President’s Medal Remarks for Mr. Martin Stanczak ‘60
In the fall of 1956, a young boy from Saint Josaphat’s Parish in Manayunk, stepped foot on the
campus of La Salle College High School for the first time. Martin W. Stanczak would grow to
become an exceptional student leader and athlete. He played basketball for the legendary Obie
O’Brien and was a bona fide decathlete – excelling in sprint, hurdle, and field events. He was a
model student and holds the distinction of being captain of the first track and field team in the
history of our school to capture the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship. He is also a
member of the very last class to graduate from 20th and Olney.
After graduation, Marty accepted an athletic scholarship to attend La Salle College. He majored
in Finance and was a standout athlete in Track and Field, making his mark at the Penn Relays.
Upon graduation in 1964, Marty began his service to the Christian Brothers when he accepted a
teaching position at West Catholic High School. Shortly thereafter, a position opened on the
faculty of his Alma Mater and, in 1967, Marty entered La Salle’s Wyndmoor campus for the first
time – beginning a career that would span five decades.
Initially, he taught Social Studies and coached Cross Country and Track and Field. Later, he
taught Accounting to seniors and many La Salle CPAs today attribute their initial interest in
accounting to Marty. In 1970, he became Athletic Director, a position he held for twenty-one
years. During that time, he was a leader in the Philadelphia Catholic League governing body
and held the office of League President. In 1991, he was promoted to his current position,
Dean of Students. Although charged with a difficult task, Marty has always been able to strike
the perfect balance between caring for our students and upholding the needs of our school. In
1997, Marty was named Lasallian Educator of the Year by the Baltimore Province of the
Christian Brothers. In 2003, he was inducted by our Alumni Association into La Salle College
High School’s Hall of Fame.
Each September, on the first day of school, the freshman class is led into the auditorium and
taught the Alma Mater. “Loyal sons we’ll ever be, high we’ll hold your memory.” As one of La
Salle’s most loyal sons, it is only fitting that Marty Stanczak is the one who teaches those lyrics.
His love for La Salle and the Christian Brothers is evident in all that he does and he clearly
epitomizes the profile of a La Salle graduate: a Man of Intellect and Accomplishment, a Man of
Faith and Compassion, a Man of Service and Justice, and a Man of Integrity and Respect.
Marty and his wife, Lois, have been married for forty-one years. They have two children, John
’85 and Jill, along with two grandchildren, Jack and Maggie. His cousin, Matthew, graduates
today as a member of the Class of 2007.
Today, Martin W. Stanczak ends a forty year career at La Salle College High School. He has been
a role model to countless La Salle Gentlemen and has made an indelible mark on this
institution. On behalf of the entire La Salle community, I thank him for his years of dedicated
and loyal service to his Alma Mater. Brother President, it is with great honor that I present the
second 2007 Recipient of the President’s Medal – your classmate and a consummate Brother’s
Boy – Martin W. Stanczak.