Almost every freshman at St. Ed’s has heard stories of the former Dean of Men, Mr. Csongei. Whether for allegedly launching a student into the lockers or hitting one on the rear end with a pulverizing smack of his paddle, Mr. Csongei was always made out to be one hard-nosed individual. As the Dean of Men, instilling fear in the student body was part of the job, but his crusty demeanor did not reveal the true person within.

Richard Csongei went to Maple Heights High School and later attended college in Colorado and at Kent State. He started at St. Ed’s in 1968 and worked here for 17 straight years. He then returned in 1997 as the Dean of Men and stayed for 12 more years. Mr. Csongei is married with four children. In his free time, Mr. Csongei can be found enjoying a game of golf. 

As our current Dean of Men, Mr. Tom Becks, puts it, “I will always remember Mr. Csongei from when he was my Dean of Men. Boy could he ever swing that paddle.” 

Perhaps the most important things Mr. Csongei will take from St. Ed’s are the memories of the students as he often talked about them. 

The Saint Edward Community is indebted to Mr. Csongei for his almost 30 years of service.