Saint Mary’s Alumni Named De La Salle High School President

David Holquin ’03 has been named President of De La Salle High School, located in Concord, CA. With more than 15 years of experience as a school administrator, Holquin has a rich tenure of experience that includes leadership roles at Bellarmine College Preparatory School in San Jose, and his most recent position as President of Justin-Siena High School, a Lasallian Catholic high school located in Napa, CA.

Holquin was selected after a nationwide search, and was identified as having the exceptional leadership qualities and characteristics required to lead De La Salle High School forward, and to meet the needs of the school community.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as the next President of De La Salle High School,” said Holquin. “As a community, we have great work ahead of us, and I am excited to begin this work with everyone.” He added, “The Brothers, Trustees, parents, alumni, benefactors, and students themselves round out a truly special community.”

Holquin earned a BA from Saint Mary’s College in Finance, and an MNA in Nonprofit Management from the University of Notre Dame. He has a rich history of working in many facets of Catholic secondary education including institutional advancement, admissions, fundraising, leadership, and student development.

“I fondly look back at my years at Saint Mary’s, and am grateful for the College providing me with a stellar education and college experience—inspired by the amazing Brothers, incredible faculty, and a commitment to Lasallian values that still guide my life to this very day,” said Holquin. “I was student body president at St. Mary’s and honed my leadership skills there. Saint Mary’s was a defining time in my life, and being able to serve two different Lasallian schools as president is very humbling.”

Holquin’s commitment to Catholic education is further evidenced by the many accolades and awards that he has received: Lasallian Educator of the Year for exemplifying the ideals of Saint John Baptist de La Salle in the 21st century, both pedagogically and spiritually; Holy Spirit Award for a faculty member whose life exudes the gospel message; and Senior of the Year, awarded to Holquin by the senior class when he was a student at Saint Mary’s.

Remaining involved with Saint Mary’s as an alum is also important to Holquin. “Several years ago, I served on the Alumni Board of Directors at Saint Mary’s. I hope to deepen my connection to SMC even more.”