Warde J. Manuel, a member of the Brother Martin Class of 1986, has been selected by the Brother Martin High School Board of Directors as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year.
The Alumnus of the Year award is presented annually by the Board of Directors of Brother Martin High School to an alumnus selected for contributions to his profession and his religious, civic, business, educational, and community involvement.
Warde is the University of Michigan's Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics and serves as the Chairman of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. A Michigan alumnus and two-sport athlete who played football under Bo Schembechler, Warde returned to Michigan after tenures as athletic director at the University of Connecticut and Buffalo University. During Warde's tenure in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines have captured the NCAA Championship in football and women’s gymnastics and finished as national runner-up in five other sports.
Warde earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree with a focus in psychology, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. While at Michigan, Warde met his wife, Chrislan, a University of Michigan alumna who earned a Master of Health Services Administration degree. Together they have a daughter, Emma, and a son, Evan.
During his time at Brother Martin, Warde was chosen as a Golden Crusader. He was named High School All-American Defensive Tackle in football and helped to lead the Crusaders to a semifinal appearance in the 1985 playoffs. He earned All-State Honors in Chorus and lettered in Track and Field. He has assisted in sponsoring football team meals, and he visits campus as often as possible while in New Orleans.
On Wednesday, May 7, Warde was officially presented with the award at a dinner at the Audubon Tea Room. Brother Martin Board of Directors Chairman David Gallo ’77, President Greg Rando ’77, Principal Ryan Gallagher ’00, and 2024 Alumnus of the Year Recipient Mike Flick ’66 SA presented the award.
Congratulations to Warde Manuel for your well-deserved Alumnus of the Year recognition!
