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Red & Gold Summer 2012

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Red& Gold

The Mater Dei High School Magazine

Volume 28, Number 2 • Summer 2012

Living the Dream

Girls’ Basketball Wins State Championship Bishop Thompson on Catholic Education Mater Dei Today • SuperMileage Success


Dear Alumni and Friends, Mater Dei was blessed with many wonderful accomplishments during the 2011–12 school year. As we approach the end of summer, we look forward to beginning a new school year. This year we anticipate 138 freshmen joining us, and this number represents our largest incoming class and highest percentage of students entering Mater Dei from our feeder schools in several years!

School. We could not operate without the time, treasure and talent of many people that are committed to Catholic education. In addition, one of the greatest ways we can support Mater Dei is through the promotion of the school to the people around us. I think the quality and diversity of experiences at Mater Dei are often a “well-kept secret,” so I would like to challenge everyone to share a positive word about Mater Dei with someone every day. Together, we can ensure that people understand the importance and value of a Mater Dei education. We are grateful for your continued support!

Letter from the President:

“Blessed with accomplishments”

We live in a world that is rapidly changing, so we must constantly ensure that our students develop the knowledge and skills to be successful in their future pursuits. This issue of the Red & Gold highlights some new academic programs that demonstrate our desire to challenge students and provide unique learning opportunities. I think you will enjoy reading about these high quality courses and faculty members. People often ask me how they can help Mater Dei High

Faithfully yours in Catholic education,

Timothy A. Dickel President

Sarah Kelley graduated this past May from Mater Dei. During the past school year, she interned as a photographer for the Office of Institutional Advancement and was also on the yearbook and newspaper staff. Many of the pictures in this issue of the Red & Gold were taken by Sarah. She plans to attend the University of Southern Indiana in the fall pursuing her interest in photography and different aspects of Theatre. The Advancement office staff is so grateful for her gifts and talents that she shared with us, and we wish her the very best in all her future endeavors!

Mater Dei High School Board of Trustees Chair: Dan Niemeier ’80 Vice-Chair: Terry Clements

Secretary: Judy Blankenberger E x-officio Member: Fr. David Nunning E x-officio Member: Andy Goebel ’65

E x-officio Member: Timothy A. Dickel Theo Boots Matthew Folz ’91 Heather Hertel ’92

Red& Gold

The Mater Dei High School Magazine • Vol. 27, No. 2 • Summer 2012

The Red & Gold is published twice a year by the Mater Dei High School Office of Institutional Advancement, to encourage understanding and support of the mission of Mater Dei High School. Through the Red & Gold, Mater Dei’s 9,000+ alumni, as well as the school’s many friends, continue to strengthen their relationships with each other and become better informed about the many ways Mater Dei strives for excellence through its spiritual, academic and extracurricular programs.

Daniel Hoefling ’78 Tim Klingler JoAnn Laugel ’66 Andrea Mann Phillip Stolz ’91

Red & Gold Staff Editor: Carol Nurrenbern cnurrenbern@evvmaterdei.org Art Director: Alan Inkenbrandt ’89 alinken@gmail.com Photography Contributors: Dewig Photography Office of Advancement Staff Sarah Kelley & Yearbook Student Staff Contributors: Timothy Dickel, Jeanne Mesker ’79, Sarah Wagner ’88

Send alumni news & address changes to Jeanne Mesker, Mater Dei Friends & Alumni Coordinator, 812-421-5727, jmesker@evvmaterdei.org.

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The Inside Story 2 Letter from the

19 MD Homecoming

President

Sept. 17–21, 2012

Timothy Dickel reminds us that MD is blessed with many accomplishments

4 Mater Dei Today A chat with Bishop Thompson, “Willy Wonka,” AdvancED accreditation and more

20 Sports Re-Cap

ON THIS ISSUE’S cover

Highlights and statistics of spring 2012 athletics

22 In Memoriam We are saddened by the deaths of friends and alumni of MD

23 The Ave Maria Society

11 Student News Supermileage Team success, Dance Marathon and more

Support MD through planned giving and endowments

12 Living the Dream

23 Our Sponsors

State Champion Lady Wildcats make MD history

Many thanks to those who make the Red & Gold possible

15 Friends & Alumni News

24 Class of 2012

From far and near, they share their news

Congratulations to the Class of 2012 who are now MD alumni

Read about the girls’ basketball team’s state 2A championship that made history in MD girls’ athletics.

HELP US HELP OUR SCHOOL. You can support your school by getting a Target REDcard and designating 1% of your purchases to support Mater Dei! REDcard users also receive a 5% discount on all purchases and the card does not have an annual fee. Sign up online and designate Mater Dei as your REDcard school.

https://redcard.target.com/ redcard/rc_main.jsp Summer 2012

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Mater Dei Today Changes in the field of education are constant. The basic subjects remain—English, math, social studies, science, World Languages, and religion—but the methods and techniques used in teaching subjects have evolved over the years. Advancements in the area of technology dictate a change in how subjects are taught and learned.

One area of education where innovative thinking thrives is with electives, those subjects students choose in addition to the core subjects. Teachers can be creative while adhering to the state standards for a course and students gain knowledge and information that apply to the real world. Also ever changing in education today

is the challenge of maintaining a safe environment for students and staff. New equipment and procedures are introduced each school year in order to enhance school safety. The following articles provide a snapshot of Mater Dei today and how MD as an academic institution continues to adapt to a changing and complex global world.

Theatre Department takes off—and flies!

Senior Olivia DeWeese and junior Jenna Weinzapfel fine tune their car for competition.

Energy challenge in physics class As part of an energy unit in physics class, students were challenged to make a car which operated on energy stored in a spring with a trigger release. Their task was to store and release energy in a controlled fashion so that it powered a car. The car had to travel at least one meter forward and at least a half of meter backward using the spring’s energy and without any intervention by the student.

Theatre students along with their faculty advisor and musical director, Mrs. Crystal Roberson, presented an outstanding musical production of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” in April. The play was equipped with an authentic flying machine, and just like the movie and Broadway versions, students flew across the stage. Once the theatrical flying machine was brought in, students took professional “flying lessons” before going in flight on stage. Over 100 students from the elementary feeder schools were also part of the production in the roles of Oompah Loompas and squirrels. The play ran three nights and a Sunday afternoon to sell out crowds. One Act Festival The Theatre Department also held its first annual One Act Festival in January. During this event, four first time directors chose and directed a one-act play with a student cast. Ariel Happe selected the play “Cinema Limbo,” Alyssa Weinzapfel directed “The Role of Della,” Sarah Kelley chose “The Apple,” and Religion teacher, Mr. John McMullen, wrote and directed an original play, “Where’s Doobie?” Each play was an immense success and over thirty students were able to be a part of this new and exciting experience. At the end of the festival, audience members could vote for their favorite play via a texting poll. The overall winner was the cast of “The Apple.” This event was a way to give more people a chance to be involved in the theatre experience at Mater Dei.

The teacher, Mrs. Donna Richardson, supplied one mousetrap spring per group and as many rubber bands as the students needed, or students could use their own spring approved by Mrs. Richardson. (She ruled out garage door springs, springs from bear traps, etc.) Students were required to write a paper explaining how the energy was transferred from the spring to the wheels and, in general, how the car worked. They also had to provide the results of a series of 10 trial runs, explaining how far forward the car went and far backwards the car went each time and any specific problems they encountered and how the problems were remedied. Students using recycled materials received extra credit points as opposed to using parts from Legos and K’nex. 4 Red& Gold Summer 2012

Senior Joey Wilson and junior Aaron Costlow fly across the state during rehearsal for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. —Photo by Roberson Photography


Bishop Thompson shares his thoughts on Catholic education In June of last year, the Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Evansville. He recently shared with us his thoughts on Catholic education.

up with ever increasing costs. This will require a deep appreciation and commitment to Catholic education.

What do you view as the greatest benefit of a Catholic education?

Bishop: It was good to finally gather with the Mater Dei community for Mass. Hopefully, Mass is one of the things we do best. Having served as a Catholic high school chaplain for most of my priesthood, I feel very comfortable in the high school environment. In fact, I find it very life-giving. I found the Mass with the students, faculty and administration to be an enriching and prayerful experience. I look forward to my next opportunity to visit Mater Dei and further celebrate our Catholic faith.

Bishop: The greatest benefit of Catholic education involves the capacity to integrate our beliefs and faith throughout the learning process. Catholic identity should permeate every aspect of the formation and education process. We are able to preach Jesus Christ while providing academic excellence and holistic formation of the person. This, in turn, forms wonderfully prepared individuals for making a difference in society through the values of faith and development of learning provided by Catholic education. As a new Bishop, what has been your impression of Catholic education in the Evansville diocese? Bishop: Of course, the operative word is “new.” As a new bishop of only seven months, I have not had any real in-depth exposure to a particular school. In general, however, it seems that there is a very strong Catholic identity, academic excellence and solid formation program within the Catholic education of the diocese. Compared to many places, tuition costs for Catholic education in the Diocese of Evansville is quite low. One challenge or concern might be along the lines of whether there will be the willingness and ability to keep

Your first experience at Mater Dei was celebrating liturgy with students and faculty. What were your first impressions of Mater Dei?

As a diocese, what can the Catholic community do to help support Catholic education? Bishop: It is important that Catholics understand and appreciate the richness of our faith, with all its beliefs and traditions. In particular, regarding Catholic education, we must not overlook the incredible history and value of Catholic education throughout the course of the Church’s history in the United States. The more we appreciate this value, the more we are open and willing to make the sacrifices necessary to sustain this special aspect of ministry and service. Stewardship of time, talent and treasure on the part of everyone involved in the parish and/or school is essential. Ultimately, our focus must always be on the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. Catholic education is not an end in itself. It is a means to the end. The end is salvation of souls and glory of God.

Mater Dei High School Kempf Auditorium Seat Dedication Make a $100 donation to Mater Dei High School and name a seat in the auditorium honoring or memorializing a loved one. Proceeds are directed to the Mater Dei Theatre Department. Contact Jeanne Mesker, (812) 421-5727 or jmesker@evvmaterdei.org.

Summer 2012

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Advanced Life Science: Foods New this year to the science curriculum is the Advanced Life Science: Foods course that focuses on the chemistry and biology of food and food storage and preparation. This class is not the typical “Senior Foods” class that was part of the home economics department. Taught by science teacher Mrs. Buffy Wannemuehler, students conduct science experiments with food that they eventually get to eat. The class was engaged in several interesting labs this school year that included using a control, the normal way to prepare the food item and several variations. The class examined and tasted all variations and formed conclusions about what was being tested. For example, in one lab the control was muffins and the task was to replace the typical fat such as oil with a fat replacer. In place of fat, the students used prunes, applesauce or fat free milk and vanilla pudding. They then determined the difference in taste, texture and other physical properties of each of the muffins

made with the three fat replacers. The fake apple pie lab was a big hit. The students discovered that it is the flavor of sugar and cinnamon that determines the taste of apple pie and not the apples after they used Ritz crackers in place of apples. They could not tell the difference between pie made with real apples and pie made with the crackers because the texture was so similar. The students gained knowledge about food they can use for a lifetime. According to Mrs. Wannemuehler, “Understanding the different types of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and how to adjust recipes to get the desired amount will enable the students to make healthier food choices. They are learning how to maximize flavor while cutting out unnecessary carbs, fats and salt.” The class required a textbook and students were tested over the material in the text and the labs. Mrs. Wannemuehler supplemented the textbook with additional lecture information in Power Point presentations. The curriculum is

Senior Claire Alvey and juniors Rachel Scofield and Laura Schwindel make different versions of ice cream.

rigorous and students must have completed chemistry in order to enroll in the class. So unlike Julia Child, who used butter in everything, these students learned the chemistry of carbs, lipids, proteins, sugars and salt and how they determine not only the texture and appearance of foods, but how they affect one’s overall health. Bon appetit!

Safe school environment Since the Columbine High School shootings in April of 1999 in Columbine, Colo., the safety of students in a school setting has become a priority for schools. Many procedures are in place today that ensure schools are safer than they were 13 years ago. Schools today have a relationship with the local police department for the purpose of maintaining a safe environment for students. Evansville police officer Jeff Worthington serves as the Mater Dei school liaison officer. Officer Worthington’s job is to provide for the overall safety of the students and staff, which includes monitoring traffic around the school, dealing with and investigating any problems that happen in or around the school and keeping the facility safe. For a school liaison officer, the issues change from day to day and from hour to hour. No school is exempt from problems, but according to Worthington, “When problems arise, if they are dealt with the seriousness they deserve, they seem to be few and far between.” He is responsible for several other schools during the school day, both public and Catholic schools, so his challenge is to be as visible as possible at all the schools during the course of a week. Worthington helps enforce the code of conduct set by the Mater Dei administration. Students respond to this standard and so a culture of safety, discipline and respect exists every day at school. Extracurricular activities are an extension of school and

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student activities. Worthington explains, “Anyone from the public can attend sporting events, but when they are at our school, they must adhere to the standards set by the school.” He is equipped with tools of technology such as the Internet, radar for traffic and alcohol sensors for events and many more sophisticated tools that police departments use today. Worthington enjoys speaking Officer Jeff Worthington to classes on different topics and giving safety presentations. He stresses the importance of safety being everyone’s responsibility. “It takes the entire staff and student body to help make a school safe. Everyone must know their role in safety procedures and take the drill seriously. The procedures that are in place are planned out for the best interest of the students and staff. You can provide everyone the knowledge and training to make the best of a given situation.” Schools should be a safe place for kids and thanks to people like Officer Worthington who helps enforce the code of conduct set by the Mater Dei administration, Mater Dei maintains a safe environment which only enhances the learning experience for students.


Music Theory and Composition

M

ater Dei’s Music Theory and Composition class has taken on a local sound this year with students being entertained by some of the best musical talent in the Evansville area. Teacher Mr. Alex Smith invited a variety of musicians to come to the classroom and perform for the students and discuss their different genres of music. Mr. Smith explains, “People who bring with them many different musical ideas, expressions and stories can teach my students more about what it means to be a songwriter and performer. I hope that it helps my students gain a broad musical understanding and the ability to be comfortable in any type of musical situation.” For instance, when the group Skelton’s Montourage visited the classroom, students were given the chance to listen to some of the best improvisers and instrumentalists in the region. “Each of the band members come from very different backgrounds and approach their music differently, but each are truly expert players and, ultimately, entertainers,” according to Mr. Smith. “Students had the chance to ask the players very specific questions

Teacher Alex Smith plays the trumpet with the band Skelton’s Montourage.

metronome, a very accurate tuner, an iPod to play audio examples of music and most importantly as a video recorder. The video recorder allows him to film the choir and then post the video directly to YouTube from his phone. The students can then view the video in the classroom, at home or anywhere in the world. Students are introduced to many different software programs such as Sibelius, a music composing program used to arrange music for

“My most challenging and satisfying music experience has been here at Mater Dei.” — Mr. Alex Smith about technique, improvising, scales, chords and songwriting methods, things that can be taught in a classroom but are much better experienced in a real setting.” Mr. Smith also invited poets to talk to the students about writing lyrics. He uses many different forms of technology in his music classes. “One of the tremendous advantages of music education is the opportunity it affords teachers and students to use technology to create, teach and learn. I teach four main music classes: choir, band, Music History and Music Theory and Composition. In order to teach these classes effectively, I rely on several basic technologies: a projector, a nice sound system and a laptop,” said Mr. Smith. He also uses an iPhone 4 as a

pep band, choir, marching band and liturgical use. “I can write out music on the program and then print a part for each student to use in the classroom. I can also use it to play an example of the part for the student. I can even burn a CD with that student’s part on it so that they can listen to it at home,” explains Mr. Smith. Musical Gear provides students an opportunity to learn how to use lots of complex musical equipment like mixers, amplifiers and instruments. Garage Band creates great sounding compositions on a computer, iPod touch, iPhone or iPad. It reduces an entire studio worth of sound equipment onto a phone. “One of the great aspects of the Music Appreciation course is its

connections with other academic fields. The first two weeks of class are devoted to understanding how sound works, how it affects you and why it is important. This requires a basic conversation about physics, biology and anatomy. One of the key lessons in this unit is based on using Adobe Audition, a laptop and a microphone to show the classroom a visual frequency analysis of the human voice. This program allows students to see all of the component frequencies that make up an individual’s voice and allows us to identify the person,” said Mr. Smith. Besides teaching music at Mater Dei, Mr. Smith is also an outstanding trumpet musician. A music education major at the University of Evansville, Mr. Smith played in the University of Evansville orchestra and wind ensemble, jazz bands, folk bands and the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. He was very fortunate to have played on stage with the late Maynard Ferguson. However, Mr. Smith shares, “My most challenging and satisfying music experience has been here at Mater Dei. I have had the incredible experience of designing classes like Music Appreciation and the Music Theory and Composition class, teaching top level ensembles like the Mater Dei band and choir, working with very talented teachers and coaches in the music department and working with the most talented and spirited group of people I have ever known—my students.” Summer 2012

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CSI: Mater Dei A new advanced science course was offered to students this past year where every class was like a scene from the television series CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). Forensic Science is a diverse class that incorporated biology, physics, chemistry and earth science. Students had to utilize a variety of background information provided and apply to a crime scene analysis. Taught by Mr. Jeff Jewell, the course centered on basic forensic collection techniques where students learned there are limitations to what evidence can reveal. The course required students to expand their critical thinking in all areas of science. The lab activities included analysis of fibers and hair, handwriting, blood splatters and DNA fingerprinting by using microscopes and stereoscopes. They participated in several virtual labs covering real life crime scenes including ballistics analysis. The students also wrote several compositions in the class about current topics and how they relate

to forensics. Mr. Jewell encouraged the students to express their thoughts and beliefs about the social issues connected with forensics. The students came in personal contact with local agencies during the course. They took a field trip and toured the county detention center. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s crime scene unit and narcotics officers visited the students in the classroom and provided first hand experiences dealing with crime scenes and an attorney spoke to the students about search and seizure procedures. An end of the year class project engaged the students in filming their own “TV show.” The students created their own characters, plot line and dialogue. In order to catch the criminal, their forensics had to be correct. According to Mr. Jewell, once they started filming, “the students quickly discovered how difficult it is to sequence events properly and not have loose ends when completed.” Student response to the class was overwhelmingly positive. “Forensic

Juniors Brett Masterson and Leo Scheller look at hair follicles under a microscope.

science is not a subject most people know about, making it an excellent and fun field of study,” stated senior Josh Weinzapfel. Mr. Jewell echoes his students’ thoughts. “Being a new class, I’m learning a tremendous amount along with them. It’s easy to try to do too much because forensics is such a broad area of study. I believe they have enjoyed themselves and judging from the discussions we’ve had filming our show, they have obviously gained a lot of forensics knowledge.”

Mater Dei earns accreditation by Chris Tanner, Principal Over the past three years our faculty, staff and administration have been preparing for the accreditation visit conducted by AdvancED. This agency, formerly known as North Central Association, provides accreditation for individual schools and corporations throughout the United States. The accreditation provided by AdvancED is a more rigorous evaluation and is in addition to the Indiana Department of Education’s accreditation. In fact, only 30% of schools receive this accreditation. AdvancED’s accreditation process examines the whole institution: the programs, the cultural context and the community of stakeholders to determine how well these elements work together to meet the needs of the students. Through the accreditation process, institutions are critically evaluated on seven standards; Vision and Purpose, Governance and Leadership, Teaching and Learning, Documenting and Using Results, Resource and Support Systems, Stakeholder Communications and Relationships and Commitment to Continuous Improvement. In preparation for AdvancED’s Quality Assurance Team visit in March, the faculty and staff spent numerous hours outside of their normal classroom duties compiling, organizing and preparing multiple binders of information for the visit. For each of the seven standards, the Quality Assurance Team rates the school according to one of the following ratings: highly functional, operational,

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The Accreditation Team was made up of the following faculty members: Seated left to right: Buffy Wannemuehler, Kathy Weber, Brenda Donofrio, Donna Lefler; standing left to right: Kurt Wildeman, Jeff Jewell, Wynn Mitchell, Dave Wathen

emerging and not evident. At the conclusion of the visit, we received the Quality Assurance Team’s overall recommendation. I am honored to report that Mater Dei received full accreditation status. This means that Mater Dei is providing a rigorous faith-based education for students. I would especially like to thank English teachers Mrs. Kathy Weber and Mrs. Brenda Donofrio for leading our School Improvement Team throughout this long and tedious process.


Program addresses student needs

I

n March 2012, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued new research results which increased incident rates for autism to 1 in 88 children (and 1 in 54 boys). This is a 78% increase in a ten year span. In 2007, the CDC released data regarding ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) which indicated a 22% increase in four years to one out of 10 children with an ADHD diagnosis. Clearly, children are being diagnosed with more and more developmental challenges. At Mater Dei High School, we address these challenges to meet the needs of what are broadly referred to as “special needs” students. Jennifer Lintzenich, Mater Dei Special Education teacher, leads the Resource Program at Mater Dei. The Resource Program is designed to assist and guide students who are diagnosed with a developmental challenge or identified as an educationally “at risk” student. This past school year, 11% of the student body participated in the Resource Program. These 55 students received one-on-one instruction from Mrs. Lintzenich and Mrs. Toni Wallace, Resource Aide and Art Teacher, in a structured environment. Students with diagnoses that have an IEP (Individual Education Plan) or a 504 Service Plan, which provides

Jennifer Lintzenich (right) and Toni Wallace assist a student with an online project.

“at risk” students are monitored by the team and given tools to improve their studies through an intervention program. The real strength of the Resource Program is the personal attention students receive from Mrs. Lintzenich and the team of people who monitor their struggles and progress. Combined resources enable all involved—student, parent, faculty and Resource team— to work together. Another strength is the use of

The Resource Program is designed to assist and guide students who are identified as educationally “at risk.” modifications and accommodations required for the student to perform at the same level as their peers, can take a Basic Skills course for credit which focuses on organization, class preparation, homework management and re-teaching of material not understood in the general education classroom. In addition, a resource study hall is offered. With block scheduling, a student can take a Basic Skills class and a resource study hall translating into 90 minutes each day or three hours every other day of resource instruction. Educationally

Differentiated Instruction (DI) in the classroom. DI, a teaching theory based on the premise that instructional approaches should vary and be adapted in relation to individual and diverse students in classrooms, was developed by a group from Indiana University. Mater Dei, among other diocesan schools, has been a site of DI instruction for the last four years. DI offers all varieties of learners an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of a subject in a way which best suits their learning style. Two faculty members, Mrs. Lintzenich and

Mr. Jeff Jewell, science teacher, have been fully trained in DI and the entire faculty has participated in numerous workshops learning to incorporate DI into their classrooms. Funding and training for the resource programs throughout the Diocese of Evansville are assisted through Marion Educational Outreach (MEO). Bev Williamson directs these efforts. Students in our Resource Program, through hard work and discipline, can succeed in the classroom. Standardized testing results, which includes all student body evaluations, are among the top in the state. End of Course Assessments (ECA) for reading and math were outstanding in 2010–11 with 95% of students passing English and 92% passing math. Most importantly, 100% of our seniors graduated from Mater Dei High School. At Mater Dei, we strive to educate the entire person—academically, socially and spiritually. For some students, school subjects are grasped quickly; for others, it takes more time and effort. But with a dedicated faculty and staff and programs such as the Resource Program, ALL students can succeed and learn. By Sarah Wagner, Mater Dei High School Development Director and proud parent of two, one of whom is a special needs student who attends St. Philip Catholic School. Summer 2012

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Technology Today One of the greatest challenges today for academic institutions is keeping up with the changes in technology, changes that happen rapidly and are costly, but necessary to maintain optimum learning opportunities for students across the curriculum. Mater Dei continues to improve and expand its computer technology via new applications and enhanced infrastructure.

related electronic files and programs from home or anywhere students can access an internet-connected computer. This new application also addresses a key finding from the focus group study that students often worry about losing the creative work they have saved on a specific PC or a flash drive that can be lost or damaged. And more technology related

work is planned for the future. Dave Flick, Mater Dei Technology Director, is working to provide students additional options to access information; not only from school based and remote PCs but also from mobile wireless devices such as smart phones and tablets. Mr. Flick will also be updating hardware and related systems on campus this summer.

The Mater Dei Board of Trustees recently completed a focus group study with various constituents to understand future opportunities for improvement. One of the chief concerns was the need to improve classroom access to internet based learning tools. In order to address that need, the entire wireless infrastructure has been replaced at Mater Dei. This will provide more consistent wireless service throughout the building and provide more wireless connections than the old system. Additionally, a new application has recently been launched to allow students to access their course

Information for this article was provided by Phillip Stolz, a member of the Mater Dei Board of Trustees and chair of the Technology Committee, and Dave Flick, Technology Director at Mater Dei (pictured).

Lilly teacher creativity grant Mrs. Lee Ann West, English instructor, was awarded an $8,000 Teacher Creativity Fellowship by the Lilly Foundation for her project proposal to retrace the journey of author Frank McCourt in his family memoir, “Angela’s Ashes.” Mrs. West, over a four-week period this summer, will travel by ship across the Atlantic Ocean to Ireland to recreate the transatlantic journey McCourt embarked on as a young child. She will travel to Dublin where she will photograph the places the author describes in the novel. She will eventually travel throughout the country of Ireland, stopping in Limerick where McCourt spent the majority of his childhood, and participate in the walking tour that takes visitors to the places mentioned in the book. Mrs. West will create a website with photos of her trip for her English students to view while reading “Angela’s Ashes,” illustrating the scenes from the book that will help “bridge the gap” between author and audience. Familiarizing herself with the setting of the book, Ireland and Irish culture will only enhance the teaching and learning experience for both her and her students. Mrs. West stated, “Having never traveled to Ireland, it is difficult to thoroughly explain the country’s customs and history. This project would allow me to share my own firsthand experiences in Ireland with my students.” 10 Red& Gold Summer 2012

After perusing Mrs. West’s photo essay, her students will create their own photo essays and capture images from their own environment that relate to the themes discussed in the book. “Ultimately, my goal is to make the story, which is set decades before my students were born in a country that very few of them have ever traveled to, more relatable. I want them to see that Frank “I am passionate about McMcCourt, while clearly Court’s book, which is the exceptional in many reason I suggested years ago respects, is also similar that it be added to Mater Dei’s to them in many ways,” curriculum.” — Mrs. Lee Ann explains Mrs. West. West, English instructor From a personal perspective, she shares, “As a Catholic school teacher with limited resources, I realize this is a once-in-alifetime opportunity for me. I am beyond ecstatic at the possibility of completing this project!”


Student News Mater Dei Supermileage Team wins four titles During these times of high gasoline prices, some Mater Dei students know how to get the most out of a gallon of gas. The MD Supermileage Team proved once again that they know how to build efficient cars whether they run on gas, batteries or ethanol. The team of 20 students took four first place titles in the annual Shell Eco-Marathon Americas held in Houston, Tex., in March. The students competed against over 1,000 students from 37 high schools and 44 colleges from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Brazil. They beat their nearest competitor, the University of Colorado, by 400 miles per gallon.

Row 1: Evan Karcher, Ryan Wannemueller, Emily McAtee, Ethan Vibbert, Adam Berendes, Troy Major, Erin Schweizer, Jared Schapker; Row 2: Mr. Bob Neisen, Levi Weiss, Grant Wilmes, Ryan Haas, Jack Weinzapfel, Joe Ritter, Sam Goad, Ethan Head, Joe Hayden, Taylor Dolletzki, Mr. Dan Wannemueller; Row 3: Ben Garrett, Van Masterson, Craig Wilmes, Michael Kercher, Kyle Haas

Mater Dei won top prize with the prototype gasoline (2,189 miles per gallon), urban concept gasoline (611 mpg), prototype battery electric (1,587 miles per kilowatt hour) and prototype ethanol (1,442 mpg). The team was awarded $2,000 in each category. According to Dan Ritter, one of the advisors for the team, “We could not have asked for anything better.”

weight are sometimes recruited to be drivers. They learn how to set up an engine and construct the fiberglass frames of the vehicles.

Indiana Math, Science, Technology Education Alliance. They have placed first in at least one class at the Shell Eco-Marathon every year since 2008.

“We started work on the cars in September. These kids put in a lot of hours,” explains Ritter. “The older kids teach the younger ones. We just sit back and watch them and keep them focused.”

Several members of the team, along with one of their cars, were featured on the Weather Channel’s “Wake Up with Al” show and interviewed by the host, Al Roker.

Students volunteer for the team, and small students with low body

Mater Dei has competed in supermileage competitions for the past 12 years. The team originally became involved in the program through the

Hunter Chancellor’s Hunger for Horses service project helping to fight war on hunger When Hunter Chancellor thought about a service project for school, she did exactly what service projects are designed to do—think of others—only Hunter thought of others in a big way. Hunter’s Hunger for Horses project centers on the purpose of getting people, horse stables, and horse lovers involved in the fight against hunger. Her efforts have been highly successful with numerous food drives being conducted at horse stables that have resulted in hundreds of donations given to food pantries across the country. “The program has really taken off across the nation,” Hunter said, noting that stables in several states have held Horses Against Hunger drives including Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Florida, North Carolina and Idaho. Hunter has been riding horses since she was two years old. She has shown American Saddles for six years and has won 21 world championships and 20 national titles. She will be representing the United States in the World Cup Equestrian Team competition this fall in South Africa. In the meantime, Hunter’s service project that reflects her love for horses and her love for others is helping fight the war on hunger.

Dan Ritter and Bob Neisen serve as the team advisors, Mr. Robert Schleter serves as the faculty advisor and parent advisors are Dan Wannemueller and Ralph Boze.

Olivia DeWeese travels to Haiti Olivia DeWeese, senior, traveled with fellow St. Joseph (County) parishioners to their sister parish, St. James, in Plaine du Norde, Haiti. The group distributed pairs of used tennis shoes, assisted in the medical clinic, taught children how to knit and crotchet bracelets, rosaries and dishcloths and worked on a water project. The people in this area of Haiti are still recovering from the massive January 2010 earthquake. She traveled with Jim Schroeder ’71, George and Dianne Moll (MD cross country coach and his wife), Jim Riordan ’89, Sheri ’83 and Todd Powers. Summer 2012

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Living the Dream

Lady Wildcats make Mater Dei history

“The team and coaches will have these great memories for the rest of our lives.” — Head coach Steve Goans

D

reams do come true. Ask the Mater Dei girls’ basketball team. During the summer of 2011, the girls’ basketball team made the commitment to work hard and improve their individual skills for the upcoming 2011–12 season. They accepted their individual roles and their team chemistry was excellent. All of these factors carried through their season and positioned them not only to compete strongly but to win the Class 2A State Championship, which was only a dream a year ago. Head coach Steve Goans stated, “The season was so exciting. The girls played with such poise and confidence throughout the tournament.” The team had their best season ever, finishing 27-1 and ranked number one in the state in Class 2A. They defeated South Spencer, Southridge and Forest Park for the sectional championship. They beat Sullivan and the host team Paoli for the regional win. In the semi-state game at Bedford, they defeated third-ranked Triton Central. In the state championship game at the Hulman Center on Indiana State University campus at Terre Haute, they played the number two ranked team in the state, Fort Wayne Luers. The Lady Wildcats won in a dramatic fashion on a game winning shot in overtime. The girls made history in Mater Dei athletics by winning the first regional, semi-state and state championship in girls’ basketball, plus the first state championship in any girls’ sport. “As a coach, nothing makes you prouder then seeing the smiles, the happy tears, the student body, family members and fans celebrating and your team cutting down the nets. It was a great moment seeing all of the players, managers, coaches and administrators receiving their championship medals and the huge state trophy,” commented Coach Goans. “The Mater Dei fan support was tremendous and very vocal during the state championship game. We could not have done this without all of the fan support. The team and coaches will have these great memories for the rest of our lives.” The junior varsity team completed their season undefeated at 21-0 and won the city and SIAC championships and the SIAC Tournament. Sophomore Maura Muensterman was named to First Team Underclass All State basketball. She averaged 22 points, seven rebounds, a state-leading eight assists and 4.7 steals per game. Freshman Tori Shickel received honorable mention Underclass First Team All State basketball.

Row 1: Ashlynn Spahn, Aubrey Goebel, Casey Jochem, Erin Wildeman, Brianna Dickerson, Laura Greenwell; Row 2: Asst. Coach Gary Alles, Student Manager Mackenzie Hartz, Asst. Coach Allison Mesker, Katelyn Bueltel, Jenae Gries, Beth Fischer, Asst. Coach Terry Muensterman, Maura Muensterman, Tori Schickel, Head Coach Steve Goans, Hannah Ubelhor, Student Manager Madeline Kissel, Asst. Coach Micah Konkler. Photo courtesy Molly Bartels/Courier & Press © The Evansville Courier & Press

12 Red& Gold Summer 2012


Maura Muensterman: First team All Metro, All Metro Player of the Year, first team All SIAC, first team All State, IBCA second team All State, ICGSA first team All State, Gatorade nominee for National Player of the Year, Wowway/ESPN Player of the Week, Pacers/Fever Player of the Week Tori Schickel: First team All Metro, first Team All SIAC, Honorable Mention All State, IBCA High Honorable Mention All State Ashlyn Spahn: Pacers/Fever Player of the Week Brianna Dickerson: Kiwanis Award winner Steve Goans: Metro Coach of the Year

Summer 2012

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Student News Science Camp The Mater Dei science faculty hosted its fifth annual Summer Science Camp the end of May for students in the 5th and 6th grades in the Westside feeder schools. They enjoyed studying the forensics of blood patterns (fake blood), comparing the melting points of several compounds with the chemistry teachers, the physics and math of braking vehicles (bicycles) and the chance to be heart surgeons. They also ventured to Mesker Zoo to study behavior of animals.

The Mater Dei Dance Marathon this past spring raised $23,610.08 for Riley Children’s Hospital—$3,000 more than last year!

May Queen crowns Mary in 63-year-old Mater Dei tradition Each year students at Mater Dei continue the 63-year-old tradition of dedicating the month of May to Mary,

14 Red& Gold Summer 2012

the Mother of God, after whom the school is named, and they participate in the annual crowning of Mary by a student chosen by her peers to serve as May Queen. The crowning takes place during May Day liturgy. Rachel Eickhoff was selected as May

Queen and her court included her escort, Ben Barchet, and attendees Maria Kempf and her escort, Tyler Schickel; Megan Tromley and her escort, Austin Kennedy; and Amelia Reckelhoff and her escort, Alex Bassemier.


Friends & Alumni News 1950s

celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

Sr. Rose Ann Muller, OSU ’50 has been a member of the Ursuline order for 56 years. She retired in 2004 and now volunteers in her community and in various ministries in Louisville, Ky.

Patricia (Wolf) Egbert ’55 and her husband, Marvin, reside in Tucson, Ariz. Patricia retired from the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Marvin works part time at Old Tucson Studios. They will celebrate their 53rd wedding anniversary in September.

Delores (Weinzapfel) Helfrich Schroeder ’50 was a member of the first graduating class at Mater Dei. Gloria (Heneisen) Carter ’51 is spending her retirement years dancing and taking communion to the infirm. She has eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Daniel Deibler ’54 and Sondra (Harl) Deibler ’56 have seven children, 26 grandchildren and 22 greatgrandchildren. Daniel retired from the U.S. Air Force and Sondra is a real estate broker. They have been married for 57 years. Dixie Lee (Doerr) Robinson ’54 and Earl Robinson have been married 57 years. They are both retired and have two children and two grandchildren. Charlie Wargel ’54 and his wife, Beverly, live in Saginaw, Michigan. Charlie was recognized this year for his efforts with the Saginaw Habitat for Humanity and the Emmaus House, a women’s shelter, and also inducted into the Saginaw Catholic Schools Hall of Fame. Gilbert Adler ’55 and Rosie Adler recently took a trip to Alaska

Margie (Hamilton) Madigan ’55 is a retired registered nurse and lives in Joppa, Md. Al Weinzapfel ’55 and Darlene (Berendes) Weinzapfel ’55 are retired. Al’s hobby is woodworking and Darlene volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. They have 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Don Haller ’56 is retired from Alcoa Corporation. His wife, Paula, is a real estate agent. They have two daughters who attended Mater Dei and two grandchildren. Larry Lutz ’56 is a retired Indiana State Senator and Mary (Toelle) Lutz ’56 retired from Alcoa Corporation. Susan (Pike) Collins ’57 is a part-time assistant manager at Pier 1 Imports. She and her husband have two children, six grandchildren and one greatgrandchild and reside in Florida. Carmen (Brace) Periard ’59 enjoys genealogy, cross stitching and crocheting. She and her husband, Darryl, have four children, eight grandchildren

Alumni Ron Hollander ’59 and Paul Mayer ’67 enjoy conversation at the annual Ave Maria Society Breakfast this past April.

and two great-grandchildren. They live in Slaughters, Ky.

1960s Teri Wilson Cardot ’60 lives in San Diego with her husband of 30 years, Jim Cardot. They have a daughter and two grandchildren. Donald Weis ’61 and Alice (Martin) Weis ’63 have been married 46 years. They have three children and eight grandchildren. Eric Choate ’62 is a retired railroad conductor for CSX. He and his wife, Myrrl, live in Evansville. Michael R. Moore ’62 recently retired after 33 years as a professor of biochemistry and microbiology at

JoAnn Laugel recognized with State Leadership Award JoAnn Laugel ’66, Director of Financial Aid for the University of Evansville, was presented with the State Leadership Award for Indiana by the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. JoAnn has worked in UE’s Office of Financial Aid since 1980 and has been the director since 1999. According to the University of Evansville, she is “viewed by local media and high school guidance counselors as an expert resource for financial aid information and an advocate for students and families.”

Summer 2012

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Corporation after 26 years of service. She and Mark enjoy motorcycling and have traveled to all 50 states. Bill Hausmann ’66 retired from teaching and is currently an energy efficiency consultant for the National Energy Foundation. His hobby is sailing around Florida and the Caribbean extensively. Bill Kueber ’66 lives in Evansville and will celebrate 25 years working at Springleaf Financial in January 2013. Nancy (Gregg) Mathias ’66 has been a certified nurse midwife for 18 years and a clinical instructor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. She and her husband, Denny, celebrated 45 years of marriage in June. They have one daughter and two granddaughters.

Aaron Inkenbrandt ’95 is an appellate attorney for the U.S. Army Defense Appellate Division at Fort Belvoir, Va. He and his wife, Caroline, live in Fairfax, Va., with their children Vivian, 5, Charlotte, 3, and Samuel, 1.

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in Huntington, W.V. He taught biochemistry and conducted breast cancer research during his tenure. He has three sons and three grandchildren. Joe Dippel ’63 retired from Mater Dei High School in 2009. He and his wife, Diana (Stephens) Dippel ’64, are enjoying retirement by traveling by train (Amtrak) around the country. They have logged over 16,000 miles to date. Lucia “Margaret” (Will) Carlson ’64 and her husband, Roland, are both retired. They live in Evansville and enjoy working in their yard. Alan Feldhaus ’64 and Norma Feldhaus are enjoying their grandchildren, camping and traveling. Alan retired from Whirpool. Becky (Dippel) Wimpelberg ’64 lives in Newburgh and has 13 grandchildren. She enjoys attending Mater Dei athletic events. Mark Guetling ’65 and Evelyn “Evie” (Goebel) Guetling ’66 have three children, all who graduated from Mater Dei, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Evie retired from Evansville Vanderburgh School

16 Red& Gold Summer 2012

Sharon (Russell) Moore ’66 is married to Pat Moore and they will celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary this December. They opened Moore Music in Evansville in 1976. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. Jim Tomes ’66 serves as an Indiana State Senator representing District 49. Jim was elected to office in November of 2010. Elana (Weiss) Hohl ’67 retired from teaching and currently teaches English as a second language in a Catholic school. She has five children and eight grandchildren. She lives in Ohio and loves to travel. Ken Springer ’68 lives in Indianapolis and is the director of operations at Creative Laboratory Products, Inc. Darlene (Schu) Appler ’69 lives in Evansville and has three children who all attended Mater Dei. Frank Buerger ’69 returned this past February from a nine month tour in Afghanistan as Director of the Consolidated Stability Operations Center. His new assignment is with the Pentagon as Chief of Staff of the Defense Intelligence Office. He has one son and a daughter.

1970s Harold Tepool ’70 is celebrating 25 years of service to Vincennes University as a business professor and faculty advisor for Alpha Beta Gamma International Business Honor Society. Suzanna (Sanderson) Martin ’70 recently celebrated her 60th birthday

Branden Clements ’06 with his brother, Calvin Clements ’06. Branden Clements ’06 received the AIA Henry Adams Medal, the award given to the valedictorian of the Master of Architecture graduating class from Taubman College at the University of Michigan.

and her one year remission of cancer with many friends and relatives. She and her husband, Mel, are both retired. Monica Horstman ’71 has worked at Deaconess Hospital for over 40 years as a licensed practical nurse. Cecelia (Weis) Kuester ’71 works for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. She and her husband, Randy, have three children. Michael D. Greaney ’73 was recently appointed Contributing Editor for Economics and Finance for Inside the Vatican magazine and is the new coordinator of the Irish Special Interest Group (“SIG”) of American Mensa. Erin (Drake) Born ’78 and her husband, Rick, live in Wisconsin. They have three children. Erin teaches part time at the YMCA.

1980s Chris Moutoux ’80 and Sharon (Kempf) Moutoux ’80 were married in December 2009. Chris is a salesman for Raben Tire and Sharon is a load planner and dispatcher for Walt’s Drive-A-Way. They have one daughter. Nick Bergwitz ’82 retired in April with the rank of E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer after 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, Calif. He has three daughters and one grandson. Bernie Mayer ’83 and his wife, Jenny, have four children. Next year, their three daughters will all be attending Mater Dei.


Jeff Adler ’84 works in industrial coatings and Ellen (Berendes) Adler ’93 recently earned a master’s degree in business administration. They have one daughter. Angie (Alvey) Elpers ’85 lives in Haubstadt, Ind. and has three children. John Goebel, Jr. ’87 is the head basketball coach at Jasper High School. He has three children. Scott Goedde ’87 is employed with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation in the supportive services department. He and his wife, Mary, have a son and daughter.

1990s Kim (Baehl) Collins ’92 is married to Jim Collins and they have two children. Kim is a project manager at Mead Johnson Nutritionals and Jim is a personal trainer at Custom Fit Personal Training. Eric Goebel ’92 and Tresa (Fehrenbacher) Goebel ’93 moved back to Evansville after six years in Lexington, Ky. Eric recently completed his neurosurgical residency training at the University of Ky. and is a neurosurgeon

with Neurological Consultants. They have a four year old son. Kati (Olinger) Hagerty ’94 is a Title I instructor at Delaware Elementary School. Her husband, Eric, is a teacher at Lincoln School. They have three children who attend Corpus Christi Catholic School. Jennifer (Spahn) Sieben ’94 is married to Roger Sieben and they have two children. Jennifer is the school secretary at St. Wendel School and Roger works for Banner Truck & Trailer Sales, Inc. Andrew Hart ’95 and his wife, Anna, are moving to Louisville, Ky., where Andrew will work as a hematologist/ oncologist with the CBC Group. They have one daughter. Steve Schaefer ’97 and his wife, Lisa (Schenk) Schaefer ’93, live in Evansville. Steve is the Chief of Staff to Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. Megan (Baumgart) Fowler ’99 and her husband, Darren, live in Charlotte, N.C. Megan is a senior analyst at Bank of America and Darren is a senior consultant at Diebold.

Christopher Droste ’98 is a seminarian in formation for the priesthood at St. Meinrad Seminary. His diaconate ordination took place this past May at St. James Catholic Church in Haubstadt. He will be ordained a priest in 2013.

2000s Jennifer (Tornatta) Berry ’00 and her husband, Andrew Berry, became the proud parents of Brynn Marie Berry this past May.

Law student Tim Weber ’05 assists with shadow report Tim Weber ’05, a student in the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, was part of a group of law students that teamed up with a nongovernmental organization in Cape Verde to write a shadow report for the United Nations Human Rights Committee on that country’s failure to combat corporal punishment and sexual abuse of school children. The report states that Cape Verde had breached its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) by failing to protect children from corporal punishment and sexual abuse, especially by teachers. The committee seeks to determine whether states that are party to the ICCPR appropriately implement and enforce the ICCPR. Tim stated, “My experience with this shadow report has been inspirational. I feel that the children in Cape Verde deserve to have NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) individuals dedicated to improving their standard of living. This report represents the cumulative efforts of a team dedicated to bringing the corporal punishment and sexual exploitation of Cape Verdean children by their teachers to light so that these serious

issues might be addressed. For me, the goal of this report is, and has always been, to improve the lives of children in Cape Verde.”

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September 15, 2012. For questions, contact Phyllis (Elliott) Jordan at (812) 479-9839. The MD Class of 1962 is planning their 50th reunion; it will take place on Saturday, October 13, 2012. The reunion will be at the Holiday Inn on Highway 41. More information will be mailed. For questions, contact Suzanne (Sursa) Stieler at (812) 476-0676. The MD Class of 1967 will celebrate their 45th class reunion on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Hornville Tavern. Detailed information will be mailed. Contact Barb (Emge) Rexing at brexing@insightbb.com with questions. Twice each year the Mater Dei Friends & Alumni Association sponsors Campus Clean Up at Mater Dei. The campus looks stunning thanks to their efforts! The next Campus Clean Up event is scheduled for Saturday, July 21, 2012, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Brian Kuester ’04 and Lindsey McCall were married in October 2011.

She was married this past June to Tyler Carlisle.

Nicholas Lannert ’04 and Kourtney (Scott) Lannert ’05 were married April 21, 2012. They reside in Evansville.

Heather Wargel ’09 currently attends the University of Southern Indiana majoring in journalism.

Sam Weber ’04 graduated from Purdue with a degree in civil engineering and from the University of Indianapolis with a master’s in business administration. He is married to Erin and they reside in Indianapolis. Laura Hall ’07 graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is employed as a registered nurse at Deaconess Hospital. Annie (Weber) Carlisle ’07 is an accountant with Springleaf Financial.

Past Parents Kathy and Joe Weber live in Evansville. Kathy teaches at Mater Dei and Joe is a teacher at Helfrich Park School. They have four children who graduated from Mater Dei.

Class Reunions The MD Class of 1957 is planning their 55th class reunion. It will take place at the Eagles on Saturday,

The MD Class of 1972 is planning their 40th class reunion. It will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Casino Aztar. Class members will be receiving more information in the mail. For questions, contact Judy (Tepool) Vindhurst at judy@ vindhurstsheetmetal.com. The MD Class of 1977 is planning their 35th class reunion. It will take place on Saturday, October 13, 2012, at the St. Philip’s Conservation Club. More information will be mailed. For questions, contact Diane (Rollett) Matt at 963-6222 or dianelmatt@ hotmail.com, or Sara Ellert at 422-6651 or s.ellert@insightbb.com. The MD Class of 1982 will celebrate their 30th class reunion. It will take place on Saturday, August 4 at the Hilltop Grove. For questions, contact Susan (Reddington) Wagner at wagnermsusan@gmail.com.

Brad Niemeier ’08 wins top prize Brad Niemeier ’08, a recent graduate of Purdue University with a degree in hospitality and tourism management, this past spring delivered the winning presentation for his restaurant concept, Azzip Pizza. Azzip Pizza is aimed at the fastest expanding sector of the industry, known as fast-casual, where customers can choose their toppings while their pizza is made. Niemeier won the $20,000 top prize in the Black Division for undergraduate students at Purdue’s 25th annual Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition this past February. Purdue University photo/Vince Walter

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Varsity football game: Wildcats vs. Bosse Bulldogs at the Reitz Bowl, 7:00 p.m., homecoming ceremony at halftime Athletic Hall of Fame Night at Mater Dei High School, 5:30 p.m. reception, 7:00 p.m. induction ceremony MDFAA Golf Scramble at Helfrich Hills Golf Course, 11:00 a.m.

te the f a r b e o cel shments o t s u li Join comp s of the c a c i t se athle new clas o tw ’05 ghlin u o C ’04 ew Matth ew Halbig 5 3 h ’0 t t ’0 l a e e M oress Mack cott K laton ’05 Craig Kinney ’04 S S n Mc 4 Dusti Katie Maurer ’0 4 e ’0 k r Bla ede Schro Laura

Contact Sarah Wagner at 812-421-5727 or swagner@evvmaterdei.org Summer 2012

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Mater Dei SPORTS RECAP Sport

Season Record

Sport

Season Record

Boys Basketball

14-9

Boys Golf

7-9

Girls Basketball

27-1

Baseball

17-14-1

State champions

State Runner-Up

Girls Swimming

32-9

Softball

19-7

Boys Swimming

26-14

Wrestling

22-1

Girls Track

5-2

Third in State

Kiersten Record: IHSAA State Qualifier; IHSAA State 18th place, 100 hurdles

Alex Johnson (113): IHSAA State Qualifier

Boys Track

Josh Pierre (126): IHSAA State Qualifier

35-25

Sam Goebel (120): IHSAA State Finals, 7th place

Tyler Schickel: IHSAA State Qualifier; IHSAA State 7th place, 1600m; 6th place, 3200m

Branson Schroeder (132): IHSAA State Qualifier

Jace Hartz: IHSAA State Qualifier; IHSAA State 12th place, high jump

Alex Bassemeir (145): IHSAA State Qualifier

Girls Tennis

Dane Maurer (195): IHSAA State Finals, 3rd place

13-4

Claire Alvey: IHSAA State Qualifier

Jake Lannert (138): IHSAA State Finals, 4th place Dalton Brandenstein (182): IHSAA State Finals, 6th place Nathan Wright (HWT): IHSAA State Finals, 8th place

Boys Baseball Class 2A State Runner-Up By Joe Herrmann, Athletic Director The Mater Dei boys’ baseball team entered postseason play with a 12–13–1 record and, after defeating four ranked teams, found themselves in the Class 2A State Championship game.

20 Red& Gold Summer 2012

They defeated #15 ranked Southridge in the first round of sectional play by a score of 8–0 with Joe Ritter picking up the win. In the second game of sectionals, Ritter pitched a combined no hitter with Brett Masterson and Ben Sellers to beat #7 ranked North Posey by a score of 10–0 in five innings. For the sectional championship, Austin Knapp started the game and Ben Sellers closed the game for a 5–4 win over defending state champion South Spencer. The first game of regional play found the Wildcats battling a tough Linton-Stockton team 4–2 with Ritter picking up his third win of the playoffs. In the regional championship game, Knapp pitched a complete game as the Wildcats run ruled Eastern-Pekin 12–2. In the semi-state game, Ritter pitched another beautiful game with a 7–2 complete game win over #4 ranked Park Tudor. Ritter pitched another complete game in the state championship game, but the Wildcats fell short 3–2 to #1 ranked Northfield. Congratulations to the baseball team on their Class 2A State Runner-Up title and on an outstanding season!


Winter/spring 2012

Summer 2012

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In memoriam The Mater Dei community is saddened by the deaths of the many alumni, parents, and friends of the school whose names are listed below. In order that the word may go out — particularly to those who live at a distance — we will attempt to report deaths of all alumni, parents of alumni, and friends of the school.

Alumni Donna Rose (Dick) Allyn ’79 Springfield, Mo., Feb. 7, 2012 Robert “Bob” Altstadt ’68 Evansville, Feb. 9, 2012 Beverly (Geuss) Ballard ’64 Evansville, Feb. 12, 2012 Dember F. Bonds, Jr. ’60 St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 2012 Kathleen (Reine) Clark ’63 Newburgh, Ind., March 18, 2012 Jacqueline “Jackie” (Hall) Clemons ’53 Evansville, May 8, 2012 Margaret Ruth (Jochum) Culley ’58 Evansville, April 27, 2012 Patricia (Webley) Dean ’69 Evansville, Jan. 21, 2012 Richard Allan Emge ’53 South Bend, Ind., March 6, 2012 Raymond Edward Fechtmeister ’62 Evansville, Dec. 14, 2011 Pauline (Wannemuehler) Gieldon ’51 Jan. 26, 2012 James M. Greaney ’81 Evansville, Feb. 28, 2012 Linda (Elliott) Hartmann ’67 Altamonte Springs, Fla., Mar. 14, 2012 Carolyn (Kolb) Hassler ’53 Evansville, Feb. 12, 2012 Ronald Helmer ’65 Evansville, Feb. 4, 2012 Elvera (Adler) Herr ’59 Chandler, Ind., Dec. 13, 2011 John Gordon Kautzman ’62 Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 6, 2012

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. May the God of all consolation bring healing and comfort to those who mourn. Kindly e-mail Jeanne Mesker at jmesker@evvmaterdei.org or call 812-421-5727 to report the deaths of Mater Dei alumni, parents and friends.

Allen J. Swain ’52 Evansville, Feb. 24, 2012

Alice Larrance Evansville, Feb. 19, 2012

Delores (Killebrew) Tremper ’56, Jan. 26, 2012

Ramona “Mona” McAtee Evansville, Jan. 15, 2012

Mary Jo (Kelle) Wentzel ’59 Evansville, Jan. 20, 2012

Eulalie Moers Evansville, Sept. 10, 2011

Ruth (Rollett) Winterman ’56 Evansville, Feb. 15, 2012

Geneva Morris Evansville, May 2, 2012

Daniel Zapp ’57 Chicago, Ill., in 2010

Bette J. Payne Evansville, May 13, 2012

Parents

Virginia Pike Alva, Fla., Feb. 8, 2012

Carl J. Baumgart Evansville, May 7, 2012

Rachel A. Rupprecht Evansville, April 12, 2012

Betty J. Becker Evansville, March 2, 2012

Alice Ruth Scheller Evansville, Feb. 25, 2012

Robert Blesch Evansville, May 11, 2012 Juanita Chappell Evansville, Feb. 9, 2012 Dorothy Clausheide Evansville, Jan. 3, 2012 Norman Dewig Evansville, Jan. 1, 2012 Viola “Katie” Dewig Evansville, May 15, 2012 Sylverius J. Elpers Evansville, March 4, 2012 Viola Englert Evansville, Jan. 7, 2012 William Gregg Evansville, Dec. 1, 2010 Mary Anne Grossman Evansville, March 23, 2012

Donald L. Moore ’56 Evansville, Jan. 6, 2012

Edgar J. “Ed” Hartz Evansville, Feb. 25, 2012

Bernice Marie (Gumble) Perryman ’67 Evansville, April 2, 2012

Mary Rose Heathcott Evansville, Feb. 15, 2012

Nancy (Baggarly) Owens Shively ’60 Evansville, Feb. 12, 2012

James Kane III Evansville, March 8, 2012

Sharon R. (Reinhart) Skelton ’58 Evansville, March 29, 2012

Irma P. Kares Evansville, March 5, 2012

Susan (Voelker) Stratton ’79 Knox City, Tex., Dec. 23, 2011

Geneva B. King Evansville, March 13, 2012

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Eileen A. Schenk Evansville, March 22, 2012 Arthur W. Stute Evansville, March 19, 2012 Norman Wildeman Evansville, Jan. 11, 2012 Hildegard M. Ziliak Evansville, Feb. 27, 2012

Friends Lilly “Edna” Bosse Evansville, Feb. 26, 2012 Robert L. Brown III Evansville, December 22, 2011 Sr. Benedicta Clauss, OSB Ferdinand, Ind., Feb. 10, 2012 Allen L. Commens Evansville, March 10, 2012 Albion “Al” Inkenbrandt Evansville, Feb. 1, 2012 Lawrence Riney Evansville, Feb. 18, 2012 Edmund A. Schmitt Evansville, April 26, 2012 Rev. Donald E. Spaulding, retired priest of the Evansville Diocese May 6, 2012


The Ave Maria Society The Ave Maria Society was created to provide longterm financial viability for Mater Dei High School. The Society supports Mater Dei through planned giving and endowments. Members have been involved in two gatherings this spring. On February 5, Ron Hollander, Mater Dei Class of 1959, and Don Rupprecht, Memorial Class of 1962, sponsored a gathering for Mater Dei and Memorial alumni and friends in Naples, Fla. The annual Ave Maria Society Breakfast was held on April 26 at Mater Dei. There are currently 47 members of the Ave Maria Society! Are you a member of the Ave Maria Society? Please contact Sarah Wagner at swagner@evvmaterdei.org or Timothy Dickel at tdickel@evvmaterdei.org for more information. Chris Tanner, principal, talks with Jerry Gries ’60 and Pam (Heathcotte) Gries ’60 at the Ave Maria Society breakfast. Jerry and Pam are charter members of the Ave Maria Society.

Please support our fine sponsors! ROYAL GOLD SPONSORS

Loyal Red SPONSORS

FEHRENBACHER CABINETS, INC. Bob ’71, Mary Kay ’71, Peter ’97 Zachary ’00, Patrick ’03 & Sarah ’05

ALTSTADT PLUMBING SERVICE, INC. David Altstadt ’75 & Chip Altstadt ’03

FREEMAN, WILL & NIEMEIER, INC. FREEMAN, WILL, NIEMEIER & HESTON, LLC Patrick B. Freeman ’65, P. Evan Freeman ’90, Elissa Freeman Higgins ’94, M. Ethan Freeman ’00 Emily Freeman ’02 & Jordan Raben ’05 HELFRICH REALTORS Clem Behme ’69, George P. Helfrich ’69, Sally Helfrich Green ’78 Stephanie Helfrich Freeman ’94 Peter D. Helfrich ’99 & Shay Grasso Helfrich ’00 THE HOLLANDER GROUP AT HILLIARD LYONS Ron Hollander ’59, Teri Hollander Albin ’84 & Tricia Hollander Henning ’86 MUENSTERMAN’S AUTO SERVICE Tom ’73, Steve ’76, Jerry ’79, Mark ’83 & Bob ’87 PAUL’S MENSWEAR Steve ’73, John ’78 & Brian ’99 PIERRE FUNERAL HOME Gary ’61 & Susie ’62 John ’88, Jim ’89 & Lori ’89 SCHIFF A/C & HEATING, INC. Jim Sr. ’69 & Jan ’69 Angie Schiff Happe ’93 Jim Jr. ’96 & Casi Jost Schiff ’97

GALLAGHER NIEMEIER INTERIORS, INC. Madonna Niemeier ’65 JOHN A. HAMILTON, ATTORNEY John A. Hamilton ’69 Jason Hamilton ’90 & Ashley Hamilton ’95 HILLTOP INN Don & Lanette Snyder KEMPF’S DONUT BANK Harold ’54, Chris ’77, Lindsey ’81, Ben ’85 & Joe ’91 LAPPE HEATING & A/C Ed Lappe ’82, Dan Lappe ’77 & Dave Lappe ’03 OHIO VALLEY INSULATION COMPANY, INC. Scott ’80, Beth ’80, Dustin ’05, Logan ’08, Faith ’10, Brooke ’11 & Joel Slaton PROFESSIONAL EYECARE ASSOCIATES Todd Niemeier, O.D. ’91, Andrew Moore, O.D., Morgan Hussmann, O.D. KAREN L. SCHENK & ASSOCIATES, LLC (Formerly Roselle Weinzapfel Certified Public Accountants) Karen Kaffenberger Schenk ’79 STRAUB OUTDOOR POWER Scott ’90 & Kendra ’90

SCHULTHEIS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Steve Moore ’65 & Kevin Moore ’91

MARK A. TORNATTA, DDS Mark A. Tornatta ’69

SIEMERS GLASS Jane ’81 & Mark Weinzapfel ’80 Jake ’06, Mac ’08, Ali ’11 & Jack ’13

WILDERMAN ENTERPRISES, LLC dba ST. WENDEL AUTO PARTS & SERVICE Dennis Wildeman ’68

Summer 2012

Red& Gold 23


Mater Dei High School Office of Institutional Advancement 1300 Harmony Way • Evansville, IN 47720 Return service requested

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Evansville, IN Permit 1689

Congratulations Class of 2012!

Best wishes to our newest alumni!


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Red & Gold Summer 2012 by Mater Dei High School - Issuu