It was homecoming Friday at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park and the stands were filled with fans eager to see the Roadrunners go after St. Rita.
But before the game, before another Friday ritual played out on the field, fans watched another sort of ceremony, no less important to the school when a longtime employee, Dennis Moran, got some public recognition for 43 years of service.
Fans cheered as what had been Spirit Field became, officially, Dennis Moran Field, and the man who has held a dozen roles at the school was lifted into legend, a name to be remembered for as long as the field grows grass.
In his decades at Nazareth, Moran has been a teacher, a coach, the dean of students, president and athletic director. He’s still there now as the director of building and grounds.
“It’s impossible to conceive of Nazareth Academy as it stands today without Dennis Moran,” the announcer told the crowd.
His kids went there and one works there. A grandkid goes to school at Nazareth. The school likes to say his family is the first generation to have three men in the building at the same time. Suffice it to say, the Moran name is very, very well known around the place and now, of course, it will never be forgotten.
School President Deborah Tracey said Nazareth has been fortunate to have Moran.
“I’ve known Dennis for a very long time, and he’s one of the kindest old souls you’ll ever meet,” she said.
Tracey explained how Valenta Stadium and various buildings on campus have been named after generous donors. This time, the honor went to someone who has donated years and years of his life. Also, unlike the other honorees memorialized on buildings, he’s still alive.
“The principal and I looked forward to announcing it while Dennis was still around,” she said. “Gifts to the school don’t just come in the form of significant donations, he gave us the gift of his life’s work, and that’s the tribute we want to lift up. His gift was more priceless.”
The school leadership made the decision to rename the field over the summer, and Moran said he didn’t see it coming.
“Well, I was totally shocked,” he said. “It’s the first time my two bosses had me awestruck and I was speechless. It was unexpected.”
Moran said the years he’s put into Nazareth were just what he felt he owed the school.
Prior to being at the school, Tracey said Moran worked for the Sisters of St. Joseph, the congregation that sponsors the school. Moran said it was with them that he learned the value of service to others.
“At St. Joseph the mantra is, they’re the workers,” he said. “My mantra over the years is, just check your ego at the door,” he said. “It’s not about you, it’s about others.”
Tracey said that philosophy has shown itself to everyone he’s worked with.
“He’s just a really good man,” she said. “And the people who’ve known him left with that impression.”
Through it all, Moran said he’s just wanted to help.
“My goal is to be part of the solution, come to the table with an answer. Do something better. I’ve been the president there and I’ve had many hats, but under all those hats, it’s been service to others.”
Jesse Wright is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
