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MEMORY LANE
7 QUESTIONS FOR A SAINT ROSE ALUMNUS
Greg Neil
Class of 1988
Greg attended Saint Rose from 1972 to 1980.
Also, his older brothers Todd '79, Doug '78, his sister Courtney '84, his daughter Caitlin '15, and Son Leo '18 attended Saint Rose Academy.
1. Can you tell us about your current (if retired, former) profession and how your time at Saint Rose Academy influenced your career path?
For over 35 years, I have been involved in sales and sales leadership, progressing from entry-level roles to executive positions. Reflecting on my time at Saint Rose Academy, I can see how deeply it influenced my professional journey. One of the most significant lessons I took away from Saint Rose is the importance of leadership. Growing up, I was a shy kid, but the small, nurturing environment, combined with the encouragement of the sisters and teachers, challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and become the best version of myself. They instilled in me the confidence to lead others, even when I didn’t initially see myself as a leader. Looking back, I recognize how the time spent in the classroom, on the playground, and on the athletic fields, as well as the conversations with my classmates, shaped my understanding of leadership. I am in awe of how Saint Rose cultivated the unique gifts in each of us. Those gifts blossomed not only during our time at Saint Rose but carried forward into high school and beyond. When I reflect on my classmates today, I see that they too, are all leaders in their own ways, their talents having been identified and nourished during our formative years at Saint Rose.
2. How have the values, the Sisters, the teachers, and/or the teachings from Saint Rose Academy played a role in your or your family's life and upbringing?
I was incredibly fortunate to send both of my children to Saint Rose Academy, where they were able to experience the same nurturing and formative environment I had as a student. As a parent, I came to see the seeds planted in me during my early years at Saint Rose begin to grow in a new and profound way. I vividly remember Sister Mary Seton challenging us parents with the reminder: "You are the primary educators of your children." That statement resonated deeply with me and truly changed my perspective. It was a pivotal moment in my life, reinforcing the importance of my role as a parent in shaping my children’s lives. Looking back, I now realize that as a student, the sisters and teachers at Saint Rose were not only preparing me for success in high school and college but also for my ultimate vocation as a husband and father. They instilled in us the values of kindness, patience, love, and forgiveness—qualities that are foundational to any vocation and have been invaluable in my journey as a parent and my family life.
3. Looking back at your years as a student at Saint Rose, can you share some memorable times, lessons, or teachings that have stayed with you throughout your life?
Looking back, some of my most cherished memories from Saint Rose were made on the bottom and top courts during recess, as well as participating in Toy Bowl athletic events. I also have fond memories of stepping outside my comfort zone—whether it was performing in plays, singing in the choir, or engaging in activities I wouldn’t have naturally gravitated toward. The most important lesson I learned during those years is that you often find God when you step outside your comfort zone. Those moments of challenge and growth helped shape my understanding of faith, 1 courage, and perseverance, lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life.
4. How did either or both the education or spiritual guidance you received at Saint Rose shape your beliefs and daily practices today?
I’ve reflected on this question often, and I truly believe that my time at Saint Rose allowed me to know and understand the Holy Spirit and how He works in our lives. The education and spiritual guidance I received there helped me see the simplicity and beauty of a life rooted in faith, modeled by the Dominican Sisters who showed us how to live with purpose and grace. Everything I learned at Saint Rose has been distilled into the core of how I live my life today. It’s remarkably simple: pray every day, read the scriptures, attend daily Mass when possible, and receive the sacraments often. These practices are the foundation of my faith and guide my actions and decisions. Of course, like everyone, I’ve experienced moments of failure, but one of the greatest lessons I carry from Saint Rose is the understanding of God’s infinite mercy. When we fall, He is always waiting to forgive us with open arms. His mercy is endless, and that truth continues to bring me peace and hope every day
5. Do you have any specific moments or experiences from your time at Saint Rose that you still hold dear or cherish as fond memories?
I absolutely loved my classmates and had the opportunity to invite them over prior to the Gala a few years back. Everything is about relationships whether it's with your friends or Jesus Christ. Joy comes from great relationships.
6. Saint Rose Academy fosters a strong sense of family and community. Can you tell us if and how this sense of community has influenced your life and relationships?
Just as I mentioned in my above comments of how much absolutely love my classmates the same could ring true for the parents that I created relationships with while my kids were in school. They know who they are and I truly value these parents and there are examples.
7. What advice would you give to current Saint Rose students based on your experiences and lessons learned during your time at the school?
Just as I mentioned in my above comments of how much absolutely love my classmates the same could ring true for the parents that I created relationships with while my kids were in school. They know who they are and I truly value these parents and there are examples.
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