Patrick Valletta ’05 has been involved in service at Saint Ignatius High School since his time as a student at Saint Ignatius High School. Today, he works to involve a new generation of “Men for Others” in service opportunities.
Valletta is the Coordinator of Programs and Volunteers, overseeing the variety of service programs Saint Ignatius offers. These include the Arrupe Neighborhood Partnership program, Saint Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry, and the Christian Action Team (C.A.T.). “It’s all about relationships - not just serving the people we encounter, but getting to know their stories,” says Valletta.
Part of his responsibilities include overseeing the Alumni Volunteer and Discernment Program, ensuring the volunteers are having a positive and worthwhile experience. He works with them on a weekly basis to write lesson plans and develop curriculum for the Arrupe after school program. Valletta also meets weekly with other faculty and staff members to moderate C.A.T. as a whole.
Valletta graduated from Saint Ignatius in 2005, and attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, earning his bachelor’s degree in anthropology. He then became an alumni volunteer at Saint Ignatius from 2009-2010. Following that year, he was a residential counselor at the non-profit group Boys Hope Girls Hope in Garfield Heights. He joined Saint Ignatius in 2011.
John Gill ’97, Executive Director of the Arrupe Neighborhood Partnership, kept in touch with Valletta after graduation and encouraged him to apply for the coordinator position. “I had thought about it previous to his encouragement, but he gave me the confidence to say yes,” says Valletta.
“Pat was hired when he was because of his calm, cool, and collected personality and reactions in all situations,” says Gill. “His dedication is to the students of Saint Ignatius High School and his commitment to justice is evidenced through his careful work and respect with those who come to Arrupe throughout the day.”
Valletta has seen the Arrupe program from several angles. He was a counselor in the program when he attended Saint Ignatius, worked to implement the after school and summer programs as an alumni volunteer, and is now an overseer. “Being an alumnus and having an idea as to what the students are going through is one thing that helps with this position,” he says.
His favorite part of the job is that he gets to live his faith every day he comes to work. “Hopefully I can give the boys a positive and joyful four years while they are here and help them grow closer to Christ,” he says.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife Mary, and sons William, age 3, and Jesse, age 1. His hope is that the students who engage in service are better prepared to answer the question, “What does God want from me?”