Remembering and Honoring the Christian Brothers

As Walt DeFaria (`49) reflects on the important events and influences of his nine decades of life, it's clear that he regards the Christian Brothers as a singular influence.

"I grew up with the Christian Brothers," said Walt who attended a Christian Brothers high school in Sacramento before enrolling at Saint Mary's College of California. "My mentors at the College were Brother Walter, Brother Jerome, and Brother Bertram," he said, noting that many of the same Brothers taught him in both high school and at the College. "I feel loyalty to the Brothers for the formative years of my life. They encouraged me and helped me on the path that I wanted to go."

For Walt, that path was in the arts and entertainment industry. Walt credits Brother Cornelius in particular for introducing him to the world of art, remembering him as "eccentric," "charming," and possessing a special talent for "getting work out of students because you couldn't say no to him." Walt parlayed his love of the arts in a long, successful career in advertising, as well as production of television and films, with roles at several organizations including CBS and Disney.

A special passion project is Walt's ongoing work with The Borrowers, a children's fantasy novel by British author Mary Norton. Walt acquired the rights to the series which have since been adapted into screenplays, television shows, and plays – most recently as a Japanese anime film. Walt still owns the stage rights, and has written a musical version of the series.

Like many men of his generation, Walt's time at Saint Mary's was interrupted by his service in World War II. Before he enlisted in the Army, he enrolled in Saint Mary's in the Spring of 1944, when the College had a single building on its campus. He re-enrolled in the Fall of 1946, and graduated in 1949 with a degree in business that Walt said has "held him in good stead."

While at the College, Walt revived the yearbook, publishing the first edition since the war. In addition, he worked on the campus newspaper and the Red & Blue, a small book published for students. Walt was also active in the College's Sacramento Club, and in College theater productions that were held in an old barn. He said that these experiences led him to realize that, "my talent is as a producer/director, not acting."

Walt moved to Carmel after he and his wife Carol raised their three children - Lisa, Gabrielle, and Christopher - in Fresno and the San Francisco Bay Area. His work in theater production continues to the present day. For the past 25 years while living in Carmel, Walt has directed and produced family musicals for the summer season of the outdoor forest theater.

Walt has made Saint Mary's part of his legacy by leaving the College a percentage of his estate through a bequest. "I'm grateful to recognize the Brothers for their guidance," said Walt, who says that he finished his bachelor of science degree at the urging of Brother Jerome, a mentor who taught him both in high school and at the College.

Bequests are one of the easiest options for making a gift to the College, by naming Saint Mary's as a beneficiary through your will or trust. Please contact the planned giving office for sample language for your will.