Mark Steinhafel ’79 is the chief operating officer and an owner of Steinhafels Furniture, a third-generation, family-owned business in operation since 1934. He has played an integral role in growing the company, which now has 600 employees, $125 million in annual sales and 15 retail locations throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.
Q W hat made you
decide to come to MUHS for high school? My mom had a strong influence in the decision. She tells the story about being from a poor family and attending prom at MUHS. She was dancing on the basketball floor at center court, dreaming that maybe someday if she had a son he might be lucky enough to go to MUHS. She was lucky enough to have all four sons graduate from there.
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Which MUHS faculty member had the greatest impact on your high school education? Why? My English teacher, Mr. Copeland. The legend was his salary was $1 because he was independently wealthy. He was nationally respected as one of the greatest debaters and forensics coaches of his time. He was a charismatic teacher who was a great role model and mentor to me.
Alex Toole ’93
Mark Steinhafel ’79 Mark Steinhafel ’79 Alumni Merit Award
He demanded your best and called you out if you were slacking. Every Monday in class he would ask for the score of the JV soccer game and who scored. If I scored he’d pay me a $1 for each goal. My classmate Mike Anderson who sat next to me scored a lot more than I did, but he would only get congratulated. Mike would get so upset, it was hilarious.
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What should you have been jugged for in high school, but weren’t? Seriously? Some of my best parenting advice is never, ever go there.
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W hat is your fondest MUHS memory? Two-a-day swim team practices in the pool, 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. It was the ’70s, and my hair was barely dry from the morning before we were back in the pool that afternoon. The camaraderie, friendships and athletic lessons of discipline, commitment, excellence and dedication were like a blacksmith’s forge of character.
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What did you learn during your time at MUHS that still sticks with you today in your professional or personal life? Be a man for others. I see so many selfish, self-absorbed people, putting themselves first. To be a successful leader or spouse or parent, more often than not, you end
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Which MUHS faculty member had the greatest impact on your high school education? Why?
up putting others ahead of yourself. Sacrificing for the good of the team or spouse or family is often critical. Being a man for others comes with great rewards because over the long run, truly, we reap what we sow.
Alex Toole ’93 Alumni Service Award Alex Toole ’93 is a sales agent for State Farm Insurance, currently ranked 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. He was named a 2011 Top 50 agent in Wisconsin by the Vice-President of Agency for Wisconsin. Recently, Alex qualified for the 2011 Ambassador Travel award, a company-wide distinction conferred on the top 20 percent of State Farm’s agent force. His agency is located in the historic downtown West Allis business district on Greenfield Avenue.
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What made you decide to come to MUHS for high school? Doug Harder was the main reason I came to MUHS. When I was in middle school at St. Leo’s, Mr. Harder managed the College Prep program. He was always very genuine and kind; I hold him in such high esteem. I will always be grateful for and remember Mr. Harder’s influence on my life’s direction.
Nathaniel Gillon and Father Sazama. Mr. Gillon was my guidance counselor and surrogate father. Through his love and mentorship, Mr. G encouraged me to be a man for others. He was vital to my development as young person and deserves much credit for the man I am today. He will always be special to me. Father Sazama was my homeroom moderator and PAY teacher. If that wasn’t enough, Saz, also cared for and thought enough of me to recommend me for a full, four-year college scholarship. I will always be indebted to these two pillars of my MUHS experience.
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What should you have been jugged for in high school, but weren’t? Skipping Liturgy.
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What is your fondest MUHS memory? I do not have a memory that stands above all other memories. For me, the MUHS years were truly memorable. I grew so much and MUHS changed my life completely. It was a truly awesome experience.
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What did you learn during your time at MUHS that still sticks with you today in your professional or personal life? People see better than they hear. I am an instrument of God’s perfect peace. My life is empty and meaningless if I do not live for others. Last, you have to be the message you send.