Retirements

Dan Bowler by Brooke Stanley ‘16 Dan Bowler retired from teaching in January 2022 at the end of the first semester. On Saturday, May 21, 2022, he passed away leaving behind many to cherish his memory. May he rest in Christ’s love.

Mr. Bowler was so much more than a math teacher. He was a dedicated mentor, coach, and friend to his students during his tenure at BSM. He brought energy and passion to his students every day — especially his Mathletes, with the math pun shirts and donuts. He encouraged leadership, built confidence, and wrote countless recommendation letters for his students for their continued growth.

As a friend, students could always count on Mr. Bowler to recite the results from all the athletic co-curriculars and talk shop about numerous sports. While he was not known for easy math courses, he was known for having a door always open, being the score keeper at basketball games, and being able to explain the meaning of a derivative countless times for over three decades. One of the more infamous Mr. Bowler memories for those lucky enough to have him as a teacher was the end-of-year calculus scavenger hunt. There aren’t many teachers who can get students running around for hours on a quest to continue finding more calculus problems to solve.

Mr. Bowler worked tirelessly to instill confidence in his students, in their math abilities, and also outside of the classroom and BSM. He encouraged questions, learning, and growth, and if a student was willing to put in the work, he would support them in achieving their goals.

RetireesMake a Lastin

Kathy Hawkinson

by Dr. Carol McNamara You know that person who does everything perfectly and makes it seem easy? The one you want to be when you grow up? That’s Kathy Hawkinson.

Kathy and Scott Hawkinson first came to BSM as parents when their daughters Katie ‘05, followed by Ellie ‘07 and Martha ‘10, enrolled in the junior high. In January of 2001, Kathy began work as the junior high administrative assistant, a job which grew in its demands over the years.

She quickly became the face of the junior high. Parents stayed to chat when they came to the office, teachers trusted and respected her, and more than once a student rushing in for assistance called her “Mom.”

Kathy has many enviable qualities. She is kind, patient, responsible, organized, and competent. She is equally adept at multitasking office demands as at wielding a wastebasket to rescue sick kids or have them spit out their gum. She is a dynamite proofreader and flawless writer. She became a whiz at corralling teachers to sign awards and submit grades on time and was even able to forgive her boss for spilling coffee on those meticulously prepared awards.

When the Hawkinson family lost Scott to cancer in 2014, Kathy’s steady grace and strength were unparalleled in the face of such great sadness.

Dave Platt recalls how she knew all the students by name and worked hard for them every day. He remembers her stories of the lake, especially of the eagle that built its nest right over the cabin, and her mostly unsuccessful efforts to convince us that kombucha not only is good for you but also tastes good.

The BSM Junior High is blessed to have had Kathy Hawkinson as our administrative assistant extraordinaire, and we wish her well in retirement.

Dave Herbst

by Mary Fran O’Keefe A positive presence in academics and athletics, Dave Herbst spent 14 years guiding Red Knights in the classroom with noteworthy stints as a hockey coach and golf coach.

Dave’s mission in the classroom was to help students build the academic skills necessary for success. His patience and good communication skills enabled him to establish strong relationships with his students and move them forward on their educational journeys.

A talented hockey player himself with roots on The Range and success as a Badger, Dave coached some of the most accomplished BSM girls’ hockey teams. His 2014 team was the State Runner-Up and included a future Olympic gold medalist. His love for sports moved to the links in the spring. Coaching the Red Knight golf team enabled him to share that passion.

Dave’s ready smile, willingness to help, and positive encouragement will definitely be missed by students and athletes alike. Enjoy your retirement Dave!

Lisa Lenhart-Murphy ‘86

by Becca Meagher Lisa Lenhart-Murphy has been a vital member of the Benilde-St. Margaret’s community for 23 years. Not only has she created programming that truly enhances the student experience, she has also worked to create a just and fair working environment. She exemplifies what Frederick Buechner said when he talked about vocation, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

Lisa is a graduate of Benilde-St. Margaret’s and the granddaughter of a St. Margaret’s Academy alum. She is married to a fellow Red Knight and is the daughter-in-law of a St. Margaret’s alum. She is also the mother to two fine young men, the youngest of whom will graduate from BSM about 100 years after his grandmothers did. This should instill hope that the legacy of Lisa Lenhart-Murphy and her family will continue to be felt in the hallways of BenildeSt. Margaret’s beyond her departure. Lisa has created many programs at BSM that have become integral to who we are as a school community. These programs will live long after her departure because of her thoughtful planning and her ability to keep in mind what is best for our students. Red Knight Volunteer Corps, Common Basket, Little Knights, and our service learning curriculum are her most notable contributions. She also dedicated much of her time over the last few years to our Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives. Truly dedicated to the mission of the school, Lisa and her passion for Benilde-St. Margaret’s will be missed. The entire community offers Lisa best wishes in her retirement! Paul Keefe ‘75 by Eric Wilson ‘17 In What is Success?, Ralph Waldo Emerson defines success in meaningful, non-monetary terms. He reminds us “to have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded.” When I learned Mr. Keefe was retiring, I thought about what a positive impact he has made on my life – and so many lives – in the band room, on the stage, and in the gym. I registered for

Make a Lasting Impact band in 8th grade, uncertain my saxophone would be good enough and skeptical I would pursue band when co-curriculars would compete with scheduling. But my time with Mr. Keefe was some of the best. A skilled musician, he was also a teacher and parent who understood kids. Afterall, he was a father of four Red Knights: Erin ‘01, Robert ‘05, Megan ’13, and Matthew ‘16. Always smiling – and very aware of what we were up to – he created a welcoming environment while maintaining high musical standards. He empowered and encouraged us to develop our musical talent without fear of retribution when some more difficult-to-reach notes were not quite hit. I joined band because the school required me to, but stayed on, practicing daily (even before school with the jazz band) because of Mr. Keefe. In Emerson’s words, he taught us “to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one’s self.” Congratulations on an accomplished career, Mr. Keefe. I hope you enjoy your next venture, that your alpacas enjoy more time with you, and you know that you truly succeeded at BSM. Tom Klein by Ken Pauly Benilde-St. Margaret’s School will serve as the last stop for Tom Klein as he recently announced his retirement from a high school teaching career that spans nearly four decades. Tom “TK” Klein taught the last five years in BSM’s social studies department. TK will also bid a fond farewell to the boys’ hockey program where he was an assistant coach for 18 seasons. TK brought to his classroom a depth of knowledge in history, a quirky sense of humor, and a deep commitment to his Christian faith. His ability to integrate the Lordship of Christ within the context of his teaching served as a model for those around him. TK served in multiple capacities with the boys’ hockey program, and it was evident that Tom’s only desire was to serve at BSM. He was the heart and soul of much of what we do within our team. He’ll be missed. Best wishes in your retirement, TK!

Sister Jeanne Marie Vanderlinde

by Ken Pauly Sister Jeanne Marie Vanderlinde came to Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in 1985, and for 37 years, she has been a pillar of BSM’s social studies department. While most of her career was spent teaching social studies, Sister Jeanne also served as a dean, a judge for BSM’s debate team, a mock trial advisor, and a teacher in the junior high theology department. BSM has been her calling, passion, and labor of love.

Over the years, students have called her “Attila the Nun” and “The Un-Nun.” Both were always said affectionately. The nicknames reflect how tough and challenging she could be in the classroom while inspiring her students by demanding their very best and setting high standards. Sister Jeanne’s students worked hard, and they knew that they were better prepared for their future because of it.

Her outgoing personality and quick wit was a joy to be near. Long time friend and retired

BSM English teacher Tom Backen stated, “Jeanne Marie could find humor in any situation, and all who know her have been blessed by her craziness.” Her colleagues respected her commitment to teaching and enjoyed her multi-faceted personality.

There is a belief that we are all replaceable. Sister Jeanne is proof that the sentiment could not be further from the truth. Sister Jeanne was successfully able to combine a deep knowledge of history and teaching along with her profound relationship with God. Her devotion served as a model for the entire BSM community as she assisted her junior high students with faith formation, regularly led faculty and staff prayer services, and prayed for our BSM staff at morning devotionals.

The Nun is irreplaceable. Sister Jeanne’s retirement from BSM will be felt deeply. While the void will be nearly impossible to fill, her contributions to the Benilde-St. Margaret’s community will long endure.