Tom Chandler about his connection and time with Cristo Rey Orlando so far:
Tell us about why you decided to get involved with Cristo Rey.
Two things about the Cristo Rey story resonated with me, the opportunity to provide college prep educational opportunities to kids that face economic challenges coupled with exposure to the corporate work force world is a compelling model backed by 20 years of highly successful metrics that surpass national educational trends.
What inspires you about its mission?
Cristo Rey is creating opportunities for advancement for an underserved segment of our communities through educational opportunities for a comprehensive high school and college education. Additionally, the exposure to corporate work environments adds a compelling mentorship/internship component to building a future workforce for our communities. All of this is grounded in a faith based educational environment instilling lasting core values within our students.
In your view, how does the Corporate Work Study Program benefit the mission of Cristo Rey?
It’s really twofold, our students are exposed to a corporate work environment further expanding the educational experience outside the classroom into real world scenarios that will challenge their thinking about future professional roles and impacts they may have with their professional careers. It also challenges them to have “skin in the game” as a portion of their educational costs are supported by the Corporate Work Study Program.
What sort of impact do you anticipate Crist Rey having on the Orlando community?
I think Cristo Rey Orlando will have a significant impact on a segment of our community that seeks the educational opportunities that a college prep education and eventual college degree can have on their future role in our community. Statistically, students exposed to the Cristo Rey concept are out performing their counterparts and in many cases returning to their respective communities and providing meaningful impacts with their career choices. Orlando has a significant under served community that has responded extremely favorably to another educational opportunity focused on rigorous education, character building, value centric and faith based. I see Cristo Rey Orlando as nothing but a future huge success.
“Collage is very excited to be a Corporate Partner with Cristo Rey Orlando High School. We are passionate about strengthening our communities and we recognize that a well-prepared youth is crucial for our collective future. Cristo Rey’s approach of coupling quality education with valuable work experience is a significant step towards a productive society and aligns perfectly with our corporate mission.”
- Rob Maphis, President of The Collage Companies
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Dear Cristo Rey Orlando Community,
As we reflect on the remarkable progress made this year, I'm filled with gratitude for our shared commitment to transformative Catholic education accessible to all students. This Christmas season, we celebrate the birth of Christ, our King, and the guiding force behind our mission.
God continues to invite more individuals to join us on this transformative journey, and we eagerly await the arrival of our founding class of students in 2025.
Thank you for your dedication and support. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and promise.
With Deepest Gratitude,
Amanda Livermore, Founding President
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- Approval of our 18-month feasibility study and began our launch phase
- Building: purchased by the Orosz family, architectural designs from Heilman and Associates, renovation beginning from PLC Construction
- Groundbreaking & Blessing with over 125 guests who have helped to make Cristo Rey Orlando a reality. Faith leaders from our community offered a blessing of this sacred space where miracles will happen daily!
- Team of 3: Amanda Livermore, President, Andy Day, Vice President of Advancement, & Bradley Noel, Executive Assistant - This team is working hard every day to prepare for opening in 2025.
- Powerhouse Board of Directors: we are governed and supported by this incredibly talented and dedicated board who have committed to making Cristo Rey Orlando a model school for our community.
- Corporate Orlando has stepped up with 32 companies employing over 125 students in paid jobs for our opening year. This means our students will earn over $1.25 MILLION towards their own tuition through their hard work in our central Florida businesses!
- Thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, and foundations, we have raised $12.5M towards our $22M goal. Amazing progress which is helping us to build a school worthy of the students who will be dreaming and growing in it every day.
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National Yass Prize Competition |
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Cristo Rey Network Wins $500,000 in National Yass Prize Competition
The Cristo Rey Network was named a top 10 finalist for the coveted Yass Prize at the third annual Yass Prize Celebration and Gala in Midtown Manhattan. Among 2,700 applicants, the national office has received a $500,000 gift for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education.
Known as the Pulitzer of Education Innovation, the Yass Prize seeks, rewards, and celebrates innovative organizations trying to break the cycle of ineffective education that is failing students across the country.
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"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Cristo Rey Orlando" |
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The Cristo Rey Network of high schools delivers a career focused, college preparatory education in the Catholic tradition for students with limited economic resources, uniquely integrating rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college. We partner with educators, businesses and communities to enable students to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success. |
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