Ryan Chandlee is a first-year nursing student at La Salle University, on a full ride in partnership with the Howley Foundation and the ASPIRE program at the Hospital University of Pennsylvania. Previously, Ryan attended West Catholic High School as a third-generation 'Burr'. In his role at the hospital, Ryan cares for geriatric patients on a surgical stepdown unit. 

"Patience, compassion, and empathy are some of the many essential virtues I need in my role to ensure a positive healthcare experience for the older adults in my care. These virtues were instilled in me at St. Francis de Sales School."

We were thrilled to welcome Ryan back to the school in September when he, alongside fellow alumni Tai Shanahan (2016) gave the opening remarks at this year's Back to School Night as part of our Alumni Guest Speaker series. Ryan spoke about his experience at de Sales and shared a palpable excitement with our families at the precipice of a new year. 

There is a quote that you and your children may see around the school and it is one I hold dear to my heart even years after graduating: 'Be who you are and be that well.' I can say that I am who I am today because of my years at 917 S. 47th Street.'

If you are an SFDS alumni interested in coming back to connect with students, email allison.mion@desalesschool.net. Tell us how you'd like to be involved through our Alumni Engagement Survey (click here) - we'd love to hear from you!