Staff Spotlight: Brother Ed

BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff

Brother Ed Siderewicz joined the SMU community a few months ago in the new position as assistant to the president for first generation and Lasallian initiatives.

Brother Ed’s main responsibility is to provide access and support for first generation college students. First generation has been defined for this program as either the first child from a family to attend college or a first generation United States citizen. From the 23 Cristo Rey and 65 San Miguel Schools spread throughout the United States, Brother Ed is hoping to find 15 students annually to attend SMU beginning 2010. Both schools consist primarily of African American and Latino students coming from impoverished communities. Poverty, gangs and violence are issues these students face daily. He wishes to continue increasing enrollment from these schools to SMU for the next three years, totaling in 60 students with full scholarship support by 2013. Providing more opportunities for these Lasallian students goes along with SMU’s identity and mission as a Catholic Lasallian university. The program is “deep in the heart of the university mission,” said Brother Ed.

Brother Ed is looking for possible SMU candidates who have a drive to make a difference in the world and have the potential, desire and capacity to continue their education. The candidates must qualify for financial need, but they must also be motivated students. On a closing note, Brother Ed’s added that his favorite thing about SMU has been, “the spirit of the people; a lot of seekers searching to make a difference.”