SHC Announces New Director of De Paul Scholar Program

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is proud to announce the appointment of Nicholas Hren as the new director of the De Paul Scholar Program. Nicholas will succeed outgoing director and former principal Dr. Ken Hogarty ’66 who will retire at the end of this academic year after nearly five decades of service to SHC.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is proud to announce the appointment of Nicholas Hren as the new director of the De Paul Scholar Program. Nicholas will succeed outgoing director and former principal Dr. Ken Hogarty ’66 who will retire at the end of this academic year after nearly five decades of service to SHC.

Nicholas joined SHC in 2015 as an instructor of Theology. Prior to SHC, he served as the camp director for Camp Phoenix, an overnight camp program for students in low income communities, as an instructor at Futures and Roots International Middle School, and an instructor of philosophy at San Quentin State Prison. He holds a BA in Philosophy from St. Norbert College and a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, a Graduate School of Santa Clara University. Nicholas shares, “I consider it a true gift to be the director of this program, which has a strong tradition of achievement and dedication to providing a well-rounded education to all of its participants. I have so much faith in all our students and their development through the DPS program. Ultimately, any work is all about the people you share it with, and I am grateful to be in such great company.”

“I consider it a true gift to be the director of this program, which has a strong tradition of achievement and dedication to providing a well-rounded education to all of its participants."

Nicholas Hren

Nhren Crop

The De Paul Scholar Program is a rigorous four-year academic and enrichment program informed by the charisms of St. John Baptist de La Salle and St. Vincent de Paul. De Paul Scholars achieve grades which place them in the top 10 percent of their class, demonstrate leadership daily in the classroom, and they are passionate about engaging in the world of ideas and solving real-world challenges of injustice and inequality.

As a longtime beloved member of the SHC community Ken reflects on the program’s growth since its inception in 1987: “The program has fulfilled its goals many times over throughout the last 30 years through the capable leadership of many individuals including current administrators Gary Cannon, Joan O’Neill, Kate McFadden and future DPS director Nick Hren. The accomplishments of the DPS alumni, many of whom still stay in touch, illustrate the success of the program. I have been fortunate to have enjoyed the ride with such a distinguished community and nonpareil collection of individuals who have all touched my heart.”

Nicholas’s appointment was announced to the De Paul Scholars and their families at a recent gathering, eliciting a spirited standing ovation. Ken shares, “It clearly indicated the regard for which Nick is held by current De Paul Scholars who have experienced first-hand his gifts as a teacher and thinker. Clearly, he will serve the school and the De Paul Scholar community well. He is intelligent, nurturing and compassionate. He listens well and acts convincingly.”

Learn more about SHC’s De Paul Scholar Program.

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