Fr. William McCandless Named New Principal

Father McCandless has served Salesianum for six years as a teacher and a guidance counselor. During his career outside of Salesianum, he has served seven years as School Minister at Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia and as a Chaplain for the United States Naval Reserve for twelve years.

A graduate of Northeast Catholic High School, he went to Allentown College, now De Sales University, to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Secondary Education. Subsequently, he earned a Master of Science is Clinical Pastoral Counseling at Loyola College of Maryland and a Master of Divinity at De Sales School of Theology in Washington, DC. This year he celebrates 19 years of religious profession as an Oblate of St. Francis De Sales, and ten years as an Oblate priest.

"Salesianum has enjoyed a stellar reputation of providing a quality education to young men in our community for over one hundred years," said Father McCandless. "I consider it a profound honor to be entrusted to keep that fine tradition alive, especially as we conclude our strategic planning in preparation for an reaccredidation visit from the Middle States Association." McCandless acknowledges that a cohesive effort on the part of all segments of the Salesianum Community is essential to the school?s continued success. The goal of the school remains the same as when founded one hundred and two years ago; to provide, to a world full of opportunity and challenge, men, who are grounded in moral values and who are equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills.

The selection process for Principal began with a Board of Trustees meeting in September. A search committee was formed to review and to interview those who responded to a posting. The opening was announced to the members of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Oblate Province and the general Salesianum community including faculty, parents and alumni. At the conclusion of the interview process, the committee presented a report at the January Board of Trustees meeting. Subsequently, Father Morrissey consulted with Provincial leadership, and spoke with Father McCandless. The Salesianum Oblate Community and the Board of Trustees were informed of the appointment earlier in the week. All Oblates of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province, faculty, staff, parents, students, alumni and friends of Salesianum were informed by midweek.

Father Fisher is credited with leading Salesianum in the true spirit of the schools patron, St. Francis De Sales. Prior to being Principal, Father Fisher served as Academic Dean at Salesianum. Fisher holds a Bachelor of Arts from De Sales University, a Master of Arts in Secondary Administration from Villanova University, a Master of Arts from De Sales School of Theology and an Ed. D from Wilmington College.

Salesianum?s 13,950 graduates can be found in 48 states and on five continents. Its graduates have distinguished themselves in every profession. The school?s patron, St. Francis De Sales, is revered for his gentlemanly behavior. His example is offered as the role model for this all boys? school. During this past year, Salesianum was named one of the top 50 Catholic schools in the United States by the Catholic High School Honor Roll.