After 54 years of dedicated service to Christopher Columbus High School, Br. Kevin Handibode will retire at the end of this academic year at the age of 87. No individual has served the school in more capacities than Br. Kevin who, since 1966, has held the roles of teacher, dean of discipline, varsity basketball coach, athletic director, development director, principal, president, and, for the last seven years, advancement officer.
Br. Kevin was born in Astoria, New York, and attended the Marist Brothers’ St. Agnes High School in New York City. It was there that he developed a deep admiration for the Marist Brothers and their mission of making Jesus known and loved among young people. He later studied at the Marist Brothers Juniorate, Novitiate, and Marist College. Br. Kevin became a Marist Brother in 1957 at just 18 years old and has devoted his life to Catholic education ever since.
In his early years at Columbus, students nicknamed him “The Shark” for his tough demeanor as a coach and dean. His distinct coaching style led Columbus to a district championship in 1972 and a GMAC Southern Division Championship in 1976. He also had the privilege of coaching many notable individuals, including legendary University of Miami basketball coach Jim Larrañaga, current Florida International University basketball coach Joey Cantens, longtime Barry University basketball coach César Odio, and United States Congressman Carlos Giménez. Br. Kevin stepped down as coach in 1988 to become principal. Today, the basketball court inside the gymnasium proudly bears his name: Br. Kevin Court.
In 1982, Br. Kevin was asked to establish the school’s development program. Through his leadership and extraordinary fundraising ability, Columbus has experienced tremendous growth over the decades, including the addition of new academic programs, facilities, campus expansions, and major renovations. Among the projects most closely associated with his work is the Mas Technology Complex, completed in 2008. A painted portrait of him, a gift for his golden jubilee as a Marist Brother, currently hangs in the lobby of that building in recognition of his instrumental role in its fundraising and construction.
Deeply committed to the Marist mission of forming young men as “good Christians and good citizens,” Br. Kevin has long been recognized for his care and outreach to students, especially through efforts to make a Columbus education accessible to families of varying economic means. In 2019, the school established the Br. Kevin Adelante Fund as a lasting tribute to his commitment to helping families in need. The fund provides tuition assistance to deserving students whose families otherwise could not afford enrollment.
Among his many honors, Br. Kevin was awarded the Papal Cross in 2008, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Catholic Church upon laypersons and religious. He received the distinction in recognition of his devoted service to the Church and his lifelong commitment to Catholic education.
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“Br. Kevin has lived the Marist mission with extraordinary humility, generosity, and dedication,” said Br. Dan O’Riordan, Provincial of the Marist Brothers USA Province. “His impact on Christopher Columbus High School and on the lives of thousands of young men is immeasurable. He has been a faithful Marist Brother in every sense of the word, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Br. Kevin has also served on the boards of several other Marist high schools including Archbishop Molloy High School (NY), Mount St. Michael Academy (NY), Marist High School (IL), Marist High School (NJ), and St. Joseph’s Academy (TX). He holds a master’s degree in education from Hunter College in New York and a bachelor’s degree in Latin from Marist College.
Although retiring from full-time work and no longer maintaining an office on campus, Br. Kevin plans to continue visiting the school regularly and attending alumni events.
“There are very few people in any institution’s history who can be said to have genuinely shaped its soul. Br. Kevin is one of them,” said Adrian Alfonso ’98. “Serving alongside him on the board and finance committee for many years gave me a front-row seat to something rare: a man who didn’t just understand the Marist charism, he lived it, in his presence at every event and gathering, in his simplicity and love of work, in the family spirit he brought to every corner of this school, and in the humble faithfulness of someone who truly followed in the way of Mary. The programs, the facilities, the culture of generosity that define Columbus today all bear his imprint. He is, without question, Mr. Columbus, and that spirit doesn’t retire.”
“Br. Kevin’s legacy can be felt throughout every aspect of Columbus,” said Columbus President Thomas Kruczek. “His leadership, faith, compassion, and tireless dedication have shaped thousands of lives and helped define what Columbus is today. We are deeply thankful for all he has done for our school community. We wish him a retirement filled with well-deserved rest, though we know he will continue to remain a vital part of Columbus. He will always be a true hero to generations of Explorers.”
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