Dave Perry Achieves a First at Saint Mary’s College

Dave Perry, ’97 has accomplished something that no other Gael has ever achieved. He holds the record for being awarded the most degrees from Saint Mary’s College. Perry earned his BA in 1997, MBA in 2001, Teaching Credential in 2002, Administrators Certificate in 2004, MA in Educational Leadership also in 2004, and his EdD in 2019. His ascent from a doting freshman to Dr. Perry has been a blessed journey.

Perry’s love for Saint Mary’s made his decision to pursue all of his academic goals at one institution a no-brainer. Credit can also be given to his father, Dennis Perry ’64 also a Saint Mary’s alumnus, who told him during his senior year in high school, “You can apply anywhere you want, but I'm only paying for you to go to Saint Mary's." The younger Perry discarded his other applications and applied to Saint Mary's. “My dad in his infinite wisdom knew that attending Saint Mary’s would be a great opportunity,” said Perry. “My brother ’92, and sister ’90 are also alumni, so it was a foregone conclusion that I would attend Saint Mary’s.”

Perry entered Saint Mary’s in 1993 and quickly embraced all that the College had to offer. “I was involved in student government for three of my four years as an undergraduate, and had the opportunity to serve as student body president in my senior year,” said Perry. He also expressed that his formative years in higher education were influenced by the impact the Brothers had on his education, and ultimately his career. “The influence that the Brother’s had on my life as a young collegian was life changing, and the impact to this day is alive and well in my heart.”

 After graduating from Saint Mary’s [the first time], Perry started working in banking and finance, and later decided to enroll in the evening MBA program. After completing his second degree, his “inner voice” kept pulling at him to pursue his passion, which was education. He left  his corporate finance job and started teaching at Concord High School, in nearby Concord, Ca. “I finished my MBA the following spring and then immediately enrolled in the teaching credential program at Saint Mary's, said Perry. “I was privileged to work full-time in teaching, met my wife who was also attending Saint Mary’s, fell in love, had kids, and thought that I had accomplished just about everything I had planned. But my heart and inner calling had other plans.”

Perry was eager to expand his role in education from teaching to becoming an administrator where he could have a greater impact. He returned to Saint Mary’s and earned an Administrator’s Certificate, then decided to up the ante once again by pursuing a Masters in Education Leadership. “By this time, I felt I was well credentialed and experienced enough to pursue higher levels or responsibility in education,” shared Perry. “I think a lot of my passion for education stems from my Lasallian experience, and my relationship with the Brothers at Saint Mary’s. Because of them, I ultimately found my place and my peace in education.”

Fast forward to 2009. Perry was enjoying his tenure as an educator, but felt that his path was leading him to pursue leadership in education at an even higher level. “I had already become a principal at a pretty young age, but I wanted to do more. The thought of earning an EdD from Saint Mary’s was very appealing, but I was concerned about the financial challenges of tuition, said Perry. “ I was swiftly reminded by my siblings that our father said as long we wanted to go to school, he would pay for it.” Perry asserted that if it wasn’t. for the commitment and unconditional love from his parents who were willing to “fund all of this craziness” the multiple degrees and certificates may have never become a reality. “We are a Saint Mary’s family, from my dad and mom, to my siblings, my Godparents, and other relatives,” added Perry.

May 26, 2019 was another milestone year for Perry. He walked across the stage and was officially hooded, earning the distinct designation of becoming Dave Perry, EdD. “It took me 10 years to complete my EdD, and at times I thought it might not be possible. Two years earlier my mom passed away, and she had always been my biggest cheerleader,” said Perry. He forged ahead knowing that his mother was his newest guardian angel, and that gave him the extra motivation to complete the program. “When it was time for me to defend my dissertation, I asked my Chair, Heidi Marie Rambo if this was a private meeting? She asked why, and I told her that I wanted my dad to attend. She said ‘absolutely’ so I was able to have my dad, a Saint Mary’s alum at my dissertation defense,” added Perry.

Perry’s’ dissertation, “Open Wide the Door. Catholic Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Education” was inspired by his work as a principal at Saint James Catholic School in Davis, Ca. “I had a young man that was a third grader who was born with Downs Syndrome. He was fully included in our school and became the first student with Downs Syndrome to graduate from an elementary school in the Diocese of Sacramento,” said Perry. “My work with him and my four years at Saint James really formed my thinking about how to effectively teach and address the needs of students with disabilities, learning differences, and other challenges in Catholic schools.” Perry suggests that historically there have been challenges with Catholic schools to successfully respond to students with disabilities or learning differences; and if they are given every opportunity to excel, they will succeed even though they may learn differently. “My hope is that I bring the same Lasallian message and concern to the work that I do, to the communities that I have the privilege to serve.”

Perry is humbled and likewise thrilled to bear the title of the being the most credentialed graduate from Saint Mary’s College. “It wasn’t something I set out to do, and it kind of happened by osmosis,” said Perry. “If anything, I’m living proof that you can do whatever you put your mind to. I often say God opens different doors for us, and we may not always know why he opens those doors; but it's our opportunity to walk through those open doors. We should trust Him, and trust His plan for us. It’s the ultimate blessing.”