Chris Flanagan ‘94

Our next Alumni of the Year recipient would be celebrating his 30th reunion this weekend, and I’m told he would have been having the best time of anyone here. Like his dad Jerry, and mom Judy, Chris Flanagan humbly embodied everything great about St. Mike’s. He touted its attributes, made friends and mentors of countless faculty, staff, and Edmundites over his five decades, and got up to some serious mischief on his way to leaving an indelible mark on the world. For all of these reasons and more, the Alumni Board of Directors posthumously names Chris Flanagan a 2024 Alumnus of the Year.

Before I share the many great things that Chris accomplished as an adult, let me give you a little background into his days roaming this campus. He was born the year after Jerry graduated and had started working at St. Mike’s, so Chris grew up right here, even living for a few years at 86 College Parkway. Chris was the eldest sibling to Katie, Pat, Mike and Megan. In college, Chris would sometimes volunteer to mind baby Megan on campus because, as he claimed, she was a ‘chick magnet’. He was famous for flipping ‘Ernie Burgers’ at Greensleeves, and even once filled in as campus security trying to get a rouge rat out of a 200s townhouse – after he’d inadvertently attracted it with chicken.

No matter what, Chris was always fun. Perhaps for that reason, after a sophomore semester, it was strongly suggested by Jerry that Chris spend some time with the Edmundites down in Selma until he could commit to becoming a slightly more serious student. But that time in Selma shaped Chris – and two of his best friends who spent time with him there – for life. One of them recently recalled, “I watched his growth while he was in Selma. We went back together the following year, and the way the community embraced him brings a tear to my eye to think about it. It was a turning point – he saw the impact that he could make on other people’s lives through education, through showing empathy and volunteering, and his legacy proves that it never left him.”

Chris went on to serve with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Portland, Oregon, where he met and married his fellow volunteer and love of his life, Danielle. Together they raised four amazing kids – Jack, Maggie (who’s a rising junior here), Emma and Molly. More than anything, Chris was a family man, he was just so proud of them all – his parents, siblings, extended family, and most especially Danielle and their kids. His love was always on display.

Chris was a beloved educator, teacher, school administrator, and elementary school principal, and was adored by students and families alike. He once slept on the roof of the school and read a bedtime story to his students over Zoom, and each year on field day, he famously threw water balloons from the school roof, while the kids chanted ‘Flan-a-gan! Flan-a-gan!’ with delight. He was adored by his neighbors in Madeira, Ohio, and was a beacon of light and a consummate role model in his community. Upon his passing in 2023, the governor ordered flags flown at half-mast for Chris. That’s how meaningful he was.

A devoted Phish fan and noted Ben & Jerry’s connoisseur, Chris loved coming home to Vermont to spend time with his family and friends. In 2019, he enthusiastically co-chaired his 25th reunion, greeting classmates with a huge smile and a mighty hug. In 2022, he organized a mini reunion of St. Mike’s friends in Burlington to celebrate their collective 50th birthdays and life in general. They came from all over, including Boston, DC, Idaho and New Zealand. They came back because of this place where their friendships were born, because of their love for each other and their love for Chris.

What set Chris Flanagan apart was his unmatched enthusiasm, unbridled joy and unending love for his family, his friends and for the Saint Mike’s community, which was such a vital part of his wonderful life. He is dearly missed and immensely loved. We are proud to celebrate him today, and are grateful that his amazing family is here to accept this award in his honor. Thank you.