Boehnlein a household name on Notre Dame campus

High school sweethearts Paul and Kim Boehnlein reflect on their love of Catholic education

Two students walked onto campus as strangers in 1992 not knowing each other nor the legacy they’d create 30 years later. Their courtship, marriage, and blessing of two children is a story that is only just beginning.

“Growing up we were in different Catholic grade schools,” says Kim (McHenry `96) Boehnlein. “Paul came from St. Mary Chardon and I came from St. Anselm’s. We dated since senior year at NDCL, went to universities close to each other, and are now blessed with two daughters (Emily and Sarah).”

The Boehnlein’s two children—Emily (5th grade) and Sarah (freshman) are at Notre Dame Schools. For Paul and Kim, choosing NDES and then NDCL for their daughters was easy.

“We wanted them to have the same experience we had,” Paul says.

“The small class sizes, the caring nature of the faculty and staff, it’s all part of what makes this an awesome school. 25 years later, Mr. Scott sees me at NDCL and says hello, just like it was 1996 again.”

Faith formation and the close relationship with the Sisters of Notre Dame is close to the hearts of Paul and Kim. The way faith is intertwined into the curriculum, even math class, gives them hope for our future.

“We just love the connection with the Sisters of Notre Dame,” Kim says. “The students making them cards, playing bingo with them, and our daughter taking piano lessons with Sister Susan Clark, it’s all part of the wonderful environment we are blessed to be in.”

The Boehnleins’ hope for their daughters is to be individuals who are kind and thoughtful to the needs of others. As a school seeking to Transform the World through its graduates, the couple wants their daughters to serve others in future careers they embark upon.

Just as they hope Emily and Sarah will transform the world, Paul seeks to transform the Notre Dame Schools campus as a member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

“Kim encouraged me to get involved at that level,” Paul says. “It takes a lot of hands, and the leadership of Dr. Michael Bates to keep the campus shining and thriving for the next generation of Lions.”