With more than 20 different people nominated, this year’s Founders’ Award goes to social studies teacher, Brian Mix. The recognition is given annually to a faculty or staff member who—by their words, actions and example—models the charisms of CJ’s sponsors, the Marianists and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
All nominees were reviewed by the student groups Faith Leaders In God’s Hands Today (FLIGHT) and Living in Faith Experience (LIFE), who narrowed the finalists down to four. The Mission Integration Team (MIT) adult team then selected Mix as this year’s recipient.
Mix has been working at CJ for four years in different roles, starting as a student teacher with Jim Sparrow, social studies teacher. Mix was then a substitute teacher for a year before becoming a full-time social studies teacher for the past two years.
During an all-school service awards ceremony, Greg Mueller, principal, introduced Mix—who had yet to learn of his recognition—by saying, “With humility and grace, this esteemed educator embodies the virtues of kindness, empathy, and excellence that lie at the heart of our school’s mission.”
“When I heard my name called for the award, I was extremely surprised,” said Mix. “I’ve worked here for a relatively short amount of time and with so many great people.
I see great things out of my colleagues and co-workers every day, so I was very shocked to hear my name called.”
Mix received many nominations for the 2024-2025 Founder’s Award.
“Watching Brian talk to students, it’s clear how much he cares for them, and it’s obvious that they know it,” wrote one of the nominators. “This is emblematic of honoring the dignity and sacredness of each person. Whether the conversation was about last night’s game, next week’s matchup, preparing for baseball season, the upcoming test, or missed assignments, Brian is so intentional about tailoring his conversation to a student’s interest, which only serves to make them feel seen and heard.”
Mix was honored to be chosen for the Founder’s Award this year, and says that the CJ community is so unique in that it encourages all to live out their faith and educate in faith with plenty of opportunity to do so.
“I am humbled to have been thought of so highly by the people who nominated me and chose me for this award,” said Mix. “The list of past winners is full of people who were, and are, major pillars of the CJ community. To be thought of in the same vein as them is truly exciting and humbling.”
“In just a few short years at CJ, Brian has made his impact among our students and overall CJ community.” said Mueller. “He represents all that is good and positive about the CJ experience and education. He embodies the family spirit when he dresses up in his classic blue and green dress pants and shirts on school spirit days. The way he interacts with students and builds relationships in his social studies classes builds a trust and bond. Students know he cares about their success academically and overall as young men and women developing in our faith-based school environment.”
Past honorees of the Founder Award
Judi MacLeod ‘88 (2013-2014); Angela Ruffolo (2014-2015); Bob Young (2015-2016); Jim Brooks (2016-2017); John Gutendorf (2017-2018); Emily Saunders (2018-2019); Peg Regan (2019-2020); Molly Bardine (2020-2021); Ann Szabo (2021-2022); Libby Harbaugh (2022-2023); and Sarah Stone (2023-2024).
Another nominator wrote, “Brian is always celebrating the wins of our students, knows almost every student and staff members’ names, and looks to find ways to help share his faith in retreats, Mass, and the various groups he helps with on campus. He is open and honest, and when he sees a problem, he speaks out about it, but also offers solutions. He cares.”
Brian CJ principles of community, justice, peace, embracing diversity, and family spirit and especially enjoys teaching freshman students.
“I feel I can be a community builder for freshmen to help start off their experiences at CJ in a meaningful way. I believe that if they can feel like a part of this community early on, they are more likely to feel free to be themselves and give back during their time here. This helps them to embrace the uniqueness of our school and find ways to serve and to grow, as well as live out their faith,” said Mix.
“The 18 years that I spent as a stay-at-home father were very important in my formation as the teacher I am today. This is why I treat every student in my classroom and in the building with the same respect and dignity that I treat my own children. I have always taught my family about the importance of finding and building authentic communities where they can be respected, safe, and valued for the person that they are. I bring that to the CJ community as well.”
For Mix, CJ represents his ideal version of what a community is supposed to be centered on a “heart for service, love for justice, and quest for peace.”
“CJ is also such a beautifully diverse community, so I embrace the dignity of that diversity and everyone who contributes to it. The minute I came here as a student teacher, I knew I didn’t want to be anywhere else,” he said.
“I feel being a part of this community allows me to encourage those around me to take these characteristics they see being lived out at CJ to the world and make their homes and communities better places.”