A News Magazine for Alumni & Friends

A News Magazine for Alumni & Friends

R O C H E S T E R L O U R D E S H I G H S C H O O L

FALL | 2007

AquilaAquila87309 Aquila newsletter Fall07 9/28/07 11:10 AM Page 1

Page 2 • Aquila Fall 2007

Table ofContents

Foundation News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Student News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12

Faculty & Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17

Alumni Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-18

Class Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-23

On the Cover:(Top left) Heffron High School 1912, (top right) St. John’sHigh School 1925, (bottom left) Lourdes High School 1959,(bottom right) Lourdes today

Our �ision

“ Lourdes Foundation is a catalystfor the growth and expansion ofLourdes High School throughexcellence in education.”

Our �ission

“ Lourdes Foundation attracts,manages and channelsphilanthropic resources to ensure a vital Catholic education atLourdes High School.”

Aquila is an officialpublication of LourdesFoundation, Inc.

PRESIDENT:Tina L. Mohr

VICE PRESIDENT:Steve Bieniek

TREASURER:Joyce A. Even

SECRETARY:Terri Poterucha

LOURDES FOUNDATION STAFF & EDITORS:Rhonda K. Burnap and Lynnette Stadtherr

PRINTING & DESIGN:Davies Printing

WEBSITE:www.lourdesfoundation.org

EMAIL:[email protected]

DIRECTORS:Therese ArmsteadBarbara DeCramerBob Gander ‘73Thomas G. GrafSusan KreckeJoe McBrideMike McNeilChris Price ‘89Mark StadtherrTimothy Welch, MDJames F. Woodruff ‘63

EMERITUS:Dean R. AschemanRichard R. Arend ‘65Richard BinsJudith A. BirdMarc CarpenterEvelyn CashmanWilliam P. Cooney, MDJerry EnglebertWilliam A. FitzgeraldCharles Gray ‘46Leigh J. Johnson

Owen J. KorsmoLarry J. Koshire ‘65Kevin Nigon ‘73Mary Ann Remick ‘60Tim SheaJohn W. Woodruff ‘65Ray Zeman

PRINCIPAL:Thomas J. Donlon

87309 Aquila newsletter Fall07 9/28/07 11:10 AM Page 2

FOUNDATION NEWS

Aquila Fall 2007 • Page 3

It’s Official - Decision Made for New High SchoolAt a press conference on Wednesday morning,September 5, 2007, the Trustees of RochesterCatholic Schools formally announced the decision tobuild a new Lourdes High School on a yet to benamed site.

In opening comments Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon, Co-Chairman of the RCS Board of Trustees and Pastorof St. John the Evangelist Church, described Lourdesas a “city within a city” with the “cornerstone ofJesus Christ.” He stated that awareness of these twoconcepts is pivotal as “we move forward in thestrong tradition of Catholic education in Rochesterto meet the 21st century needs of students, faculty,and administration.”

Key tenets for the new school include:• The building inside and out will clearly represent

Catholicism and Franciscan spirituality.• Lourdes High School will maintain an

exceptional college preparatory learningenvironment.

• The configuration of academic, faith, andextracurricular space will enhance studentexperience.

• Strategically designed technology will beresponsive to current and ongoing advances.

• The new campus will support beauty in art andmusic consistent with the Catholic tradition ofthe Lourdes community, specifically includingappropriate sacred space and a suitable fine artsfacility.

• Green space will be integrated into the overalldesign to enrich the Lourdes experience forstudents, faculty, staff, and families.

• The campus environment will include betteraccommodations for physical education andother extracurricular needs.

• The new facility will be modestly designed, lowmaintenance, and cost-efficient.

• We will continue to advance accessibility to thebroader Rochester Catholic and non-Catholiccommunity.

Paul Tieskoetter, RCS Board of Trustees Co-Chair,discussed the factors contributing to the decision tobuild on a new site. The decision was based on athree-year comprehensive study of all relevant

factors initiated in 2003 by the “Lourdes Building Our Future” task force. The study found thatimprovements to the existing 67-year-old buildingwould be too costly. The building is alsolandlocked, and the expense of acquiring parcelsaround it would be cost prohibitive.

The estimated development cost for a new facilityon an alternate site is approximately $55 million.Based on a feasibility study conducted for RochesterCatholic Schools by Mark Davy & Associates duringthe summer of 2007, a multiyear capital campaignwould be able to raise $15 million towarddevelopment of the new school.

Mr. Tieskoetter emphasized that the “best use ofcost” while meeting the key tenets for the newschool will be primary. He stated that there is agreat awareness and sensitivity to the heritage ofLourdes High School. Plans will include the transferand integration of parts of the current building intothe new one.

It has been determined that a 20 acre site isrequired for a new campus. Several possible landparcels are currently being investigated with a finalchoice to be determined in the very near future.Considering time needed for the capital campaignand construction, the new school is likely to openfor the 2011-12 school year.

Catholic education in Rochester was founded by theFranciscan Sisters in 1877 with the establishment ofOur Lady of Lourdes Academy. From that timeforward continued growth has prompted severalbuilding projects – Heffron High School in 1912, St.John’s High School in 1925, and culminating withLourdes High School dedicated in 1941. Lourdesexpanded in 1959 with the addition of the NorthWing and in 1986 with another addition includingscience classrooms, a new gym, administrativespace, and a new entrance.

“With the decision to move ahead with a new highschool, we look forward to preserving the strongtraditions of this building along with continuing toexpand our level of excellence in academics, thearts, athletics, and community service at LourdesHigh School,” stated Msgr. Mahon.

87309 Aquila newsletter Fall07 9/27/07 12:29 PM Page 3

FOUNDATION NEWS


Message from the PresidentIn my final column as the President of LourdesFoundation, the most important thing I want to sayis “Thanks.”

THANKS to all of the donors and supporters ofLourdes Foundation. Your contributions toscholarship funds, the Annual Appeal, gift wish lists,and memorials continue to enable LourdesFoundation to provide tuition scholarships, assistwith parking, provide staff enrichment, help withclassroom needs, support music and fine arts, aswell as sponsor speakers and special events.

THANKS to those who were a part of the CircusWorld Bingo charitable gambling operation,especially Ray Zeman and his staff, for their manyyears of dedicated service.

THANKS to my fellow board members for all of theirdedication and volunteer work on behalf of theFoundation.

THANKS to the Foundation staff who coordinate,organize and further the mission of the organization.

THANKS to those who came before us for theirvision in establishing the Foundation and supportingit with gifts of time and money.

In closing, I would like to emphasize the goal ofLourdes Foundation - to provide financial support toLourdes High School and its students. I hope youwill continue your partnership with us to sustain ourmission now and into the future.

Sincerely,

Tina L. MohrPresident

Annual Fund Giving is KeyLourdes Foundation’s Annual Fund helps maintain the high standards and excellence that sets LourdesHigh School apart from other schools. The things we treasure about our school – extraordinary faculty, abroad and rigorous academic program, outstanding arts and athletics, myriad extracurricular activities –would dramatically decrease or even disappear without your annual support.

We hope you will consider all that Lourdes High School has meant to you and your family and join us insupporting the upcoming Lourdes Foundation Annual Appeal as generously as you can.

The Board of Directors of Lourdes Foundationcordially invites you to the

2007 Annual Meeting and Dinner

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Rochester Golf and Country Club3100 Country Club Road West

Agenda Highlights6:00 – 6:30 Social Hour

6:30 – 7:15 Dinner Buffet7:15 – 8:30 Annual Meeting

ProgramHighlights of 2006-2007 Foundation Activity

Woodruff AwardPresident’s Award

President’s Address

RSVP toto Lynnette Stadtherr 289-1702 OR

[email protected]


FOUNDATION NEWS


Lourdes Foundation is excited to announce therecent funding of two new scholarships.

The William F. CanfieldMemorial Scholarship wasestablished following Mr.Canfield’s death in April 2007. Hewas a 1949 graduate of LourdesHigh School and later taught at St.Pius X and St. John’s elementaryschools. In subsequent years heserved as a member of the Lourdes

High School Board. He had a strong belief in thevalue of Catholic education for all who desired it.

His wife, Rosalie (Class of 1950), children Bill (1972),Linda (1975), and Michael (1976), and grandchildrenTony (2004) and Anna (2007) are all LHS graduates.The scholarship was funded through the generosity offamily members and friends. According to Rosalie,“Through this scholarship we honor Bill’scommitment to Catholic education and Lourdes HighSchool. I think he would be very proud of that.”

Two New Scholarships

Dresbach’s Inducted at Round TableReceptionThe Round Table is a group of persons who havechosen to remember Lourdes Foundation, Inc.through a bequest or planned gift. In a letter toalumni and friends in 2005, past LourdesFoundation Board President, Janet Willis, made thiscomment as to why she and her husband, Neil,decided to join the Round Table…

“While it is our hope to continue to support Lourdesthroughout our lives, taking this step ensures that,regardless of what we do for Lourdes on a day to daybasis, we will be leaving a legacy of support and thanks.”

On Monday evening, April 30, 2007, current LFI BoardPresident Tina Mohr made a special presentation torecognize that legacy of thanks from Benny andEloise Dresbach. The Dresbach’s designated $387,000to Lourdes Foundation from their estate to be used fortuition scholarships. Their niece and representative,Susie McClocklin, accepted the commemorativeplaque that was subsequently installed at LourdesHigh School in honor of her aunt and uncle.

“It is a privilege to be here this evening – I knowthat Benny and Eloise would be very appreciative of

this recognition of their gift. They sincerely lovedRochester’s young people and wanted to continue tosupport them by establishing this LourdesFoundation scholarship,” noted Ms. McClocklin.

Also during the program that evening Ray Zeman,Circus World gambling manager, and pastemployees Barb Parks and Ronnie Stolp, wererecognized for their dedicated years of service.

Again this year the Round Table event took place inthe Lourdes Main Foyer and Old Gym on the openingday of Fine Arts Week 2007. Over 80 guests enjoyedviewing exceptional art work by Lourdes studentswhile sipping a glass of wine and sampling adelicious variety of hot and cold appetizers.

The event is an opportunity for Lourdes Foundationto express its appreciation to all donors and guestsfor their ongoing support of Lourdes High School.

To learn more about becoming a Round Table member, please contact the

Lourdes Foundation Office (507) 289-2584.

Father Virgil S. Duellman served asassociate and pastor at severalRochester parishes including St.Francis of Assisi, St. John theEvangelist, and St. Pius X. He wasalso a chaplain at St. MarysHospital for many years, becomingchaplain supervisor for all of theRochester hospitals. Father was

very dedicated to Catholic education. He wasassigned by the Bishop to assist several diocesanschools including Lourdes High School. Father waswell loved and respected by all those he worked with.

The Fr. Virgil S. Duellman Memorial Scholarshipwas funded through a generous endowment bequestpresented to Lourdes Foundation in 2007. Father’sgift will provide tuition assistance to deservingLourdes High School students for years to come.

For the 2007-08 school year Lourdes Foundationawarded 88 scholarships for a total of $97,690!


FOUNDATION NEWS


Website New & Improved!It’s new, it’s exciting, and it looks AWESOME!Check out the updated Lourdes AlumniAssociation/Lourdes Foundation web site. Phaseone of the site is in place and although not all of the functions are up and running yet, they areCOMING SOON. Look for more information aboutusing your personal folder ID number to create your own Eagle Class Notes account in the mail inthe next few weeks!

You’ll find us at: www.lourdesfoundation.org

Each year the Lourdes Foundation Christmas Card is designed by a Lourdes art student, and each yearit’s a challenge to select one design from the manytop quality entries. Art instructor Susan Palmer-Ziokowski talks about the process below…

“I plan the art curriculum around the Christmas Cardproject. It encompasses all of the aspects of the arteducation philosophy of the Rochester CatholicSchools. It allows the student to share their artworkwithin our community. The students learn the historyof the Christmas card and symbolism in religious art.It’s also a perfect forum to talk about copyright lawand artwork. One of the most difficult parts of thecreative process is to come up with a totally originalidea. We are so fortunate to be in a Catholiccommunity where we can use religious icons andsymbolism within our artwork. I am very proud of the results we have achieved!”

Thanks to Ms. Palmer-Ziokowski for promoting thedesign project and to the students who share theirartistic talent with the Lourdes Foundationcommunity!

2006 Christmas Card designed by Junior Emily Williamson

Christmas Card Design Project


FOUNDATION NEWS


“2007 UNDER THE BIG TOP”It was all there on the front lawn of Lourdes HighSchool – tents, balloons, carnival games, doorprizes, live music, food and fun – for the 8th AnnualUnder the Big Top Rochesterfest summertime eventsponsored by the Lourdes Alumni AssociationSaturday, June 23rd.

This year’s Big Topshowcased performancesby a number of talentedLourdes students. It wasa true variety showincluding bagpipes,keyboard, vocalists,trombone, bassoon,acapella ensemble, banjo,garage band, comedyimprov trio, and even animble fingered juggler!

The Lourdes MarchingBand was also commended during the afternoon fortheir 25th consecutive performance in theRochesterfest parade – the only Rochester high

school marching bandto earn that honor.They were presentedwith a plaque byRochester Mayor ArdellBrede following theparade Friday evening,June 22nd.Congratulations toband directors BonniePoterucha, KentJurgenson, and LeeKrueger, and to drummajors Monica LaPlantand Mark Lower.

Besides the live entertainment, this year the Big Topincluded carnival games for kids of all ages withface painting, the Rocket Bouncer, and the GladiatorJoust. As always, freshly grilled hot dogs and rootbeer floats were free with a Rochesterfest button.

We’ll do it all again next year – come join thefestivities in 2008!

LFI Staff Rhonda Burnap &Lynnette Stadtherr

Master of Ceremonies Joe Cossette & Pat Sitzer

Gary’s Fish Story is Growing The “fish were biting” and the “boat was rockin’” on aFriday evening last March during an unforgettablegathering of families and friends for the 2nd AnnualGary Vanselow Memorial Fish Fry & Big Catch Night.There was live entertainment, fantastic food,fellowship, and “fish” prizes for everyone! Inconjunction with Lourdes Foundation, the Fish Fry wasorganized in support of the Vanselow family to raisescholarship money for Lourdes students. In responseto the phenomenal turnout in its first year, the eventwas relocated to the Rochester International EventCenter through the generosity and support of JoePowers and his staff. This year’s proceeds totaled over$11,000, all of which directly benefited the GaryVanselow Lourdes Memorial Scholarship Fund.

A delicious old-fashioned, hand-battered fish & chipsdinner was served and cleared by volunteer RCSteachers, parents and Lourdes students. During the dinner, the “Polka Dots” provided musicalentertainment amidst a sea of 1150+ people. Over 80sponsors (local businesses and individuals) generouslydonated prizes for The Big Catch drawings.

“It was like having a hugefamily reunion or weddingreception for RCS familiesand friends!” said TeresaVanselow, Gary’s wife.

Once again, the event wasan overwhelming successdue to the involvement ofmany people andorganizations… RochesterCatholic Schools andChurches, the Holy Spirit

School Staff, volunteer parents and students,community sponsors, families that donated desserts,and all those who purchased meal or prize tickets.Thanks to the support of so many, Gary’s ScholarshipFund will provide even more tuition assistance tostudents in need.

Plans are underway for the 3rd Annual Fish Fry & BigCatch Night - watch for details next spring and getyour tickets early for this worthy event!

Teresa Vanselow and grandson Graham Zuehlke


FOUNDATION NEWS


On your mark, get set, GO!

Ray Murray and 3rd place winner Peter Hoffman

Celebrating Jessica’s Spirit!Jessica Murray was astudent at Lourdes HighSchool who would havegraduated in 2003. Sheloved theater andperforming. She wasinvolved in the speechteam, cheerleading, and

soccer. While playing on a girls traveling soccerteam in the spring of 2001 she collided with anothermidfielder and the pain in her knee wouldn’t goaway. A month later an x-ray revealed a spot nearthe top of her thigh. Jessica was diagnosed withbone cancer. After a courageous year long fight,she died in June of 2002.

One of Jessica’s classmates, Christopher Riederer,launched the idea of having a Memorial 5KRun/Walk in her honor to raise funds for theLourdes Foundation Jessica Murray MemorialScholarship when looking for a project to completehis Eagle Scout Badge. Jessica’s father, Ray Murray,assisted that first year and the following year tookover the event. The Rochester Track Club has alsobeen instrumental in supporting the race.

The 5th Annual Jessica Murray Memorial Run tookplace Saturday morning, August 4th at Silver LakePark. Despite the cool and rainy weather, over 150runners and walkers participated. This year’s eventraised $3,235 for her scholarship fund. Many ofJessica’s classmates participated to celebrate the 5th

anniversary year event, but all who were presentcame for an even more important reason…toremember the talented young woman Jessica wasand the brave example she set during her illness.

According to Ray Murray, “More than anything, it’s a community event, something to keep Jessica’sspirit alive.”

By the looks of things, this year’s Run/Walk did just that.


STUDENT NEWS


Arizona Western College

Augustana College

Bemidji State University

Boston College

Carleton College

College of Saint Benedict

College of St. Catherine

College of St. Scholastica

Colorado College

Columbia University

Creighton University

Drake University

Gustavus College

Illinois WesleyanUniversity

Indiana University,Bloomington

Iowa State University

Luther College

Marquette University

Mayville State University

Metro University

Miami University, Ohio

Michigan TechnologicalUniversity

Minnesota StateUniversity, Mankato

North Dakota StateUniversity

Penn State University

Providence College

Rochester Community &Technical College

Seattle University

Saint John’s University

Saint Louis University

Saint Mary’s Universityof Minnesota

South Dakota StateUniversity

Southern MethodistUniversity

Southwest StateUniversity

St. Cloud State University

St. Olaf College

University of Cincinnati(Conservatory of Music)

University of Iowa

University of Missouri,Kansas City

University of Miami

University of Minnesota,Duluth

University of Minnesota,Twin Cities

University of NorthDakota, Grand Forks

University of Notre Dame

University of St. Thomas

University of Wisconsin,Eau Claire

University of Wisconsin,LaCrosse

University of Wisconsin,Madison

University of Wisconsin,River Falls

University of Wisconsin,Stevens Point

University of Wisconsin,Stout

Whitman College

Winona State University

Youngstown StateUniversity

LOURDES HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2007POST HIGH SCHOOL DESTINATIONS

Photo courtesy of Anderson’s Artistic Photography


STUDENT NEWS


We ended our visit to Paris by boarding the nighttrain to Madrid. This is always a fun experience forstudents. We enjoyed couchette accommodationaboard the Spanish Talgo which offers only fourpeople per couchette, a drinks and snack car, and afull dining car. Most students chose the drinks andsnack car while the chaperones opted for a verybeautifully done meal in the dining car. We wereeven served a box breakfast in the morning.

Madrid welcomed us on Day 8 with a short tour ofthe city. Later, a visit to the Prado Museumhighlighted our day with the opportunity to seeSpanish works by artists such as Diego Velazquez,Botero, El Greco, and Goya. The next morning wetook an excursion to the city of Toledo with a stop ata local sword making shop to purchase souvenirs.

Our last leg of the trip included a stopover inZaragoza to see the Basilica and a very uniqueexperience at a Spanish Tapas restaurant typical tothe region (a suggestion from our tour director).Barcelona was our last stop. It was one of thestudents’ favorite places. They enjoyed not only theopportunity of seeing the architectural world ofAntonio Gaudi, but also exploring the city andspending some time on the beach.

Having to return home came with some reluctance,but also with lots of anticipation to share all theexperiences with loved ones. I must mention thatour return to the U.S. was very difficult - our physicaland emotional resolve was tested beyond ourexpectations. Despite it all, the students enduredthe difficulties with minimal complaints and madethe best of a bad situation. Thanks to them for theirgreat attitudes on a challenging trip home.”

Editor’s Note: Again this summer a group ofLourdes students had the opportunity to tour thecapitols of Europe. Despite a challenging trip home, itwas a memorable vacation…

“Lourdes students returned to Europe this summerduring the month of July. We started out in Londonwith a walking tour by the banks of the riverThames. We entered Trafalgar’s Square and pausedat Nelson’s Column, built to commemorate Nelson’s1805 victory in the Battle of Trafalgar. Wecontinued on to Leicester Square where Englishdualists once fought to the death. Then we spentquite a bit of time in Covent Garden where weenjoyed watching street performers and shopped inthe many different stores; a very crowded place butwith lots of fun entertainment and food to enjoy.

A guidedsight-seeingtour ofLondonbrought uscloser toplaces suchas theHouses ofParliament,St. Paul’sCathedral,and theTower of

London. The afternoon took us to Windsor Castle,the Royal Family’s retreat, which was originally builtby William the Conqueror in 1070.

The optional excursion for this trip was to travel toOxford and Stratford, two of England’s most acclaimedcities. Oxford, a mecca of learning for over 800 years,was our first stop. Next, we traveled to Stratford -famous not only as the place where Shakespeare wasborn, married and buried, but also for its Elizabethanbuildings. Alternatively, some students opted to staybehind for a free day in London.

Our Day 5 gave an incredible opportunity to transfervia the Eurostar from London to Paris. This 18-cartrain runs through the tunnel connecting Britain withcontinental Europe. Upon our arrival in Paris wewere welcomed with a guided sight-seeing tour fromthe banks of the Seine, to the Eiffel tower, to the Archof Triumph. The next day we visited (of course!) theLouvre Museum. Students are always awed by itsimmense size and the incredible collection ofpaintings, sculpture, and ancient artifacts. One caneasily spend a month and not see everything!

London, Paris, Madrid & MoreBy: Mr. Shannon Clapp, LHS Spanish Department Chair


STUDENT NEWS


Student AccoladesSenior Lauren Pemberton was a member of ateam of seven student computer programmers fromRochester high schools who took first place in thenational Black Data Processing AssociatesTechnology Conference August 15-17, 2007 inWashington DC. The Southern Minnesota BDPAchapter team beat peers from much larger citiesincluding Washington DC, Detroit, and thedefending champions from Chicago. Each of thewinners received a trophy, a $3000 collegescholarship, a digital camera, a photo printer and anmp3 music and video player. The competitionincluded oral and written exams in computerprogramming and an eight-hour project. The groupprepared for eight months for the contest.

Senior Colin Piepho scored thehighest possible composite scoreof 36.0 on the American CollegiateTesting (ACT) exam taken duringhis junior year at Lourdes. Colinis one of only nine students inMinnesota to achieve this honor(19,500 Minnesota students tookthe exam) and one of only 177students across the United States

obtaining a perfect score (395,000 U.S. studentstook the ACT exam).

2007 Lourdes grads Chris Glenski, Chris Kennedy,Matt O’Connell, Patrick Sitzer, and John Weimer,all members of Boy Scout Troop 210 of Rochester,earned their Eagle Scout Award this past summer.Tim Burgart, Kevin Mulligan, and JosephCossette of Troop 110 also earned Eagle rank.

Freshman Ben Kopecky made it to the final matchin the Minnesota Class A Boys Individual TennisTournament at Lifetime Fitness in Burnsville, MN inJune. He was defeated by senior opponent ByranKelly of St. Cloud Cathedral. This was his secondstate tournament appearance – in 2006 he went indoubles as an 8th grader.

Molly Noser played one of her best rounds of theseason to take second place at the Minnesota StateClass A State Golf Tournament at Izatys Resort inJune. Molly qualifed for the state meet for thefourth time in her six-year varsity career at Lourdes.

Senior Kayla Johnson qualified for the MinnesotaState Class A Girls Track Meet in the high jump andlong jump in her first year participating in track.

Gretchen Leyendecker was an honoree at the2007 Salute to Youth recognition event hosted bythe Degree of Honor. She was sponsored by theCatholic Aid Association. Gretchen and Dan Losewere also honored as Athlete of the Season for the2006-07 winter campaign. Two athletes from eachof the four Rochester high schools were recognized.

The Lourdes team of Dan Lawler, Jack Wood,John Kelsey, Kristen Pearson, and Ben Sparksparticipated in the 2007 Minnesota Envirothon, anannual contest that promotes environmentalawareness, in May. The teams moved between fivelearning stations about natural resources, answeringquestions and taking an exam at each station. Each team also delivered a presentation about itsdesign for an environmentally friendly high schoolfor 500 students.

In April four Lourdes students receivedcommendations for their work entered in theMinnesota State High School League Visual Artscompetition at the Mayo Civic Center. KatieCossette received an Excellent rating on herdrawing “Summer Memories” and a Superior rating,and medaled, for her painting “Poised and Ready.”Anna Canfield received an Excellent rating for herdrawing “Assisi Heights.” Sara Korsmo received aSuperior rating and medaled for her painting “Onand On.” Christopher Ziolkowski received twoSuperior ratings and medaled with his photos“Garvin Heights” and “Conquest.”

Out of 200 teams to compete nationally, studentsMatt Payne, Colin Piepho, Karl Schaettle, andTucker Ward place third in the team category ofthe NASA Research Directorate Student Competitionthis spring.

Last March two Lourdes student library aides,Hollie Tilson and Nicole Brandt went to the state capitol to represent the Lourdes Library at “LibraryLegislative Day.” The day at the capitol started withstatus reports on legislation from the MinnesotaLibrary Association’s lobbyist. The students alsomet with legislators Tina Liebling, Kim Norton, AndyWelti, Ann Lynch, Dave Senjem, and SharonErickson-Ropes.


STUDENT NEWS


Each year high school students across the countrygather at the flag pole on their respective campusesin mid September for a student led prayer service.This year’s theme is “Gather. Unite. Pray. ComeTogether.” On Wednesday morning, September26th, Lourdes students and staff participated in thisannual nationwide effort praying for guidance andwisdom at the start of a new academic year.

Senior Natalie Kramer was the organizer for theLourdes event with assistance from LourdesCampus Ministry. The service included songs,readings, praying the Our Father in unity, andpersonal prayer. Natalie also initiated gatheringintercessions from homerooms and prayer petitionsfrom faculty and staff to include during the service.

“See You at the Pole” gatherings started over 15years ago. In April 1990 a group of teenagers inBurleson, Texas, assembled for a discipleshipretreat. That night they decided to go to three

schools and pray around the campus’ flagpoles fortheir friends and fellow students. At a rally ofteenagers in Dallas, Texas in June of 1990 over20,000 attendees were challenged to organizeprayer sessions at their schools following theBurleson example. Some 45,000 students at 1,200schools in four states did just that on September 12,1990. The movement went national one year laterand has continued to date. Each prayer meeting issponsored, organized, and led by local students attheir school. Today over 3 million students in theU.S. and 20 other countries participate in the annual event.

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Did You Know…During the 2006-07 school year members of the Lourdes Music department

• Participated in 16 competitions, festivals, and clinics

• Presented 5 concerts in Alumni Hall

• Played 25 Pep band performances

• Gave 28 additional performances in a variety of venues

• Went to Disney World in Florida with 77 musicians and presented a concert there!

• Had three students selected to perform in the ALL STATE ensembles at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis

• Center Street Singers made a CD at the Tom Jones Recording Studio which was sent to Downbeatmagazine to qualify for an award!

WOW – our student performers really get around!



FACULTY & STAFF

After a 39-year career at Lourdes High School wherehe held a variety of positions – teacher, coach,athletics director, dean of students, assistantprincipal, and 20 years as principal, Denny Nigonwas appointed the new President of RochesterCatholic Schools by the RCS Board of Trusteeseffective July 1, 2007.

As stated in the official RCS media release, Mr.Nigon’s key strategic priorities in the year aheadinclude:

• Broadening the base of RCS philanthropic effortsthrough expanded development activityincluding major gifts, planned giving, and afuture capital campaign for Lourdes High School.

Denny Nigon Named RCS President

The beginning of the school year is an exciting timewith renewed energy and enthusiasm for studentsand staff. This year Lourdes High School has newleadership as well.

The RCS Board of Trustees announced theappointment of Thomas J. Donlon as Principal ofLourdes High School on July 11, 2007. Mr. Donlonsucceeds Denny Nigon following his appointment asPresident of Rochester Catholic Schools in May.

Mr. Donlon has held diverse positions in schooladministration and teaching during his career. Hecomes to Lourdes from serving as Principal of OurLady of Peace Elementary and Middle School inMinneapolis since 2004. He previously served asAssistant Principal and Grade 6-8 Religion Instructorat St. Mary’s School in Owatonna from 1998-2004.Mr. Donlon served as Administrative Intern atOwatonna Junior High School and WilsonElementary School, both in Owatonna, in 2003.Previous to that assignment he was a Senior HighSchool Faith Formation & Youth Director in the TwinCities area throughout the 1990’s.

Mr. Donlon and his wife, Angela, have five children.He assumed duties at Lourdes in mid July.

Along with Mr. Donlon, the RCS Board of Trusteesannounced the appointment of Mr. David Doty asDirector of Schools for Rochester Catholic SchoolsJuly 18th.

New Lourdes Principal & RCS Director ofSchools Appointed

• Implementing the next phases of the “LourdesBuilding Our Future” initiative consistent withthe project Feasibility Study report that wascompleted this past summer.

• Increasing student enrollment in grades K-12through intensified marketing of the RCS system.

During a press conference announcing his newposition, Mr. Nigon said as the product of RochesterCatholic schools, “I truly understand the importanceof Catholic education, not only to the Catholiccommunity but to the city of Rochester. I amhonored by this appointment and we willenergetically move forward to expand ourcommunity presence and benefactor relations.”

In 2006 the Trustees disclosed a restructuring of theorganization to provide two key leaders: a Presidentand a Director of Schools. RCS President DennyNigon will lead all strategic planning, communityrelations, development, and institutionaladvancement activities. Mr. Doty as Director ofSchools will oversee the day-to-day operations ofthe five Catholic schools, assisting and directing the building principals, particularly inthe areas of curriculum and instruction, technology,budget, personnel and policy.

A native of Rochester, Mr. Dotyattended St. Francis of AssisiElementary School and graduatedfrom Lourdes in 1976. He hasheld multiple positions in schooladministration and teachingduring his career. He served as aReligion Teacher at the SiennaCatholic Academy in Rochester, NY; AssistantPrincipal of All Saints Catholic Academy (Grades 7-8) in Rochester, NY; Principal, St. Michael School(Grades pre-K-8) in Newark, NY; Principal, JohnIreland Catholic School (Grades K-8) in Hopkins/Minnetonka, MN; and Teacher, Our Lady of GraceSchool, Edina, MN. Mr. Doty’s 24+ years ofadministrative and teaching experience, along withhis specialized skills and best management practiceexperience in education, school law, ethics,technology, and team-building will be strong assetsin his new position at RCS.


FACULTY & STAFF


A Different Endeavor…A Unique Mission

Catholic School educatorsoften find themselvesparticipating in an ongoingdialogue about whatCatholic education really isin our time. Many among usthink we know what

Catholic education is because it has been aroundso very long. We have a set view of it. Sister withher ruler, students standing at attention as Fatherwalks into the room, neat little rows of desks,rules, discipline … everything black and white.

But I think it important to pause, if only for amoment, to behold what Catholic educationaccomplishes in our time, what it is really doingfor our children in the midst of the extremes in our culture.

Catholic education’s original purpose was to givechildren and young people their three R’s, andassimilate them into American culture. I think itdid that job well for decades. Today, however, inour noisy, confusing, violent, torn, heaved-upculture, Catholic education finds itself on adifferent endeavor…a unique mission…to groundour children firmly by quality academics, strongfaith-grounded values, attentive characterformation and gracious, tender care.

Amid our crazy, confusing, violent, and heaved-upworld, we in Catholic education receive, accept,and bless the students entrusted to us. AsCatholic school educators we ignore the emptywords that through hard work and self-determination alone a child can become anythinghe or she wants. That message is simply untrue,and the message sets up our children for failure.

Rather, as Catholic educators we challenge studentsto pause, to listen, to soak in and comprehend whoGod has called them to be…beauty, scars, talents,gifts, bruises, warts and all. We spend ourselves tohelp our students recognize the gifts God has giventhem and lead the students to use them well for theservice of God and the world.

Catholic education begins at kindergarten and goesall the way through college because it is not only

about education, it is about formation. It takesyears and years and years to help children andyoung adults get that God accepts them as theyare, loves them passionately as they are, and hasgenerously gifted them with love, and joy, andpeace as they are – should only they accept God’sgifts as God has given them and use them forGod’s purposes. That is our most fundamentalwork as a Catholic school. And our studentsdesperately need that message: that God cares for them no matter what, and that if we acceptGod’s gifts as God gives them, then there is nopossibility of failure, but only peace.

I understand why prospective parents tour withcheck lists, notes and clip boards comparingLourdes High School with those around us. It’s amarketplace attitude, but I understand it becauseschool is very important and we all want the bestfor our kids. Still, though, one more series ofquestions needs to be on that check list, and itgoes like this, “Tell me … will you accept my childas my child is? Will you help my child tounderstand his or her strengths and weaknesses,and help my child to build on the strengths andmanage the weaknesses? Will you love my child,and allow my child to grow, and blossom, andflourish so he or she can find a place in the worldof satisfaction, and service, and joy, and peace?”Our answer to all those questions here at Lourdesand Rochester Catholic Schools is a hearty andheartfelt yes. Absolutely.

We know the importance of these questions, wetake them seriously, and know our work needs to begin very early in a child’s life, and that wehave to keep at it day after day after day. Andwe are steadfastly committed to it.

Although many aspects of Catholic educationhave changed throughout its history, one constantremains. The core and foundation of Catholiceducation comes from, as it always has been, acommitment to live and serve Jesus Christ.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Donlon, PrincipalLourdes High School

From the Principal…


FACULTY & STAFF


After ten years with the Lourdes hockey program,five as assistant coach and five as head coach, BobHaskins tendered his resignation in late April citinga desire to spend more time with his four childrenand possibly coach their youth teams.

“I love coaching high school hockey…but as thispast season went on and I missed more and more ofmy kids’ activities it weighed on me,” stated CoachHaskins. He added, “The most difficult thing for mewill be saying good-bye to an incredible group ofLourdes kids. They became like family.”

In late May Aaron Gill wasnamed as the new varsitycoach. During the 2006-07season he was assistantcoach for Scott Lecy, headcoach at Rochester JohnMarshall, noting “That gaveme some good experience indealing with high schoolathletes and how things workat the high school level.”

Bob Haskins Steps Down; Aaron Gill Named New Hockey Coach

Coach Gill played on the 1996 Rochester JohnMarshall State Tournament Team as a sophomore,and then played for one year at Shattuck-St. Marysin Faribault. Following that he played three years inJunior A hockey with the USHL’s RochesterMustangs. After graduating from high school in1998 he enrolled at Notre Dame. There he playedwith his brother Tony for two seasons and captainedthe hockey team his junior and senior seasons. Heled the Fighting Irish to its first NCAA tournamentberth. He was named Male Athlete of the Year forthe school in 2004. After college he played with theAHL Cleveland Barons, a minor league affiliate ofthe NHL San Jose Sharks, and the Trenton Titans ofthe East Coast Hockey League.

“I learned how detailed the game is at a higher level and I hope to bring some of that detail toLourdes. I am looking forward to the opportunity ofworking with young players,” stated Coach Gill.“They’re coming from a great coaching staff and agreat tradition.”

On May 20, 2007 Coach Myron Glass was inductedinto the Minnesota High School League Hall of Fame.

“When you’re selected, actually you don’t expect it,”related Coach Glass. “It’s very humbling – that’sselect company and to be mentioned in the samebreath is quite exhilarating.”

A legacy of versatility and consistency is thehallmark of Mr. Glass who began his 40th year ascoach at Lourdes High School this fall. He hascoached nearly every sport beginning with freshmanfootball, track and field (boys for two years and girlsfor 15 years), boys and girls cross country for 34years, boys basketball for 13 years, and finally, girlsbasketball for 24 years.

Myron’s girls basketball teams have averaged a 25-3 win-loss record per season. They have a series

More Kudos for Coach Glassof game-winning streaks including a conferencerecord of 124 consecutive wins and 75 consecutivehome games wins. Two of his teams hadundefeated seasons, and with a record of 588 winsand 78 losses, the Lourdes team holds the staterecord for the most state appearances with 14.Coach Glass is the second Eagles coach to tally 500+victories. Only nine active boys or girls basketballcoaches have surpassed that milestone.

Myron has received numerous coach of the yearawards, including the Rochester Amateur SportsCommission’s Coach of the Year. Sports Illustratedcited him in its “Faces in the Crowd” feature for hisbasketball accomplishments. He’s a member of theMinnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association Hallof Fame and a four-time national nominee for CrossCountry Coach of the Year.


ALUMNI FEATURE


Editor’s note: During Lent 2007 the Lourdes HighSchool community generously responded to a pleafrom alumni Laura Kurland to provide funds toupgrade toilet facilities at several small communities inPeru. We asked Laura to tell us more about herFulbright Scholarship Experience.

Briefly describe what a Fulbright Scholarshipis and what the selection process involves.Why did you pursue applying for one?

Senator J. William Fulbright created the Fulbrightscholarship to open space for intercultural exchangein the academic arenas of future world leaders.Since established by Congress in 1946, the U.S.State Department has overseen the adventures ofAmerican scholars and incoming foreign students.The process differs from country to country, butgenerally requires a candidate to demonstrate his orher purpose for studying or researching abroad. Heor she must develop a project or choose a locationto teach and demonstrate how it will strengthencross-cultural development. He or she must alsohave adequate support from a local institution,university, or organization to help the scholarsucceed in the work. The application processinvolved a LOT of revisions to create a two-pagepaper to explain the project and a one pagepersonal statement. Strong resumes are alsorequired as well as three letters of recommendation,an in-person interview of character, purpose ofstudy, and language proficiency.

I applied on the advice of a college mentor, Dr.Reverend Joseph Eldridge. We had traveled to

La Paz with a class of 20 students as part of a springbreak study for the semester’s colloquium onBolivia. After an exciting trip of meeting two formerBolivian presidents, the U.S. Ambassador and hisstaff, and leaders in human rights movements, andnon-profit efforts, I was moved to take on thechallenge he recommended.

What was your project during your Fulbrightyear? What did it involve?

I proposed to spend 10 months, starting in August of2006, developing a case study of rural populationcenters in Puno, Peru. I researched the conditionsof rural communities to understand how thepolitical process of decentralization impacts theexperience of the nation’s marginalized rural,peasant population. My focus was on the needs ofdevelopment in education, health, infrastructure,and participation in the formal economy. I alsoresearched the conflicts that evolved betweenelected leadership and local community members.

I visited rural regions of extreme poverty (norunning water or electricity). I interviewed electedleadership, health providers, education directors,and communal leadership. I also held communityfocus groups which were led by my local guide inthe Aymara language.

My findings (which are still a work in progress) willbe part of my thesis to graduate with an MA in thefield of International Peace and Conflict Resolutionfrom American University. I have been invited bythe U.S. Embassy in Lima to present my findings tothe USAID team. I also plan on sharing my workwith interested non-profit developmentorganizations as well as political leadership at thestate and local levels in Peru.

What impact has the experience had on youprofessionally and personally?

I simply cannot sum up the impact on my personallife. My eyes were opened to so many incredibleand shocking realities and experiences. I madewonderful, lifelong friendships, was hardened by the harsh lives of the rural populations, and havehad many a crazy experience occur (like the time Ihitch-hiked on a contraband truck and was kickedoff when the police showed up - I had to walk 40 minutes to the next town to find a ride on my way home).

Laura Kurland ’01 - Fulbright Scholar

Members of one of the Focus Groups interviewed by Laura


ALUMNI FEATURE


The mysterious path we walk in life has manysurprises. The answers are few and the questionsmany, yet every journey has the potential to becomea rich and rewarding adventure. Jim Sursely’sjourney began in Rochester and took an incredibleturn shortly after he left.

Like many men in the 1960s, Jim enlisted in theArmy after high school. He served in the storiedAmerican Division’s 17th Armored Calvary,volunteering for duty in Vietnam in 1968. During acombat mission in 1969, Jim’s life path took astrange twist as he walked down a footpath duringa combat mission. He stepped on an enemylandmine. His survival was miraculous given thelimited battlefield medicine of the time. Theexplosion resulted in the loss of both of Jim’s legsabove the knee and his left arm above the elbow.He was evacuated for treatment first to Da Nang,

then Japan, and finally to Fitzsimmons ArmyMedical Center in Colorado.

“While I was at Fitzsimmons, I began to realize thatmy life was not over and that I had a choice abouthow I was going to live it,” Jim says. “I began to lookfor role models and success stories from differentwalks of life. I borrowed what they had learned inorder to better myself and set a course for my life.“Unfortunately, I saw many of my fellow disabledveterans sink into despondency and depression.Nothing is worse to me that the idea of living arudderless life without goals, values and meaning.”

Jim eventually moved to Florida and pursued hiseducation before becoming a successful real estateagent. He works alongside his wife, Jeannie. Theyhave three sons, a daughter and eight grandchildren(with another one due this month!).

continued on page 18

In the Spring 2007 Aquila we featured an article about Viet Nam and the Class of 1966 written by alumni RichDaly. You may have noticed one name was absent, Jim Sursely. We asked Jim to share his personal experience…

Jim Sursely ‘66 In ReviewContributed by Rob Lewis, DAV Marketing & Special Events Manager, on behalf of Jim Sursely.

Professionally, I have decided to open a Fair TradePeruvian Restaurant in Washington, DC. The goal isto serve fine Andean cuisine using fair tradeproduce from the region where I researched andprovide a social return to the communities for

sustainable development. So, I will return to Perufor the next two years to do the foundation buildingof the fair trade association and I hope to open therestaurant in Washington, DC by 2011!

As a Lourdes grad, how has your high schoolexperience influenced you during your collegeyears?

I feel that, ever since high school, I was taught topush for excellence. I have always felt the need tochallenge myself and strive for something biggerand different. Lourdes taught me the importance ofcommunity and service to others. Ever since mydays in high school, I have sought a way to helpothers in need. It was very frustrating, in my role asa researcher, to be prohibited from giving money tothe community members as they reached out theirhands. I couldn’t take it anymore when I saw theawful conditions of toilets in the high school at oneof my communities. I was happy that I could turnback to the LHS community and receive theirenthusiastic support for the development of hygieneimprovements of school bathrooms in thecommunities where I worked. The commitment toothers and generous support from a place I have notvisited in 7 years made me so grateful.

Visiting local villagers


ALUMNI FEATURE


Jim Sursely continued

Jim’s determination to succeed led him to success inbusiness, but it was his compassion for his fellowwounded warriors that led him to the DisabledAmerican Veterans. Jim started attending meetingsafter being discharged from the Army. Hisinvolvement eventually led to a host of leadershippositions in the 1.3 million member organization.His dedication to his fellow veterans and the DAVled to his election as DAV National Commander in2004. The one-year term went by quickly for Jim asthe year turned out to be a busy and visible year forour nation’s disabled veterans.

Jim’s tenure as National Commander could not havecome at a more crucial time. As more and moreseverely injured service members returned from thebattlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan, Jim was there toprovide comfort and hope. His visits to Walter Reedand Bethesda Naval Hospital provided him directaccess to newly wounded veterans, who could seebefore them a man who had experienced theirhorror and went on to lead an incredible life.

In his role as National Commander, Jim also had theopportunity to represent millions of disabledveterans at many high-profile events. His testimonybefore the House and Senate Veterans AffairsCommittee called to task the elected officials whowould put our troops in harm’s way without fullyfunding the healthcare system meant to care forthem should they become injured.

He also appeared on “For the Brave,” a five-partMSNBC feature on the National Disabled VeteransWinter Sports Clinic, the largest and most successfulsports rehabilitation event in the world. And in asmall town near Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, Jim led agroup of DAV volunteers to help build a home for acombat-disabled Iraqi War veteran for the televisionshow “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Heremains an active voice in the DAV, participating inlocal and state DAV events and national outreachprograms, including the DAV’s partnerships withHarley-Davidson and the National Wild TurkeyFederation.

Given the uniquetwists and turnshis life’s path hastaken so far, whoknows whatsurprises layahead. “It’sgetting close to40 years sincethat fateful day inVietnam. It’s beenan amazingadventure sincethen,” Jim saidbefore adding,“I’m lookingforward to thenext 40 years.”

Working with Ty Pennington on a home for an Iraqi War vet

Via email Jim adds:

“As you know many of my classmates also served in the military during the war in Viet Nam. Wordscannot describe how proud I am of all of those veterans and the sacrifice they made for our country.There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the many others we lost who were my friends andfellow soldiers during my ten and a half months in Viet Nam.”

Jim and President Bush


CLASS NOTES


PEACESympathy and prayers are offered to the families and friends of these friends & Lourdes Alumni who have died:

• Michael J. Brummer ‘86• Fabian P. Campion ‘50• William F. Canfield ‘49• Thomas Dee ‘50• Rev. Daniel Dernek (former LHS teacher)• Robert W. Green ‘46• Patrick Jacobs ‘62• George P. Joyce ‘50• Carol J. Mahon ‘65• Ryan Rogness ‘92• Robert F. Schulte ‘56• Marjorie (McCabe) Withers ‘46

Sympathy and prayers are offered to the families andfriends of these Lourdes Alumni who have lost loved ones.

Charlotte (Fritsch) Riddle ’58 &Shirleyann (Fritsch) Dee ’64 on the deathof their father, Richard Fritsch. Charleen(Riddle) Huber ’79 ,Cheryl (Riddle)Caron ’80, Cristin (Riddle) Oelfke ’86,Todd Dee ’86 Troy Dee ’88 & TaraDee’95 on the death of their grandfather.Susan Arnold ’70 & June (Arnold)Schroepfer ’72 on the death of theirmother, Geneva S. Arnold.Julianne (Jirele) Howard ’77 on the deathof her husband, Paul Howard. Andrew ’03,Michelle ’05 & Evan Howard ’08 on thedeath of their father.Colleen (Loftus) Mulvihill ’60, John Loftus& Dean Loftus ’66 on the death of theirmother, Melva Loftus.Ann (Markus) Heydt ’65, Carol Zwardt &William Markus on the death of their mother,Elizabeth Ann Markus.Elaine (Carroll) Grassle ’64, Mike Carroll’69, Vanessa (Carroll) Holtan ’72 & PatRogness on the death of their brother,Howard Carroll.Bruce Schmidt ’67, Yvonne SchmidtToot ’68, Kathy Schmidt ’78, GregorySchmidt & Douglas Schmidt on the death oftheir mother, Ethel Schmidt.Sandra (Streiff) Garrison ’64, MarciaBussman, Rita Bussmann & Mark Streiff onthe death of their mother, Evelyn Streiff.Richard Arend ’65 & Michael Arend on the

death of their mother, Mary Arend. ChrisArend ’88 & Nicholas Arend ’91 on thedeath of their grandmother.Patrick Moylan ’64 on the death of hismother, Mary Moylan.Marilyn (Pierce) Laudon ’61, Dennis Pierce,Kenneth Pierce, Paul Pierce on the death oftheir mother, Ruth Pierce-Coleman.Jason DeVinny ’05 & Heather DeVinny ’06on the death of their grandmother, Janet Kanz.Colleen (Griffin) Tucker ’72, Linda(Griffin) Gander ’73, Pam (Griffin)Kennedy ’75, Barb Maurantonio, BonnieJensen, Suzanne Borelli, Cindy Stephan, MikeGriffin, John Griffin & Daniel Griffin on thedeath of their mother, Madge Griffin. Nerissa(Gander) Marzolf ’93, Holly Gander ‘97,Michael Gander ‘97, & Ryan Kennedy ’04 onthe death of their grandmother.Regina (Lawler) Kildahl ‘45 on the deathof her husband, Dick Kildahl.Liam O’Fallon ‘88 & Sean O’Fallon ‘85on the death of their grandmother, LuellaO’Fallon.Brent Hanf ’74 & Mark Hanf ’77 on thedeath of their father, Bill Hanf.Anita “Mia” (Lisi) Flesher ’77 on the deathof her husband, Greg Flesher. Emily ’04,Katherine ’07, Mary Grace & Ann Flesheron the death of their father.Joseph Lindberg ’65, Ann Lindberg ’66 &Mary (Lindberg) Peterson ‘77 on thedeath of their father, Clyde Lindberg. Barbara Piens ’74, Ronald Piens & MichaelPiens on the death of their brother, Jerry Piens.David Holmes ’64, Gregory Holmes ’65& Dennis Holmes ’71 on the death of theirmother, Rita Holmes.Bridget (Garry) Dickinson ’96, Ben Garry’97 & Ted Garry ’03 on the death of theirgrandmother, Toni Garry.Thomas Fitzgerald ’85 & MichaelFitzgerald ‘89 on the death of theirgrandmother, Janet Schwartz.Denny Nigon ’64, David Nigon ’64, Barb(Nigon) Kocer ’74 & Peggy Nigon on thedeath of their brother, Earl Nigon.

Every effort is made to publish accurate alumnimemorial information. Please accept our apology forany unintentional omissions. To update out recordscontact the Foundation Office at 621 West CenterStreet, Rochester, MN 55902, call 507-289-2584, oremail [email protected].


CLASS NOTES


60th Wedding AnniversaryAmbrose & Marjorie King observed their 60th

wedding anniversary inJune 2007. All of theirchildren are graduatesof Lourdes HighSchool. Candus(King) Bergh ’66,Catherine (King)Wagner ’66, Camilla(King) Kelley ’68,Connie King ’72,Carmen (King) Kane’74 & Chris King ’83.

1950’sPaul Norrie ’57 – and his wife Deborah recentlywelcomed a new grandson to their family.

The Class of 1957 celebrated their 50th ClassReunion the weekend of August 24-26, 2007.Activities included an informal mixer Friday night anda formal banquet Saturday night, both at the HolidayInn South. On Sunday morning class members hadmass in the Lourdes Auditorium followed by acontinental breakfast in the Commons sponsored byLourdes Foundation with a tour of the schoolafterwards. “We really had a wonderful weekend!”said classmate Nancy McGovern Gulliland.

1970’sJust Rite owner and butcher, Pat Schulte ’73, wasfeatured in a May 2007 Lifestyles article in theRochester Post Bulletin marking the onset ofsummer grilling. Pat stated, “I started working atJust Rite as a teenager, as did my brothers. It has

always been more of aneighborhood market withan emphasis on meat. Wehave many long termrelationships with ourcustomers who have beenregulars for decades.” Patcontinues to providecustomers with just (the)rite tips on what and howto cook cuts of meat.

1980’sElizabeth (Van Sande) Stanek ‘89 - wasdiagnosed with breast cancer in September 2005.She completed chemotherapy in January of 2006. InAugust of that year Elizabeth completed the BreastCancer Three-Day in the Twin Cities which is a 60

mile walk that takes place over a three day span.“By sharing this in the Aquila I want to makeyounger women realize that they too can get breast cancer.”

1990’sAndrew Koshire ’90 - and wife, Gretchen,welcomed their second child, Clara Grace, on April18, 2007. Clara joins her older sister, Sophia.

Blaise Porter ’94 – married Jennifer Rachmaciej onJuly 7, 2007. Blaise is a seniorapplications engineer atTissue Growth Technologies inMinneapolis. Jennifer is theassociate director ofOrientation and First-YearPrograms at the University of Minnesota.

Lisa Price ’97 – married Nick Stelzner on April 28,2007 at St. John the Evangelist Church. The couplemakes their home in Rochester.

David Strauss ’96 – and his wife, Rachel,welcomed a daughter to their family, Autumn Rose Strauss.

Jerry Macken ’98 – marriedKristen Kraut on July 14, 2007.

Carolyn Askamit ’98 – married Steven Junkroskion September 29, 2007. Carolyn is a Doctor ofPharmacy at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL.Her husband is the manager of Chicago Bills Golf Shop.

Chad Silker ’98 - ran in the 2007 Boston Marathonwith his one time Notre Dame roommate JeffWittich. Both Chad and his wife, Beth, arepracticing attorneys in St. Louis. Chad took uprunning to help relieve the stress of work.According to Chad, “You keep working and workingat it, and before long you’re running a marathon.”

Jessica Stachnik ’99 - was a recent contestant onthe “Wheel of Fortune” game show. She solved fourpuzzles, three of them toss-up’s, and came homewith $8,600. When asked about what it was like to


CLASS NOTES


be on the set, Jessica said,“The whole experiencewas kind of surreal…nothing really looks thesame as it does on TV. I couldn’t believe I actuallygot on the show – it was alot of fun.”

2000’sMegan Roberts ’00 & Nick Campion ’02 - weremarried on August 11, 2007. The couple makestheir home in Rochester.

Sean Brownlow ’00 - and his wife, Jennifer,welcomed a baby boy in June 2007.

Robby Schreiber ’00 –married Mary Callahan onJune 2, 2007. Robby is theyouth program manager at theScience Museum ofMinnesota. Mary is studentservice coordinator forH.E.C.U.A. in St. Paul.

Heidi Gannon ’01 – marriedJason Mitchell on October 6, 2006in Sioux Falls, SD. The couplelives in Sioux Falls. Heidi worksat Citibank in the RetentionDepartment. Jason works as amaster control operator at KSFYTelevision.

Kalie Poturica ’01 – married Ryan Gross onAugust 3, 2007 in Edina, MN.

Alex Kilen ’02 – married Hannah Murray onAugust 18, 2007.

Zach Mangan ’03 performed with his jazz band,Secret Architecture, at the Rochester Art CenterGrand Lobby on June 7, 2007. Zach is a recentgraduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston.Zach has trained with several renowned musiciansincluding saxophonist Joe Lovano, percussionistJamey Haddad, and famed trombonist Hal Crook. Hehas toured Europe on four occasions with differentjazz ensembles and played at the famed Iridium JazzClub in Times Square with the Terri Lyne CarringtonScholarship Band. In July Zach performed at theMontreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland as well asanother festival in Belgium. In August he joined upwith the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, a Boston jazz

group, for a U.S. tour. According to Zach, “Music is areally incredible tool to see the world.”

Megan Tiegs ’03 - was a Division III All-Americanin women’s tennis this spring and was the Athlete ofthe Year for the College of St. Benedict. Megan andher sister, Christin Tiegs ’01, both played in theMidwest Wireless Rochester Adult Tennis Open inRochester in July. The pair teamed up to win theWomen’s Doubles title. They then squared off forthe Open Singles title, where Megan took the win.

Senior soccer player Rachel Lindor ’03 wasawarded with Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors atthe College of St. Benedict this spring.

Former hockey standout Jamie Ruff ’05 hasaccepted an offer to play Division 1 hockey atBemidji State University. He was an honorablemention all-state player for Lourdes in the 2004-05.He led the Eagles with 22 goals and 23 assists in 27games played that season. For the past two yearshe as played for the Southern Minnesota Express, aJunior A team in Owatonna.

Emily Maus ’05 - won theNational Championship for theintroductory level of dressagehorse riding at CentenaryCollege in New Jersey in April.She was competing for MountHolyoke College in SouthHadley, Massachusetts. Sincebecoming a student at Holyokeshe has taken on the challengeof learning dressage. Emilyhas been horse back ridingsince age 7. In 2002 she wonthe World Championship of Youth Saddle SeatPleasure Riding. According to Emily, she enjoys theteam part of competing the most – “It’s just sorewarding to be a part of a team.”

A collection of paintings by Daniel Fleming ’05were featured as part of the June 2007 art exhibit atCrossings Gallery in Zumbrota, MN. He is a studentat the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Theexhibit was held concurrently with Zumbrota’sannual “Art in East Park” Fair.

Jenny Shaughnessy ’05 - was named theUniversity of Minnesota women’s swimming anddiving Most Valuable Swimmer for the 2006-07season. She shared the team’s Hardest WorkerAward with teammate Jenny Hasling and was alsonamed to the Academic All-Big Ten team.


CLASS NOTES


From the EAGLE Archives…

Do you remember?(Reprinted from the December 1943 issue of the Lourdes EAGLE)

Homecoming Festivities 1943

History MysteryThe 2007Spring AquilaHistory Mysteryphoto wascorrectlyidentified by Jim Gander. Jim was the firstperson whocould name the

entire group (from left to right) Michele Walz,Susan Voss, Julie Vehrenkamp, GiovannaValdettaro, and Kim Toogood. Jim chose aLourdes baseball cap for his prize.

Put you’re thinking caps on, here’s this issue’sphoto! Be the first to contact us and win either aLourdes tee shirt, baseball cap, or visor.

Lynnette Stadtherr – (507) 289-1702 [email protected]

RCS non-alumni employees ineligible for contest.

Captains and Coaches – who are they?

“Lourdes homecoming went off with a bangstarting on Friday evening, October 22nd, with abonfire in the practice field near the RochesterBread Company plant. Here the queen, MaryMahoney; her junior attendant, Mary Gentling; hersophomore attendant, Dorothy Whelan;cheerleaders and all were present to see thedummy of St. Augustine go up in smoke. Whilethe bonfire was burning, the cheerleaders led thegroup in a series of school yells.

Then the student body took part in a snake danceto Lourdes High School for the homecomingdance. Here the music was provided by DonErickson and his 11 piece band. The gymnasiumwas very artistically decorated in purple and gold.After the grand march, the queen was crowned byour football captain, David Shandley.

Sunday afternoon took us to Soldiers Field wherethe Eagles met Austin St. Augustine’s footballteam, coming through with a 13-6 victory. After

the game both teams were served dinner atLourdes by the senior class.”

Mary Frances Kelly ‘45


Going Once…Going Twice…

SOLD!!!

CLASS NOTES


CalendarSpring/Sumer 2007October 20079th - Lourdes Foundation Annual Meeting

Rochester Golf & Country Club6:00 pm

20th - RCS/LHS Rummage SaleLourdes High School – Old Gym8:00 am – 2:00 pm

26th - LHS Marching Band ConcertAlumni Hall7:30 pm

November 20073rd - Lourdes/RCS Auction

Lourdes High School5th - LHS Fall Sports Awards

Alumni Hall6:30 pm

16th, 17th & 18thLourdes Theater Department Fall PlayThe Diary of Anne FrankLourdes High School Auditorium16th & 17th – 7:00 pm18th – 2:00 pm

22nd - Thanksgiving

December 20079th - Lourdes High School Music Department

Christmas ConcertLourdes High School - Alumni Hall

9th - Lourdes High School Sports Hall ofFame BanquetRochester International Event Center7:00 pm

21st - January 2ndChristmas Break – No School

26th – 28th Girls Hockey Sertoma Shoot Out

27th – 29thBoys Hockey Kiwanis Tournament Graham Arena & Rochester Rec. Center

26th -28thRotary Basketball TournamentMayo Civic Center & University Center-Rochester

For a complete listing of LHS activities and sporting events, please visit

www.rochestercatholic.k12.mn.usand click on the Lourdes icon.

“Steppin Out!” forthe Lourdes/RCSAuctionRochester Catholic Schools presents the 28thAnnual Lourdes/RCS Auction on Saturday,November 3, 2007. This year’s theme is “Steppin’Out!” and the auction is steppin’ up its fundraisingcelebration with an afternoon silent auction from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed at 6 p.m. by an eveninggourmet dinner with cash bar and live auction.Tickets are $25 per person and include an all-dayauction pass + the buffet dinner by Victoria’s Italianrestaurant. Tickets to attend the silent auction only are $5. A huge variety of goods and serviceswill be up for bid – Florida trips, diamonds, abeautifully decorated Christmas tree, Viking’s, Wild,and Wolves’ tickets, theater tickets, and much,much MORE!

All proceeds directly benefit the students of LourdesHigh School and Rochester Catholic Schools. CallLHS for more information or to reserve tickets: (507) 289-3991.

P.S. Auction donations welcome!

Lourdes High School Sports Hall of Fame

SAVETHEDATE!

LHS Sports Hall of Fame Inaugural BanquetDecember 9, 2007

Rochester International Event CenterTickets available beginning

October 15thMore details coming soon!


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CLASS NOTES

First day of school for seniors Sara Korsmo, Katie Swantko, and Sarah Kemmerick

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