I feel like I’ve been handed this very valuable treasure, and I can help to grow and sustain it.
Chris Vance
Perhaps it was a rocky start. First the job. Then the pivot. But Mr. Chris Vance took on the challenge.
Introducing Mr. Chris Vance.
After some months of contracted work with Dunrovin and getting to know each other on a professional level, Chris accepted the role of Dunrovin’s Youth Program Director. He began in January 2025. Shall we say that he was gobsmacked by God in the process? Chris didn’t take the niggling thought seriously at first. The thought that perhaps he should apply for the position.
But he did apply and made the move from a great job in Colorado back to a non-profit in his home state of Minnesota.
His mom was very happy.
After only a few weeks, the position of Director of Mission Advancement opened up at Dunrovin and it was time for a pivot. Chris brings a marketing background and strong communication skills – along with a strong resume and a go get’em personality. Read on to get to know Chris a bit better.
Chris, you bring energy and enthusiasm to Dunrovin. What excites you about being here?
“I’m excited about the Lasallian mission and spirituality. I think that it runs deeper at Dunrovin than people might realize. We don’t talk about it a lot. Lasallian is in our name [Christian Brothers Retreat Center]. Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s mission was to teach poor youth. We help teachers and go with them after the hearts of youth. Teachers go after their minds, but we go after their hearts, and this provides a fertile ground for teachers. I’m excited to equip teachers to do their very important mission for God’s Kingdom.”
Can you explain what you’ve already seen as you’ve met with teachers and school administrators?
“Karl Hendrickson at Saint Agnes School told me that when he sees his students come back [from a LEAD retreat] they are more confident. They handle conflict better. Their friendships seem stronger. They are more compassionate and better leaders. [These are] a lot of things teachers and administrators want for their students – and these can be unlocked through what we do at Dunrovin.”
Chris finds excitement in thinking that decades ago the Christian Brothers had a vision to create Dunrovin as a place for student retreats. This dream has grown and evolved. Dunrovin still offers life-changing education to youth, especially poor youth, but an education that goes deeper to the heart.
“That’s what excites me most about the Dunrovin mission.”
The students give Chris the fuel of excitement. When he visited the Community of Saints classroom, he saw glee in the students’ faces. The room “exploded” when Chris asked the children to tell him what they liked and didn’t like about being at Dunrovin. This kind of visit is what Chris is known for: face to face, person to person, heart to heart.
Dulce Morales is another source of inspiration for Chris. He witnesses the long-term impact of Dunrovin in her experience. As a student of San Miguel School Chicago, Dulce attended Dunrovin summer programs throughout middle and high school. Then she worked for one summer as a Dunrovin program counselor. These experiences in the verdant green spaces of Dunrovin gave her a view of the world outside of poverty. Dulce learned to reach higher. She is about to finish her master’s degree in psychotherapy.
Chris, what is the most surprising aspect of your time at Dunrovin thus far?
“How touched I was by being a guest host! I felt deeply moved by being in the role of the guest host and touched by the warmth and gratitude of the guests – a group of knitters made me a scarf. I got to feel like I was offering the love of Christ when I was waiting on the guests’ needs, both big and small. It is a very tangible way to express and receive love.”
Any memories of the first time you were at Dunrovin?
“It was the summer before 4th grade with the CCR summer camp. That’s really when my faith first came alive as a child. Here – at Dunrovin. I felt God’s presence for the first time in my life. That memory was very strong and powerful, and I came back over and over to Dunrovin as a camper, on DLITE, and as a camp counselor. I went from being a very scared person without confidence to a confident servant mindset and motivated to work harder in school and sports and do my best.”
What is it like living at Dunrovin?
“There is serenity here, stillness. The pond, the light playing on the water, God’s spirit hovering over the water. I love being able to offer that to our guests – a reminder of how special this place is for people. It is a reminder for me each day to walk across the grounds and [think of] why I’m here and the gift God has given.”
“I want to add that to anyone who has supported us financially, thank you. And if you haven’t come out yet to see our summer program in action, you gotta do it!! You will be energized. You’ll have a good time. You’re invited.”
Chrisv@dunrovin.org | 651-252-0500