Notre Dame High School Selects Palisades Man As New President

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Norte Dame High School has named Samuel Lagana as their next president, with his term beginning in the 2021-2022. Lagana comes to Notre Dame from Pepperdine University, where he served as Associate Vice Chancellor.

A resident of Pacific Palisades, Lagana has also been the public service announcer of the Los Angeles Rams since the team relocated from St. Louis in 2016.

“It is truly an honor to be selected as the president and chief executive of Notre Dame High School," Lagana said in a written statement. "I look forward to fully embracing, promoting, and expanding the mission of student success and the commitment to educating the mind and heart. The values of NDHS, offering students the finest academics with co-curricular avenues to a collegiate experience while emphasizing core relational and faith-based principles, is something the faculty, staff, and the Congregation of Holy Cross have established as foundational strengths since 1947.

Lagana had been at Pepperdine since 2002. He will replace Brett Lowart, who retired in 2020 after 11 years at the school.

"I look forward to getting to the campus in July to join with the faculty, staff, and stakeholders to build on the efforts to advance the finest cross-cultural, diverse, coeducational Catholic high school in greater Los Angeles," Lagana added. "My gratitude goes out to Board Chair Justin Rawlins and the entire Board of Directors, as well as the search committee led by Chair Jamie Wagenbach, for this extraordinary opportunity. May our Lady of Victory pray for us!”