FACULTY AND STAFF RETIREMENTS The following faculty and staff combine for an astonishing 250 years of Xavier experience! You have impacted thousands within the Xavier family and we wish each of you blessings on your well-deserved retirement.
Pat (Bleier) Rechner ‘66 15 Years, XES Learning Advocate
As I reflect on my years at the McDonald and Marquette campuses, 11 years as a classroom teacher and 15 years in the Learning Service Dept., I have many things for which to be grateful. I would like to thank my colleagues whose dedication, sense of humor, and friendship always helped to meet the challenges of the day. Thank you to parents for their understanding and support. A big thank you goes to my students who taught me how to be a better teacher.
Ginny Suechting
25 Years, XHS AP Biology Teacher My favorite memories are the many
colleagues who taught me so much about the art of teaching. Among the group, Dennis Oudenhoven was a really important mentor and taught me how to effectively evaluate student work while simultaneously encouraging them. He understood the true art of grading. I have loved Xavier because of the connections with my students and the extended connections with their families. It allowed me to develop course work and techniques that students have carried with them to college and graduate school. I am so grateful to Xavier for my years of service.
I’m grateful to Xavier for giving me opportunities to grow as a person and a professional. “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else” Fred Rodgers
Ann McKnight 23 Years, XHS Theology Teacher
Blessings to all!
Julie Guzman 20 Years, XES Marquette St Learning Services Teacher The Xavier system was a place I was grateful God guided me to over 20 years ago—after years of being a stay at home Mom. It was a safe place in so many ways— to express and grow in one’s faith, a place of support professionally and personally, a special work family. Thank you to my co-workers and all of the students and parents I was so blessed to meet! You have enriched me in countless ways. May God bless you all!
My favorite Xavier memory is teaching alongside both my sons. Ian ‘05 was hired as the middle school band director and we went to Winter Camp as teachers. Connor ’03 taught senior English with Denny Oudenhoven down the hall from my room. We always referred to each other as Mr. McKnight and Mrs. McKnight! When I began at the high school, I was part-time, but I stayed for lunch because the teachers' “second lunch” was so much fun. I usually left laughing. I'll never forget the shock and blessing of being the class of 2011 commencement speaker, or, in 2016 when the Cubs won the World Series and I got to celebrate in Brewer country! All the Kairos retreats with the students and teachers. So many laughs and Spirit moments. My advice for the Xavier community is to be a child of God first and have fun with the life you have been given. Don’t waste time or energy on impressing anyone but God.
