In a nutshell, that’s one reason why the Ignatian Volunteer Corps Twin Cities branch presented Salas, 85, with its 2017 Madonna Della Strada Award May 11 at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.

The award is named for Sancta Maria della Strada, the first church entrusted to St. Ignatius of Loyola and the early Jesuits where they served the urban poor in central Rome. The award honors those who reflect Ignatian values of direct service to the poor as well as those who seek a more just society through work and education.

In 2007, as his career was winding down, Salas wondered what to do next. His wife of 56 years, Cecilia, advised him not to worry and that something would turn up. Sure enough, he noticed a blurb in the parish bulletin at Good Shepherd in Golden Valley, where he’s a member, recruiting for IVC, a national organization that offers men and women 50 and older opportunities to serve and grow as Christians in the Ignatian tradition. He signed on to volunteer as a tutor and adviser at Hospitality House Youth Development, a Christian nonprofit in North Minneapolis that focuses on the spiritual, intellectual and physical development of inner-city youths and their families.

Kathleen Groh, IVC regional director of Minneapolis and St. Paul, said Salas was selected for the award because he “has taken a rich life experience as an educator, administrator and a person of faith to serve those who are poor and vulnerable in North Minneapolis. He not only brings his many skills and expertise with him to all endeavors he undertakes, [but] he in turn experiences the gifts of those who struggle while finding God among them.”

Steve Lucke, who served with Salas for five years on the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School-Twin Cities board of directors, said he “was always impressed by his wisdom, patience, professionalism and desire for people to work together in a spirit of collaboration.” A member of the IVC Regional Council, Lucke added: “Sam is a pro in the education field and is very collaborative.”

Salas, a soft-spoken a native of Santiago, Chile, came to the United States with Cecilia in 1960. He took a position at Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. At the Episcopalian boarding school, Salas oversaw the resident students, taught Spanish and coached soccer. Eventually, their family grew to include two sons and a daughter, and Salas advanced to become the head of school.

In 1987, Salas was named headmaster of Breck School in Golden Valley, where he served until 2007....

I tried to visit Sam and Cecilia whenever I was anywhere near Minneapolis, and we corresponded and spoke by phone frequently.

I remember going to lunch with him after he retired from Breck; students and parents came to our table to express their thanks. He was clearly appreciated by the school community.

Last Fall, after his Parkinsons had worsened, Cecilia called and put Sam on the phone. He was having a "good" day and he had recognized a card I had sent him. We had a wonderful conversation and it meant the world to me to speak with him one more time.

I told him that, if I had done good things with my life, it was because of his inspiration and guidance.

Rod Miller C '70