eCrusader-Chronicles_Winter2018

A Publication of the CATHOLIC MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Alumni Community
blu 293 yelo 116


Crusader






Chronicles



WINTER 2018






















IN this ISSUE

Class Notes
The 1967 Reunion Effect
New Principal Introduction
Alumni Inspiring
Young Engineers
Our Lady of Memorial Chapel
Blessing & Ribbon Cutting















memorial faith

EXCELLENCE Trust




inclusiveness Caritas in Omnibus


PROFESSIONALISM RESPECT

Events Calendar









CELEBRATIONS & EVENTS REUNIONS

MAY 11, 2018 JUNE 23, 2018
Celebrating Lives of Service Mass & Lunch Class of 1972 - 45+1 Reunion
Blessing & Dedication of Memorial Wall Class of 1998 - 20-Year Reunion
MAY 27, 2018 JULY 27-29, 2018
Commencement Class of 1968 - 50-Year Reunion
JUNE 11, 2018 AUGUST 25, 2018
30th Annual Crusader Golf Outing
Class of 1978 - 40-Year Reunion
JULY 19, 2018
Young Alumni Golf Outing NOVEMBER 23, 2018
Class of 1983 - 35-Year Reunion
JULY 21, 2018
Alumni Volleyball Tournament DATES TBD
Class of 1958, Class of 1973
JULY 31, 2018
Reunion Zero - Class of 2018

SEPTEMBER 28, 2018
Athletic Hall of Fame Front cover image:
Homecoming
5th Quarter Isaac Barta ‘18, Josie Beres ‘18, Fr. Paul
Hartmann ‘84, and Ally Kormanik ‘18 cut the
NOVEMBER 21, 2018 ribbon to the new Our Lady of Memorial
Crusader Day of Service Alumni Project
Chapel on February 1, 2018 alongside CMH
DECEMBER 22, 2018 chaplain Fr. John Gibson.
Alumni Basketball Tournament



On November 5, 2017,
CMH Drama Teacher Chris
Andacht hosted a CMH
alumni social at Carmine’s
while visiting New York City
for the Dramatist Guild
Fund Gala with Bob Buchen
‘56. Pictured: Derek Ewing,
Jennifer Andacht Ewing
‘03, Jenny Loeffler ‘10, Tyler
Agnew ‘14, Mitchell
Matayas ‘14, Lizzy Wesley
‘14, Jenny Matthews Cullert
‘93, Chris Andacht, Patrick
McCarthy ‘67, and Hope
Feller ‘17.






2
For updates and complete information on Catholic Memorial events, please visit www.catholicmemorial.net.

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Greetings! This winter season finds the Catholic Memorial
community celebrating in many wonderful ways. In this edition
you will read about some of those exciting developments.
2017-2018 CMH BOARD OF DIRECTORS
First and foremost, CMH announced Laura Anderson as our new
Ann Marie Wick ‘88, Chair principal effective July 1, 2018. Laura is a tremendous addition to
Mark Mirsberger, Treasurer the leadership team. She brings to CMH a passion for her Catholic
faith, proven success as a school leader and someone with deep
Thomas Taugher ‘79, Secretary
ties to our community. In addition to being a current CMH parent,
Michael Grubich, HR Chair she is also a parent of two CMH alumni. Laura is an active
Laura Anderson volunteer and is often seen at school events and in parishes across
Waukesha County.
Rev. Mark Brandl
Lawrence Brown Additionally, CMH was recently named one of only 109 high
Patrick Dragani schools in the country as a School of Distinction for Project Lead
the Way. Of course, this recognition is due to the great leadership
Marcy Hinkes Dunlap ‘76
of Mary Petrie, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Dept. Chair and
Carlos Garces Engineering Faculty but she would be the first to point to the
William Henk amazing support we receive from the business community. In this
issue of Crusader Chronicles, you’ll read about just a few who
Very Rev. Dan Janasik ’97
dedicate their time and financial resources to help us grow our
Susan Nelson engineering program. As of this publication, I am pleased to share
Randy North ‘84 that 59% of our incoming freshman class have registered for PLTW
Eric Oechsner classes in all 3 strands. It is the largest growth of freshmen ever!
This momentum is due to alumni like those featured in this issue.
Kelly Cleary-Rebholz As always, CMH success is made possible through the multiple
Shawn Reilly ‘79 ways alumni support the school. For that, we thank you.
Christopher Rosecky ’88
A very important step we will take this spring is a CMH Brand
Rev. Tony Zimmer Survey of alumni. When you receive your email and survey link, we
hope you will participate. Your feedback is vitally important.
2017-2018 ADMINISTRATION
God has blessed CMH in many ways. While our future is bright,
Donna Bembenek, President we will continue to depend on all of you to help us plan our way
Laura Anderson, Leadership Council forward as we prepare today’s students for their futures in a world
filled with innovation, entrepreneurship and new career paths that
John Burke, Leadership Council
were not even imagined five years ago. The country needs
Stephanie Diedrich, Leadership Council effective faith-based leaders more than ever and at CMH, we are
Steve Plechaty ‘74, Leadership Council developing them every day!
and Dean of Students
Peace to you always,
Dawn Keller, Director of Finance
and Business Administration Our Lady of Memorial, pray for us!
Julie Lindahl ‘91, Director of Admissions
and Recruitment
Matt Bergan ‘02, Director of Athletics
Jon Brzeski ‘99, Director of Campus Ministry


Contact the Development Office to help stop
duplicate and undeliverable mail by updating your
address. Your help is appreciated.
For information about making a donation, setting Donna Bembenek
up a scholarship, sponsoring an event or attending President
an upcoming alumni event, please contact the
Development Office at 262-542-7102.
Printed by Crossmark Graphics


Michael Popke ‘86
www.crossmarkgraphicsinc.com www.twolakesmedia.com

601 E College Ave. Waukesha, WI 53186 | 262-542-7102
www.catholicmemorial.net | [email protected] 3

Alumni Class Notes






MAX COOPER ’17 is enjoying success KATHRYN HARVEY ’10 moved back to BRIAN COOPER ’03 is the new
as a wide receiver for the University of the Milwaukee area to join the St. Assistant Executive Director of Hope
Iowa Hawkeyes Anthony High School staff as Director Street Ministry - the Greenhouse for
Football Team. of Campus Ministry. Welcome home! People on 26th and Capitol.
Read the article: Congratulations!
goo.gl/VQ3RFW ERIC LAURIA-BANTA ’09 graduated
Magna Cum Laude from the University JEFF KRAUSE ’03 was named as one
LAURA ELLINGEN of Minnesota Law School and was of the Top-500 Next-Generation
‘15 and JESSICA accepted into the Order of the Coif Wealth Advisors by Forbes.
PAWLAK ’14 − an honor society for United States
starred in the law school graduates. Congratulations, KRISTIN GAMALSKI HARTUNG ’02
Milwaukee Eric! and PATRICK HARTUNG
Premiere of The ’01 welcomed a second
Burials by Caitlin LINDSAY son, Thomas Patrick on
Parrish BEMBENEK ‘07 Sept. 29, 2017. He joins
Performances were married Mark big brother, Joe.
Oct. 20-29, 2017 at Bednar on Nov. 11, MEGAN ZINTEK ’01
Cardinal Stritch University. 2017 at Cathedral of and her husband Geof Daczyk
St. John the Evangelist
COLIN QUINN ’14 is working with a in Milwaukee, WI. welcomed son Ethan James Arthur on
team at Marquette University whose Feb. 18, 2018.
main priority is to MIKE SMITH ‘07 was hired LISA GAMALSKI ’00 and her husband
eradicate malaria. He as an Estimator/Project Matt Walsh
was featured on the Manager for Moore welcomed
cover of Marquette Construction Services. daughter, Avery
Magazine’s Fall 2017 CHRISTA CONNOR ARMELI ’05 and Quinn on Feb. 5,
issue. goo.gl/xr8x5z her husband Joseph welcomed 2018. She joins

MARA APARNIEKS ’11 daughter Reagan Jo on Jan. 20, 2018. big brother,
was awarded the Top Teacher Award She joins big brother, Anthony. Cole.
from WISN 12 News. She is a teacher AUSTIN MOORE ’05 and RACHEL MARY BASEL CHRISTOPHER ’98 and
at Whittier Elementary in Waukesha. BERGHOUSE MOORE ’05 welcomed her husband Alexander welcomed
LIZZY FRANTL POLHEBER ’11 and their second child, baby Owen
AUSTIN MOORE ’05 were honored on Brooklyn Grace on Sept. Charles into
Mar. 15 by The Daily Reporter as Rising 9, 2017. She joins big the world on
Young Professionals of Construction. brother Donovan. Oct. 5, 2017.
Lizzy with VJS Construction and Austin HOLLY KREITZER He joins big
with Moore Construction. WALTER ’04 and her husband Jamey sister Amelia
Ruth, 2.
welcomed their second daughter,
Kahliah Elizabeth on Sept. 29, 2017.
She joins big sister Eliahna.


TELL US YOUR NEWS UPDATE YOUR INFO ALUMNI CONTACT

Keep us posted on the exciting Keeping your alumni information Karri Spataro,
things happening in your life! up-to-date means you get the most Alumni Relations Coordinator
Job changes, engagements, recent publications, invitations, and [email protected]
weddings, anniversaries, news from your alma mater. Contact
accomplishments...anything information is not shared or published 262-542-1229
you’re proud of! Send news and without your consent. To update your
photos to: info, go to the alumni section of the
[email protected]. CMH website and fill out the form.

4

DAVID EMERICK ’97 was named
Senior Associate Director of
Athletics/Chief of Staff for
Football at Washington State
University. In Memoriam
ROSE MONDLOCH LANGE ’83,
who is an active artist in the
Waukesha and Milwaukee areas, September 2017 - February 2018 Joan Janasik, mother of Michael
had her artwork featured in the Janasik ‘96, Fr. Dan Janasik ‘97 and
100th Art Crawl on Mar. 3, 2018 We prayerfully remember all those in Michelle Janasik Zuhlke ‘98
in Waukesha. the Catholic Memorial community who
have passed away. John A Karpinski, father of Julie
DAN NEEDLES ’81 received the Karpinski Bunczak ‘88 and Brighton
Silver Circle Award from WISN Michael S Baxa, husband of Mary West ‘90
12. The honor goes to journalists Bruders Baxa ’77
with at least 25 years in the Walter Bembenek, father-in-law of Thomas Kuemmel ‘73, brother of
business. Watch his highlight CMH president Donna Bembenek; Daniel ’66, Ted ’70 and Mary Petrie
reel: goo.gl/x1VX2D grandfather of Lindsay Bembenek ‘76; brother-in-law of Mary Pagano
Kuemmel ‘70; uncle of Angela
MARIE SMITH O’BRIEN ’80 and Bednar ’07 and Scott Bembenek ’13 Kuemmel ’00, Tim Petrie ’02, Rebecca
JERRY JENDUSA ’85 spoke at Mary Griffith Berg ’73 Kuemmel Perry ’03, Steve Petrie ’05,
the 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes event Katie Kuemmel Powell ’08, Robert
on Dec. 7th. Andrew Casper, son of the late Nancy Petrie ’08 and Laura Petrie ‘11; uncle-
Ohberg Casper ’55; brother of in-law of Joe Powell ‘08
CHRIS Therese Casper ’79, Peter Casper ’81
MILLER ’69 and Karen Casper Kardian ’83 James Mack, father of Julie Ott ’00
was named and Kathryn Kuwik ’02
Music Richard Casper, husband of the late
Director for Nancy Ohberg Casper ’55; father of Sandra Mertes ’62
Tallahassee Therese Casper ’79, Peter Casper ’81 John Nadolny, father of Ann Luckey
Youth Orchestras in June 2017. and Karen Casper Kardian ’83 ’73, Mary Garrity ’76, Steve ’83;

JERRY RABAS ’68 retired after 39 Elmer C Dalebroux, grandfather of father-in-law of Tami Ryan-Nadolny
years as Senior Construction Ben ’18 and Alyssa ’21 Nimz ’83; grandfather of Kim Nadolny Sloan
Manager at UnityPoint Health- Mary Ebel, mother-in-law of CMH staff ’01 and Nicole Nadolny Matuka ’08
Meriter. Lori O’Brien, sister-in-law of Marie
member, Jennifer Ebel
Smith O’Brien ’80
Michael F Flaherty, father of Michael
’72, Cathy McAleavey ’77, Mary Pat Thomas Putz, husband of Carli Berns
’79, William ’82, Daniel ’90; father-in- Putz ’98; brother-in-law of Alex ’04
law of Brian McAleavey ’77; and Phillip ’05 Berns
grandfather of Megan McAleavey ’00 Mike Sager, former CMH coach,

James (Jim) W Flory ’83, brother of teacher and administrator
Jean Schueler ’66, Susan Fox ’78 and Audrey Sauer, grandmother of
Mike Flory ’81; brother-in-law of Connor ’11, Mary Kate ’15 and Forrest
Gerald Schueler ’66 ’21 Sauer

Diane Gray, mother of Carol Gray Jack Sichterman ‘83, brother of Scott
Over 300 guests gathered to Harden ’88 Sichterman ’80
celebrate our 2017 LEGACY
AWARD winners on Nov. 8, 2017. Raymond Hoffmann, husband of Thomas Smith, companion of Denise
Rose Hoffmann, CMH faculty member; Ryan ’68
L to R: father of Paul ’99, Tom ’00 and
JEFF KRAUSE ’03 - Distinguished Michael ’03 Hoffmann Karl T Wieland, husband of Barb
Young Alumni Award Griffin Wieland ’89
TOM & KRISTI CZARNECKI, Alumni Ivona M Holubowicz, grandmother of
Parents - Memorial Award Matthew ’12 and Kate ’14 Holubowicz Please notify CMH of the death of any
ANN STOLLENWERK MAAS ’77 - Joan Jeffords, grandmother of alumni by emailing Alumni@
Caritas Service Award Kimberly Nadolny Sloan ’01 and catholicmemorial.net. We apologize
JERRY JENDUSA ’85 - Professional Nicole Nadolny Matuka ’08 for any errors or omissions that occur
Achievement Award. in this In Memoriam section.

5
Denotes memorials donated to CMH per family’s request.

Reconnecting & New Friends


THE CLASS OF 1967 REUNION EFFECT


Catholic Memorial High School’s Class of 1967 family at home. They thought everybody else
has raised the bar for all alumni when it comes led practically perfect lives. That’s not true,” he
to reunions. Not only has this class celebrated said. “And, quite honestly, the Holy Spirit shows
reunions every five years since 1972 with the up when we talk about these things.”
typical dinner and dancing model, but it also
now supplements that with a pre-reunion “Day “The honest revelations from classmates about
of Discussion.” their problems growing up, or as adults, opened
my eyes as to how few of us had perfect
Since the 30th reunion in 1997, a small group of childhoods or have problem-free adult lives,”
classmates convenes at CMH (first in the library said Margie Steckbauer Krauski, who had not
and now in the Academic Resource Center) for attended Class of 1967 reunions since 1977 but
serious talks about serious topics. decided to return for the 50th reunion in 2017,
after the 2016 death of her husband. “We
“By the time of our 25th reunion, reality was bonded in ways that were impossible as
starting to hit a lot of us — disease, death, teenagers. Maturity has made us inclusive rather
divorce, drugs, alcohol, financial distress,” said than exclusive.”
John Bunce, who lives outside of Pittsburgh and
helped establish the Day of Discussion with “Everyone experienced the joy, relief and love in
CMH administrators. “We have created a space embracing and sharing our vulnerability,” added
for people to talk about those things. All are Bob Bluhm, who now oversees the Day of
welcome. All are safe. There’s no need for Discussion. “It was a pure gift. People felt it.”
people to be alone during the dark periods of
their life.” “We’re all 68 years old now, and we’ve lost
about 15 percent of our class,” Bunce
Conversations run dark and deep: Think of concluded. “We need a safe place to talk, a
CMH’s Senior Retreat, times 10. The first time place to help us know we’re not alone. As
Bunce introduced this concept, about 20 former classmates, we have a common
classmates showed up. “I asked them, ‘Who background and are reconnecting and forming
here still believes in God?’ And from there we new friendships. I’m not sure I ever talked to
had a constructive discussion,” he said. “About Margie in my life before our 50th reunion. But
half of the people said they didn’t believe or had this has enabled me to reach out, and it lets
serious questions about Catholicism.” others reach out, too.”
Five years later, in 2002, several of the 24 Catholic Memorial helps the Class of 1967
attendees revealed that one or both of their facilitate the Day of Discussion at the school;
parents were alcoholics when they were students being in the same building where they once
at Catholic Memorial. Other topics have were students strengthens the emotional bonds
included drug addiction, suicidal behavior and for participants. The Alumni Relations
life after death. Department also helps track down missing
classmates. CMH classes seeking to model their
Despite the heavy discussions, the experience is own reunions after the Day of Discussion or to
enlightening and fulfilling, according to Bunce. create similar shared experiences are
“Everybody thought they were the only ones at encouraged to contact the school.
Catholic Memorial that had a dysfunctional
Article by Michael Popke ‘86


LOOKING TO PLAN YOUR REUNION?


It’s never too early to start planning your next class reunion! Catholic
Memorial makes it very simple to plan reunions by implementing several
ways to help you connect with classmates, get communications out, and
secure reunion locations. We can even manage registrations if you’d like.
The Alumni Manager works closely with you to take care of the details!

Please reach out if you are interested in partnering with
CMH to plan your next reunion!


Contact the Alumni Manager to get started!
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 262-542-1229
6

(L to R) Laura, John ‘15, Kyle ‘19,
Zach ‘19, Haley ‘13 and Gary
Anderson on vacation.
























MRS. LAURA ANDERSON

Catholic Memorial Principal





Catholic Memorial High School is pleased to announce Mrs. Laura Additionally, Anderson led initiatives in technology, STEM and
Anderson as its new principal. curriculum work, and was involved in a multi-million-dollar
campaign and campus expansion. Prior to her role with St.
Donna Bembenek, president of CMH, shared the news with Charles, she taught middle school mathematics at Holy Apostles
faculty and staff on March 12, 2018. “We are so pleased to have Catholic School in New Berlin. Anderson has an undergraduate
Laura Anderson join the leadership team as principal. Laura is a degree from Cardinal Stritch University, a master’s degree from
strong spiritual leader and exemplary school administrator.” Aurora University, and completed her certificate in Educational
Bembenek added, “Laura is well known among the CMH Policy and Leadership from Marquette University. She and her
community as a parent of alumni Haley ‘13, John ’15 and two family are members of Holy Apostles Catholic Parish.
current juniors, Kyle and Zachary. She is an active volunteer and is
often seen at school events and in parishes across Waukesha Bembenek added, “Throughout the process, Laura impressed the
County.” Search Committee with her passion for developing faith-based
leaders and building on the exemplary education received by
The Principal Search Committee collaborated with the school CMH students.”
community to identify the attributes for a successful candidate. A
record of academic success, a leader who is a role models in their When asked about her appointment as principal, Anderson said,
Catholic faith, and a collaborator with faculty and parents to “I am humbled by the opportunity and look forward to serving
continue the strong outcomes for which CMH is known, were the CMH community and nurturing and expanding the strong
identified as key priorities. “In Laura, we are blessed to have hired Catholic culture and rigorous academics that are well established.
someone who has a record of being a successful academic I am committed to preparing students to serve others.”
administrator, leads with faith, and has pre-established
relationships with the extended CMH community,” said Ann Anderson will assume her duties on July 1, 2018.
Marie Wick ’88, CMH Board Chair and member of the Search
Committee.

Anderson comes to
CMH from St.
Charles Parish
School in Hartland,
where she currently
serves as principal.
Under the
leadership of
Anderson, St.
Charles earned
Exemplary
Recognition in
Mission and
Catholic Identity
from the Archdiocese (Left) Laura Anderson poses at St. Charles School in Hartland where she will serve as principal until the
end of the 2017-2018 school year. (Right) Laura with her husband, Gary and sons Zach and Kyle, both
of Milwaukee. juniors, at Parent Night during the CMH Wrestling 2017-2018 season. 7

NICK KROLL

Aries Industries

Nick Kroll didn’t intend to become chief pushed into a four-year degree program they
executive officer of a company that makes either can’t afford, won’t like, or are unsure about.
underground video and rehabilitation I also want them to understand that they can
equipment for sewer, water, oil/gas and pursue a career in manufacturing while also going
mining applications. to college. That’s what I did.”
Upon graduating from Catholic Memorial in Organizations are starving for leaders, Kroll
1988, he attended Marquette University and stressed in his two PLTW presentations, assuring
St. Norbert College, obtaining a degree in students that young talent will be recognized and
economics and a minor in Spanish. Kroll rewarded.
took jobs in customer service and sales
before returning to Marquette to earn a As a member of the Waukesha County Business
master’s degree in business administration while Alliance, Kroll also is increasingly concerned about
also starting a family and working full time for an workforce development and the widening skills
industrial equipment supplier. A decade later, gap. To that end, he encourages young people
he was named CEO and president of Aries from the Waukesha area to tour not only Aries
Industries but other manufacturing plants as well.
THANK YOU to the CMH Industries.
alumni who have dedicated “I want to help people think of different Additionally, Aries co-sponsors CMH’s STEM
initiatives and CyberSaders Robotics team.
their time to helping CMH pathways to a career,” said Kroll, who has
students be successful! recounted his CMH-to-CEO journey for students “Going back to Memorial was a bit surreal, and it’s
in Catholic Memorial’s STEM-focused Project
been a humbling experience,” Kroll said. “But I
Lead the Way curriculum, which stresses critical have been profoundly impressed with the students’
Chris Esser ’08 - Dielectric Corp. thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world willingness to learn and interact with me.”
problem solving. “Students shouldn’t feel
Dan Knapp ’97 - Standard Electric
Joe Maas ’07 - D.O.T.

Rob Petrie ’08 - Ledgeview
Alumni Inspiring Young Engineers
Joe Powell ’08 - ABB
Dan Semrad ’08 - Boldt Articles by Michael Popke ‘86


KYLE STOEHR

Oconomowoc Manufacturing Corp.

When Kyle Stoehr was a student at Catholic Memorial, he didn’t know “I look at this as part of a 10-year solution,” he said.
what kind of job he wanted. Upon graduating, he attended Arizona “Bringing back vocations is not a quick fix. But I love the
State University, earned a degree in communications and didn’t plan idea of looking at the STEM curriculum as a craft and an art.
on returning to Wisconsin. We’re in a renaissance period when it comes to the creativity
happening in STEM-related fields right now.”
Then his stepfather, Donald Sydow, asked him to come back and work
for the company he owned, Oconomowoc Manufacturing Corp., Stoehr, whose son, Owen, is a sophomore at CMH, also
which makes custom bearings. Stoehr held positions in sales and does volunteer video work for CMH’s
quality control before becoming a managing partner overseeing football team, and he previously organized
product development. the Alumni Golf Outing. But his involvement
“I realized what we’re doing under the roof here in with PLTW might be the most valuable.

Oconomowoc has importance out in the world,” he said. “Whenever I can
advocate for Memorial,
In addition to “doubling down” on recruiting, training and product I do,” Stoehr said. “If
development at Oconomowoc Manufacturing, Stoehr also became we’re lucky, we have
involved with CMH’s Project Lead the Way, a four-year engineering 40 to 50 years after
program with a heavy emphasis on STEM education (Science, we graduate from
Technology, Engineering and Math). college to make our
Stoehr recently spoke to students in the PLTW program about the mark. Hopefully,
importance of remaining flexible when pursuing a career in today’s students can
manufacturing and focusing on acquiring both hard and soft skills. learn from some of my
Vocational work, he said, requires much more creativity than most ideas.”
people think.
8

TONY MALLINGER

Metal-Era Engineered Roof Solutions

Manufacturing is in Tony Mallinger’s blood. His dynamics and understanding the value of hard
family founded Metal-Era Engineered Roof work. We don’t want them to be thrust into the
Solutions in Waukesha in 1980. After graduation business world and then wonder what to do.”
from UW-Milwaukee and working at a couple
Milwaukee-based manufacturers, he joined the “My message to them was simple: I learned a lot
family business as controller in 2001. of lessons along the way because I tried to be a
well-rounded person,” he said.
“I spent years jumping from one role to another,”
said Mallinger, who was promoted to chief
executive officer of Metal-Era in 2009. He now Mallinger—who lives in Brookfield with his
oversees 150 employees, and company revenue wife and three kids—has held a job since age
has increased an average of 11 percent every year. 14, beginning at Burger King on Bluemound
Road, and he played soccer for the Crusaders,
Nothing like Catholic Memorial’s four-year Project which helped him build character and
Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering program existed exposed him to different personalities.
when Mallinger was a student at the school. But
when program chair Mary Kuemmel Petrie ’76 Eventually, Mallinger hopes his face-to-face
invited him to come speak to two classes about his interaction with Catholic Memorial’s PLTW
own journey from CMH to CEO, he jumped at the students also creates a path for future Metal-
opportunity because he recognized his story’s Era employees. For now, though, returning
impact. to the halls of his alma mater 25 years after
graduating has sparked some nostalgia.
“These kids can go in any direction they want and
be successful,” Mallinger said. “But they also need
to learn soft skills, such as navigating group




“I enjoy it when alumni come in to speak to us because it shows me that
CMH prepares us well for the future. Hearing the successes of alumni
Alumni Inspiring Young Engineers inspires me to continue working hard in school. Through hard work, they

achieved their goals, and I can do the same thing.” - Rebekah Gratz ’19


ASHLEY MILLER ’01, JENNY GERSCHKE ’06 & MEREDITH JOHNSON ’09

SPX Transformer Solutions

Three Catholic Memorial alumnae work at the SPX Johnson, Miller and Gerschke work
Transformer Solutions, a manufacturing company with students in two CMH
in Waukesha. Sisters Ashley Dentice Miller and engineering classes four times during
Meredith Dentice Johnson are both industrial the school year, overseeing activities
engineers, and Jenny Gerschke is a planner and that supplement concepts they’re
industrial engineer. Two years ago, they developed currently learning. They also serve as
SPX’s Outreach Program and brought it to CMH. judges for a year-end design
competition.
A group of about 35 volunteers from SPX visit
middle schools and high schools in Waukesha and “There is a very special feeling when
Brookfield to work with students on STEM subjects you can return to a place that shaped
— Science, Technology, Engineering and your life and who you are today,”
Mathematics — via presentations and hands-on Gerschke said. “Not only can I give
activities. Johnson, Miller and Gerschke lead the back to my school, but hopefully I can also make an impact on a couple
SPX team at CMH. students’ lives. Maybe I can spark an interest that they never knew they
had.”
“Catholic Memorial gave us a great education and
helped us do well in college,” Johnson said. “We The fact that all three of the mentors are women is making a big impact,
really wanted to work with current students at our too. “After the bell rings, some girls come up to me and say, ‘Thank you
high school. Not only do we get to educate them — I needed to see a successful female in engineering,” Johnson said.
on what SPX does, but we also get to help mentor “There are not many females in this field, and we want to
students and prepare them for their future
endeavors.” help change that.”


9

Our Lady of Memorial Chapel



OFFICIAL BLESSING & RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES

Photos by John Kimpel ‘58 and Kristin Gamalski Hartung ‘02



















The new Our Lady of Memorial Chapel is now in full use after its Dedication of
the Altar and Blessing Ceremony on January 10, 2018 and the Official Ribbon
Cutting Ceremony on February 1, 2018. Thank you to all those who contributed
time, talent and gifts to Catholic Memorial High School to make the completion
of this capstone project possible.

(Left) Bishop Jeffrey Haines presided over the Chapel Blessing Mass. Here he blesses every part of the chapel with
holy water. (Center) Fr. Paul Hartmann ’84 fills the air with incense as he blesses the Blessed Virgin Mary statue.
(Right) Alumnae Jennifer Poshek Ogren ‘89 and Pauline Beres Rosecky ‘87 cover the altar after Bishop Haines
anointed and blessed it with holy chrism oil.
(Below) A view from the back of the chapel during the Blessing Mass on January 10, 2018.

(1)




(1) Alumni parents at the Chapel Blessing Ceremony (L to R) Pauline Beres Rosecky ‘87,
Bill West ‘79, Michelle West, CMH president Donna Bembenek, Betsy Janssen and Leon
Janssen.
(2) Bishop Haines and Deacon Dennis Petrie, alumni parent, bless the Narthex.
(3) Deacon Petrie, Fr. Hartmann, Bishop Haines and CMH chaplain Fr. John Gibson
concelebrated at the Dedication of the Altar and Blessing Mass.
(2) (4) The two stained glass windows in the chapel were installed by Liturgical Environments,
owned by alumni Jerry ‘56 and Theresa Mauerer Krauski ‘58.
(5) Jack Fleming ‘09, alumni parents Paul Wojnowski, Stefanie Cristan and Monica Fleming,
Tommy Fleming ‘17 and Tony Wojnowski ‘17 pose next to the plaque and sconce honoring
their mother and grandmother, Mary Cristan.











(3)












(5)



(4) 11

Crusader
blu 293 yelo 116
Chronicles Pre-Sorted First Class


WINTER 2018 U.S. Postage
Paid
Catholic Memorial High School Permit No. 589
601 East College Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186 Waukesha, WI





































The Class of 2004 reclaimed their championship title on Dec. 23, 2017 by defeating the Class of 2014 in the
final game of the Alumni Basketball Tournament! Thanks to the 80 players who came out to play this year!
































Pictured L to R: Sean Marek, Chris Fehrenbach,
Rob Hanley, Bill Kolinske, Mike Hanley and
Mike Heritsch, all Class of 2004


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