Reflections Magazine Issue #50 - Spring 1999 | Page 21

ALUMNI PROFILE

ClassNotes

21

DARRELL ISSA ‘76
Looking at Darrell in the early 1970s, a large university in
Ohio saw a high school drop-out with a G.E.D. earned in the armed
forces. They said, no thanks.
Siena Heights saw a veteran and a non-traditional learner with
some specific career plans and educational goals. Siena Heights,
yes, of course.
Like many students today, Darrell followed an unconventional
route to his college graduation. At Siena Heights, he was able to
apply practical experience and course work from several schools
toward his Bachelor of Arts. Siena also made it possible for him to
complete his degree here and enroll in ROTC in Ohio, enabling
him to re-enlist in the Army for another tour, this time as an officer.
Siena gave him a chance.
Today, Darrell Issa is head of
Directed Electronics, Inc.
(DEI), the world’s largest
manufacturer of vehicle
security systems and an
increasingly important
producer of car audio
equipment. DEI is perhaps
best known for its Viper,
Python and Sidewinder
products, the hand-held
keyless entry systems that
allow automobile owners to
unlock doors, open trunks,
even start their engines with
the push of a button—while securing the cars against break-ins and
thievery.
Darrell and his wife, Kathy, started DEI in Cleveland in the early
‘80s. In 1986, they and their young son, Will, moved with DEI to
southern California. Under Darrell’s energetic leadership, and with
Kathy’s 100% involvement as vice president of credit and
collections, DEI has thrived. From a start-up investment of $7,000,
teacher and principal in Fort Pierce,
Jacksonville, Vero Beach, Fort
Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

Detroit, East Lansing and Chelsea, MI;
Cleveland and Toledo, OH; and St.
Petersburg, FL.

Margaret Ellen Gordon, OP ‘42 died
Oct. 26, 1998. She was 92. She spent
32 years in elementary education in
Michigan, Illinois and Iowa, then
worked six years at homes and
hospitals in Ohio and California. She
returned to education, ministering
from 1975 to 1993 in the office at St.
Bridget’s, Loves Park, IL.

Clare Albert Chateau, OP ‘46 died
Nov. 19, 1998. She was 92. She worked
in elementary education for 35 years
in Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. After
retiring in 1973, she ministered at St.
John Seminary in Plymouth, St. John
Baptist Parish in Standish, and St.
Johan Vianney Parish in Flint.

Jean Antoinette Briggs, OP ‘44 died
Oct. 11, 1998, at age 81. She worked
in elementary education in Chicago
and Mundelein, IL; Farmington,

Julie Sullivan, OP ‘47 died Dec. 1,
1998. She was 72. Sister Julie worked
in elementary education in Florida for
eight years, and spent 20 years in high
school education in Lansing, MI;

VITAL STATISTICS
Darrell Issa ‘76

the company now
claims annual
revenues above $70
million and a work
force of nearly 200
people. From its
headquarters in Vista
near San Diego, DEI
products are sold
throughout North
America and around
the globe.

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Current Home: Vista, CA
Spouse: Katherine, art history graduate of UC
Santa Barbara
Children: one son, Will, a high school senior
Degree from Siena: Business

Current Job Title: President and CEO
An active community
leader, Darrell was
Company: Directed Electronics, Inc.
named San Diego
“America’s Largest Auto Security Company”
Entrepreneur of the
Year in 1994. Two
years later, he chaired
the volunteer
committee at the 1996 Republican National Convention, managing a
team of 8,000 volunteers. A self-described “liberal-minded
Republican,” he also co-chaired the committee for Proposition 209
which eliminated racial and gender preferences in California.

Darrell made national news last year when he sought the Republican
nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Barbara Boxer. In his firstever political race, he was narrowly edged out by his primary opponent,
California State Treasurer Matt Fong, who later lost to Boxer; but the
primary was closely watched across the country. Issa was widely
interviewed, and the name Siena Heights found its way into major
newspapers throughout California.
Darrell says he ran for Senate because “I believe in the individual. I
trust individual Americans to get up in the morning and do the right
thing for their families, their communities and themselves. Our system
of government is founded on trust” and needs to return to that faith.
Trust in the individual, and faith in the unconventional student, are
hallmarks of Siena Heights. Darrell Issa’s experience suggests such
faith is well-founded!
n

iena Heights sees each student as an individual with unique
needs and potential. Just ask Darrell Issa ‘76.

Santurce, Puerto Rico; and Tampa, FL.
She was principal of Tampa Catholic
High School from 1968 to 1978, and
was principal of Santa Fe High School
in Lakeland from 1984 to 1987. From
1978 to 1984, she held administrative
positions as co-director of the Justice
and Peace Office in Winter Park, FL;
superintendent of the Adrian
Dominican Independent School
System; a