On the evening of October 20, 2023, the Delbarton Hall of Honor welcomed two new inductees: former Headmaster Br. Paul Diveny, OSB and Charles 'Chuck' Smith Jr. '65.

The two Hall of Honor inductees were celebrated at the Delbarton Alumni Homecoming Hall of Honor Reception in the Fine Arts Center, accompanied by family and friends to share the special night. After an introduction by Alumni Association President John Ferramosca '05, former Association President Chris Bury '91 summarized the new Hall of Honor members' contributions to the School, making special note of Chuck Smith's unique role as Delbarton's first African American alumnus, and Br. Paul's many jobs at the Abbey and School since 1977. With his family looking on, Smith spoke about his family's history in Morristown -- his grandfather had a local taxi business in 1910 and Luther Kountze was a customer, and his great aunt was the first African American graduate of Morristown High School -- and his experiences at Delbarton. He also described the traits that the monks, coaches and fellow students had taught him, character and persistence being the most significant.

Br. Paul briefly traced his history at the Abbey and the School, noting that his jobs, including serving as headmaster from 2006 to 2018, were often assigned to him under duress. "Quite often people saw traits in me that I didn't see in myself," he commented, and he was continually pushed to be the best version of himself.  In the audience were his sisters and his extended family, there to witness this important moment in his life.

Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB concluded the ceremony by congratulating our 2023 inductees, alluding to the mission of Delbarton and observing how both inductees had exemplified the foundational aspects of this Benedictine Catholic school. "Each in his own way has been a model and an example. Each has amplified our mission and shown what our mission is and why we do what we do."

For the past thirty-nine years, the Alumni Association has honored those members who have distinguished themselves through service to the School and the Association, or who through achievements in their fields have brought credit to Delbarton. This year, we were proud to induct two members who exemplify the traditions of achievement, character, leadership and commitment that have made Delbarton an outstanding institution. These two gentlemen truly were all in. 

Many past Hall of Honor inductees were in attendance last night...

-- as well as Delbarton Alumni Association past presidents, pictured here with Fr. Michael. 

Enjoy these photos from the 2023 Delbarton Alumni Homecoming Hall of Honor Reception, and thank you to all who joined us for last night's very special ceremony on campus.