Mr. Michael A. Baiamonte, Jr. ’93 will serve as the Alumni Engagement Officer. He will be responsible for leading the alumni relations team to provide direction of alumni programs and activities designed to encourage alumni involvement in the life of the school. Baiamonte earned a bachelor of science degree in secondary math education from University of Holy Cross and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University. A 1993 graduate of Holy Cross School, Baiamonte has worked at his alma mater for the past three years and has over 20 years of experience in education.
“I am excited for the opportunity that Holy Cross has given me. This school gave me and my family more than I can ever give back. The brothers of Holy Cross taught us to be servant leaders, and I look forward to serving all of the present and future alums in this position. Holy Cross School taught us to be refined gentleman who are accountable to one another. The focus of our department will be to get our alums more involved with our students through school-based activities,” said Baiamonte.
Mr. Dean Arnett ’82 will serve as Alumni Campaign and Events Manager. He will be responsible for the direction of alumni campaigns and events designed to encourage alumni involvement and giving. Arnett has a bachelor of science degree from Louisiana State University with a concentration in journalism, marketing and psychology. He served our country for 23 years in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, retiring in 2006 as a captain, and has worked in the non-profit world for the American Cancer Society and Odyssey House.
Arnett is returning to Holy Cross School, where he served previously in several different roles, including alumni, development and public relations. He also served as the capital campaign director following Hurricane Katrina. Arnett brings a lot of experience and passion and is proud and excited to be able to return to Holy Cross and join the advancement team.
Mr. John Odinet ’84 will serve as Annual Giving Manager. He will be responsible for overseeing the alumni annual giving program as well as activities designed to encourage alumni involvement in the life of the school. Odinet has a bachelor of science degree in special education from Louisiana State University and has taught special education in St. Bernard and Jefferson parishes for 24 years. He is a graduate of Holy Cross School and is one of 13 children, with all seven boys in his family having attended Holy Cross between 1973 and 1991.
“I have decided to come back to Holy Cross because I have a great passion for the school. The Brothers of Holy Cross gave me a wonderful opportunity to not only become the man I am today, but also created great memories for me. I think that we should give the boys of the future the same opportunities that we had. Our parents sacrificed for us, and now I think it’s our turn to sacrifice for future generations of Holy Cross Men. We have an obligation to the Brothers of Holy Cross to continue the mission of making boys to men,” Odinet said.
About Holy Cross School
Holy Cross School is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school founded in 1849 by the Congregation of Holy Cross School to educate young men from metropolitan New Orleans. Serving students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12, Holy Cross School is fully accredited by the Louisiana State Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and holds memberships in the National Catholic Educational Association, the National Middle School Association and the National High School Association. A Holy Cross School education engages the whole man – mind and heart, body and soul – and is rooted in the teachings of Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. For more information about Holy Cross School visit www.holycrosstigers.com or call 504.942.3100.