Fr. Brian Zumbrum, OSFS, with Darnell Vaughn, Jr.
When Darnell Vaughn Jr. received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from DeSales University (DSU) on May 20, he joined a small but mighty group of young men whose journey featured 12 years of Salesian education. Following a path traveled by Reggie Price DSU ‘22 and Jhalil Younger DSU ‘20, Darnell began his Salesian experience in middle school at Nativity Preparatory School and continued to Salesianum School before moving to Center Valley for his university studies.
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales founded and administer these three educational institutions where the teachings of their patron saints are woven into all components of the experience. St. Francis’ popular quote, “Be who you are and be that well so that you may bring honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are,” is the foundation of these schools where students learn to discover themselves.
“This is the outcome of a Salesian Education,” said Brian Ray, President of Nativity Prep. “To truly know who you are as a person, to learn to embrace who you are, and to help you understand what your personal mission is.”
Since their adolescence, Darnell, Reggie, and Jhalil were taught this lesson as a central component of being a Salesian gentleman. Each Salesian school emphasizes different Salesian virtues. Darnell recalls the virtues of humility, gentleness, patience, tenacity, compassion, gratitude, and optimism celebrated at Salesianum.
Founded in 1903, Salesianum School is an independent, college preparatory, Catholic school that educates and develops young men based on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales. Salesianum has earned a reputation of excellence and fosters the intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth of young men. When the school welcomed Black students prior to the Brown v. Board of Education mandate, Salesianum became the first racially integrated school in Delaware.
In celebration of Salesianum’s 100th anniversary, the Oblates were seeking an opportunity to continue their mission of helping to educate youth in the City of Wilmington, DE. With the help of generous benefactors, they brought the Nativity Prep model of a tuition-free middle school to Wilmington. The mission of the Nativity Network of Schools is to provide a transformative faith-based educational experience, which includes an extended day, extended year, and graduate support, to break the cycle of poverty in underserved communities.
Originally established as Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales in 1964, DeSales University in Center Valley, PA is a medium-sized Catholic University offering graduate and undergrad degrees. Ranked one of the best regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, DSU is steeped in Salesian tradition. Students are exposed to Catholic teaching in an atmosphere of optimism and intellectual freedom that is rooted in the Christian Humanism of St. Francis de Sales.
“Each school (Nativity Prep, Salesianum, and DeSales University) has captured the heart of our Salesian heritage in their own core values but threaded through them all is the gentle and humble spirit of St. Francis de Sales, who proclaimed that knowledge is the eighth sacrament of the Church. It is clear that Darnell has taken hold of this legacy, and with it, has a very promising future before him,” said Bro. Dan Wisniewski, OSFS, Director of Oblate Education and former Provost of DeSales University.
In reflecting on his experiences at the schools, Darnell most appreciates their sense of brotherhood. “In each of these three places, there was a solid group of people, teachers, mentors, and students that I could absolutely rely on and would be there for me at any time.” At Salesianum he is particularly grateful for Mr. Jackson, Ms. Brown, and Fr. Brian Zumbrum, OSFS. “Fr. Brian was a huge part of getting me through the ups and downs I experienced. He often called to chat or check-in and that had a huge impact,” Darnell said.
At DeSales University, Darnell says the constant support of the entire Academic Success Center helped him in countless ways for which he will always be grateful. He also appreciated the continuation of Salesian Spirituality at DSU. “For 12 years, all I saw were images of Francis and Jane (de Chantal) reminding me to ‘be who you are and be that well.’ When you hear this for so long it stays with you forever,” he said.
Darnell recognizes the huge opportunities these three schools offered him. In reflecting on the past 12 years, he has tremendous gratitude and says his educational experience helped him come closer to God.
Fr. Brian Zumbrum comments on his former student and dear friend, “Darnell truly shows the value of Salesian education. With each step on the journey, he grew more deeply in his understanding of his faith, his worth, and his responsibility to the world around him. Ultimately, this is the work of the Gospel. To help each student see that they are beloved of God. And to help them grow into the best versions of themselves.”
Learn more about these Salesian schools: Nativity Prep, Salesianum School, DeSales University
