Dr. Schmidt began his teaching career at Saint Patrick High School in the fall of 1967. After graduating from Purdue University majoring in Management, he earned his Master’s Degree in School Administration from Loyola University in 1975 and his doctorate in School Administration from Northern Illinois University in 1989. Dr. Schmidt was named principal in 1987, becoming the first lay-principal under the new administrative model. After a decade of serving as principal, Dr. Schmidt was honored in 1997 with the Christian Brothers’ Midwest District Lasallian Award and also was inducted into the Saint Patrick High School Hall of Fame that same year. In 1998, the high school recognized him a second time with its Distinguished Educator Award. In 2009, he was inducted into the East Suburban Conference Hall of Fame. This year Dr. Schmidt serves as the first lay President of Saint Patrick High School.
The third of four sons, he and his family have had a long association with the Christian Brothers. Dr. Schmidt, as well as his father and two of his brothers, were graduates of St. George High School. His father, Carl, later served as a member of the St. George School Board and his mother was an officer in the school’s Parents’ Club.
Dr. Schmidt has been on the following committees: Saint Patrick High School Board of Trustees, Christian Brothers’ Pension Board of Trustees; Plano Retreat Facility; Belmont/Central Chamber of Commerce member; Chairperson to the Executive Committee; Archdiocese of Chicago, member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals; member of the National Catholic Educational Association; member of the Northern Illinois University Society of Educational Administrators; and member of the Board of Trustees of the Illinois High School Association. Dr. Schmidt currently serves on the Board of Governors with the Western Golf Association and maintains the position of Caddie Chairperson.
Dr. Schmidt resides in McHenry, Illinois and is a member of McHenry Country Club.
