Outgoing Jesuit HS President Hosts Alumni Breakfast

will continue to succeed as plans to expand the Carmichael campus are under way, said Wednesday as he spoke for the last time formally as the school's president.

"Jesuit High is in pretty good shape," Bonfiglio told school alumni gathered in the school's Student Athletic Center. He leaves the school to go on sabbatical for a year before joining St. Ignatius Parish in San Francisco in 2012.

Bonfiglio said that while Jesuit has a full enrollment of about 1,000 students for the 2011-12 school year, the waiting list for potential students is not as deep as in years past, due, in part, to the economy and competition from public schools.

"We can no longer rely on word of mouth," he said. "Kids are making their own decision about where they want to go; they like newer schools in Elk Grove and Granite Bay without thinking of the value-added piece Jesuit offers."

Bonfiglio pointed to Jesuit's , which raised about $1.5 million for the school, as proof that fundraising is strong. He called on alumni to keep supporting the school, ahead of colleges and universities.

"You are Marauders first and (USC) Trojans, (UCLA) Bruins, (Santa Clara) Broncos, (Saint Mary's) Gaels and whatever else second," he said.

Bonfiglio also updated alumni on the school's . A permit for the project was approved last month, however, area residents filed an appeal that will be heard July 20.

Bonfiglio said a recent visitor to Jesuit called it "a God-centered school."

"There's something special here on campus; it's intangible," Bonfiglio said."It's been a great run; it's been remarkable... because of the people here."

Bonfiglio said part of what he'll miss about Jesuit is being its pastor. He said he's married 25 alumni or family members of alumni and baptized, anointed and presided over funeral services for other alumni and their families.

"I've come to love being a priest here," Bonfiglio said. "I'm proud that the last time I speak as president is to you, men who I am proud of."

The Rev. David Suwalsky officially becomes Jesuit's next president on July 1.