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September 7, 2016It is said often at VASJ: Once a Viking, Always a Viking.But it is more than just a saying. It is a truth. The school’s way of life. So when someone leaves, they are never really gone and always remain a Viking.
This was the reality for Thomas Erzen who just returned to Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School as the Dean of Student Life after being gone for 20 years.
For some, 20 years might seem like a long time. But for Erzen, the time flew by and he is genuinely excited to be back “home.”
“It doesn’t seem like it’s been 20 years,” Erzen says. “It seems like it was yesterday. I feel like I never left.”
When Erzen originally came to VASJ in 1992, he was hired to teach religion. He later became the Athletic Director, which is the role he kept until he left for a new opportunity in 1996.
“I like new challenges,” Erzen says. “As time rolls on, it’s a journey.”
And his journey brought him right back to VASJ.
Even though it has been 20 years, there are still some familiar faces at the school that made him excited and eager to work alongside of them once again.
For example, his former colleague Bill Raddell ’68 (now in his 44th year at VASJ) is still working at the school teaching religion and serving as the Coordinator of Mission Effectiveness.
And Sr. Maria Berlec ’67, who served as Principal during Erzen’s previous time at the school and who hired him as the Athletic Director, has since returned to VASJ and is now teaching religion.
“He is a good man,” Sr. Maria says. She remembers what a hard worker he was during his previous time at the school and is glad to have him back.
Another familiar face from Erzen’s past at VASJ is Nate Zavorek ’94. Erzen was the Director of Athletics when Zavorek was a student. Now, 20 years later, it is Zavorek who holds the role of school’s AD.
Even the faces of the faculty and staff that are new to Erzen, have welcomed him with open arms.
“The faculty and staff are wonderful here and I see a family atmosphere,” he says. “I do a lot of walking around in my role and I hear a lot of good things happening in those classrooms.”
What initially drew Erzen to VASJ all those years ago, was the proud tradition of the two schools that had just merged.
“I knew that both VA and St. Joe’s were great schools,” Erzen says. “I knew it would be good for me to be here. Now it has been more than 25 years since the schools merged which is a really great thing.”
Yearbook photo of Tom Erzen from 1993.When Erzen was at VASJ from 1992-1996, he mantra was “going to work and doing what you’ve got to do to make the place the best that it can be.”
In his new role of Dean of Student Life, his commitment is much the same. His love for the school never wavered during his time away and it is still all about the kids.
“I want to witness the personal growth of each student,” he says. “I’m looking forward to doing my part in making the school the best that it can be for the kids."
