A Lifetime of Lessons from a Jesuit Education

By Samantha Bronson

Growing up in Tacoma, Washington, Mark Wuotila attended Catholic grade school just as his mother had. As he approached high school, it seemed only natural to continue his Catholic education. He enrolled at Bellarmine Preparatory School although he did not know much, if anything, about the Society of Jesus at the time.

That decision, however, paved the way for Wuotila's future success.

"They planted a seed of giving, of the importance of pursuing and developing your spiritual and mental and academic capabilities," Wuotila says. "That definitely sunk in."

Wuotila, who is semiretired, had a successful career in information technology consulting, internal auditing and financial auditing. He now focuses on real estate management and has made a planned gift to Jesuits West in recognition of the impact the Society of Jesus has had on his life.

Wuotila describes himself as a mediocre student when he started at Bellarmine but explains that he internalized the Jesuit approach to education during his time there. Priests treated the young men-Bellarmine was an all-boys school then-with respect and had high expectations of them. Teachers were outstanding, and several were icons in their fields of study.

By the time he graduated, Wuotila had a burning desire to attend college, a step that he had not previously considered much since neither of his parents had graduated high school. "I realized that Bellarmine definitely wasn't an end in itself, but part of the journey of life-both spiritually and academically," he says. "It was part of the journey to continue to grow and develop and become a better person."

He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Portland and a master's degree from Washington State University. Still, Wuotila did not appreciate the full impact of his Jesuit education until years later. He reconnected with Bellarmine through alumni gatherings in California, where he was now living, and began a friendship with the school's president.

"At that point is when I began to realize the value of the Jesuit education I received," Wuotila says. "I saw how deep and meaningful it was to me, that they had presented this compassionate way of looking at things and the true meaning of the education process. The education I received was critical. It was one of the most important and most inspiring things of my whole life."

Also vital, Wuotila says, was the approach the Jesuits used in disciplining students, always demonstrating patience, love and compassion. That is an approach that Wuotila describes as "the finest experience that you can have." And while he did not realize it immediately, it is an approach he has carried with him throughout his life. In his career, for example, Wuotila says he has depended heavily upon his faith when faced with challenges. He also has worked at treating himself with the same patience, love and compassion the Jesuits demonstrated.

That is not always easy, Wuotila says, and it is something he continues to work on. Wuotila is also further developing his understanding and appreciation for the Catholic Church and for the Society of Jesus by exploring documentaries. This passion, he says, reflects his Jesuit schooling not only because he embraces lifelong learning but also because he views the documentaries through a critical lens. Are they being objective? Are they considering pros and cons of different topics?

While most of his recent connections with Jesuits have been from home, Wuotila previously attended Mass with Jesuits and regularly assisted Father John Palm, SJ, who was at Wuotila's church, with computer technology. Every Sunday after Mass, Wuotila would spend half a day working with Fr. Palm on computer issues, printing out email communications and more. The two forged a friendship and Wuotila was honored to observe the day-to-day humanity of a Jesuit priest.

Fr. Palm eventually moved to Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, and Wuotila began donating more to Jesuits West. Given the impact the Jesuits have had on his life, Wuotila knew that the Society of Jesus should be at the top of his list as he planned his estate. His gift, he says, will go toward whatever need the Society deems most important.

"If you really want to do something meaningful and you have the extra resources, this is the noblest cause you can find," Wuotila says. "The Jesuits will use your donation to better the whole world. If you care about things at that level-if you say to yourself, 'Is this all there is?'-the answer is no. You can contribute to the Jesuits, and you can do better. I believe this is the best thing going right now."