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Walking into the halls of Miege for the first time, President Phil Baniewicz knew that he was ready to start a new chapter surrounded by administrators, staff and students.
For Baniewicz, this was only a change in location not position. Baniewicz served as president of Maur Hill Mount Academy for 14 years and was ready for a new environment.
“This opportunity came about and I thought, as I got to know about the school more, it’s definitely the place I wanted to be,” Baniewicz said.
According to Baniewicz, understanding God’s path for him wasn’t always easy. Initially, he wanted to be a professional baseball player but with faithful guidance, was led to the Catholic community.
“I ended up being a youth minister and then became an executive administrator,” Baniewicz said. “I’ve really just tried to be faithful to Him.”
He said he is impressed with the entire environment as a whole, especially the friendliness of the student body.
“I walked out to a football practice one day,” Baniewicz said. “I probably had eight different guys walk up to me at some point during the practice and just said, ‘Hey, I want to introduce myself and I’m glad you’re here.’”
Baniewicz said he feels grateful for the welcome and enjoys seeing students engaged in the resources that the school offers. Many classes dazzle Baniewicz; however, the Joseph Pedrotti Innovation Center stands out to him.
“Not only does it look great, but every time I walk by there, there’s something great happening and students are excited about that,” Baniewicz said.
According to Baniewicz, he deeply cares for his own family, along with the one at Miege. He enjoys spending time with his family on vacation or playing golf but also in the realm of music.
“Our son’s a professional musician, singer and songwriter,” Baniewicz said. “Several of our daughters sing, and some of them dance. We have fun just being together.”
He said he is looking forward to continuing his journey as an administrator and can tell that the community he has now entered is an integral part of his journey.
“When you see the Lord shining through others, and I’ve encountered that already, it just makes it great to be here,” Baniewicz said.
