Mentoring Through Words and Deeds
Written by David Herbst
Co-founder, Vectis DC
I graduated from Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where I studied political science and House Majority Whip Tony Coelho was our top alum. In my classes, I constantly heard about LMU’s superstar, Congressman Coelho
It’s hard to explain the mythic stature Congressman Coelho had on campus. His stature made the late afternoon of January 19, 1989, more exciting and also, very intimidating. I was a sophomore and attending the Inauguration of President George H.W. Bush the next day. But that afternoon, I was set to meet Congressman Coelho, in his leadership office, under the Capitol Dome.
I was nervous, not only because of all the excitement that consumed the Capitol ahead of the Inauguration – and this was my first time in Washington, DC – but I was now going to meet THE person held out as the standard of excellence at LMU. And he was also the third most powerful person in the People’s House.
I will never forget, waiting in the hallway as Majority Whip Coelho came down the ornate marble staircase outside his office accompanied by then House Majority Leader Tom Foley and several aides. It was like something out of the
January 19, 1989
movies. I was now very nervous, but that didn’t last. Congressman Coelho warmly welcomed me. It was surreal. He thought I was important. He dismissed his staff and had me and my college roommate, a fellow poly sci major, meet alone in his office.
An office like none I had seen. The high ceilings, the ornate finishes, his desk and photos overlooking the west end of the Capitol – plus a super large aquarium – it all epitomized power. But what I remember most of all was Congressman Coelho’s humanity. He truly cared. He showed us around his office, narrating various photos, including one with the legendary comedian Bob Hope, a mentor of his. He asked us what classes we were taking, our plans for the future and if we had any questions for him.
It was 35 years ago, but it could have been yesterday. Who does that? Who takes that kind of time? Especially on a busy afternoon before a presidential inauguration. Answer – Congressman Tony Coelho did. And that’s how it has been ever since.
In that moment, providence struck, and House Majority Whip Coelho became Tony – a lifelong mentor and even more, a second dad.
Fast forward to later in 1989 when he resigned from Congress, and I helped put together a special “welcome home” day for him at LMU. We held a wonderful dinner with his classmates, Jesuits and professors. But before that, Tony talked to nearly 200 students in St. Robert’s Auditorium. I remember telling Tony that I was sorry we didn’t have more students attending. I will never forget his reply: “Don’t worry about it. If I can reach one student, it’s worth my time.” That’s the kind of mentor he is – one person at a time. The life lesson that day in the auditorium was profound and it tied back to our first meeting in his Capitol office – mentoring is about making that personal connection and making a difference in a person’s life.
2024
Tony has made a profound difference in my life. When I need advice, he is there. No matter how busy he is, he always finds the time to take my call and give me guidance or the push I need to go in a better direction. I never made a career move without asking him first. If I wanted to meet someone that was important, he set it up. I would never have met and worked with leaders like Nelson Rising, Steny Hoyer or Jane Harman if it wasn’t for Tony making the call. When it came time to open my own consulting business, he signed on as a founding partner – without any hesitation. But I am not alone.
I continually come across people who proudly declare: “Tony is a mentor of mine”. I swear, if we still used phonebooks, the names would fill one. Not only people who were directly mentored by Tony, but I hear people talk about how he was speaking at a disability conference or in a small group – even in White House meetings– and people will say how he deeply touched them, imparted wisdom, showed empathy. He constantly touches people in deep and profound ways. Just like he did back in St. Robert’s Auditorium.
Tony mentors through an exquisite personal touch, like he continues to do with me, for which I am so blessed. But where his magic truly lies is how he mentors even more people through his words and deeds. His ministry to those who are also disabled has taken mentoring to an entire level beyond any practical definition. Tony established The Coelho Center at LMU to ensure his legacy of mentoring people with disabilities lives beyond him. Tony is more than a mentor – he is a bright light that people absorb and pass on.