When Dr. Jim Brennan arrived at Aquinas High School in 2010 enrollment had plummeted and the beloved San Bernardino campus was in danger of closing.
In a few short years, under his dynamic, focused leadership Aquinas was on an upward trajectory that continues today. It was the kind of spirited turnaround that marked Dr. Brennan’s 50-year career in Catholic education, including more than 20 years in the Diocese of San Bernardino. Dr. Brennan passed away on May 5 at the age of 77.
“There was a rebirth under his leadership,” recalled Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes during his homily at the Mass of Resurrection for Brennan on May 22. “He believed that there was so much potential, so many possibilities in our young people.”
Bishop Alberto Rojas issued a statement in tribute to Brennan in the days following his death, calling him “a tireless of champion of Catholic education who changed the lives of thousands of young people through his passion and commitment.”
Brennan came to the diocese in 1998 to serve as Superintendent of Catholic Schools, a post he held for six years. He then took the reins of Sacred Heart School in Palm Desert as principal in 2004. Two years later, Sacred Heart became the first Catholic school in the diocese ever to receive the National Blue Ribbon School designation.
His work to bring Aquinas back to life may be his legacy in the Catholic schools of the diocese. Not only did he reverse the trend of declining enrollment there, but his community building and fundraising skills led to several expansion and revitalization projects on campus including the Scafiddi Family Theater, the San Manuel Performing Arts Theater and the Lemann Leadership Center.
Chris Barrows served as Principal of Aquinas during Brennan’s years there and says his influence cannot be overstated.
“I was blessed to work side by side with him for 11 years and I cherish every one of them,” said Barrows, now president of Aquinas High School. “I will miss him and his guidance every day.”
Born into an Irish Catholic family in Chicago on April 30, 1947, Brennan studied at Loras College for his bachelor’s degree, Chicago State University for his Master’s, and the University of San Francisco for his Doctorate. He taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s College of California.
In addition to his leadership positions in Catholic schools, Brennan was deeply involved in professional associations including a stint as Board President of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). He was an accomplished writer and editor, authoring four books on topics like how to integrate technology into curriculum, and how to navigate the first year of teaching.
When he spoke at the conclusion of the May 22 Mass of Resurrection, Brennan’s son, Colin, called his father “indelible,” as well as being an affirming, fun-loving presence in his life. Dr. Brennan was always one to credit others in his ministerial achievements in Catholic education, his son added.
“At his core my dad was a leader with humility,” Colin Brennan said. “He had an innate ability to galvanize a community.”