Gregor Mendel Award Dinner Honoring Fr. Paul W. Galetto, O.S.A., Ph.D. '74

WE THANK OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR
THE D'ONOFRIO & GALETTO FAMILIES

The St. Augustine Prep community gathered in the Louis and Josephine Buondonno Forum on Thursday, October 16, 2025, to celebrate one of the most influential figures in the school’s history — Fr. Paul W. Galetto, O.S.A., Ph.D. ’74, recipient of the 2025 Gregor Mendel Award.

Named for the 19th-century Augustinian monk and scientist widely regarded as the father of modern genetics, the Gregor Mendel Award is the highest honor bestowed by St. Augustine Prep. Established in 1974 under the leadership of Fr. Stephen J. LaRosa, O.S.A., the award recognizes individuals whose lives reflect the Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love and whose leadership has made a lasting impact on the Prep community.

A proud alumnus of the Class of 1974, Fr. Galetto entered the Order of St. Augustine following his graduation from Villanova University in 1978 — a decision that set in motion a lifetime of faithful service to Catholic education. After teaching at the Prep from 1982 to 1986, he returned in 1996 as Director of Development and soon after was appointed President, serving from 1997 through 2011.

Under his leadership, Fr. Paul led the Prep through an era of unprecedented growth, strengthening academic programs, increasing enrollment, and expanding the campus footprint in ways that continue to benefit students today. More importantly, he helped shape the very heart of the institution — cultivating the culture of brotherhood and family that has become the hallmark of the Hermit experience.

“Fr. Paul’s legacy is written not only in the buildings he helped raise but in the hearts of every student, teacher, and alumnus shaped by his vision,” reflected Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., Head of School. “He is a foundational figure in the history of St. Augustine Prep — someone who showed us that leadership is, above all, service rooted in love.”

The evening celebration brought together alumni, parents, faculty, and friends of the Prep to honor Fr. Paul’s life of service and his enduring influence on generations of Hermits. The program featured remarks from school leadership, heartfelt tributes, and a video celebrating Fr. Paul’s legacy.

Relive the Evening

View photos from the event along with the tribute video and Fr. Paul's moving acceptance speech.

The Fr. Paul W. Galetto, O.S.A., Ph.D. '74 Endowed Scholarship

A Legacy that Continues

In one of the evening’s most poignant moments, the school announced the establishment of the Fr. Paul W. Galetto, O.S.A. Endowed Scholarship — a permanent fund ensuring that future generations of Hermits can experience the transformative education Fr. Paul so passionately championed.

The FP Scholars Endowment will be invested in the school’s endowment fund, providing annual scholarship support to multiple deserving students each year in perpetuity.

To make a gift in support of the FP Scholars Endowment, please visit hermits.com/FP

Make a Gift to the FP Scholars Endowment

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