91����

Many of the dear friends who have given generously to 91���� and its students over the years gathered in downtown Los Angeles on December 6 for the annual Christmas Dinner. There they enjoyed excellent food, fine music, and good company.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you to our 2015 Christmas Appreciation Dinner as we are about to begin what Pope Francis has declared to be an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy,” began President Michael F. McLean in his annual address. “As we prepare for our Christmas celebration of God’s merciful gift of a Redeemer, let us heed Pope Francis’ exhortation that ‘we constantly contemplate the mystery of mercy ... which is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace. Our salvation depends on it.’”

Honored guests for the evening were the members of the Grimm family, which has, for more than four decades, greatly enriched the life of the College. “We wish to express our gratitude to Irene Grimm and her late husband, Bill, and their family for the inestimable gift of beautiful and elevating music they have brought to our Masses, to our concerts and musical productions, and to our social occasions since the very beginning of the College,” said Dr. McLean. “Fourteen of Bill and Irene’s children, and 53 of their 137 grandchildren, are current students or alumni of the College. There are more grandchildren, and 74 great-grandchildren, waiting in the wings. If the past is any indication, those numbers will grow!”

Dr. McLean then proceeded to show the following short film about the Grimms and the integral role they have played in the 91���� Choir:

After offering a toast, Dr. McLean introduced Dan Grimm (’76), who read St. Luke’s account of the Nativity, after which members of the Grimm family led the room in singing several traditional Christmas carols.

“91���� has much to be grateful for,” remarked Dr. McLean. “We are grateful for your friendship, generosity, and support. We are grateful for the students who eagerly pursue our program and for their parents who entrust them to our care. We are grateful for our faculty, who teach them with such devotion and dedication, and for our Board of Governors, whose gifts of time, talent, and treasure make the College possible. And we are grateful for our alumni who bring such credit to the College, the country, and the Church.”