Aquila Alumni Magazine - Winter 2022

Aquila

AnsweringtheCall ROCHESTER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Four Lourdes High School alumni share what led them to their vocations as leaders in the church, how they made the decision to answer God’s call in their lives, and how they are living out His mission today.

GROWTH AND HOPE

If I were to encapsulate the 2021-2022 school year in two words, they would be growth and hope. Our schools rebounded from the restrictions of the pandemic and started to engage in “normal” things again. By spring, Valleyfair field trips, prom, and graduation returned as milestone celebrations for our students. At the same time, our community welcomed 136 new students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

We continue to feel hope and growth everywhere in our RCS community. They manifested themselves at our first Homecoming parade in decades! RCS families of all generations packed onto the drive around Lourdes High School to celebrate our community and YOU - our alumni. The parade truly demonstrated what I’ve learned about our community in the last year - we show up! Thank you to all who made the Homecoming celebration possible.

Of course, this year has brought challenges, but they feel “normal” and have presented new opportunities to grow as a school community. We have felt the difficulties of hiring in a tight labor market. Our costs are rising with inflation. But our mission across all five campuses continues to inspire hope.

We are so hopeful for the future of RCS. Our schools are strong. We are growing! Our students are learning. Our faculty and staff are dedicated and engaged. And our community is behind us! Thank you to everyone who invested time, talent or treasure in RCS this past year. Your support of our mission also inspires hope!

Advent blessings to you and your family as our hearts are filled with hope as we await the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Hope in Christ!

Annemarie Vega Rochester Catholic Schools President

As I’m writing this letter for Aquila, I received notice of Myron Glass passing away. I was a freshman when he came to Lourdes High School and was in one of his algebra classes. After I graduated, Myron as the cross country coach would organize alumni cross country meets. I participated in most of them. This meet would give the high school runners a taste of competition prior to the start of their season. Fast forward, I remember someone reaching out to my stepdaughter to participate in a LHS fifth grade travel basketball team. Lots of questions went through our minds, but I trusted Myron and realized he was developing his feeder program for his girls basketball program. He always had a vision on ways to make his teams better.

So, too, were those who had the vision to start the Lourdes Development Fund, later becoming Lourdes Foundation, INC (LFI) back in 1973.

Starting small, LFI was formed with contributions and conducted a very popular auction, in both silent and live formats. But the early Board members saw a need to support LHS. The contributions to LFI over the years have been significant, amassing a fund that reached $10 million earlier this year. Thank you to those with the vision, I hope that I and all supporters of LFI can continue to build the Foundation and subsequently continue to provide needed dollars to support Lourdes and all schools within the Rochester Catholic Schools system.

Please keep Lourdes Foundation in your giving plans, as it allows many students to reduce their tuition obligations, to attend Lourdes, and to receive the invaluable gift of a Catholic education.

RIP Myron.

Kenneth

(KC) Reed ‘72 President, Lourdes Foundation

On the Cover: Father Tom Manahan, S.J., ‘72, Proclaiming the Word of God at all-school Mass at Marquette University High School (MUHS), Sister Peter Marie Tran, FSGM, ‘17 receiving the Habit and Veil for the first time with the help of Sister M. Alexandra Morrison, FSGM, Father Chris Manahan, S.J., ‘74, Father Thé Hoàng, Bishop John Quinn, Father Brian Mulligan, ‘10

Many Lourdes High School (LHS) graduates go on to pursue a variety of vocations in fields like Science, Business, Medicine, and Marketing.

Some had an inclination of what they’d like to “be when they grew up” beginning in preschool! Others developed their passions later on.

And then there are those who have always felt a different pull on their lives and purpose altogether.

Research shows that among never-married Catholics, only 3% of men and 2% of women have seriously considered religious life as a vocation*, one many would argue is the most rewarding path of all.

Read on to learn about four LHS graduates who are now serving as leaders in the church today, what ultimately led them to their vocations, how they made the decision to answer God’s call in their lives, and how they are living out His mission today.

Here are their stories.

Answering the CALL

Sister Peter Marie Tran, FSGM is a 2017 LHS Graduate, who attended RCS from Kindergarten through 12th grade. She attended St. Pius X School from K-4th, Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School from 5-8th, and LHS from 9-12th grade. Sister Peter Marie’s father, Cuong Tran, is also an RCS alumni and 1985 graduate of LHS!

What inspired you to enter Convent?

After writing about wanting to “be a nun when I grew up” in 2nd grade, my teacher, Mrs. Schroeder, introduced me to her friend who was a Religious Sister. Through becoming penpals with this Sister and seeing her during her visits to Rochester, my perspective on religious life continued to expand. Although religious life was always on my mind due to my family’s encouragement and through knowing joyful Sisters, I only seriously considered it when I was in high school.

Going into my junior year, I was at a point in my life where external expectations were taking precedence and when met with disappointments in myself and from others, I began wondering about the purpose of my life. Through encountering the Lord in prayer, He used this time of struggle to answer the deepest question on my heart: am I loved simply for who I am? In my heart, I heard Him say, “whether you choose to become a Sister or not, I will still love you the same.” This was and is an experience of unconditional love that completely overflowed in my heart and beckoned me to respond in full freedom and joy. My vocation has always been a response to the “One who has first loved us,” and has given Himself fully to each one of us. And so in following Him, how could I not do the same but to love and love completely?

How long have you been serving as a Religious Sister?

I entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, Illinois after graduating high school, so I have been a Sister for over five years! Our community was founded over 150 years ago in Northern Germany with the charism of “seeking to make the Merciful Love of Christ visible.” Our apostolates respond to the needs of the present Church, including healthcare and education, but also diocesan ministry and more! Currently, I am a student at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas studying Journalism & Mass Communication, Theology, and Evangelization & Catechesis! I also run an Instagram page documenting and sharing our experiences as college student Sisters here at Benedictine College. You can follow us at @fsgm.ravens!

*Citation: Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA)

Pictured during her time at St. Pius X School

“ My vocation has always been a response to the “One who has first loved me,” and has given Himself fully for each one of us.

What do you enjoy most about your vocation?

What brings me the most joy about being a Religious Sister, is the experience of belonging completely to Christ. Until entering the convent and living this life out, I had no idea that the Lord knew my heart so well and this was more than enough to satisfy all the desires in my heart. Religious life is how He has shaped my heart to love and be loved, and the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience are the expression in which I am called to embrace every soul as a spiritual mother. Another joy is living in community with Sisters around me who continually make present the reality of living authentically and fearlessly in the Father’s love. Religious life is truly not about what is given up, but about being the person the Lord has created me to be.

What do you value most about Catholic education?

Catholic education is either able to strengthen or weaken one’s faith through how God is made present and personal to the students. Throughout my time in Catholic schools and still to this day at Benedictine College, I have found that the integration of faith with everyday life is crucial to the student’s relationship with Christ and the Church. Without the foundation of faith and personal witnesses, education can never serve its purpose, to free and equip the student not only for life, but for heaven. A true Catholic education leads the entire school community to Christ, one lesson at a time!

Father Brian Mulligan, is a 2010 LHS Graduate, who attended RCS from Kindergarten through 12th grade. He attended Holy Spirit Catholic School from K-8th, followed by LHS from 9-12th grade. In addition, Father Brian’s two siblings attended RCS; his older brother, Kevin, graduated from LHS in 2008 and their younger sister, Erin, in 2012.

What inspired you to enter Seminary?

I had an open heart to whatever the Lord asked. As my mom always says, “The Lord will get you either way!”

I had some supportive religion teachers at LHS and priests that helped guide me into Seminary.

During Seminary, there’s a deepening sense of discerning the will of God guided by a spiritual director who has walked the road before you.

How long have you been serving as a priest? Right after high school, I entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary College Seminary in Winona. I earned my Bachelors in Philosophy and continued my studies at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary where I earned a Masters in Divinity and in Sacred Theology. I was ordained to the Priesthood on June 8th, 2018.

Pictured at Benedictine College (L-R: Sister M. Clare O’Connor, Sister Karol Marie, and Sister Peter Marie)

Pictured with Bishop Quinn after First Vows in Alton, IL

Day of Ordination with Bishop Quinn in 2018

Pictured while serving as officiant at Kate ‘09 and Ross Schreck’s wedding

I then served as an associate pastor at a number of local parishes, which ultimately led me to my role as a diocean priest for Community of Saints Catholic Community in New Richland, MN within the WinonaRochester Diocese (which includes 20 counties in Minnesota - “the lower 20.”)

My main role is to be a priest for the baptized. I heard a priest once say, “The job of the priest is to get the soul home to God.”

What do you enjoy most about your vocation?

ACTICAL RAMBLINGFATH

Being with the youth, leading people to Christ, celebrating Mass and Confession, and journeying with people are my favorite aspects of my vocation. I’m very extroverted and love being with people.

I also enjoy spreading the word of God through a podcast I host with Father Thé Hoàng! “Practical Rambling Fathers” provides a practical look into living out the Catholic faith in daily life. You can find us on Itunes and Spotify!

What do you value most about Catholic education?

What I value most is being able to explore your faith within the context of school. You’re able to continue to go deeper in your faith throughout high school and ultimately, eternally.

Father Thomas C. Manahan, S.J. is a 1972 LHS Graduate, who attended RCS from Kindergarten through 12th grade, beginning with St. John’s Elementary School followed by Lourdes High School. He is one of nine children, all of whom attended RCS. Both Father Tom and his brother, Father Chris Manahan, S.J, belong to the Jesuit order.

What inspired you to enter Seminary?

I studied advertising at the University of Minnesota (1972 – 1977), worked at The Kahler Corporation (1977 – 1980), earned an MBA from Indiana

University (1980 – 1982), and then worked in product marketing management at General Mills, Inc. in the Twin Cities (1982 – 1985).

Long story short: Working at General Mills was my dream job. It was an amazing opportunity to grow personally and professionally. However, after about six weeks or so, I knew my future was not at General Mills. I was in my cubicle, I had learned more than I had ever thought possible about flour, and I remembered something a high school teacher had remarked to me: “Tom…it will be interesting to see where you leave your mark on the world. You are able to interact with all types of people. I hope you don’t settle.”

I realized I was being called elsewhere. I had always been connected to a parish and involved in some type of volunteer service. I spent the next two-anda-half years discerning my vocation while remaining at General Mills, Inc. I had met alumni from Jesuit universities when I was at IU and heard a bit about the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). I spoke with my sister, Kate, a Rochester Franciscan sister, about all the possibilities as well. The Jesuit vocation director was the first Jesuit I had ever met. After our initial conversation, I knew I had found my “home.” Needless to say, I still had plenty of questions! And yet…combining my religious faith and business background with my desires for community life and service of the Church…I found a “home” in the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Pictured with fellow class officers at LHS

P R

E R S

Pictured with Father Thé Hoàng

Practical Rambling Fathers podcast logo

I entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1985 at the age of 30. I professed vows in 1987.

I earned a Master of Divinity degree from Weston Jesuit School of Theology (now Boston College School of Theology and Ministry) in 1994. That same year, I was ordained a deacon, then a priest in 1995, and professed final vows in 2008.

As a Jesuit, I have worked at Creighton University in Omaha, Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, and in 2018, I continued my journey at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati where I currently teach and serve.

I also wanted to mention that after my priestly ordination, I celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester. Reverend Monsignor Gerald Mahon and the parish have been so open, welcoming, and hospitable over the years. When I was in town for my 50th LHS Reunion, I was privileged to celebrate Mass at St. John’s again.

What do you enjoy most about your vocation?

I enjoy accompanying people in the ups and downs of life, inviting people to a reflective and prayerful life in which they recognize the presence and graces of God in their lives, proclaiming the Good News in a way that can be heard and lived out, celebrating the Sacraments and witnessing their graces, building up the Church, and knowing that every day is going to be different.

What

do you value most about Catholic education?

I am most grateful to my parents who sacrificed so much for all of us Manahan kids to be able to go to Catholic schools. I am grateful to the teachers and staff members who witnessed to their faith by their incredible dedication to the school, students, and the many, many high school activities and programs. They supported, challenged, and cared for me providing a foundation as well as the inspiration for my service of the faith and the Church today.

Father Chris Manahan, S.J., is a 1974 LHS Graduate, who attended RCS from Kindergarten through 12th grade, beginning with St. John’s Elementary School followed by Lourdes High School. He is one of nine children, all of whom attended RCS. Both Father Chris and his brother, Father Tom Manahan, S.J, belong to the Jesuit order.

How long have you been serving as a priest?

Engaging his sophomore Sacraments students at Marquette University High School (MUHS)

Leading the Mass of the Holy Spirit at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati with Deacon Royce Winters

Going away “party” at The Gazette in Cedar Rapids in 1991 as he began a two-year leave of absence and discernment whether to pursue religious life and priesthood

What inspired you to enter Seminary?

After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1978 with a double-major in political science and journalism I set three goals for myself: to head up a newspaper newsroom; to have a nice place to live; and, to have enough money to be able to travel whenever I had vacation. After working as a reporter and editor for 13 years I had achieved those goals, and I asked myself whether I wanted to continue doing this for another 30 years? I enjoyed the work and the people very much but I felt there was an imbalance in my life: I was all about my work at the expense of family, friends, and faith. I decided to talk to a parish priest in the city where I was working. Over a two-year period in which I met him regularly for spiritual direction, I also took leave of absence from the paper, and returned to school to earn a teaching degree in secondary education. Through those experiences, I discerned that the

balance I was seeking would best be gained through a religious vocation. I felt it would be in that life that I could better balance friends, family, and faith, while pursuing professional interests.

How long have you been serving as a priest?

I was ordained in 2003 after 10 years of formation within the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. We have a lengthy formation process of 10-12 years before ordination and during that time combine our studies with a variety of ministries in which we are challenged to expand our horizons and perspectives so as to be better prepared for whatever situations or people we are sent to serve. Since ordination I have served as a parish priest in the Jesuit churches on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, with the Jesuits in the Philippines and northeast India, on the staff of our novitiate in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and as director of the Jesuit Retreat House on Lake Winnebago, which offers retreats year-round to people of all faiths. I am now in my second year helping our provincial stay in contact with senior Jesuits in the Midwest (those who are 70 or older) and for younger Jesuit priests and brothers who have not yet made their final vows.

What do you enjoy most about your vocation? What I enjoy most about my vocation is that it has given me a sense that whatever it is I do or whoever

“ Developing one’s talents and interests and good habits for a lifetime was stressed and encouraged not only for our own sake but to serve the common good. I think that remains the value of Catholic education.

Pictured at a North Saint Louis School where he taught K-4 religion classes while studying philosophy at Saint Louis University

Brothers Father Tom Manahan (L) and Father Chris Manahan (R) in clerics in 2002 at Father Chris’ ordination to the transitional diaconate in Oakland, CA.

it is I am with there is a greater purpose than simply satisfying my needs. It confirms for me that each of us has a role in bringing about the life Jesus talked about and showed us while here on Earth and the promise of eternal life His resurrection offers. Mark Twain is attributed with saying, “The most important days in a person’s life is the day they are born and the day they know why.” I agree. I think this vocation as a Jesuit and a Catholic priest and all of the experiences and people that have been a part of it so far have helped me recognize why I was born.

What do you value most about Catholic education?

What I value most about Catholic education, specifically the education I received at St. John’s and LHS, is that it nurtured students — whether we realized it or not at the time — to be themselves and care about others. Developing one’s talents and interests and good habits for a lifetime was stressed and encouraged not only for our own sake but to serve the common good. I think that remains the value of Catholic education.

Coach Glass was referred to as a “local sports legend,” who gained statewide recognition during his 30-yeartenure as the LHS girls basketball coach. During that time, Glass’ teams won 719 games and eight state championships, the second-highest among MN girls’ basketball coaches. We invite

Pics and Posts

What a day! On Aug. 15, RCS welcomed more than 20 new faculty and staff with an inspiring morning of fun and fellowship followed by a tour, where attendees boarded the LHS buses and visited all FIVE schools! God has led incredible people to our mission. Our community is so blessed!

During the month of October, we blessed Holy Spirit Catholic School Principal Amy Heimer and 4th Grade Teacher, Jen Good, as they left on a pilgrimage to Italy where they walked in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare!

RCS

Congratulations to the girls tennis team, who won the championship game and took home the 2022 Class A State Title after outplaying Breck School!

was honored to welcome Bishop Robert Barron to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester!

Two of our principals, Matt Langsdale of Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School and Andy Poterucha of St. Francis of Assisi School were able to attend the Installation Mass, as well as St. Francis School Trustee Mike Cook and his family who brought up the gifts during the service. Welcome, Bishop Barron!

HOLY COW! On Aug. 29, we had an amazing first day of school across all five campuses at RCS.

The LHS Eagles won the Homecoming football game vs. Cannon Falls, 24-22!

Each of our RCS schools created incredible Ofrendas to celebrate Día de los Muertos! We want to thank our students for their amazing participation and our Ofrenda judges: Carolina Schenone, Ana Cuenca, Father Luis Vargas and Karina Rowles. Congratulations to St. Pius X School on winning this year’s contest!

The LHS music community celebrated fall with the first concert of the year! Great job, Eagles!

It was all sun and games for our RCS Eagles during HOMECOMING WEEK! Students participated in a variety of dress up days, including “Lifesavers Day” where they dressed in their tropical best.

We invite you to support Rochester Catholic Schools this Christmas season by making an end-of-the-year gift. Your donation to the RCS Fund for Academic Excellence or Lourdes Foundation will allow the advancement and growth of our students, teachers, and schools.

If you haven’t had the chance, now is an ideal time to make your gift or arrange for your IRA rollover distribution to be designated to RCS.

The Nest Preschool at RCS was voted the Best Preschool in town (for the third year in a row) in the Post Bulletin Best of the Best Awards!

Preschool educators were surprised with mums as a way to thank them for their hard work, dedication, support, and for helping make The Nest THE BEST. A special thanks to all who voted!

Students in the RCS music programs wowed the crowd during our Homecoming parade and celebration!

Join us in congratulating the girls cross country team, and the boys and girls soccer teams, who competed in the State Tournament!

ALUMNI Class Notes

We are excited to feature the following RCS alums as part of “Alumni Class Notes!” Have a great story to share? E-mail us at alumni@rcsmn.org.

Grace Bigler '17’s designs are in stores and being worn all over the world! As a computer- aided designer (CAD) of print and pattern for Abercrombie & Fitch on the Hollister and Social Tourist brands, she is immersed in her love of textiles, fibers, and art! And, her Christmas pajamas, inspired by her time in Minnesota at Lake Vermilion, are on the shelves today.

As a textile designer, she credits the small environment of St. Pius X School, Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle School, and LHS as providing her with great opportunities to participate in many activities and gain useful leadership skills. “I interacted with a diverse group of people which has helped me in the highly collaborative environment of design. Attending the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, along with international studies in Hong Kong and France not only supported my global Fine Arts degree in Fibers, but also enabled me to bring my Rochester spiritual life to different Catholic communities around the world,” wrote Bigler.

Snuggle up in her Christmas pajamas now available at Hollister!

Timothy Vassallo '14 is currently living in Brooklyn, New York and freelancing on the production management team at TIME Studios. Following his graduation from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, this CoCathedral of St. John the Evangelist and LHS alum was open to wherever his path was to take him. The path took him across the country where he continues to share his talents as a filmmaker, photographer, and public speaker. Of

recent, he served as a production coordinator on TIME’s “Kid of the Year” and a Netflix doc series entitled “Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space.”

Tim shares, “My time at RCS was tremendously formative and taught me the values of teamwork and friendship. The academic rigor, especially through AP Literature, has allowed me to meet challenges with vision.” This vision is fulfilled in his media and television career. Vassallo’s work can be found on his website: timothyvassallo.com.

Abigail (Salz) Bauernfeind '14 has experienced two life-changing events! Most recently, she married her best friend, Chase, and secondly, she was invited to partner with Amazon to produce social media content, specifically for TikTok and Instagram, and become one of their Livestream creators.

The University of Minnesota grad majored in Business and Marketing and shares her expertise as the Director of Marketing for Twigs Tavern & Grille and Centerstone Plaza Hotel in Rochester, MN. She works alongside her parents, Myron and Michelle, in their familyowned business. In addition, she creates marketing campaigns for lifestyle brands such as Steve Madden, Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, Banana Republic, Petal and Pup, and Walmart.

“Sharing my love for accessible-affordable fashion and decor through social media has brought me into the public eye. To maintain positive mental wellness, I lean on my friendships and spirituality. I listen to the voice of God and trust I am following His way in this ever-changing world,” explained Abigail.

The gift of family, friendship and faith were noted in Abigail’s communication with us.

“LHS taught me to be honest and true to myself; in life, when I am real with people, I find that is when I make the strongest connections.”

To connect with Abigail, follow her on TikTok and Instagram at @absalz.

Jahi Moore '11’s days are filled with the beating of drums, directing, and composing! We were able to catch up with him after the 2022 Wisconsin School Music Association’s State Championships. Under the program creation and composition of Jahi, we’d like to give a shout out to the Mukwonago High School Percussion ensemble for being awarded the 2022 State Championship for Best Percussion!

While attending Norfolk State University and majoring in Music Education, Jahi competed as a member of both North Carolina and Virginia indoor drumlines. He founded and directed a tenor drum ensemble and after receiving his undergrad, is now teaching percussion at two high schools while simultaneously directing two professional sports drumlines. He serves as the Assistant Director of the Tundraline, the official Drumline of the Green Bay Packers and Director of Bucks Beats, the official Drumline of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jahi is grateful for the discipline instilled as an RCS student and attributes his organization, ability to focus, work collaboratively, and build lasting friendships as foundations built in Catholic education. This Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Middle

School and LHS alum says his next beats include founding and directing a World Guard International (WGI) Indoor Percussion ensemble in Wisconsin, opening his own lesson studio, and composing for multiple marching bands. More information on The Sport of the Arts, competitive marching band and indoor drumlines, can be found at wgi.org.

Linda O’Connell '09 is the fifth generation of O’Connells to raise her right hand and swear to protect our Constitution. As we honor her service to our country while serving as a cadet in the Fighting Saints Battalion Army ROTC program, we also honor her work at the College of Saint Benedict’s where she is pursuing her nursing degree and set to graduate in May 2023.

Following graduation, she will be receiving her commission for four years of active duty in the US Army Nurse Corps with the hopes of returning to school to further her education in becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. A Catholic school student since age four, Linda was part of the St. Francis of Assisi School community and went on to excel in volleyball and softball while gaining valuable leadership skills in campus ministry, the W.H.O. Club, and SADD at LHS.

“RCS has instilled a sense of community, care, and compassion in my everyday life,” said Linda. “Catholic education has given me ongoing confidence in understanding God is leading me exactly where He needs me to be. As a future nurse and Army officer, I strive to model the same level of care and commitment to my patients and fellow soldiers every single day.” We salute you, Linda!

Will Newkirk '08 spends his day as the Director of the American Indian Catholic Schools Network on the campus of University of Notre Dame. Coming from a family of educators, Will studied at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN and journeyed to Tulsa, Oklahoma to teach in his own third grade classroom at St. Catherine School while earning a M.Ed. through Notre Dame’s ACE Teaching Fellows program.

“My time teaching at St. Catherine was a deeply formative experience in my life. I learned so much from the teachers and families about creating authentic communities and the spirit of inclusion,” reflected Newkirk.

Presently working on his Doctorate of Education at Loyola Marymount University, Will shared education is a gateway which brings about kinship and reminds all of us that we belong to each other. The encouragement of service at both St. Francis of Assisi School and LHS continues to impact me spiritually, personally, and professionally. I have no doubt my vocation to serve students on the margins is rooted in experiences these schools provided. I am deeply grateful to my RCS educators for their dedication as role models of faith, social justice, and commitment to community. To learn more Will’s work, visit the American Indian Catholic Schools Network website.

Barbara R. Gores, DVM, DACVS '78 recently received the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Distinguished Veterinary Alumni Award for Excellence in Practice. As a student at St. Francis of Assisi School, Dr. Gores shares her passion for God’s creation, especially our animals, along with this patron saint.

She has dedicated her professional career to the exploration and development of new and improved techniques in small animal veterinary surgery, particularly in the areas of surgical and therapeutic lasers, wound reconstruction and care, oral/ maxillofacial surgery, and elective orthopedics.

After graduating from Gonzaga University (1983) and WSU College of Veterinary Medicine (1989) and completing an internship and surgical residency (1989–1993) with Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, she became a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1996, receiving the Mary Mitchell Humane Award for feline kidney transplantation that same year. In 1999, she and her husband established the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson, a 24-hour emergency, multispecialty veterinary hospital which has received several design and practice management awards.

St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, pray for us!

Chuck Sibley '72 recently celebrated 50 years at KTTC-TV! Chuck currently serves as Chief Photographer at KTTC. From a recent KTTC social media post: “KTTC wouldn’t be the station it is without him!”

LOURDES HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS HALL OF FAME

The 15th Annual Lourdes High School (LHS) Sports Hall of Fame was held on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at the International Event Center, where hundreds of alumni, students, parents, and friends of the Rochester Catholic Schools community gathered for this incredible event in celebration of LHS athletics.

Each year at the event, several distinguished, former LHS athletes and a coach or coaches are inducted into the LHS Sports Hall of Fame.

The event also honors a championship team or teams, and the Gene Eiden Award is presented to a volunteer who has made a difference to athletics at LHS.

We are pleased to present this year’s inductees and honorees:

INDUCTEES

To submit a nomination for the 2023 Hall of Fame, email activities@rcsmn.org.

James Reardon '65

Terry Zimmerman ‘72

Robert Jirele ‘84

Jim Griffin ‘86

Anne (Breland) Webbles ‘06

HONORED TEAM

1996 (L) & 2002 (R) Baseball Teams

Tyler Greguson ‘10

Tom Kane ‘74 - Coach

GENE EIDEN AWARD

John Jensen

Alumni Social Gatherings!

Last school year, Rochester Catholic Schools launched a new series of social gatherings to provide alumni with fun opportunities to reconnect with classmates, meet other RCS alumni, and start new traditions! These events are open to alumni from all classes and schools.

Alumni Summer

Social in the Cities Alumni from near and far and all five schools attended our Alumni Summer Social in the Twin Cities at Union 32 Craft House on Thursday, July 21!

Homecoming Community Rally

Dozens of alums joined together with parents, staff, and community members at the American Legion for our Homecoming Community Rally event on Sept. 30. Attendees participated in tailgating fun as they reconnected and walked down memory lane before the LHS football game vs. Cannon Falls. (The LHS Eagles won 24-22!)

Watch RCS’ social media pages for information on upcoming events. Questions? Contact alumni@rcsmn.org!

Reunion Revival

Information about upcoming reunions and photos from past reunions are also posted on the RCS Alumni Reunion webpage at rcsmn.org/reunions. If your class is planning a reunion, please contact us at alumni@ rcsmn.org. We are happy to supply a class list, schedule a Mass and tour at Lourdes High School, and include your information on our webpage.

Reunions from Summer/Fall of 2022

Upcoming Reunions

Class of ‘68 • September 22-23, 2023

Contact: John Buskejk at Buskejk@comcast.net

Class of ‘63 • May 20, 2023

Contact: Jim Deutsch at pgajim@pga.com Saturday, May 20 - Picnic at Jim and Susan Bartels’ farm. Dinner at Somerby Country Club.

IN MEMORIAM

We are honored to remember our beloved alumni who passed away this last school year. We will do our best to include any recent notices of which we are made aware. Please email obituary information to alumni@rcsmn.org.

Carolyn Bandel, ‘69 Mary C. Beckman, ‘51

James R. Brott, ‘55

Theresann M. Feind, ‘76

David Ferguson, ‘55 Marie Gary, ‘69

Anthony M. Gould, ‘57

Charles F. Gray, ‘46

Linda Hanson, ‘68 Sharon L. Hathaway, ‘60

William K. Hauser, ‘62 Dennis J. Herman, ‘48

Rosella Jech, ‘55

James M. Libera, ‘85 Dean A. Loftus, ‘66 Gerald J. McCoy, ‘51

Marie T. Plemling, ‘51 Ed Schneider, ‘49

Kenneth Schweihs, ‘65 Mary Shanks, ‘59

Ethan Smith, ‘20 Robert Truax, ‘54

Luella M. Tesoriero, ‘31 Elizabeth H. Yochum, ‘71

How wonderful it is to join together in community once again! We welcomed the return of in-person class reunions last school year after many social gatherings were put on hold due to the pandemic.

Class of 1962 - 60th Reunion

Class of 1972 – 50th Reunion