for the poor. The mission shaped not only what he taught, but how he approached life: walking alongside others and asking how to make God’s love visible in the world. Two mentors at Gilmour profoundly shaped Caruso’s life and leadership: Br. Robert Lavelle, C.S.C. and Frank McCamley. Caruso says returning to campus for Br. Robert’s funeral was deeply moving. “Br. Robert walked beside you,” he recalls. “He modeled what it means to lead — not managing people, but accompanying them.” McCamley offered steady encouragement, urging Caruso to find his voice, stay persistent and trust that when something felt difficult, he could simply “try again tomorrow.” Their influence continues to shape how he understands mentorship, ministry and fatherhood. Caruso’s path to Gilmour came together unexpectedly. After moving to Cleveland for his wife, he interviewed at the school— and from the moment he stepped on campus, it felt like love at first sight. Eventually, new opportunities led him in a different direction. Today, he lives on Pi Acres Family Farm — a small homestead named for its 3.14 acres — where he grows fruits and vegetables, raises soy-free egg- laying chickens and keeps bees. What began during COVID with a single hive has grown to 10. The hobby eventually became Crooked River Naturals, a small business producing local honey, beeswax products and candles. This summer, he plans to pursue a Master Beekeeper certification through Cornell University. Beekeeping, he says, has become a spiritual practice. “If you’re going to keep bees well, you have to be fully present. You can’t do it distractedly. The bees tell you what they need.” The parallels to teaching are clear: meet people where they are, listen carefully and practice patience. Caruso’s understanding of vocation has expanded. Once centered on teaching theology, it now includes the rhythms of family life. “Husband. Father. Family dinner every night. That’s vocation too.” Though his setting has changed, the lesson remains the same. Community matters. Presence matters. Walking alongside one another matters. And for Sal Caruso, Gilmour will always feel like home.
Top: Beekeeping on his homestead Bottom: Sal leading a service trip to New Orleans in 2011
Sal with his wife and three sons
Gilmour | SPRING 2026
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