Brother Martin graduate, Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt '78, was recently selected to be the 2023 Alumnus of the Year...
Alumni, family, and friends of Brother Martin High School came together for the 2023 Alumnus of the Year celebration honoring Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt ’78. Judge Engelhardt is a Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
The celebration kicked off Wednesday with the Ladies Lunch at Ralph’s on the Park where Ann Engelhardt, Kurt's wife, was honored and welcomed by the wives of past Alumnus of the Year Award recipients. Saturday began with the Gentlemen’s Breakfast at the Southern Yacht Club where past Alumni of the Year welcomed and congratulated Kurt. Later, Fr. Andrew Sanchez ’03 celebrated Mass in the James B. Branton Chapel.
Sunday, Kurt was officially presented with the award at a luncheon at the Audubon Tea Room. Brother Martin Board of Directors Chairman David Gallo ’77, President Greg Rando ’77, Principal Ryan Gallagher ’00, and 2022 Alumnus of the Year Recipient Kriag de Lanzac ’86 presented the award. After an introduction of Kurt, Mr. Rando pleasantly surprised Kurt by having members of the Brother Martin Band process in as they played Mardi Gras music and the Brother Martin fight song. Kurt, a former drum major and active supporter of the band, was amazed and overwhelmed.
During his acceptance speech, Kurt thanked his family, his mentors and teachers, and his friends and colleagues. He beamed with pride and stated how proud he was to be a Brother Martin Crusader. His speech was genuine and motivational. He said, “We need Brother Martin High School now more than ever.” His joy and enthusiasm lifted the spirit of the entire room.
Kurt was also joined by his wife Ann, his mother and brother Dr. Tod Engelhardt ’76, friends, extended family, and classmates.
Congratulations to Judge Engelhardt for your well-deserved Alumnus of the Year recognition!