RCS Newsletter Spring 2013
C ntents
Publication
Anna Sizer, Communications Director Shannon Rahkola, Graphic Designer and Photographer
RCS Administration
3
Letter from the President & RSC Pastoral Dean
4
Planning for The Future
Father Konopa, RCS Dean Howard Ludwigson, Interim President Denise Boos, RCS Controller Todd Fischer, Regis Principal Renee Cassidy, Immaculate Conception Principal Kelly Bowe, St. James and St. Mary’s Principal Gayle Flaig, Director of Child Development Centers
5
System Needs Survey Results
Alumni Relations
6
RCS Mission and Proposed Vision
RCS Foundation
Jim Gobler, Special Events
7
Final Review
Bill Uelmen, Advancement Director Mandy Mann, Administrative Assistant
8-9
Future Investments
RCS Foundation Board Members
14
Father Klink Retiring
15
Non Sibi Honor
16
Alumni Sports
Dr. Todd Hehli, Chairman John Sackett, Vice Chairman Bernie Hull, Treasurer Dr. Rob Ridenour, Secretary Mark Beckfield Earl Benning Dr. Rick Daniels Ron Farley John Folstad Mona Mathews Dr. Andrew Pankratz Mark Seyer
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John Mulligan ‘83
Supporting Parishes
18
Alumni Updates
19
Leaving a Legacy
20
Pope Francis
10-11 Community Service Focus 12-13 Co-Curricular
Immaculate Conception - Eau Claire Newman at UWEC - Eau Claire Sacred Heart of Jesus/St. Patrick - Eau Claire St. James the Greater - Eau Claire St. Mary’s - Altoona St. Olaf - Eau Claire
Join Us on Facebook Regis Catholic Schools Regis High School Regis Sports
Contact Information Do you want the most recent Regis High School news? The King’s Chronicle, the student newspaper, has been reinstated and can be viewed online. http://www.regiscatholicschools.com/the_kings_chronicle
Publication Questions: Anna Sizer, asizer@regiscatholicschools.com, 715-830-2273 ext 6 Donation Questions: Bill Uelmen, buelmen@regiscatholicschools.com, 715-830-2273 ext 7 Mailing List Update: Mandy Mann, mmann@regiscatholicschools.com Alumni Updates: alumni@regiscatholicschools.com, 715-830-2271 ext 1019
Websites On the cover, Regis middle and high school students attend Ash Wednesday mass in the Regis Auditorium. 2
www.RegisCatholicSchools.com www.RegisCatholicSchoolsFoundation.com
Renewal
From Howard Ludwigson & Rev. Brian Konopa
Lent was a special time of renewal and rejuvenation. In order to develop a deeper relationship with Christ, each person was encouraged to review his/her personal inventory and clarify his/her vision: Who is God calling me to be? What must I do to fulfill my calling? So, also, Regis Catholic Schools has been working towards a new beginning with a clearer vision. We have been reviewing our current situation, assessing what we need to update or create, and forming a strategic planning committee to develop a five-year strategic plan. This is an exciting time as we set the stage for our system growth and development. This strategic planning committee came together in February to create system goals that will continue to enhance and grow our Catholic schools. From these meetings a vision statement has been proposed: While ensuring the Catholic faith is at the center of who we are, Regis Catholic Schools will be the best educational system in Wisconsin for early childhood through 12th grade.
“This is an exciting time as we set the stage for our system growth and development.”
As always, your input is appreciated. An opportunity to provide your input is detailed on page 6, where we discuss our strategic planning process. In the December newsletter we solicited and received your opinions on how to spend the additional dollars we receive through donations. Your voice is valuable. Thank you to all who participated through your words, donations, and prayers.
Taking your input from the December survey and additional insights from veteran faculty, volunteer parents and pastoral leadership, the strategic planning committee will integrate the goals into a complete strategic plan that we will share with you in the next newsletter. Ultimately, RCS plans to deepen our Catholic identity, continuously enhance our academics, improve enrollment, and strengthen our financial future.
While we have been working on the “business” of our Catholic schools, the students have been working hard on Lenten and other Community service projects, scoring highly on standardized tests, winning academic competitions, and competing in division-level playoffs. We are so blessed to have students with many gifts and talents and we are blessed with dedicated faculty who encourage them to work smarter, harder, and do their best with the gifts God has given them. We offer a most sincere “thank you” to the people that have worked so hard the past few years to help our Catholic schools. Have a blessed Easter Season! Yours in Christ the King, Very Rev. Brian D. Konopa
RCS Pastoral Dean
Howard Ludwigson
Interim President 3
Planning
For the Future
Recent RCS Business
2010-2011
RCS finalizes Teaching and Learning plan, begins system Accreditation process, and continues with Comprehensive Advancement Plan.
Reinvigorated RCS Foundation helps RCS begin to gain long-term financial stability.
RCS adopts Comprehensive Advancement Model and engages RCS Foundation for a closer partnership.
2011-
RCS implements Teaching and Learning planning sessions.
Five Year Projections Report The RCS Five-Year projections report helped our leadership team gain a better understanding of what caused significant enrollment decreases from 2005 to 2009, how our Catholic schools follow a similar enrollment trend to the Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD), and changes we can make to see enrollment growth and financial stability. Major findings: • RCS enrollment levels closely follow the ECASD trends, but are negatively impacted by significant tuition increases and threats of school closings. RCS enrollment growth can be higher than the ECASD when we communicate the value of our Catholic education. • ECASD projects enrollment growth up to 1999 levels by 2018. RCS is experiencing a slightly higher than projected enrollment growth rate when compared to the ECASD. • RCS projects continued balanced budgets for the next five years. These projections are based on enrollment growth, increased donations, minimal tuition increases, and creating efficiencies. • Tuition assistance makes a significant difference in helping families send their students to RCS. Excellent test scores and a Christ-filled environment attracts non-Catholics into our schools. The complete RCS Five-Year Projections report can be found on our website at: www.RegisCatholicSchools.com/fiveyear.
4
Your Voice
Survey Results
Development Timeline
2012-2013
-2012 RCS receives two significant estate donations which helped to pay for Regis boiler project, wireless updates throughout Regis, the Distance Learning Lab, Regis roofing and flashing updates, and some debt reduction.
Continued with the Comprehensive Advancement Plan and Teaching and Learning Plan.
Regis Child Development Center remodel completed.
Announced all RCS elementary schools would remain open.
Wrote the first RCS and RCS Foundation Annual Report.
Survey Results In December of 2012, we asked RCS Leadership, Faculty and Staff, Current Parents, Current Students, Alumni, Parents of Alumni, and Friends of Regis to share their opinion on the most important educational need or building improvement for our system. We asked everyone to rank from 1 to 10, nine items we had identified as significant needs and one “other” category to collect additional ideas. System Needs Ranked from 1 to 9 - Overall Responses From All RCS Audiences 1. Continue with the Teaching and Learning Plan: $30,000 2. Update Technology and Purchase iPads: $114,000 3. Update Elementary Technology: $180,000 4. Renovate Regis Restrooms: New Estimates at $80,000 5. Increase Tuition Assistance: $500,000 6. Elementary Student Desks and Cubbies: $30,000 7. Update the Girls Locker Room at Regis: $31,000 8. Replace Regis Auditorium Seats: $110,000 9. Install New Stage Lights and Projector in the Regis Auditorium: $25,000
Leadership created RCS 5-Year Projections report which reviewed historical data, demographic trends, & outlined enrollment growth and financial stability.
Delivered survey to all RCS constituents to find out what they thought was most important needs and began strategic planning sessions.
Finalized new RCS mission statements. Currently in the process of articulating Strategic Plan goals and priorities.
Other Important Details That Came From The Survey • Other than the students, all groups ranked the Teaching and Learning Plan as most important. Many comments were made about improving curriculum, needing student enrichment opportunities, continuing with math curriculum updates, and updating the library. • Students ranked Renovating the Regis Restrooms as the most important item. A small committee has formed to work on this renovation project because the restrooms need to be updated and repaired. New estimates for this project suggest the remodel will cost about $80,000. • There were many comments from all audiences about the need to increase compensation for faculty and staff. This concern is being discussed in Leadership strategic planning meetings. RCS faculty and staff is compensated at a much lower rate than the ECASD faculty and staff, yet the quality of the education provided is excellent. You can review the survey items at: http://www.RegisCatholicSchools.com/EduSurvey. 5
Goals
Strategic Planning Strategic Planning In February, with the help of Regis Alumnus Larry Doyle ’65, a group of Faculty and Staff, Education Commission members, Finance Committee members, and Current Parents were invited to two strategic planning meetings. The group reviewed and recommended a mission and a vision for the RCS supporting pastors to approve.
Mission:
Proposed Vision: While ensuring the Catholic faith is at the center of who we are, RCS will be the best educational system in Wisconsin for early childhood through 12th grade.
We would like feedback on our proposed vision statement. Please go to www.RegisCatholicSchools.com/RCSvision to tell us if we should keep it as is, or if you have suggestions. The survey will close on April 16, 2013 at 3pm. The group then worked on assessing system strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and developing attainable goals that can be measured. The goals were categorized into the following categories:
• System Enhancements
• Creating Financial Strength
• Improving Student Life
• Improving Catholic Identity
• Supporting Faculty & Staff
In general, the outcomes we are working to achieve include: 1. Catholic Identity: Students living our Core Values as practicing Catholics and committed Christians, with a vocational awareness of their role in society. 2. Academics: Students receive strongest possible education and tools, mind - body - spirit , to proceed in life as tomorrow’s leaders in church and society. 3. Financial Strength: System is financially strong without fear of closing buildings or reducing sections. Tuition assistance is available when needed. Faculty and staff are compensated fairly. Classrooms and facilities have the updates they need. We are hoping to share our strategic plan with you in the next newsletter.
6
Finances
Debt Reduction Debt Reduction During this past year, RCS leadership was surprised to hear that many people thought RCS was running an annual deficit. On the contrary, since 2006 Regis Catholic Schools have maintained a balanced budget, continued to pay down our debt to the Diocese, and is projecting balanced budgets for the next five years. Since 2007, contributions from the We Belong to Christ Campaign combined with amounts paid by Regis Catholic Schools, has helped reduce our debt owed to the Diocese by over $1.74 million. This debt had accumulated during and right after the consolidation of our Catholic schools.
Cost of Education Partnership Update (Annual Fund for Current Families) The 2012-2013 COEP fund is currently just over $72,500. The COEP fund helps bridge the gap between the actual cost to educate a student and the income received through tuition and parish support. Any additional 2012-2013 donations to COEP will go towards the educational needs listed in the survey and identified as most important.
Regis Fund Update (Annual Fund for Alumni, Parents of Alumni and Friends) The 2012-2013 Regis Fund is currently just over $122,000 with over 140 new people contributing to the fund this year, which is great! The Regis Fund is set up to help preserve the legacy of Regis and to help keep RCS thriving. Charitable gifts made to the Regis Fund enhance curriculum, materials, and programs for our students that we are unable to fund through other revenue sources. There is still time to donate for this year’s Annual Regis Fund to help support RCS.
RCS Debt to Diocese $2,500,000 $2,105,785 $2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$500,000 $357,250 $0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Debt balance at 12/31/2012 was $357,250.
Investments
Teaching & Learning, iPads, and Restrooms
Teaching and Learning Plan Updates
In 2010, Regis Catholic Schools began a Teaching and Learning Initiative. This was a process to improve curriculum,
programs, staff development, and communications within the K-12 system. This initiative was worked into a full plan, with concrete actions and tasks to move the system forward. Last year, the Curriculum Committee focused on improvements to the K-12 math curriculum; this year the math curriculum committee has been implementing the newly aligned curriculum and using the assessments. We are seeing great results from these curriculum changes. Adjustments to the curriculum and assessments are being made, and will be fully implemented for the 2013-2014 school year. Teachers will be given training and support to be able to best integrate and implement these math curriculum changes. This year, a newly formed Curriculum Committee is working on improving and aligning the Language Arts curriculum to meet National Common Core Language Arts Standards. The committee is working on essential ideas and objectives that fit with the standards, will align all buildings and schools, and will build from grade to grade. Linda Nortier, ED. D. of George Williams College continues to consult with RCS. The Language Arts committee is on schedule to finalize the new curriculum plan in May of 2013, and will pilot for our system in the 2013-2014 school year. Next year, RCS plans to create a Curriculum Committee to improve and align the Science curriculum to meet National Common Core Science Standards. Our Catholic Schools are committed to working towards continuous improvement, and will keep you informed as we move forward.
iPads for Regis Middle School RCS strives to be the best at providing educational opportunities for our students. God created us with skills unique to each individual. Technology is not a substitute for good teachers, but technology does enable good teachers to better develop student skills and talents. All educational systems today, not just RCS, are searching for ways to better prepare students for college and the workforce. Students today have to read earlier, they need higher level math skills to get into college, and they need to become skilled at research. They have to understand how to use technology to help them learn better, faster, and accomplish more. Tools like the iPads now give our students access to information they need to help them learn. There are apps that introduce math as a game to preschoolers, interactive books that help early readers with words they don’t know, Biology books with videos and interactive apps for dissecting frogs, and art and music apps that fuel creative skills and opportunities. With iPads, students would have the most up to date textbooks, could gather annotations in a legible, easy-to-organize way, and could receive instant monitoring and feedback on quizzes and tests as they progress through the class. This last fall, all RCS teachers, preschool through 12th grade, were given iPads so that they could receive training and begin integrating more technology into daily curriculum. During a staff development day, they received training from CESA and have received follow-up support throughout the year. This time has helped our teachers integrate the iPads into their classroom for more effective teaching. During the accreditation process and the curriculum planning, standards, methodologies, and measurements will be created to make sure the iPads are effective and making a difference in student learning. RCS plans to start by integrating the use of iPads in Regis Middle School at the 6th grade level. We estimate this initial cost to be about $45,000. If additional funds are received, we will work up in grade levels to seventh and eighth grade. To save on costs, we would like to pilot a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. Families can choose to send their child with his/her own iPad (iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, or iPad mini only) to school. For students that do not have iPads, RCS will provide the iPad. RCS is also accepting restricted donations for the middle school iPad program. 8
Updates
Teaching & Learning, iPads, and Restrooms
Update Elementary Technology The IC computer lab is several years old and needs to be updated. For the 2013-2014 school year, our goal is to update and improve the computer lab at IC (28 computers). RCS also plans to install four interactive boards in the four elementary classrooms that do not have them. Although all three elementary schools need an upgrade to the internet and wireless infrastructure, RCS does not think we will have the funds to do this for the 2013-2014 school year. RCS is also accepting restricted donations for elementary technology enhancements.
Renovate Regis Restrooms The four restrooms by the gym and auditorium at Regis have the most traffic from students and guests visiting Regis. Although there have been some minor updates to these four bathrooms throughout the years, these bathrooms have the original 1950’s tile and have large cracks in the mortar. All audiences in our survey ranked renovating the Regis Restrooms as fourth most important. The current Regis students however, who use these bathrooms every day, ranked it as most important. After the survey in December was published, a small committee, led by longtime supporter of Regis and grandparent of current Regis students, Duane Dingmann, was formed to work on this renovation project. The committee created a plan for renovating the restrooms and is working on receiving in-kind and cash donations to complete the project in a cost-effective way. The goal is to raise $80,000 (to be prepared for cost-overruns) and the plan is to solicit 32 donors at $2500. However, individual donations at any level are appreciated. RCS currently has about $52,000 in commitments and the plan is to start work on the project this summer. Please contact Bill Uelmen, Advancement Director, if you would like to make a restricted donation towards iPads, elementary technology, or the Regis restrooms. (buelmen@regiscatholicschools.com, 715-830-2273 ext. 7). The committee also includes Tom Anibas ’80, owner of Anibas Drywall Service, Jeff Bowe President of Bohl & Proulx Plumbing and parent of a current Regis student, Tom Kruse owner of Independent Flooring and member of St. Olaf Parish, Steve Gobler ’83, owner of Area Electric Inc., Emilio Rinaldi, Regis supporter and 2012 Regis Non Sibi Award winner, Chuck Larson, President of the RCS Education Commission, Dr. Bill Hawn, Regis Supporter and past Non Sibi Award winner, Glenn Berger, Regis Custodian, Howard Ludwigson, RCS Interim President, and Bill Uelmen, RCS Advancement Director.
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Service to Others
Lent Season During Lent, our students are asked to give a little more of their time, talents, and treasures to people in need. We ask our students to reflect on what they can give up to help someone else. Here are just few of the many Lenten Projects we worked on this year.
Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society Our three elementary schools combined raised $4101.07 for the American Cancer Society’s Days program. Eau Claire Ford matched with a $500 donation for a total of $4601.07. Our Catholic school students raised the funds in a variety of ways, including collecting money from friends and family, holding bake sales, and from piggy banks. This is a beautiful way to share kindness to people that are sick and struggling. Thank you! One of our alumni from the class of 1956 was a recipient of Daffodils during the Sacred Heart daffodil delivery. The young student that gave her the flowers smiled and said to her, “Have a nice day.” This kind and thoughtful gesture was very appreciated on a tough day for her - a day when she was receiving Cancer treatment. She was very thankful and shared: “May God bless you [RCS Elementary students and families] and keep you in his tender loving care always.”
100 Acts of Kindness in 100 Minutes Middle School Guidance Counselor Malia Clements and the Pay It Forward group went to Mega Foods East to perform. The students handed out hot chocolate, smiles, and compliments at Mega Foods East. Afterwards, they returned to the school, commenting on how being nice to others made them feel happy inside. Throughout the year, this group focuses on doing nice things for strangers, and expecting nothing in return.
Potholders for Sale Annika Howell, a second grade student at St. Mary’s elementary worked all summer making potholders. At the beginning of the year, she introduced herself to Kelly Bowe and asked if she could sell them and donate the money to charity. Annika put a lot of her resources, time, and love into finding a way to help others. Thank you so much, Annika, for teaching us about the importance of helping others in any way that we can!
Service to Others
Blood Drive Two Regis NHS students, Kylee Haller and Amanda Eisenhuth, hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive on March 20th from 11:30-4:30 during and after the school day. The event brought in 42 donors, making it the largest donation to the American Red Cross Blood Drive from Regis in recent history. Because of the successful event, Kylee and Amanda will be receiving an award from the American Red Cross.
Regis Religious Communities Regis Middle and High School religious communities have replaced “homeroom” at Regis. The communities focus on deeper reflection of our Catholic faith in a group, and many communities are incorporating service into their meetings. One example, Mrs. Killian’s Religious Community group went to drop off St. Patrick’s Day cards and goodie bags to the residents at Dove Healthcare. Another example, Kayla Felton’s Religious Community held a toy drive for the local charity, Katharine’s Wish. Katharine’s Wish is a donor advised fund through the Eau Claire Community Foundation committed to providing new toys, stuffed animals, and books to children receiving medical care. Ms. Felton’s group raised $618 and collected 30 new toys which they delivered on March 14th.
Lent Season
Co-Curricular
Updates Boys Basketball The Varsity Boys Basketball team, led by Coach Bill Uelmen, finished the season at 12 wins and 12 losses this season placing them 4th in the Cloverbelt Conference. Sophomore Billy Wampler lead the team with an average of 15.7 points per game and was named Second Team AllÂConference. Senior Nick Stanke who averaged 12 points per game and was the team’s leading rebounder was named to the All-Conference First Team. The season ended with a close loss to Elk Mound in the WIAA Regional Tournament.
Girls Basketball Coach Cody Rumpel and the Lady Ramblers had another great season. The girls placed first in the Cloverbelt Conference and finished the season with an impressive 14 wins and 7 losses. Senior Courtney Tuura led the team in scoring with an average of 15.6 points per game and she was selected to Cloverbelt Conference First Team. The Lady Ramblers had the #4 seed, giving them a bye in the first round of the WIAA tournament. The Lady Ramblers beat Grantsburg at home on March l with an impressive 40-24 win, but on March 2 lost in the Regional Final to Colfax, who went on to qualify for the state tournament.
Hockey The RMB Saints had their best season ever. Coach Guy Brown and the Saints won the Middle Border Conference and had an overall record of 22-3-1. Freshman Phil Erickson led the team with an average of 2.23 goals per game while goalies Armand Hess and Sam Nelson had impressive save percentages of 98.4% and 94.4% respectively. The Saints lost a hard fought battle against Memorial High School by a score of 5-2 on February 22 in front of a sold-out crowd at Hobbs Arena. With the win Memorial advanced to state and would go on win the WIAA State Hockey Tournament.
Chess Club Led by Advisor Eric Nelson, the Chess Club is in the midst of its annual Regis Staff and Student Chess Tournament. The students have knocked all the faculty out of the tournament and eight students remain, battling for the title of Chess Champion of Regis!
Forensics All 33 team members participated in the Forensics Sub-Division contest and advanced on. Coaches are Judine Brey and Margaret Hart. Regis hosted a Forensics meet March 2.
Math Team The Regis Math Team has been multiplying their successes. At the February UWEC Math Meet, the Regis Math Team swept the awards for the second year in a row. This year, they took both of the team awards - 1st and 2nd place. They also took the first 5 of 6 places for the individual awards.
Co-Curricular
Updates Environmental Club The Environmental Club has been waiting for the right time, and the perfect snow is finally here! Members of the club went on a snowshoe hike Friday, March 1 after school starting at Beaver Creek and ended at Big Falls. The club is hoping to plan another showshoe hike before the snow disappears.
ProLife Club ProLife speaker Sheila Luck was scheduled to speak at Regis to grades 7-12 in January but school was cancelled due to a snow storm. Ms. Luck was able to reschedule and spoke to the our students on March 11. Ms. Luck shared her personal story about making difficult choices and seeking forgiveness.
Spring Play This year’s spring play is Up the Down Staircase from the book by Bel Kaufman, dramatized by Christopher Sergei. The play is a comedy centering around a new teacher’s experiences in a rambunctious high school classroom. The show features a cast of 26 actors who have only had one month to put the show together!
Performances in the Father Dowd Auditorium at Regis High School are as follows: April 5, 7pm April 6, 7pm April 7, 1pm Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students, and children 5 and under are free! Please support our students and join us for this fun play.
50 Years
Father Klink Retiring
With gratitude for your ministry, we wish you well in your retirement. Thank You, Father Klink! Father Klink announced he is retiring this summer (June) after 50 years in the priesthood. Father Klink has been the pastor of Immaculate Conception parish for 29 years (1984-2013), succeeding the founding pastor, Father O’Reilly (1945-1984). Father Klink is well-known for his succinct and meaningful messages. Few of us leave Mass without reflecting on how we can live a loving, more forgiving life - to live life the way Jesus taught us to live. In addition to his faithful service to all of his parishioners, we recognize that he has baptized many of our Catholic School students, instructed them in the Faith, and even officiated at their weddings...and baptized their children! He has provided leadership for our Catholic Schools, most notably in his 6 years as our RCS Pastoral Dean (2005-2011) and deservingly received our Non Sibi Award (“not for one’s self alone”) in 2006. We thank Father Klink for giving us the majority of his years of faithful priestly ministry. May God bless him in his retirement.
You are cordially invited to attend
Fr. Eugene A. Klink’s
50th Jubilee and Retirement Date: Sunday, May 19, 2013 (Pentecost Sunday) Time: Noon to 2:00 p.m., Program at 1:00 p.m. Place: IC Gathering Space Parishioners are asked to submit pictures from Baptisms, First Communions, Weddings, etc. to fill a photo album. Due to the short time frame to assemble the photo album, please send pictures by mail or electronically by Tuesday, April 16th, to: Amy Rohrscheib, 1802 Pine Park
Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54701 or amyr41@charter.net.
Photos should include the names of people in the photo and date or year of the photo. Photos will not be returned, so please send copies. It would save us time if you could scan the photos and send them electronically. 14
Non Sibi
“Not for One’s Self Alone”
This year, we honor and thank... Jim and Linda Geraghty The Latin phrase “Non Sibi” means “not for one’s self alone.” The Non Sibi Award, initiated in 1985 is given to one “who has given outstanding service to Regis Catholic Schools either in the form of time, talent and effort, or by financial contribution.” For the last 19 years, Jim and Linda Geraghty have been actively contributing - with their time, talents, and treasures - to help the Regis Catholic Schools system. In 1994, they enrolled their first of four daughters into Immaculate Conception School, and all four continued through the RCS system. Last year, their youngest daughter graduated from Regis High School. This year, although all their children have graduated from Regis, Linda continues to be actively involved at Regis High School as a substitute teacher and volunteer. The Geraghty’s have always given generously to Regis Catholic School’s fundraisers, events like the annual Regis Auction, and most recently are donors in the Major Gifts Program through the RCS Foundation. Their financial donations have helped specific facility needs, tuition assistance programs, and have helped lead the system into a new, strategically sound and financially stable future. Jim has always enjoyed hosting the annual field trip to Sacred Heart Hospital for the Anatomy students at Regis. Linda has been very involved within the schools - always first to volunteer her time for meals, field trips, and committees. Linda has served on several RCS committees including the RCS Foundation, Public Relations, Home and School Representative at Immaculate Conception and Regis, and the Regis Music Booster Club. She also was instrumental in the Regis Build Our Future Capital Campaign in 2002. Jim and Linda’s dedication to Our Core Values of Living Faith, Accepting Responsibility, Promoting Teamwork, Achieving Excellence, and Inspiring Leadership has been immeasurable, and their support continues on.
Alumni Sports
Written by Senior Sarah Clark ‘13
Alumni March Madness NCAA March Madness is just around the corner. After months of practice and hard work, just one school will be crowned as the best basketball team in the nation. Recent RHS graduates Heather Bowe ‘12 and Connor Miller ’11 have gotten a taste of this highly competitive level of Division 1 basketball. Bowe is a freshman at Vanderbilt University this year, a private school in Nashville, Tennessee. She says she loves Vanderbilt and is staying busy with basketball and schoolwork. Personally, Bowe finds she is improving every game. She says, “I really struggled in the beginning, but once I realized I was my own problem I knew I could fix it.” Bowe has gained confidence since a big win against ranked Oklahoma. “I finally got it back when we played Oklahoma. We beat them and I played a lot of minutes. I finally got my confidence up, and since then I feel like I have been improving almost every game.” Bowe gives a lot of credit to the coaching and training staff at Vanderbilt. Trust on the court has been established between her, her teammates, and her coaches, and she loves representing Head Coach Balcomb every day. She admits she has a long way to go, but everyone can agree that she has accomplished an incredible amount in a short period of time. As a Commodore, Bowe is averaging 19.8 minutes per game, 6.5 points per game, and 4.5 rebounds per game. She has started five games and has played 26 out of the team’s 27 games. 16
When discussing how Regis has prepared her for college, Bowe stated, “Regis has taught me the importance of family.” Miller’s statistics are just as impressive as Bowe’s. He is a sophomore at Samford University and has already taken on the leadership role of team captain. Samford is a small private school in Birmingham, Alabama. He has taken his role as captain in stride and says, “Being a team captain and a starter is a large responsibility. It’s an honor to be a captain as a sophomore and to realize the team and coaching staff has trust in me.” Personally, Miller is a key player on the team. He is playing almost 35 minutes a game as a starting guard. Over the 29 games he has played this season, Miller is scoring 6.2 points per game averaging 3.3 rebounds per game. His three point shooting percentage is .360. Samford’s website describes Miller as, “[A] Deadly long range shooter with a tremendous confidence level. [Miller] has the rare ability to shoot off the catch and off the dribble.” Miller’s high school coach, Bill Uelmen, says, “Connor Miller’s greatest contribution to the [Regis] team was that he made the other players on the team around him better. As a coach that is the best compliment I can give a player.” Uelmen praises his unselfishness, maturity, hard work, and mental toughness, and credits his college success to these qualities.
-Written by Regis senior Sarah Clark ’13. Sarah wants to major in biology or chemistry in college, and pursue research. She also loves music and hopes to get a minor in music.
John Mulligan
Featured Alumnus Success
From Regis Graduate to CFO, Target Corp. John Mulligan ‘83 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Target Corporation It’s been 30 years since John Mulligan ’83 graduated and he still eagerly connects with Coach Bill Uelmen to talk about the “good old days,” his fellow classmates, and the great community at Regis. John took a few minutes out of his busy schedule as the Chief Financial Officer at Target, the second largest general merchandise retailer in the U.S., to talk with us about his days at Regis and his career success. “Regis has a great community. There are a lot of places to get a good education, but what sets Regis apart is the people and the community.” He went on to share how the Regis community has impacted his career and why he chose to work at Target, “At Target, we value how we treat people. We work hard to instill community in our team, and to serve the community around us. Regis was a model for me in learning that lesson.” It was hard for John to mention one favorite teacher, “Coach Bill Uelmen knew all of us - even if we weren’t on the team! Mary Kay Bissell pushed me hard and made me work harder.” One teacher, still teaching at Regis, was given special accolades, “Mrs. Mary Allen taught me Math 4. She was a big influence on me, leading me to choose Engineering in college. Ultimately I went into Finance.” This is pretty high remarks coming from someone whose responsibilities include treasury, internal and external financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, financial operations, tax, assurance, investor relations and flight services! John was one of seven kids in the Mulligan house, and he has a twin sister Jenny. I asked John if he and all his siblings attended our Catholic schools, “If you knew my Mom you wouldn’t even ask that,” he said with a jolly laugh. John and all his siblings attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and then went onto Regis High School. John’s parents were devout Catholic schools supporters, and John’s mother, Angie, continues to support Regis. John’s late father, John, was a Plant Manager at Pope and Talbot. The paper company was the first Non Sibi Award recipient, presented by the RCS Foundation in 1985. Today, John and his wife Melonie have three kids, twins Nicolas (6) and Kate (6), and Drew (8). They live in the Minneapolis area near Target Headquarters. His last comment reinforced the importance of our Catholic community, “Regis taught me great academics, to value people, and how to get things done, but the lessons about working with people and being in a community were the most important. I appreciate the community and experiences I had at Regis.” -Written by Anna Sizer, RCS Communications Director 17
Alumni
Updates and Memorium Alumni Updates
In Memorium
Amber Menard Ridenour ’97 and Rob Ridenour ’97 welcomed Matthew Robert to their family on January 24, 2013. Baby Matthew joins his three big sisters in the Ridenour home.
James F. Caton - Class of 1938 Mary K. Bullis Lange - Class of 1939 Romaine Robillard - Class of 1944 James Goethel - Class of 1946 Raymond J. Heller - Class of 1946 Mildred Gindt - Class of 1948 Mary Ann Mai Bluem - Class of 1950 Richard Fisher - Class of 1955 Joan Whelihan Ringhand - Class of 1955 Wayne Gonyea - Class of 1955 Sandra L. Grill Gunderson - Class of 1957 Mary E. McDonald Miller - Class of 1962 Richard E. Teske - Class of 1962 Michael L. Hei - Class of 1963 Dr Neil McElroy - Class of 1974
Josh Ausman ’02 and his wife Erin welcomed their first child on February 17, 2013. Luke Frederick Ausman weighed in at 7 lbs, 4 oz. Josh is currently the Regis Middle/High School Art Teacher. Shaughnessy (Shaggy) Murphy ’02 married Katherine Mickelson at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Eau Claire on August 18, 2012. The couple lives in Washington D.C. where Shaggy is deputy chief of staff and legislative director at the Office of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Jessica Huettl ’03 will graduate this spring from UW-Madison with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Laura Thorson ’07 and Nolan Fadness were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Eau Claire on December 29, 2012. Laura is the daughter of Mary Coleman ’70 and Nolan is the son of Dori Fadness, current third grade teacher at Immaculate Conception Grade School. Joshua Thiess ’07 and Michelle Lutterman were married in Honolulu, HI in February, 2012. Josh is enlisted with the United States Marine Corp and is on his second tour of duty. They currently live in Hawaii. Rebecca Scheuermann ’09 competed recently in the WIAC Track and Field Indoor Championships where her 4x400 relay team took first place and set a new conference record. She also ran a personal best in the 800M run taking fourth place and was nominated as a WIAC Scholar-Athlete. Only one student from each school is nominated for this award. Becky will graduate from UW-LaCrosse this spring.
Farewell and Thank You Jan Pickard! In March, Jan Pickard resigned from her 12 years of service to Regis. Hired by Bill Uelmen in 2001, she has held numerous roles and responsibilities at Regis. Most recently she held the role of the Alumni and Events Coordinator. Jan and her husband have had five children go through the system, the youngest is a Junior at Regis this year. We thank Jan very much for all that she has done for RCS and wish her the best of luck in her new role. 18
Friends Nicholas James “A.J.” Fiore – Regis football coach 1972-74, Assistant coach 1970-71. Carol Smith Donahue – Carol Smith Donahue – passed away on December 19th, 2012. She worked in the Regis library from August of 2002 until her passing. Both daughters currently work at Regis. Mrs. Ellen Killian teaches high school Religion at Regis and Mrs. Dawn Benning graciously accepted her mother’s role as the Library aide upon Carol’s passing. The late Mrs. Carol Donahue has three grandchildren who are current students at Regis. Patricia Donahue – Parent of Regis Alumni. She was active in the Regis Community before they moved. Joseph Ausman passed away on January 24. Joseph was the father of 7 Regis graduates. Joseph volunteered and was active at Regis and St. Patrick’s with the Booster Club and attended many of the Regis football, basketball and baseball games. Memorial gifts for Joseph were given to the Regis High School baseball program. Mary Ann Bluem passed away February 11, 2013. She was a 1950 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School. Mary Ann was very active in her church at Sacred Heart Parish, and the Catholic community helping the Sisters at St Bede’s Priory and the Advancement Office at Regis High School. Mary Ann was well known in the Regis Advancement Office were she helped keep records and updates on alumni of St. Patrick’s and Regis High School. She was a very caring, kind and faith filled lady. She will be deeply misses by the Regis Community.
Planned Giving
How will you plan for your future? Estate gifts to Regis Catholic Schools in the past few years have made a significant difference in helping our Catholic schools advance forward. The Lawler and Pavelski estate donations helped to pay for the new Regis campus boiler, the new Distance Learning Lab, wireless access throughout Regis, and a portion of the funds were also used to pay down some of the debt to the Diocese. Will you include Regis Catholic Schools Foundation in your estate planning? There are a number of ways to remember the Regis Catholic Schools Foundation in your estate plan. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that allows you to enjoy all the benefits afforded by the US Tax Code when making gifts to us, either in life or on your passing. The most common and simple way to include the Foundation in your last wishes is to include a bequest to use in your will or trust. There is an unlimited estate tax deduction for amounts left to charity so including us in your estate plan may substantially decrease the taxes owed by your loved ones at your passing. Bequests can be made of specific property, specific dollar amounts, a percentage of your estate, or an asset. We are very grateful for all the support you provide our Catholic schools.
Leaving a Legacy
How to give? Charitable gifts to the Regis Catholic Schools Foundation can take many forms. Here are some considerations: CASH - Through checks and electronic transfers, gifts of cash outside of an IRA have no limit and can reduce income tax liability. IRA gifts have generous limits. SECURITIES - Donate appreciated stocks or bonds. The current market value is the value of your gift and you pay no capital gains tax. RETIREMENT PLANS - Amounts withdrawn from retirement accounts can be taxable to you and your heirs. Enjoy little or no tax with an offsetting charitable deduction. LIVING WILL OR TRUST - Leave a gift of a set amount, a percentage of your estate, property or what remains. These gifts can reduce or eliminate estate taxes. LIFE INSURANCE - These are gifts that can leave you or others welcome tax savings today and significant savings in the future. BENEFICIARY Designations - Name Regis Catholic Schools Foundation Inc. as the beneficiary on life insurance, annuities IRAs and bank accounts. FUNERAL MEMORIALS - Families of Regis Catholic Schools supporters can designate funeral memorials to Regis Catholic Schools Foundation Inc.
Lawrence and Dorothy Lawler Joseph Clyde Pavelski
$220,250 19
Regis Catholic Schools 2728 Mall Drive Eau Claire, WI 54701 (715) 830-2273 www.RegisCatholicSchools.com
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We Have A Pope!
Pope Francis!
As a cardinal-archbishop from Argentina, his episcopal motto was “Lowly, and yet chosen.” He lived his motto. This humble, servant-leader used public transit between his residence and his office - mingling with the people - rather than being chauffeured. He visited the slums and stayed close to the poor. By every measure in these earliest days of his papacy, the world has seen him being true to his motto. On Wednesday Pope Francis greeted the world for the first time with a simple “Buona sera” - “Good evening;” he asked for our prayers before he give us his first apostolic blessing; and the next morning he stopped by his hotel so he could personally pick up his luggage and pay the bill. The electing cardinals said he had asked them not to vote for him. After being chosen and revealed to the world, he returned to a late dinner with the cardinals. They toasted him and he toasted them saying, “May God forgive you for what you have done.” He brought the house down! This simple man is a servant-leader who took the name Francis. Most likely calling upon St. Francis of Assisi who heard the voice of Jesus say, “Francis, rebuild my Church.” May we support him, love him, and pray for him...and thank God for the choice. -Written by Father Konopa, RCS Pastoral Dean Our Catholic Schools watched and participated in the introduction of our Pope on March 13, 2013.