Leadership

Dr. Richard Bautch hails from the Chicago area and is a product of Holy Cross education (University of Notre Dame, MA and Ph D). As an educator, his deepest roots are in Catholic high school teaching; Rich taught English to sophomores and juniors for several years before going to graduate studies and focusing on Christianity and Judaism in antiquity.

At St. Edward’s University, in addition to teaching Rich has held leadership roles including department chair and associate dean in the School of Arts and Humanities. He has also been involved in the Southwest Commission on Religious Studies (chief executive, 2014-2018) and the Catholic Biblical Association (executive board, 2014-2016, 2018-present).

Rich joined the HCI Board of Governors in 2019 and has served as its chair since 2020. As interim executive director, he now looks forward to collaborating closely with fellow leaders across the Holy Cross family in our institutions of secondary and higher education. “Our common aim,” Rich said, “is to accomplish what Blessed Basil Moreau spoke of as ‘the successful cultivation of the Lord’s vineyard to which we have been called.’” Rich has a special interest in Basil Moreau the Scripture scholar and enjoys researching this aspect of the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Ave Crux, Spes Unica!

AJ Valverde graduated from St. Edward’s University in December 2020 with his B.A. in Communication with a focus in advertising and public relations. He recently in May 2024, graduated St. Edward's University with a Masters in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics. During his undergrad, he was involved in Campus Ministry - serving in many ways. One of his more impactful moments was the service break experience during spring break 2019, he volunteered at St. Malachy Catholic School in Chicago, IL. He spent a year abroad in Angers, France, a 30-minute train ride west of Le Mans, France (the birthplace of Holy Cross). During his last semester, he did an independent study on the effects of Holy Cross on campus back home in Austin, TX. His research included reading various Holy Cross texts, interviews with students that came from Holy Cross high schools, and a trip to Sanctuaire du Bienheureux Basile Moreau Eglise Notre-Dame de Sainte-Croix where he interviewed Fr. Paul Elie, C.S.C. 

He was introduced to Holy Cross by Br. Larry Atkinson C.S.C. who served as a mentor ever since he first stepped foot on campus freshman year. During his studies, he took a course with Br. Richard Daly C.S.C. titled Catholic Social Teaching, the course was pivotal, leading him to join various social justice-driven organizations. During his last semester of college, he served as Executive Director of Hilltoppers for Hilltoppers. H4H is a student philanthropy council that raises awareness for students gifting their time, talent, and treasure. 

His love for The Congregation of Holy Cross runs deep. In his first couple months with our office, he has launched a new social media channel, developed email campaigns, helped organize Convocation 2021, and more. AJ hopes to bring the Holy Cross Institute brand to an elevated level. His experience with social media, creative writing, and project management will set up the HCI for further success. 

In his free time, AJ enjoys traveling, playing tennis, camping, and time around friends and family.