Cistercian Fine Arts Legend Roberto Munguia Receives Work Of Heart Award
Over 18 years, The Catholic Foundation has presented nearly 1,400 Work Of Heart Awards to exemplary local Catholic school full-time employees.
In conjunction with Catholic Schools Week, we presented our latest Work Of Heart honor to a legendary leader, and the former head of the Cistercian Preparatory School fine arts department, Robert Munguia.
Mr. Munguia remains at the school, working with younger students, and mentoring the school’s new fine arts department head, Mrs. Tasia Magill.
Shown in the featured photo left to right are Cistercian headmaster Fr. Paul McCormick, O. Cist., Munguia, Magill and Bill Kula, head of communications at The Catholic Foundation. Photo cred: Jim Reisch of Cistercian
Here are just a few things that colleagues said about Mr. Munguia, who has worked in the Catholic school systems as a visual arts teacher and mentor for more than 40 years.
“He has impacted the lives of many students, providing them opportunities to showcase their work and to be recognized at our school and in greater scholastic and professional venues.”
“Observing him in the classroom is a real treat. He is able to discipline in a way that never stifles creativity.”
“He makes a point to truly lift up a student who shows budding potential, drawing attention to the student’s work in front of the whole class.”
“He treats them like a loving and patient father and effortlessly corrects or critiques a student that feels uplifting and never demeaning. I see him modeling Christ in these moments in the classroom.”
“He has the patience of a saint and loves his students.”
“‘Let the children come to me’ seems to be his mantra. The students are so lucky to have him guide their earliest efforts.”
What a beautiful picture that Cistercian colleagues painted of Mr. Munguia.
Mr. Munguia is like a brushstroke of love and devotion, offering motivation and inspiration to his students. Congratulations Mr. Munguia on becoming our newest #WorkOfHeart honoree!
