A Farewell Message from Jack Herbert

Jack Herbert, President Emeritus

Dear Pius XI Students, Families, Alumni, Benefactors, and Friends:

Over the past eight years, it has been a true honor and privilege to serve as President of Pius XI Catholic High School. This is a community grounded in a mission that matters—preparing a diverse community of young men and women to achieve their unique and highest potential. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have been part of that sacred work.

Looking ahead to the school’s 100th anniversary in 2029, there is much to be proud of. Together, we have strengthened our commitment to ensuring every student under our care grows in reading, writing, and math proficiency—skills that are foundational to their success in college, career, and life. We successfully eliminated the Field House debt, strengthening the school’s financial position for the future. Most importantly, we have built and sustained a talented, dedicated team of educators, staff, and administrators who care deeply about our students and their futures.

One of the initiatives I am especially excited about is the creation of the Applied Learning Lab, which will be fully operational in the coming school year. We know that students learn best when they can connect academic concepts to real-world experiences, and this space will provide opportunities for exactly that kind of meaningful, hands-on learning.

Like many leaders, I leave wishing much more could have been accomplished—but that is simply how I am wired. What gives me great confidence, however, is the strong foundation that is in place and the extraordinary people who will continue to build upon it.

On a personal level, one of the greatest blessings of my tenure at Pius XI has been the opportunity to meet so many alumni and supporters. Hearing your stories and witnessing the lasting impact this school has had on your lives is something I will carry with me always. I have often said that if I had grown up in Milwaukee, I would have attended Pius XI myself. Having experienced this community firsthand, I believe that more than ever.

While the neighborhoods surrounding the school have evolved over time, the heart of Pius XI remains unchanged. The school continues to nurture students to excel academically, develop moral courage, and live lives of faith and service. That mission is as vital today as it was nearly a century ago.

I ask that you continue to keep Pius XI in your prayers. There is every reason for optimism about the school’s future, but continued progress will depend on the faithful support—both spiritual and financial—of this community. Together, you will help ensure that Pius XI reaches its full potential in the years ahead.

The school is in excellent hands under the capable leadership and energy of our new President, Tom Mlada. I have every confidence that he will lead Pius XI forward with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to its Catholic mission.

Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, for your partnership, and for your unwavering support of this remarkable school.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

— Numbers 6:24–26

Sincerely,

Jack Herbert

President Emeritus

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A message of Gratitude from Board Chair Joan Shafer ‘71

Dear Pius XI Community,

As we conclude another remarkable school year, we also mark the end of an important chapter in the history of Pius XI Catholic High School.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my privilege to express our deepest gratitude to President Jack Herbert as he concludes eight years of faithful and visionary leadership.

Since joining Pius XI in 2018, Jack has led our school with unwavering dedication to our Catholic mission and an enduring commitment to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and benefactors. Through both moments of celebration and seasons of challenge, he has remained steadfast in his belief that every decision should advance the mission of Pius XI and create greater opportunities for our students.

Jack's tenure has been marked by significant accomplishments that have strengthened our school for generations to come. Under his leadership, Pius XI successfully completed the retirement of more than $3.25 million in long-term debt, positioning the school on stronger financial footing than it has enjoyed in decades. His vision and perseverance also inspired transformational philanthropic support, including a historic $2 million gift from alumnus Fred Sitzberger '71, whose generosity made possible the naming of the Sitzberger Field House and helped secure a brighter future for our campus.

Beyond these important financial milestones, Jack has championed investments in academic excellence, bolstering programs that make a Pius XI education exceptional. His leadership helped strengthen relationships throughout our community while reinforcing our commitment to forming young men and women of faith, knowledge, leadership, and service.

Perhaps Jack's greatest legacy is not found in buildings or balance sheets, but in the countless lives he has touched. He has led with integrity, compassion, humility, and genuine care for every member of our community. He celebrated our successes, met challenges with determination, and always kept students at the center of every conversation.

Leadership transitions naturally bring both reflection and anticipation. We will certainly miss Jack's steady presence and are also filled with excitement as we welcome Tom Mlada as the fourth President of Pius XI Catholic High School. Thanks in large part to Jack's leadership, Tom inherits a school that is financially stronger, mission-focused, and well-positioned for continued growth and success as we move closer to our second century of service to the families of Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin.

Please join me in thanking Jack Herbert for his extraordinary service to Pius XI Catholic High School. We are profoundly grateful for his leadership, his friendship, and his unwavering commitment to our mission.

Jack, thank you for eight years of faithful service. We wish you God's richest blessings in the next chapter of your journey and know that you will always be a cherished member of the Pius XI family.

With gratitude,

Joan Shafer '71

Chair, Board of Directors

Pius XI Catholic High School

Herbert Honored with Faithful Servant Award; Honorary Diploma

As he concludes eight years of faithful leadership as President of Pius XI Catholic High School, Jack Herbert has been honored in two memorable ways that reflect the lasting impact he has made on our school community.

During the Spring Auction, Jack was surprised with the Walter J. Yakich Faithful Servant Award, one of Pius XI's highest honors. The award recognizes his extraordinary leadership, unwavering commitment to our Catholic mission, and faithful service to generations of students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and benefactors. In a fitting tribute, he was also presented with his own Pius XI letterman jacket—a symbol that he will always be part of the Pius XI family.

The celebration continued at Commencement, where the Class of 2026 and school leadership surprised Jack with an Honorary Pius XI Diploma. The diploma recognized the example he has set through his servant leadership, compassion, integrity, and steadfast dedication to Catholic education.

In further recognition of his extraordinary service and enduring legacy, the Pius XI Board of Directors has bestowed upon Jack the honorary title of President Emeritus. Though he is retiring from his official role, his leadership, wisdom, and unwavering love for Pius XI will continue to inspire our community for years to come.