Rummel Day 2025
Rummel Day is the annual day we honor our school's namesake, Archbishop Joseph Francis Rummel and traditions created and maintained at 1901 Severn Avenue. In addition to acknowledging Joseph Francis Rummel's impact on our school, the Alumni Association also recognizes the recipients of the Alumnus of the Year and the Raider Legend Award. Award recipients are honored at a ceremony and reception the night prior to Rummel Day. See photos below.
2025 Alumnus of the Year
KEVIN O'BRIEN '93
Kevin E. O'Brien, a 1993 graduate of Archbishop Rummel High School, has been named the 2025 Alumnus of the Year.
He is one of three O'Brien brothers to graduate from Rummel, alongside Andrew '90 and Sean '97.
A steadfast supporter of Archbishop Rummel's mission, Kevin has remained deeply committed to the school's Lasallian tradition of faith, community, and service since his days walking the halls at 1901 Severn Avenue. For Kevin and his wife, Suzi, choosing a Lasallian education for their son, Sebastian '26, was a natural continuation of their family's tradition.
As a student, Kevin was actively involved in several clubs and played soccer for the Raiders. He was also honored with selection to represent the school at Louisiana Boys State, the premier leadership development program for young men in Louisiana. After graduation, he pursued higher education at Southeastern Louisiana University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management.
Kevin has remained an integral part of the Rummel alumni community, serving in numerous leadership roles, including Alumni Association Treasurer, Vice President, and President. Beyond Rummel, Kevin has taken on leadership roles in his community, serving with the St. Clement of Rome Men's Club and the Over the Mountain Athletic Club.
Professionally, Kevin is a Financial Advisor with Acacia Financial Group. He lives in Metairie with his wife, Suzi, and their two children, Sarah and Sebastian '26.
Through his unwavering dedication to faith, family, and Raider Pride, KOB exemplifies what it means to be a Raider for life.
He is one of three O'Brien brothers to graduate from Rummel, alongside Andrew '90 and Sean '97.
A steadfast supporter of Archbishop Rummel's mission, Kevin has remained deeply committed to the school's Lasallian tradition of faith, community, and service since his days walking the halls at 1901 Severn Avenue. For Kevin and his wife, Suzi, choosing a Lasallian education for their son, Sebastian '26, was a natural continuation of their family's tradition.
As a student, Kevin was actively involved in several clubs and played soccer for the Raiders. He was also honored with selection to represent the school at Louisiana Boys State, the premier leadership development program for young men in Louisiana. After graduation, he pursued higher education at Southeastern Louisiana University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management.
Kevin has remained an integral part of the Rummel alumni community, serving in numerous leadership roles, including Alumni Association Treasurer, Vice President, and President. Beyond Rummel, Kevin has taken on leadership roles in his community, serving with the St. Clement of Rome Men's Club and the Over the Mountain Athletic Club.
Professionally, Kevin is a Financial Advisor with Acacia Financial Group. He lives in Metairie with his wife, Suzi, and their two children, Sarah and Sebastian '26.
Through his unwavering dedication to faith, family, and Raider Pride, KOB exemplifies what it means to be a Raider for life.
2025 Raider Legends
DON DESSAUER '67 & DAVID HARDIN
Don Dessauer, a proud member of Archbishop Rummel's Class of 1967 and a graduate of the University of New Orleans, dedicated 35 years of his life to Rummel, beginning his career in 1973.
He taught Business Administration, Economics, and Accounting, and inspired generations of students. As the head coach of the tennis team, he led the Raiders to two state championships, and he was instrumental in launching the Junior Achievement program, introducing countless young men to careers in accounting and business.
More than an educator, Don was a mentor, a counselor, a coach, and a friend to all. His impact extended far beyond the classroom, shaping the lives of students both academically and personally.
Family was at the heart of Don's life. He treasured every moment with his wife, children, and grandchildren. A native of Metairie, he also served in the Naval Reserve and had a deep sense of duty and service.
In 2021, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease, Don passed away at the age of 72. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Emelda, whom he affectionately called Mellie, his three children, Donnie, Emmie, and Ross, and his cherished grandchildren.
Don was the embodiment of loyalty, selflessness, and Raider pride. He was one of the most beloved instructors ever to walk the halls of Rummel. His legacy of dedication and kindness will live on in the countless lives he touched.
He taught Business Administration, Economics, and Accounting, and inspired generations of students. As the head coach of the tennis team, he led the Raiders to two state championships, and he was instrumental in launching the Junior Achievement program, introducing countless young men to careers in accounting and business.
More than an educator, Don was a mentor, a counselor, a coach, and a friend to all. His impact extended far beyond the classroom, shaping the lives of students both academically and personally.
Family was at the heart of Don's life. He treasured every moment with his wife, children, and grandchildren. A native of Metairie, he also served in the Naval Reserve and had a deep sense of duty and service.
In 2021, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease, Don passed away at the age of 72. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Emelda, whom he affectionately called Mellie, his three children, Donnie, Emmie, and Ross, and his cherished grandchildren.
Don was the embodiment of loyalty, selflessness, and Raider pride. He was one of the most beloved instructors ever to walk the halls of Rummel. His legacy of dedication and kindness will live on in the countless lives he touched.
David Hardin has devoted his entire career to Catholic education, spending much of his time at 1901 Severn Ave as Archbishop Rummel's first lay president. He launched the retreat program, increased enrollment to a record high number of students, and made a lasting impact on the school community. Perhaps his greatest achievement was bringing Father Wayne Roca to Rummel from Jesuit, the first time a Jesuit priest had ever served at an archdiocesan school.
A proud member of the Class of 1967 from St. Edward's University, David earned a Bachelor of Science in Education before continuing his studies at the University of New Orleans, where he obtained a Master's in Guidance and Counseling in 1971. His dedication to leadership in education led him to earn a Certificate in Administration from UNO in 1990.
David was more than just an educator, he was a constant presence at school events, a mentor to countless students, and a beloved figure among faculty and staff. Known for his hospitality, he often enjoyed cooking for his colleagues, bringing people together with his warmth and generosity. A true Southern gentleman, David Hardin embodied the spirit of Archbishop Rummel High School and what it means to be a Raider Legend.
A proud member of the Class of 1967 from St. Edward's University, David earned a Bachelor of Science in Education before continuing his studies at the University of New Orleans, where he obtained a Master's in Guidance and Counseling in 1971. His dedication to leadership in education led him to earn a Certificate in Administration from UNO in 1990.
David was more than just an educator, he was a constant presence at school events, a mentor to countless students, and a beloved figure among faculty and staff. Known for his hospitality, he often enjoyed cooking for his colleagues, bringing people together with his warmth and generosity. A true Southern gentleman, David Hardin embodied the spirit of Archbishop Rummel High School and what it means to be a Raider Legend.
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Archbishop Rummel High School
1901 Severn Ave. Metairie, LA 70001 Phone: 504-834-5592 Fax: 504-832-4016 [email protected] |
Mission Statement
Archbishop Rummel High School educates each student according to the principles of the Catholic Church in the Lasallian tradition of faith, community, and service. In a caring, disciplined environment of social awareness and academic excellence, Archbishop Rummel High School challenges each student to recognize the dignity of life and to develop and share, to the best of his ability, his unique talents. The schools of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Louisiana, admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or disability in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Information used with applications will not be used for any unlawful discriminatory purpose.
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