Meet Dr. Erin Luby, Saint Monica Preparatory's New President

Dear St. Monica Community, luby

It is with gratitude and excitement that I step into the role of President of Saint Monica Preparatory. I am grateful to serve the vibrant Saint Monica community by ensuring an exceptional education for our students, grounded in the transformational mission of the parish. I am excited to enthusiastically embrace the promise ahead as a new member of the Mariner family.

Saint Monica is clearly a special community. I recognized it immediately. In each encounter this year, I discovered immense warmth, potential, depth and care. SMPREP is unique among its peers – poised to flourish as a co-ed Catholic TK-12 school as it moves into its next 100 years and beyond.

Since sharing the news that I would be coming to SMPREP, I’ve been struck by the number of friends, colleagues and students from across the country who know and love our community. They’ve offered stories of their own – genuine and affirming testimonials of the lasting impact Saint Monica had on their lives. I heard fond recollections from colleagues and students I’ve worked with in Seattle or Chicago, friends I’ve collaborated with from New York to South Bend to Los Angeles, and mentors and colleagues from Notre Dame and the Jesuit Schools Network.

Many shared unsolicited testimonials. I quickly started taking notes! For example, one of our alumni reflected: “The school cared in all the right ways. Small interactions with people who cared changed my life’s trajectory. I have so much gratitude.” The spouse of a former Saint Monica teacher said: “The faculty, staff, leadership team were some of the most welcoming people I’ve encountered. The warmth, invitation – I haven’t found it since.” A principal offered: “Saint Monica is a phenomenal, tight knit, inclusive community.” A former parishioner succinctly captured this common theme: “I used to go to that Church. It felt like family.”

These stories from near and far affirm the energy, promise and care of Saint Monica. Whether shared over a cup of coffee, a walk in the park, or a brief exchange at a meeting, these snapshots offer glimpses of the transformational mission of SMPREP and the St. Monica Catholic Community. It is an honor to build upon this foundation, together, as we move into our exciting next chapter.

Thanks to our Pastor, Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson, Board Chair, Mary Flaherty, former President, Deacon Kevin McCardle, Ph.D., and the many colleagues who have ensured a seamless transition. The team has been enthusiastically preparing for the new school year ahead. I look forward to all that is to come, including my first Feast of St. Monica. I hope to meet you at our food truck night on campus, Friday, August 22 at 5 p.m., as we honor Saint Monica and her legacy of faith, hope and love.

With gratitude and enthusiasm,

Dr. Erin C. Luby
President, Saint Monica Preparatory