Arts in the Red Knights
A Catholic, college preparatory school, grades 7-12
2501 Highway 100 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 952-927-4176 www.bsmschool.org info@bsmschool.org
President l Danielle Hermanny ‘03
Senior High Principal l Matt Weingartz
Junior High Principal l Rikki Mortl Chair, Board of Directors l Tom Lynch ‘85
Crown & Shield Managing Editor l Auna Dennis
Contributors l Ife Adebola, David Lucs, Mary Fran O'Keefe, Richard Olson, Catie Scherer Brackin '99
President’s Letter
Greetings from Benilde-St. Margaret’s!
Creativity is one of the hallmarks of a BSM education. While it is present across the curriculum – in AP biomed research, 3D printing in the engineering lab, or an advertising internship – it is perhaps most on display in our vibrant arts programs. In both the visual and performing arts, students are routinely recognized for their achievements both within and beyond our community. For alums, this comes as no surprise. No doubt all of us can recall a classmate –probably more than one – who amazed us with their performance in a play, their solo at Mass, or their photography final.
This issue of the Crown & Shield showcases some alums who made, and continue to make, their living in the performing arts. Talents that were sparked and nurtured at BSM have become careers for these individuals who are recognized around the world for their hard work, artistry, and creative skills.
Like these alums, today’s students are taught by outstanding faculty who inspire and challenge them to go beyond their comfort zone to achieve their highest potential. Our beautiful Hamburge Theater plays host to fall, winter, and spring performances by both high school and junior high students, as well as a variety of band and choir concerts throughout the year. If you haven’t been to BSM for one of these shows, I encourage you to come back and support our amazing students. They will likely bring you to tears with their stirring performances, as they do for me every time I sit in the audience. While you are visiting, be sure to walk the halls and marvel at the photographs, clay pieces, paintings, and other art displays created by our talented students.
The BSM crest: Veritas: Truth
Pietas: Holiness, Dutiful Conduct Scientia: Knowledge
Crown: St. Margaret’s
Knight: Benilde 3 Benedictine Crosses
The Crown & Shield is published for graduates, students, families, and friends of BSM. Please send news and photos (at least 1 mb in size) to alumni@bsmschool.org.
Delivery Notice
As part of our continuing efforts to reduce waste, we have limited the delivery of the Crown & Shield to one per household. If you hear that we have inadvertently left someone off the list, please contact us at alumni@bsmschool.org.
As always, I hope you enjoy this issue of Crown & Shield and that it reminds you again of what a special place Benilde-St. Margaret’s is for our entire community.
Once a Red Knight, always a Red Knight,
Danielle Hermanny ‘03
BSM President
On the Cover: Pictured l-r: Chrissie Kenneally
'26, Mo Perry '99, Ryan Brown '98, Paul Ziezulewicz '02, Jon Schumacher, and Nadia Ehlert '26. Photos from Mary Poppins, Little Women and The Addams Family provided by AlyssaKristine Photography.
'86, David Pellegrene '85, Audrey Feller '28, Finn Seppala '28, Taylor Hasling '27, Emma Cella '27, Ali Brown '25, Mali Arreola '25, Nico Peterson
the classroom. And the arts programs at BSM allow students the most opportunities to be creative. We celebrate the lasting impact of our arts programs and are excited to reconnect with alumni who once graced our stage. Their stories reflect how deeply those programs have influenced their lives. It’s therefore no surprise that today’s students share that same passion for the arts and are creating memorable moments on stage. BSM believes in nurturing the next generation of artists knowing there will always be Red Knights who found their place in the world began on stage or behind the scenes at BSM.
MO PERRY, BSM CLASS OF 1999
Mo Perry is a freelance writer and actor in the Twin Cities. You may have known her as “Snoopy” in the BSM Drama 1999 production of Snoopy the Musical , but you’ll soon see her as “Mrs.
Boyle” in the Guthrie Theater’s production of The Mousetrap , running from March-May 2025. Perry was named Best Actress by City Pages in 2010.
Perry remembers her time at BSM in vignettes of speech competitions and play performances. Each time she performed as a Red Knight, a new brick was laid on her path toward being a professional performer.
With each new show she gets cast in, Perry carries with her the memories of her time at BSM. It wasn’t just the performances that stuck with her, “I remember the smell of the costume shop, the late nights painting sets, the feeling of making an audience roar with laughter, the excitement of opening night, the sorrow of closing night, and the knowledge that there was something here that I wanted to have forever.”
Q: What advice would you give a Red Knight hoping to pursue any artistic field in the future?
A: The world needs artists. Now, more than ever, it needs artists who are unafraid to think for themselves and express diverse, eccentric, iconoclastic points of view. The arts aren’t just about attention, fame, or adulation. They’re about broadening people’s apertures and saying something true about what it means to be here, now, together. If that calls to you, heed the call! We need you.
ANNETTE ATWOOD-PIPER, ST. MARGARET’S ACADEMY CLASS OF 1951
Her mother, unsure what to do with her at home when Annette Atwood-Piper was little, had signed her up for dance classes early in her life. This led to a lifetime of dancing for Atwood-Piper. After school at St. Margaret’s Academy (SMA), she would walk downtown to her ballet classes.
Following graduation from SMA, Atwood-Piper moved to London where she became a member of the Royal Academy of Dance, taking classes from Alex Martin, a dancer from the London Royal Ballet and solo performer in London and Paris.
Atwood-Piper returned to the states, became a dancer for the University of Minnesota, and was one of the original dancers on the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. The showboat began as a historic partnership between the U of M theater department
and the Padelford Boat Company. Making its first voyage in 1958, Atwood-Piper was on-board and on-stage all summer. “We would perform as many as three times a day, the demand was so great,” Atwood-Piper said, noting, “It was a pretty big deal.” After receiving a scholarship to attend the University of California - San Francisco, Atwood-Piper earned a degree in physical therapy and used it to specialize in treating dancers. Though she was no longer on the stage herself, her passion drove her to combine PT and dance. She was just as elegant working with dancers on their healing journey as she had been on the showboat.
Atwood-Piper later married and returned to the Twin Cities with her husband and two sons, where she remains a patron of the arts and an enthusiastic supporter of dancers today.
MICHAEL MAHLER, BSM CLASS OF 2000
Michael Mahler is a playwright and songwriter. He authored An American Tail, a stage musical that premiered at the Minneapolis Children’s Theater.
Now a Richard Rodgers Award for New Works and multi-Joseph Jefferson Award recipient, Mahler reminisces fondly on his time as a Red Knight.
Mahler’s passion for musical theater writing started in the classrooms of BSM. While reading The Odyssey, his English teacher, Mr. Backen, encouraged students to get creative with their projects on the book, using their multiple intelligences. Michael decided to write a song from the viewpoint of Telemachus, setting out on a journey of his own to find his father.
Atwood-Piper leads the dance of the fairies during the May 1951 production of Cinderella at St. Margaret's Academy, surrounded by l-r: Nancy Gantter '51, Adrienne Ouellette '51, Jean Fitch '51, Pat Hart '51, Mary Burns '51, and Joan Smith '51.
Atwood-Piper (far right) with lifelong friends and fellow members of the SMA Class of 1951, l-r: Lois Mayou, Sharon Barrett, and Barb Turnbull celebrating Barrett's 90th birthday.
Mahler held on to that song until he was attending Northwestern University, where he submitted it in his first year writing for the WaaMu show, an annual original musical hosted at the university, written, performed, and presented by Northwestern students. The experience led Mahler to pursue a career in writing professionally for musical theater.
Since then, Mahler’s path includes stops on Broadway and Netflix, where he contributed lyrics to the Broadway revival of Miss Saigon and songs for the Netflix film My Little Pony: A New Generation
Throughout his successful career, there is one lesson that Mahler has learned and wants to share with other Red Knights, “You have to write a lot of bad songs before you can write good songs — so don’t be afraid to get started writing lots of bad songs.”
Mahler also wrote the music and lyrics to Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical, which will be performed by our Red Knights in May of 2025.
How do you feel that BSM supported you and your journey to pursuing your talents professionally?
A: In so many ways! Kate Cuddy and Nancy Stockhaus were incredible teachers, not just of singing and choral music, but in being flexible and rolling with the punches at live performances. I had many formative experiences on BSM stages acting in the musicals with my friends and family members.
CAROLINE STROH, BSM CLASS OF 1983
Caroline Stroh is BSM’s drama department production manager and has been with BSM for nearly 25 years. Though she has always had a passion for theater and the arts, her path to her position was non-traditional.
After graduating from BSM in 1983, Stroh went off to college and on to law school. She was a lawyer for 10 years before she got involved in drama at BSM again, starting in the costume department.
Stroh will always remember the first show ever put on in the Hamburge Theater after construction finished in 2002, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Over 100 junior and senior high students participated in the combined production since the junior high’s shows were cancelled that year due to the construction. She shared that nearly all of the roughly 2300 costume pieces — clothing and accessories — were handmade.
Stroh’s hope is that students you wouldn’t normally see in the theater — those who are in sports or other activities — will take a chance and choose to participate more in drama productions. Whether as a performer, a member of the stage crew, or even simply as an audience member, Stroh hopes that all students and their parents know they have a home with the drama department.
“Several alumni bring their children to see our shows, or to the music concerts hosted at BSM,” she said. She invites more alumni to attend BSM shows in the future to celebrate the efforts of our student artists, “you’ll be impressed by what they can do on stage and of course, we always love to have them back.”
Stroh understands that not everyone will feel comfortable on stage, but encourages anyone who wants to join to do so. “It’s not just performing!” she assures, adding, “There are so many technical opportunities that are fun and interesting careers. The stage is dark unless we have those people.”
Whether Red Knights are a member of the audience, stage crew, tech team, or cast, Stroh hopes for everyone to know that they have a home in the Hamburge.
“The theater can really be a safe space for some students,” she told us. “Whoever they want to be, they can be that here, on stage with us.”
What would you like to see in the future of the arts at BSM?
A: I want to see even more people in attendance! My hope is that “non-theater” students and parents will attend our shows to witness the dedication our student artists put into every single performance. When faculty, staff and administration attend our shows, our students see that and know they are supported. I’d love to see them be supported by more of their peers too.
Stroh works closely with another BSM alum, Jake Mahler ‘03 who teaches high school math and stays active in the arts by serving as BSM’s director of drama productions and musical accompanist at all school Masses.
Other alums like Julia Duffy, St. Margaret’s Academy Class of 1969 are seen on television in popular shows like Newhart, Reba, and most recently Night Court while London Vale ‘04 has appeared in Killer Reputation, Words & Actions, and other TV shows and movies. Meanwhile, Michael Fabiano ‘02 began by performing onstage at BSM and now shines on the world stage in leading roles at the Royal Opera House, the Staatsoper Berlin, the Wiener Staatsoper, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Dozens of Red Knights each year join the ranks of student artists who find their place backstage or in the spotlight of BSM’s high school musicals presented in the fall and spring, the junior high musical, or the one-act
plays presented in the MSHSL state competition.
Since 2011, eighty-four BSM productions have been recognized by the Hennepin Theatre Trust as award winning shows, and 181 students have received gold, silver, bronze, and honorable mention awards for their performances at BSM.
These honors affirm the talent and hard work of our student artists who put their entire being into every moment of every production. Each performance on the BSM stage is a true display of humanity at work.
Our Red Knights work together to portray stories every audience member can find themselves in. They can take a deep breath when they find their seats and quiet themselves before the show begins, knowing they’re right at home here at BSM.
at one of this year’s performances:
Friday, Feb. 21 - Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025
Junior High musical, Frozen, Jr.
Monday, March 3, 2025
Senior High winter band & choir concert
Thursday, May 1 - Sunday, May 4, 2025
Senior High spring musical, Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Spring choir concert (grades 7-12)
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Spring band concert (grades 7-12)
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
Have you made the arts your career? BSM wants to hear from you! Share your story with our alumni department by contacting Catie Scherer Brackin ‘99 at cschererbrackin@bsmschool.org
BSM Athletic Hall of Fame
The BSM Athletic Hall of Fame was started in 2013 to instill and preserve pride in the outstanding athletic accomplishments and contributions to the athletic history and traditions of St. Margaret’s Academy, Benilde High School, and Benilde-St. Margaret’s School by alumni athletes, their coaches, directors, and loyal supporters. We have inducted 90 alums thus far, including eight new inductees this past fall.
If you would like to nominate someone to our Athletic Hall of Fame, you can do so at this website: bsmschool.org/athletic-hof-nomination
Jim Wander could be seen during the school day in his lab coat entertaining all of his students with his knowledge of and excitement for physics. Then after school, like Superman going into his booth, he would emerge in his shorts and bandana and would be off running. He very rarely walked. If you had the talent and drive to win, he had the knowledge to guide you to that goal. Mr. Wander was a constant source of inspiration.
Whether he was helping runners navigate the challenges of rough terrain during a cross-country race, braving a rainy day on the track, or troubleshooting a physics experiment gone awry, he was always there to guide, motivate, and uplift students through it all. He would remind his athletes to ‘pour on the coals’ and never give up, knowing that sometimes a donut could inspire them as well. Jim has the most welcoming and nurturing demeanor. You can know him for a long time, without ever really having a long conversation with him, but still consider him a good friend. He was there for everyone, no matter their ability. He made everyone feel they were absolutely a part of it and that made him so unique as a coach. And nobody in the world can move hurdles faster than Jim Wander. Congratulations, Coach Wander!
Coach Jon Hanks was known for his sweatshirt on the sidelines. What many may not know about him was that he worked the overnight shift, getting home from work around 6 a.m., sleeping until noon, and then was off to BSM to prepare for the day. In his 20 or so years coaching football at BSM, competitors learned that you better hope you don’t play him
twice in the same season. If Jon saw you once, he would beat you the second time no matter what. Former assistant coach John Porisch said, “What I loved about coaching for Jon Hanks is that he always wore his emotions on his sleeve, and you knew what he was thinking in the moment because he administered transparent and worthwhile advice and instruction. Jon never sugar-coated his message and he held his athletes accountable.”
Jon was interested in you being a good man as well as a good football player. He taught the boys the importance of a firm handshake and looking a person in the eye. In practice the pressure was on the kids, but in games he took the pressure off of them, showing them kindness and compassion. Daniel Porisch ‘22 shared that “Coach Hanks cared about players’ success and was very personable. He coached you hard, but loved you harder.” Congratulations, Coach Hanks!
The 1997 Boys’ Soccer Team made the fall season an exciting time to be a Red Knight. Seventeen different players scored goals throughout the season as the ‘97 boys’ soccer team won their
way to the FIRST EVER team State Championship for Benilde-St. Margaret’s. Scoring goals is essential in winning a soccer game. But oftentimes the save of a goalkeeper can be just as essential, and that is just what Wes Durand did in the Section Finals game against Blake that sent the team to the state tournament. A feat that had not happened since 1983.
The piece that ties it all together is the stability and experience of a seasoned coach. Hank Scheinost just so happened to be that coach for both the ‘83 and ‘97 teams. It just may have been the previous experience in the 80s that helped him coach the team to victory in the 90s. It’s a team sport and a team title, and that is reflected by the players here today who represent captains, MVPs, Most-Improved players, coaches’ award winners, All-Conference award winners, All-Metro players, and All-Tournament Team members of the 1997 Boys’ Soccer Team. Congratulations, team!
Haley Jerabek Liberty ‘13 was a four-sport athlete at BSM, making a difference on the soccer pitch, the cross country course, the nordic trails, and the track. She was a captain, all conference award winner, state competitor, and famously did a flip throw-in to her teammate in the championship state soccer game that led to the
winning goal. On the track, Haley competed in the 400-meter dash and the 800-meter and 1,600-meter runs, earning all-state honors in 2010 and 2011. Haley went on to Xavier University where she competed in cross country and track & field. She represented Xavier regularly in the Big East Championships in both cross country and track & field.
In cross country she posted a 5K best of 18:48, and a 6K best of 21:48. On the track, her fastest 800m time was 2:17.58, and her best 1500m was 4:49.30. Haley also continued leading those around her as captain of both cross country and track & field her senior year, and won a PNC Athlete Achiever award for students who have success in the classroom and out in the community. She also worked hard in the classroom, earning Big East all-academic team three years in a row. Congratulations, Haley!
Jon Lynch ‘08 played baseball and football at BSM and was awarded accolades like all conference, coach’s award, captain, offensive MVP, and St. Paul Pioneer Press all state honorable mention, however, when asked to help us make sure our research on his accomplishments was correct, Jon Lynch responded, “I just want to focus on the team’s accomplishments.” As a junior, Jon guided BSM to its first state football semifinal appearance in 26 years and went on to become the Red Knights' all-time passing yardage and touchdown leader.
He went on to play for the University of Minnesota Duluth. In 2008, his first season there, he became just the second true freshman in 24 years to see playing time at quarterback for the Bulldogs. Jon was the starting quarterback from 2009-2012, and led the team to a Conference Championship all 5 of his years there, plus two Division 2 National Championships in 2008 and 2010. Their combined record was 64-7. Congratulations, Jon!
Khadijah Shumpert ‘12 was a four-year varsity basketball player known as a force to be reckoned with on the court. She was no stranger to awards like All Conference, All State, All Star Roster, and NSC Most Valuable Player. She went on to play Division I basketball for New Mexico and continued to make a name for herself with the Lobos earning accolades including All-Mountain West Honorable Mention, All-Mountain West Defensive Team, Mountain West All-Tournament Team, First-Team AllConference, and UNM Thanksgiving All-Tournament Team. Not only did she work hard on the court, but she also earned Academic All-Conference and Academic All-Mountain West selections during her time at New Mexico. In 2016 Khadijah became the 14th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds. After college, she took her skills across the pond where she was an international professional basketball player in Greece and Germany. Khadijah now uses her skills and knowledge to advocate for girls’ youth basketball and coach future stars. Congratulations, Khadijah!
Johnny Mulvahill ‘12 led the Red Knights to a state championship in 2011 in boys soccer. That year he also became the first ever Benilde-St.Margaret’s player to be named Mr. Soccer. Johnny was a three-year varsity player and two-time captain with 22 career goals and 16 assists. He was a two-time All Conference award winner, and twice named to the Class A All State Team. According to a 2011 Knight Errant article, teammate Brian Tobelmann ‘12 said, “He was just an all-around player that could make something out of nothing. Whenever we had an open position, either defense, midfield, or forward, he was always able to play that position, and play it well. He had really good ball control and was able to take the ball and mount attacks involving the entire team.”
Johnny went on to play for the University of St. Thomas where he played in 81 games, with 75 starts, 4,973 total minutes, and 12 goals scored. In 2015, he was the MIAC Elite 22 Award winner. In his final year in 2016, he was captain of the team, named MIAC All-Conference, 1st Team All-Region, NCAA All-Tournament Team, and led the Tommies to their first ever MIAC Playoff championship and NCAA final four in 2016. Congratulations, Johnny!
Kelly Pannek ‘14 has a long list of accomplishments at BSM and worldwide. For example, she is a four-year varsity letter winner in both hockey and soccer, earned all conference and all state awards in both sports, and all-metro 2nd team in hockey. Kelly Pannek is an American professional ice hockey player for the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women's Hockey League. In high school, she set the state record for the quickest natural hat trick, scoring three goals in 22 seconds in a 2012 game. Kelly was a 201617 AHCA-CCM Women’s University Division I First-Team All-American.
In 2017, she was a Patty Kazmaier Award Finalist after scoring 62 points in 39 games and winning the national championship for the second year in a row. She was drafted 4th overall by the Minnesota Whitecaps in the 2018 NWHL Draft. She participated at the IIHF Women’s World Championship in 2017-2019. She was a member of the gold-medal-winning American team at the 2018 Winter Olympics, where she picked up two assists in five games. On January 2, 2022, Pannek was named to Team USA’s roster to represent the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Finally, the BSM girls’ hockey program is lucky enough to call her coach. Congratulations, Kelly!
Scan the QR code to read more about each member of the BSM Athletic Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024
Thank You!
Merci beaucoup to all of the families and friends of BSM who joined us for the 2024 gala at The View, situated along the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis.
The annual event raises money for the students we serve. This year, $484,000 was raised affirming the generosity of our BSM community - thank you!
The Fund-A-Need campaign alone generated $367,000, keeping Benilde-St. Margaret’s tuition affordable and accessible for every Red Knight.
This year’s theme, A Knight in Paris, featured a fun atmosphere, including BSM French students welcoming guests, a mime providing entertainment during the cocktail hour, and special performances by BSM’s students who shared a preview of scenes from this year’s heartwarming fall musical, Little Women. BSM faculty and past parents, Ken Pauly and Anne Marie Dominguez, served as emcees for the evening filled with laughter, smiles, and fundraising.
The highlight of the evening was hearing from Cornelius Salonis ‘20 who shared how his life was transformed through a BSM education. A recent graduate of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University with a degree in physics, Salonis is also an IBM-HBCU Quantum Center Scholar. The generosity of our community donors made it possible for Cornelius to thrive at BSM and now in life.
The annual gala is an outstanding fundraising event for BSM and the support from our benefactors ensures BSM is faithful to our Catholic School mission to educate all young people regardless of their financial means.
Thank you for helping to make an exceptional BSM education a reality for over 1,000 students this year. We hope to see you at the Metropolitan in Golden Valley on November 8, 2025 for the next gala!
Merci et bonne journée!
You’re Invited!
TO INSPIRE TODAY’S RED KNIGHTS
Head back to school… as a
Business Class Speaker
BSM’s business department invites alums who are small business owners to share your insights and experiences with Red Knights in high school.
If you've ever wanted to be on Shark Tank , this is your chance to participate in the BSM version by being on our business management class panel.
Contact our faculty to get involved:
Erin Werneke ewerneke@bsmschool.org
John Sabol jsabol@bsmschool.org
Stephen Pohlen spohlen@bsmschool.org
Kathleen Coyle '03, vice president of premium sales for the Minnesota Vikings, speaks with EPIC marketing & communications and admissions interns.
Research, Entrepreneurship,
Design
is BSM’s program that challenges students to use their creativity and collaboration skills to solve problems impacting their world. Dozens of students have participated in RED since its founding in 2019, using their critical thinking to apply Agile management processes in collaborative hands-on learning situations. The experience parallels the modern workplace.
Be an EPIC Mentor!
EPIC is a great way for you as an alum of St. Margaret’s, Benilde, and BSM to share your experiences and knowledge with current students.
EPIC is BSM’s partnership program for business professionals who want to provide students with unique opportunities to EXPLORE passions and career paths, PARTNER with professionals, gain INSPIRATION, and CONNECT with experts in and outside the classroom.
Reach out to Dr. Steve Pohlen '86 via email (spohlen@bsmschool.org) or phone: 612-618-2419 to get involved with our EPIC program and be a mentor for our Red Knights.
The RED Expo is your opportunity to visit BSM and see first-hand the solutions and ideas today’s Red Knights are creating. It’s an exciting time to be on campus and engage with these future leaders.
Mark your calendar now - the 2025 RED Expo event will be held on Wednesday, May 14 on the BSM campus from 5 - 7 p.m.
What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution?
One of the inspiring things about working in a Catholic school like Benilde-St. Margaret’s is that we have a rich history and long-standing tradition of alumni support.
St. Margaret’s Academy was founded in 1907 and Benilde High School in 1956. Every day, BSM has alums of SMA and Benilde turning 70½ and therefore eligible to make charitable gifts from their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). Why would an alum do this? Well, I recently visited with an SMA class of 1971 grad, Mary W., who made a Qualified Charitable Distribution of her IRA. Mary shared with me her reasoning for using this type of charitable gift.
First, the Tax Benefits (Qualified Charitable Distribution - QCD):
The IRS allows individuals 70½ or older to make QCDs. A QCD allows Mary to transfer up to $100,000 per year directly from an IRA to a qualifying charity. In this case Benilde-St. Margaret’s. This can count toward satisfying her RMD, but the distribution isn’t counted as taxable income to Mary. By reducing taxable income, Mary avoids pushing her family into a higher tax bracket or reduces other taxes, such as Medicare surcharges.
Third, Charitable Intentions:
RMDs are treated as ordinary income, which can increase taxes. Instead of taking the full RMD and paying taxes on it, a charitable contribution reduces the amount subject to tax, helping Mary and her family minimize overall tax liability.
Fourth, Simplifying Giving:
For Mary, who has supported BSM since 1985 with 52 gifts, and is charitably inclined, using her RMD helps simplify her charitable giving. Instead of dealing with additional income and then donating it, Mary can directly transfer the funds.
In summary, whether you are turning 70½ in the coming months or celebrating your 60th, 65th, or 70th Class Reunion, using a QCD is an effective strategy to fulfill RMD requirements while minimizing tax liabilities and supporting charitable causes.
To discuss your specific situation and how a QCD can benefit you and BSM, please call Richard J. Olson in the BSM advancement office at 952-915-4351.
Second, Avoiding a Hefty RMD Taxation: RMDs are treated as ordinary income, which can increase taxes. Instead of taking the full RMD and paying taxes on it, a charitable contribution reduces the amount subject to tax, helping Mary and her family minimize overall tax liability.
OPENING DOORS FOR
Students
Your commitment to BSM’s mission of providing a faith-filled, high-quality education rooted in our three Catholic charisms is inspiring and deeply appreciated.
BSM is a premiere Catholic School in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis because of the prayers and gifts of our donors.
Now is a great time to consider leaving a lasting legacy through a planned gift to BSM.
Planned giving is a meaningful way to ensure your support of BSM endures for generations to come. Choose from:
• a bequest,
• a charitable trust, or
• other estate planning vehicles.
Your foresight can provide enduring benefits to our students and community.
Did you know? The amount of money expected to be transferred to the next generation in the next decade is often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer.” Estimates suggest that $30 trillion to $68 trillion will be passed down from Baby Boomers to their heirs and charitable causes between now and 2042, with a significant portion occurring within the next 10 years.
This transfer presents opportunities for individuals,and families to plan strategically, ensuring that values and legacies are preserved. BSM would very much like to be considered in your family’s discussions concerning this wealth transfer.
To learn more about planned giving opportunities, please contact the advancement team at advancement@bsmschool.org or 952-915-4351.
Your charitable gifts make a profound impact on our students and their families. From scholarships that open doors of opportunity to state-of-the-art programs that nurture both mind and spirit, your support helps us shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Together, we are creating a community of faith, excellence, and service.
Thank you once again for your incredible generosity and belief in our mission. You are making a difference in the lives of so many young people, and we are profoundly grateful for your partnership in this sacred work.
Alumni News Winter 2025
1965
Tim Munkeby ‘65, author, has co-founded a 501(3)(c) nonprofit, "Minnesota Rally to Read" with a goal to transform Minnesota into the state with the highest reading proficiency and the fewest racial inequities in as fast a time as possible. For more information or to support their work, visit www.mnrallytoread.org.
1990
Bill Kruse ‘90, Founder and Creative Director of Clever: Filmmaking for Brands, celebrated 5 years in business!
1999
Meghan Lind DesLauriers ‘99 wrote a children’s book “Lizzy the Pizzly.” Lizzy the Pizzly is the perfect picture book for children learning about perseverance, friendship, and belonging. It celebrates everyone's similarities and differences, and reminds us that we can all shine in our own special ways. Don't miss this feel-good tale! For more information or to buy the book, visit Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com.
1999
Nicole Pattee Byars ‘99 wrote “Living Yoga Beyond the Mat.” Nicole's best selling book is more than just a guide – it's a candid exploration of living authentically, viewed through the lens of the beautifully imperfect journey of personal growth. For more information, or to buy the book, visit Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com.
Rachel & Dan Morin ‘06 welcomed John Timothy Morin on February 6, 2024! His older sisters Maria (2) and Ellie (4) are thrilled. Rachel is a stay-at-home mom and Dan works in business development at Trexin Consulting.
Anna Brackin Blank ‘07 & Sam Blank welcomed their third child, Murphy Brackin Blank on July 30, 2024. Big sister Bella and big brother Bennett are excited about their new baby brother!
Alumni News Winter
2010
Matt Couri & Brittany Johnson Couri ‘10, welcomed their second child, Madeleine, on July 17. Big sister Lillian is excited to have a sister in her home!
2010
Annie & Chase Mlnarik ‘10, welcomed Penelope Leah on October 28, 2024.
2016
2014
Keaton Stensrud ‘14 & Becklyn Huntley Stensrud were married on September 7, 2024.
Aleksa Tataryn ‘16 earned her B.S. in biology at Loyola University of Chicago and then went on to get her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Tataryn is currently practicing at Larson Dental.
2018
Meghan Staples ‘18 & Bailey McMahon were married on October 18 in Brainerd, MN. Meghan is a marketing designer at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, in Crosby, MN and continues to run her own photography business (Meghan Marie Photography). Bailey is a financial advisor for Thrivent. The McMahons live in Pequot Lakes, MN.
2020
Grant Weedman ‘20 is the owner of Lifecycle Outdoor Services, a landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal company. Pictured here are Nick Kalb ‘23, John Kalb ‘20, Grant Weedman, Max Shogren ‘20, and Matthew Sauer '20.
Winter 2025 Alumni Album
Celebrating 20 years: The class of 2004 held their 20-year reunion at Schuller’s Tavern in Golden Valley. They had a blast catching up and reminiscing on old times in the good ‘ole BSM halls! Front row (l-r): Stevi Seitz Evans, Maggie Kanowitz Rima, Libby Schroll Hitt, Laura Kloehn Saltzstein, Erin McNaught Cari, Catherine Glover Flood, Melissa Surdyk. Middle row (l-r): Bryce Evans, Paul Jacob, Reed Catino, Maureen Sefton Moran, Pehr Hovey, Dan Tewksbury, Betsy Miller Windhorst, Catherine Kedzuf Berg, Molly Surdyk, Kellie Sutherland Hansen Back row (l-r): Ben Carlson, Phil Davis, Matt Moore, Joey Kearney. Not Pictured: Allison Garvey & Meredith Maienza
SMA/BHS Gathering: The Benilde High School and St. Margaret’s Academy classes of 1974 gathered at BSM to catch up on the day in between their 50-year reunions and get a tour of the school. Front row (l-r): Andy Patrias, Jeff Mattson, Rita Hathaway, Joe Renier, Ron Froehling, Tim Sauter, Mike Jackson, Anne Ryan Gauer, Louise Kurzeka, Cathy Richter Bonser, Carol Tholen Lins, John Moore Back row (l-r): Joe Neuberger, Maureen Sheehan Fisher, Kathy Hiller Forsman, Laura Humbeutel Jordan, David Paquette, Bob Kruse, Mark Beltrand, Jim Japs
Celebrating 50 years: The St. Margaret’s Academy Class of 1974 gathered at Brookview for their 50-year reunion this past September. Even Margaret Mary the Mannequin attended to show off their old SMA uniform! First row (l-r): Anne Ryan Gauer, Pauline O’Brien Jezierski, Mary Linhoff, Debra Moore-Shaffer, Vicki Lodermeier Olson, Janet Williams, Ann Jennings, Moira White Kennedy, Margaret Mary the Mannequin, Cynthia Halcin, Laura Humbeutel Jordan. Second row (l-r): Cynthia Reynolds Lane. Maureen Kelly Nalezny, Rita Hathaway, Shelly Bushey Newcomb, Colleen Mulvaney, Judy Deppa-Élan, Carol Tholen Lins, Mary Lou Dolan Thue. Third row (l-r): Katherine Hartnett Gove, Terry Volp Berg, Carla Cook Finis, Jane Choromanski Norris, Mary Kaye Anderson Gorilla, Maureen Sheehan Fisher, Brigid Shea, Amy Wanchena Ames Fourth row (l-r): Patricia Lindley Hastreiter, Shari Miezwa-Tschida, Cathy Richter Bonser, Darcy Wolf Hedrich, Mary Clare Suddendorf. Fifth row (l-r): Mary Ganley Strot, Peggy Murphy Cerrito, Ann Averbeck Mauzy, Kathy Hiller Forsman, Debbie Loftus Stahlecker Sixth row (l-r): Cathy White Tsarouhas, Katie Boller Hickman, Bonnie Black Jackson, Mary Smuda Schulz, Patty Grones Jones, Catherine Johnson Kramer Seventh row (l-r): Katie Johnson, Kathy Sawdy Powell, Suzanne Flake, Jenni Connell Houle, Dorothea Hager Bowar, Louise Kurzeka, Debra Erickson Ramm.
Classic Car: A few Benilde High School grads posed in front of a 1974 Plymouth Duster, owned by Bob Kruse. The car brought back memories of their high school days, as did the fellowship with their 1974 classmates and SMA friends. (l-r): Jeff Mattson, Bob Kruse, Dave Paquette, Joe Neuberger, Joe Renier and John Moore
Pickleball Pregame: The BSM Class of ‘84 enjoyed a pre-reunion pickleball game. Front row (l-r): Eileen Larkin, Joe Riley, Jaime, Paul Bennett, Mike Vecellio, and Don Adams. Back row (l-r): Melinda Marhoffer Pauline Williams (Knaeble), Mike Foley, Jane Whitlock, Gretchen Kendell, Pete Gordon, Dan McGie, Anne Hedrick, Anne Hedrick Sarles and Gretchen Kendall
Winter 2025 Alumni Album
Wedding Fun: Beth Dehner '95 got married on September 7, 2024 and we got a picture of the BSM alumni who celebrated with her: Molly Bottiger Foley '95, Beth Dehner '95, Susie Burke '95, and Brian Foley '95 in the back.
Celebrating 40 years: The BSM Class of 1984 celebrated their reunion at the Park Tavern. They had a great turnout and an even better time catching up! Special guest in attendance, Mr. J. Front row (l-r): Mr. J, Steve Loscheider, Joanne Tumini Holtmeier, Jaime Kastner, Sue Moselle Thrun, Paula Huttner, Eileen Larkin Wilkin, Meghan Sheridan Bridges, Tim Kuebelbeck. Middle row (l-r): Dana LeMieux Hanson ,Pauline Knaeble , Mike Vecellio, Peter Gordon, Karen O’Connell Wheaton, Anne Hedrck Sarles, Kathleen Burns Daniels, Todd Huntley, Amy Scholl Ward, Cathy Atkinson Frazier, Debbie Hanley. Back row (l-r): Toni Battaglia Brandt, Julie Walerius Higgins, Gretchen Kendall Pratt, Tony Biel, Bob Arachtingi, Steve Thielen, Kristine Strigel Clemenger, Catherine Hagerty Kirchner, Jane Whitlock, Paul Bennett, Jennifer Kopp Ott, Mike Foley, Dan McGie, Tom Wooden, Nick Dimassis, Joe Riley
Forever BSM Football Fans: The Nicoli brothers, Andy ‘93, Louie ’96, and Tony ‘98, pose with Mary Fran O'Keefe at a BSM football game this fall.
42 Years of Minigolf: Class of 1984 played their Lilli Putt Invitational for the 42nd year with Mike Vecellio the big winner. Pictured back (l-r): Paul Bennett, Joe Riley, Mike Foley, Kelly Keady. Front (l-r): Matt Miller (husband of Amy Rosenstreich), Mike Vecellio, Dan McGie, and Nick Dimassis
Descendents
Concert: A few
BSM Class of 1990 Alums attended a concert in St. Paul. They had a blast! (l-r): Bradford Fayfield ‘90, Brian Guze ‘90, Douglas Hayden ‘90, Sarah Randolph (Bangert) ‘90, Jacques Capasius ‘90
Joranger Veterans: Pat Sauter ‘67, Bob Finke ‘67, Denny Sauter, Kevin Sauter ‘70 enjoyed a beautiful day on the links, supporting BSM and reminiscing about their days in the Benilde High School halls.
Joranger First Timers: Mike Ryan ‘99, Tom Sullivan (current parent), James Brackin ‘99, and Pat Boldischar ‘99 joined us at Deer Run for the Joranger Open. They had a great time golfing, enjoying each other’s company, razzing one another, and supporting BSM!
Fishing frenzy in Alaska: Pat Boldischar ‘99, Coiln Ryan ‘01, Tom Sullivan (current parent), James Brackin ‘99, Andrew Alberts ‘99, and Mike Ryan ‘99, enjoyed the trip of a lifetime fishing in Alaska.
Class of 2016 Wedding Fun: buddies celebrated the marriage of Griffin Ehlen to Elizabeth Bailey on May 11, 2024. (l-r): Will Duda ’15, Lucian Parece ’16, Griffin Ehlen ’16, Matt Lilienthal ’16, Charlie Wolfe ’16, Macartan Commers ’16, Mason Deterding ’16, Cole Jacob ’16.
Celebrating 60 years: The St. Margaret’s Academy class of 1964 celebrated their 60th reunion. They enjoyed fellowship and friendship at the Lake Minnetonka Regional Park.
Celebrating 25 years: The BSM Class of 1999 had a blast celebrating their 25-year reunion at the Park Tavern. Back row (l-r): Kurt Bogaard, Curtis Wilson, Cristalle Wasche, Paul Judd, Katie DesLauriers Sullivan, Emily Burfeind Weaver, Grace Kessenich, Katie Westenberg, Michael Periolat, James Brackin. Middle row (l-r): Anna Seitz Gerken, Catie Scherer
Brackin, Emily Hestness, Meghan Lind DesLauriers, Elliot Botten, Abby Katzner Stans, Jourdan Anderson, Nicole
Pattee Byars. Front row (l-r): Katie Oberstart Ugarte, Andrea Scanlon Leet, Luke Kaster.
Two BSM State Champions: Carter Callan ‘25 ran into Olivia Olson ‘24 in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan.
60th Reunion Celebration: The Benilde High School Class of 1964 celebrated their 60th reunion on campus at BSM. They celebrated with a Mass, tour of the school, and a delicious BBQ in the Moore Library.
Class
SMA Music Teacher Reunion: Members of the SMA
of ‘68, Pat Vosika Gustafson, Kate Fleischhacker Roehl, Rosemarie Romportl , Eileen Ryan and Mary Beth Ferrian Liekhus, got together on October 17 with their music teacher, Virginia Claessens McDonald (the former Sister Mary Agnes).
Buzz Winter 2025
Red Knights Make Waves
Girls’ swimming & diving placed second at the Section 2A finals on November 8, sending seven teammates to compete at State.
Building Red Knight Character
Ninth graders explored the “Character of a Red Knight” during their retreat at Camp Eden Wood, guided by over 50 peer ministers, engaging in discussions, and activities, and writing letters to their future senior selves.
Red Knights Pursuing Collegiate Sports
Honoring Our Heroes
Junior high students celebrated Veterans Day 2024 with special guests, thanking grandparents, parents, alums, and faculty who served our nation.
18 Red Knights signed national letters of intent to play sports at the collegiate level on November 13.
Cross Country Success
BSM’s cross country teams finished their seasons strong, with Clare Hamill ’28, Lucy Johnson ’27, Sebastian Cerda ’25 (pictured), and Toby McLean ’27 earning AllConference Honorable Mentions, and Cerda advancing to the MSHSL State Tournament.
BSM’s Fall Musical
The senior high drama department presented “Little Women” in the Hamburge Theater on November 14-17.
Connecting Through Culture
BSM hosted its annual Culture & Heritage Fair, where students shared their cultures through presentations on food, history, and family experiences, fostering learning and connection within the community.
Celebrating Faith
BSM celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints with a special Mass featuring Holy Communion, and choir performances, honoring the saints who inspire our faith community.
Spirit-filled Homecoming Week
Homecoming week was filled with community events and spirited competitions, bringing students, faculty, and staff together in red and white pride.
MN’s
First National Science Honor Society Chapter
BSM proudly launched Minnesota’s first Science National Honor Society chapter, with 65 Red Knights inducted in September 2024. Pictured l-r: BSM faculty Dr. Matt Miller, Isabella Golla '25, Science teacher Mark Peterson, Department chair, Lisa Bargas, Marina Vonhof '25, and interim senior high principal, Matt Weingartz.
Diane Moeglein
Andersen ‘53
Sister of Barbara Moeglein
Maloney ‘56
Mary Moeglein Nau ‘64
Patrick Barrett ‘62
Gary Benner ‘60
Peter Blake ‘64
Son of Maxine Sarazin Blake ’36 †
Brother of Warner ‘60
Sara ’65 † Nancy ‘70
Mathew Chamernick
Father of Mark ‘94
Heather Chamernick Hoer ‘95
James Charbonneau ‘79
Robert Delaney ‘60
Father of Kate Delaney Lyons ‘91
Mollie Delaney Dukek
Bart Duffy ‘81
Brother of Shannon Duffy Hendricks ‘78
Matt ‘80
Dana ’82 † Tim ‘83
Jerry Fischer
Brother of Sister Jane Fischer, SSND ‘45
Father of Steve ‘79
Tom ‘82
Nancy Fischer Bahnson ‘84
Mary Kay Eisenzimmer
Fossland ‘53
Sister of Nancy Eisenzimmer Backman ‘55 †
Michael Fox
Father of Felicia ‘18
Mark Helgager
Father of Eric
Andrea ‘01
Kristine ‘04
Mary ‘09
Grace ‘11
Steven Johnsrud
Father of Nick ‘18
Keely
In Memoriam
Bill Karels ‘78
Husband of Catherine Florance
Karels ’78 †
Brother of Kimberly ‘80
Father of Matthew ‘07
Charlie ‘08
Katie
Jane Moul Kemper ‘67
Cindy Ritten Keprios ‘66
Sister of George Ritten ‘63
Paul Kokesh
Father of Mike ’93
Lee Labore
Father of Mark ‘81
Ken
Michele ‘87
Jeannine Labore Knoer ‘88
Joseph Lampe ‘60
Brother of James ‘61
Michael ’64 †
Kathryn Lampe Craighead ‘65
Mary Lampe Hearne ‘67
David ‘71
Jim Leary
Father of Jamie ‘03
Alyssa ‘07
Molly ‘07
Patty Leiseth – past faculty
Wife of Keith Leiseth – past faculty
Bernice Loscheider
Mother of JoAnn Loscheider Grimm
Nancy Loscheider Bertaux
Steve ‘84
Sherry Loscheider Bowman
Richard †
Susi McCune ‘67
John Malakowsky
Father of Steve ‘82
Mike ‘83
Teresa Malakowsky Chiareli ‘85
MaryAnn Malakowsky Field
Patricia Malinowski
Mother of David ’76 †
Mike ‘78
Jean Malinowski Winn
Gerry Miller Maloney ‘52
Joe Motzko ‘72
Brother of Cecilia
Philip ‘74
Mary
Paul ‘82
Kathleen Miller
Mulvaney ‘60
Wife of Michael Mulvaney ’60 †
Michael Murry
Father of Patrick ‘96
Carolyn Murry Harmeyer ‘98
Gregory ‘00
Lois Muyres
Mother of Jennifer Muyres Palmer ‘89
Julie Muyres McBride
Tom O’Reilly – past faculty
Brother of Sr. Kerry O’Reilly –past faculty
Father of Kelly
Patrick
Maureen ‘82
Stephanie Schissel Palen ‘68
Wife of Joe Palen ’62 †
Teresa Jacinta Paquette
Daughter of Mary Frenz Paquette ‘84
Rhonda Pirkl
Mother of Emily ‘14
Gus ‘20
Janel Pelletier
Rasmussen ‘53
Daughter of Margaret Cussler Pelletier ’28 †
Sister of Paul ‘64
Margaret (Peg) Pelletier Peterson ‘68
Gerald Rosovitz
Father of Janet Rosovitz Swedal ‘83
Robert ‘86
Mary Jo ‘87
Jim Sable
Father of Mike ‘86
Pamela Sable Patnode ‘88
Jennifer Sable Floss ‘90
Mary Elizabeth Schaak
Mother of Michael ’85 †
Chris ‘91
Anne
Lisa Schaak Plessel
Clarence Shallbetter
Father of Sarah ‘92
Ann Shallbetter Rivera ‘94
Fr. Walter Sochacki
Brother of Joseph
Stacy ‘66
Margaret Sochacki Clow ‘71
Claude Stevens
Husband of Rita Ann Wallerius
Stevens ‘54 †
Father of Julie ‘76
Jean ‘77 †
Lisa ‘78
John
Brendan Stevenson
Father of Bella StevensonShimek ‘25
Harper Stevenson-Shimek ‘26
Augusto Sumangil
Father of Anne ‘95
Eric ‘97
John Michael Sweeney ‘62
Brother of Bill ‘64
Kathy ‘66
Mary Ann ‘65
Joe ‘73
Tom ‘75
Terry ‘76
Nancy Trochlil
Mother of Zach ‘16
Kathryn ‘17
Kiley ‘22
Paul Weber ‘81
Brother of Pat ‘75
Ron ‘76
John ‘82
Kevin ‘83
Maureen Weber Grazzini ‘86
David Weigman
Father of Andy ‘06
John Wilcox Jr. ‘64
Silas Wilson
Father of Jalen ‘25
Jordan ‘28
2025 Bulletin Board
Reunions
Follow us on Instagram! @bsmalumni
If you graduated in a 0 or a 5, it is your reunion year.
BSM encourages anniversary-year classes (0s and 5s) to gather a small reunion committee and plan an event. Check the BSM website for the most up-to-date reunion information at: bsmschool.org/reunions.
If you would like to plan an event for your class, contact Catie Scherer Brackin ‘99 at cschererbrackin@bsmschool.org to start planning your reunion!
BEN 1965:
Benilde High School Class of 1965 Reunion is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at BSM. More details to come.
Alumni-Senior Breakfast
May 1, 2025. If you are interested in attending and meeting with the Class of 2025, please contact Mary Fran O’Keefe at mfokeefe@bsmschool.org
Alumni Golf
Save-the-Date for the Joranger Open golf scramble - Monday, June 9, 2025 at Deer Run.
pcoming E vents
Alumni Pickleball
The second annual Alumni Pickleball Jamboree is on February 8, 2025 at BSM. See BSM’s website for more details and to register for this fun alumni event! Recreational and Competitive options are available.
Junior and Senior High Musicals on February 21-22, 2025, join us for the junior high musical, Frozen, Jr. on May 1-4, 2025, join us for the senior high musical, Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical, directed by Jake Mahler '03, music by Mike Mahler '00, with production manager, Caroline Stroh ‘83. Get your tickets at bsmschool.org/student-life/activites/drama
Give Back to BSM
Day of Giving - Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Calling all Veterans and First Responders!
Benilde-St. Margaret’s would like to update our alumni information and include whether you are an active or retired Military/First Responder. If you have or another alum you know has served our country and community, please email Catie Scherer Brackin at cschererbrackin@bsmschool.org
Open
Alumni, family, and friends of Benilde High School, St. Margaret's Academy, and BSM are invited to join us on the links for a day of friendly competition Monday, June 9, 2025. Registration includes 18 holes at Deer Run Golf Club, a cart, range balls, a box lunch, and dinner. Space is limited, so organize your foursome and register today!
