Why We Believe

In Catholic education at NDCL

Jim `64 and Bette Zaletel are believers. Their faith in God, in country, and in the value of the

NDCL experience for current and future generations of LIONS.

The Zaletels are all in on NDCL: as annual fund donors, as a major gift donor to the enhancements at Lion Stadium, and through a deferred estate gift after their lifetime.

“Schools like NDCL are needed in this country.” says the 1964 graduate of Cathedral Latin. “The Catholic education at NDCL, like I received at Cathedral

Latin, gives you balance—both in faith and education.”

A retired dentist, Dr. Z knew at an early age that he wanted to help people physically but also to make them laugh. Many of his patients became close friends and his joke of the week would help put them at ease. Jim and Bette are both products of 16 years of Catholic education, from elementary school through college.

“When we were preparing to get married in the Church, our priest laughed as we began our Pre-Cana class, that with all that Catholic schooling between us there wasn’t anything he could teach us!”

Though the Zaletels don’t get to return to Cleveland very often and be on campus, they know that their gifts to NDCL are valued.

“What better way to use the blessings God has given us than contributing to future generations of students,” he says. “Catholic education worked for us and we hope it works for the young men and women at NDCL today and tomorrow.”