AMDG. Alumnus and CVS health general management program developer Charlie Mihaliak steps on stage to share an inspiring message about the importance of education in the current cultural moment. "What we're facing right now," Charlie declares, "is an idolatry of this farce of limitless freedom as the key to happiness." Charlie reminisces on his own journey to happiness, from his own Kolbe graduation to becoming a business major-- a major he quickly switched, choosing theater as his focus instead. Charlie reflects on the lessons he learned during this chapter of his life; why he considers theatre as "three-dimensional metaphysics"; the challenges facing students today; and why more choices equates to less happiness.  

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Kolbe Chief Operations Officer and grandson of the founders Chris Rowles then takes the spotlight next to share an inspiring reflection on the development and growth of Kolbe Academy from its earliest days in the 1980s. "They didn't have the internet to find each other, but somehow they still did," Chris remarks. Chris advocates for Kolbe families and discusses Kolbe's fundraising initiatives aimed at providing accessible education to all. "With your help," Chris adds, "we can ensure that our students are prepared not just academically, but spiritually and morally for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”  

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To learn more about or contribute to Kolbe Academy’s financial assistance program, click here.  

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Related Kolbecast episodes:

• 213 This Is a Beginning, speeches from 2024 Commencement in Atlanta

• 224 Forming Apostolic Hearts, a speech given by Msgr. James Shea to those in attendance at the dinner where Charlie’s and Chris’s remarks were recorded

• 18 Homer and the Hunger Games and 208 A Mosaic of Experience featuring Charlie Mihaliak

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