Chris Perry Honored with the Spirit of Cristo Rey Award

The Spirit of Cristo Rey Award is periodically conferred by the Cristo Rey Network Board of Directors on an individual or institution that has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to advancing the mission and success of the Cristo Rey Network.

Today, we are honored to confer The Spirit of Cristo Rey Award on Chris Perry in recognition of his steadfast leadership, visionary generosity, and enduring commitment to expanding educational opportunity for young men and women who aspire to break through barriers to educational and economic achievement.

For decades, Chris Perry has embodied the values at the heart of the Cristo Rey mission: faith in the dignity and potential of every young person, belief in the transformative power of Catholic education and work, and a deep commitment to service. Through his leadership, philanthropy, and personal example, Chris has helped shape and strengthen the Cristo Rey movement both locally and nationally.

Since the founding of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago thirty years ago, the Perry family has been an instrumental partner in advancing the mission of Cristo Rey schools. Alongside his wife Kathy and children, brother Marty, and sister-in-law Barbara, Chris has served generously as a Corporate Work Study Program job partner, trustee, donor, and advocate for students and families.

As the longest serving board member in the Cristo Rey movement, Chris’s leadership has been especially pivotal. He served as Chairperson of the Board for Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and later as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep. From 2019-2026, Chris elevated his mission-centered leadership nationally as a member of the Cristo Rey Network Board of Directors, including a term as Chair of the Finance Committee.

The Perry Family Charitable Foundation’s catalytic philanthropy has and continues to leave a profound impact on the Cristo Rey movement. Notably, in 2020, the family made a transformational tribute gift to the Cristo Rey Network and Chicago-area Cristo Rey schools in honor of the legacy of Chris’ godson and nephew, Zach Perry. This deeply meaningful investment provided critical support during an unprecedented time and affirmed the family’s enduring belief in the promise and potential of Cristo Rey students.

Those who have worked alongside Chris know him not only as a strategic leader and generous benefactor, but also as a person of integrity, humility, and unwavering kindness. 

Today, Chris Perry becomes the thirteenth recipient of the Cristo Rey Network’s highest honor. We proudly present The Spirit of Cristo Rey Award to him in recognition of his faith-filled leadership, transformational generosity, and enduring dedication to ensuring that Cristo Rey schools continue to open doors of opportunity for thousands of deserving young men and women across our nation.

With gratitude and admiration, we celebrate Chris Perry and look forward to his and his family’s continued partnership in advancing the mission of Cristo Rey and building the Kingdom of God here on Earth.