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At Mount Saint John, he will work with men seriously considering Marianist religious life through classes, reflections, prayer and living Marianist religious life in the novitiate community. The two-year novitiate experience is designed to help novices discern whether they are interested in committing themselves to Marianist religious life.

“All each of us can do is our little part,” Klco said about his time on campus, including 16 years in the biology department. He has certainly done his.

Klco served as a biology lecturer and taught the mini-courses Stargazing 101, and Searching Out Life and Faith Patterns. He has served as a campus ministry team member in residence halls, retreats and in the music ministry as well as in the Center for Social Concern. He's also taken on roles as a vocational minister for the Marianists, a biology lab instructor and a student.

Klco will be on campus periodically, guiding students in discerning vocations and assisting international Marianists who come to the University to work on graduate degrees.

But the “beloved lecturer,” as described by biology department chair Mark Nielsen, will certainly be missed in the biology department.

“His teaching in the department is exemplary,” Nielsen said. “It mirrors his passion for people and ministry.”

As a man devoted to faith and reason, Klco has greatly enjoyed exploring the intersection of faith and science. One of his favorite memories is from February, when he facilitated a dinner discussion titled “Can Religion and Science be Friends?” This dinner included his lecture and student questions about Galileo, evolution and faith.

“I’m glad I did it before I left, because it brought my whole academic career together in a way,” Klco said of the event.

Klco's life as a Marianist began when he happened to move into a Marianist community in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He said he fell in love with — and still loves — the Marianists' intentional community of prayer and ministry.

“It isn't by accident that there's a sense of community here at UD,” he said. “It's the efforts which have been passed on by the Marianist priests, sisters, brothers and lay members during the past 167 years of UD’s history.”

Klco has pursued community by knowing the names, faces and stories of students he has encountered during his time at the University. His love for students is clear — particularly his love for watching them change during their four years on campus.

“We have a great bunch of really good people coming to UD, and they leave even better,” he said.

Klco is excited for what's ahead at the novitiate as well as the University. As an experienced vocational minister and lover of biology, he looks forward to the green space at Mount Saint John and his work there. As a lover of the University of Dayton, he is gladly anticipating President Eric F. Spina’s visioning and fresh energy.

“I think President Spina is really focusing on some good ideas,” Klco said. “His push for innovation, thinking forward… That’s what’s going to solve our issues.”

Klco holds a master’s degree in science from the University of Dayton, a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Michigan University.

- Nikki Kamp, ‘17