Joshua Hale ’90 – A Leader in Catholic Education

We recently had the pleasure of meeting with Josh Hale ‘90 to learn more about his role as President and CEO of the Big Shoulders Fund.

We learned the Big Shoulders Fund is a Chicago-based organization founded in 1986 that supports Catholic elementary and secondary schools and provides quality, values-based education to children, particularly in underserved communities. It invests over $50 Million annually in scholarships, academic enrichment, operational investments, and leadership development for Catholic schools in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Josh has been at the helm of the organization since 2005. Prior to his tenure at Big Shoulders, Josh served as the Director of Development and Public Relations for Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, a nationally recognized model for inner-city college preparatory education.

After graduating from Marquette University in 1995, Josh spent two years as a volunteer in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Josh has remained active with his volunteer work and civic engagement, demonstrated by his involvement on many Chicago area boards — the Leadership Greater Chicago Program, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago, to name a few! In 2010, Josh was a “40 Under 40” in Crain’s Chicago Business Journal and, in 2022, this same publication included him on their list of Crain’s Chicago Business 2022 Notable Leaders in Community Development.

When asked how he came to Bishop Fenwick, Josh told us, “My two sisters were enrolled at Fenwick and loved it. My parents were big advocates for me to attend Fenwick, and to this day I’m so grateful to them for helping me to choose Fenwick. The school always encouraged me to be active in all things – sports, arts, and community service.”

And when asked about a favorite Fenwick class or memory, Josh shared, “I loved being involved with Fenwick’s theater productions. I learned so much about teamwork from each show and each performance.” Josh added, “I also have great memories of Sr. Geraldine. She had a huge influence on me. She was always tough and strong, and cared so deeply about her students. She truly helped shape me to become the person I am today.”

When talking with Josh about the skills he learned while at Fenwick, he reflected, “Fenwick taught me the importance of civic involvement. Through a wide variety of community service programs, I learned about giving back and helping others, all very important skills that I use in my job today.” And in the closing minutes of our interview, Josh offered the following thoughts to Fenwick students: “Soak in everything that Fenwick has to offer you in academics, arts, athletics, community service and so much more. Engaging in all the school’s many offerings will make you a fulfilled human being.”

Thank you Josh for making time in your busy schedule to share your wonderful story with us. If you wish to learn more about the great work of the Big Shoulders Fund, please visit: https://bigshouldersfund.org/