Mr. Steve DeKlotz, class of 1998, is the new Vice Principal of Student Life at Jesuit High School. At Jesuit, Mr. DeKlotz will work alongside his colleagues to help and teach students and to overall be a part of the Jesuit community once again. Prior to working at Jesuit, Mr. DeKlotz worked in the field of student life for approximately 28 years at different colleges throughout the Portland area.

“I am excited to support students in all they do, teach students, learn from students and my colleagues, and be a very active part of this community once again,” DeKlotz said.

Mr. DeKlotz is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students at Jesuit and hopes to make Jesuit a place where students can grow personally, intellectually, and spiritually.

“I love the weather (especially snow), the Oregon Coast, and I’m an avid Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball fan (GU Class of ‘92!),” DeKlotz said. “I say it every year, but this year I really think the ‘Zags will win the national title this year!”

Full Transcript

How long have you been in your field?
I have worked in the field of student life and student development for about 28 years. Most of my experience has been in higher education at a couple different colleges in the Portland area.

Where did you work prior to Jesuit?
Most recently I worked at Catholic Charities for a bit over a year in a temporary, grant-funded position that helped support the continuing recovery needs of thousands of Oregon 2020 wildfire survivors who lost their homes entirely. A majority of my career, however, I served in the arena of student life at University of Portland and then Concordia University.

What are your main responsibilities at Jesuit?

At an overarching level, it is to help promote and ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all. At a more operational level, it is overseeing the implementation of community standards (the Student Handbook), Security and Campus Monitors, Attendance, JUGs, and more.

What excites you about your work at Jesuit?

I was Class of 1988 at Jesuit. It is a privilege to be back at a place that was so important to my personal, intellectual and spiritual formation. I am excited to support students in all they do, teach students, learn from students and my colleagues, and be a very active part of this community once again.

What is something the community should know about you?
I love the weather (especially snow), the Oregon Coast, and I’m an avid Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball fan (GU Class of ’92!). I say it every year, but this year I really think the ‘Zags’ will win the national title this year!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I have to go with two pieces of advice – from Yoda and my dad. Yoda’s advice: “Do or do not. There is no try.” The small but mighty Jedi master was basically saying something very similar to the Latin phrase Age Quod Agis, which is often heard and seen at Jesuit. Yoda is making the point to give your all to what you are doing and do it to the best of your ability instead of just saying, “yeah… I guess I’ll give it a shot.” The other advice was from my dad just before he passed away 8 years ago: “Stay close to God.” My father was a very spiritual man. He realized the importance and deep value of always trying to pursue a close relationship with God. His relationship with God informed his approach to life, which included a deep love for his spouse and family instead of material things, a profound humility, and regularly serving the poor or marginalized.