Monsignor Kenneth J. Velo, president of the Catholic Extension has been elected to DePaul University’s board of trustees by the members of the corporation.

Velo, 52, has long roots in Chicago. Born in Evergreen Park, Ill., Velo grew up in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and attended Quigley South Preparatory School.

After completing his studies at Niles College Seminary and St. Mary of the Lake University, Velo was ordained in 1973. He became pastor of St. Angela Church on Chicago’s North Side and later served as associate pastor of Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago’s Sauganash neighborhood.

In 1981 Velo was tapped to serve as assistant chancellor of Chicago’s Archdiocese under the late John Cardinal Cody. In 1985 he became the executive assistant to the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin.

"Monsignor Velo’s strong commitment to service and Chicago mirror DePaul’s core mission," said Edward A. Brennan, chairman of DePaul’s board of trustees. "The board welcomes his contributions to DePaul."

Velo currently heads the Catholic Extension, a Chicago-based national Papal organization founded in 1905 to encourage financial support for missions in the poorest and most isolated parts of the United States and its territories. He also serves on the board of trustees for the Catholic Theological Union’s Bernardin Center.