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Alumni News
Welcome CHS Alumni! We would love to hear from you. If you send us your e-mail address we will post it on our
Alumni page (see below). If you have any news or information you would like to share, either about yourself or
one of your classmates, you can either send it to us here at the CHS Web Page at schniedersgary@columbushigh.org or to Aundra Meeks at ameeks@cvce.org
Michael Hogan - Class of 1961
Congratulations to Michael Hogan on being named the new President at the University of Illinois. To read the story
click here
BOB SAUNDERS - Class of 1966
Bob was just selected by the Iowa High School track coaches as the Iowa
High School Track Official of the Year for the 2008-09 school year.
This was a very special award, as now Bob has been awarded all 3 Iowa
high schooltrack official awards: High School Official of the Year,
Junior High School Official of the Year and Cross County Official of the year
thus becoming the first official to win all three awards. These are not awarded by an
officials' association, but by the Iowa High School coaches themselves. Congratulations Bob.
Columbus 50th Anniversary
You can check out the article that appeared in the Courier regarding the Columbus 50th Anniversary by clicking here.
And here is the 50th Anniversary article that appeared in the Witness. Just click here.
Nick Anderson
Congratulations to Nick Anderson (Class of 99) who was announced firefighter of the year. You can read the story here.
Chuck Yagla
Congratulations to Chuck Yagla (Class of 72) who was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater. You can
read the story click here.
weekend
Bob Koopman
Father Bob Koopman has been named the new president of St. John's University. More information will be available at a later date.
To read the article and interview with Fr. Koopman click hereclick here
Dear “Class of 1981”
As you know, the June floods of 2008 , indeed devastated us. Words cannot express how deeply you touched our hearts with your financial donations to our families. Neither of our families have any siblings from your class,
and yet your outreach to us, in our time of need, reminds me of how Fr. Brunkan always reminded us that “we are family”. As you may or may not know, Deb and I are teachers at Blessed Sacrament, and it is good to know that
Jesus’s word lives through our Sailor “brothers and sisters”. With deep appreciation.
Lynne (Webber-’74), Hailey and Rick Johnson, Deb, Jack and Sean Murray
Corrine Brown ’87 named Teacher of the Year by Walmart
To read the entire article click here.
Ben McMahon ’05 – Top Target for Loras Football Team
To read the entire aticle click here.
Michael Hogan ’61 forgoes bonus to support grad programs
To read the entire article click here.
Tony Thompson ’91 meets Gen David Petraeus
To read the entire article click here.
William Heathershaw '04 Shares Olympic stories with Columbus students
To read more about William Heathershaw click here.
Flood/Tornado Help
The Class of 1981 has started to raise money for the four families from CHS that have be struck
by the tornado or floods this year. If you would like to contribute please send your donation (by August 10th) to the following.
Mike Knipp, 1418 Oakcrest Driv, Waterloo, IA 50701 or
Jackie Ingles, 2613 Edgemont Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50702
Please call me if you have any questions. Thank you, Jackie Ingles 269-9309
Benefit for Tom Cannon. Tom is the husband of Barb Duggan Cannon, class of 80.
To learn more about the benefit click here.
Pat Kinney - Pat Kinney '75 Named News Editor of the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier.
To read more about Pat Kinney click here.
Jym Ganahl - Jym Ganahl, Class of '66, has been inducted into the Ohio Associated Press Broadcasting Hall of Fame
To read more about Jym Ganahl click here.
Cathy Freet Nicholas - Cathy Freet Nicholas has been named as the new Black Hawk County Engineer
To read more about Cathy Freet Nicholas click here.
Kathy Schmitz Montgomery - Inducted into athletic hall of fame
To read more about Kathy Schmitz Montgomery click here.
Noel Anderson - Anderson to take over for Temeyer
To read more about Noel Anderson click here.
Bill Tate - Tates cope with loss of wife, mother
To read more about Bill Tate click here.
Shawn Jones - Waterloo Community Playhouse
To read more about Shawn Jones click here.
Karen Ceilley Carlson's obituary.
To read more about Karen Ceilley Carlon click here.
Bruce Nelson '87 was featured in a story about his successful construction business.
To read more about Bruce Nelson click here.
Larry Nemmers '61 hangs up his NFL whistle.
To read more about Larry Nemmers click here.
Chris Weber '00 sited for his enviornmental studies work.
To read more about Chris Weber's accomplishments, click here.
Casey McLaughlin was elected to the Hawkeye Community College Board of Trustees.
To read more about Casey McLaughlin click here.
Beth Rhodes Knipp selected to as Executive Director for Gambling Board.
To read more about Beth Knipp click here.
Cassandra Hart Gold Star Teacher
Cassandra Hart was one of 10 Black Hawk County teachers selected for the Gold Star Teacher Award. To read more, click here.
Sally Kelly makes a difference
Sally Kelly, an alum and head of patient relations at Allen Hospital, made a big difference in someone's life. To read more click here.
Alumni Friendships
Read how alumni Monica Huff Robbins, Corrine Murphy True, Besty Sink McDougall
Tricia Armstrong O'Loughlin, Rose Quirk, JoDee Gengler Schmit
Debbie Youngblut Knipp, Sandi Frein Brennen, Mary McGee Cushing
Sue Kinney Ball '75 and Barb Sink Burns '73, Julie Hagemann Delagardelle ' 79
were featured in a story about their longtime frienships. To read more, click here.
Amy Van Besien Howard ‘85
A Journey of Faith features Amy and her family as they handled Amy's illness and death in November, 2006.
To read more, click here.
Steve Knipp '69
Knipp retires after working 32 years in the Waterloo schools, coordinates wrestling event .
To read more, click here.
Msgr. Walter Brunkan
Monsignor puts in time building clocks for fundraisers.
To read more, click here.
Msgr. Paul Steimel
Monsignor Steimel celebrated his 80th birthday.
To read more, click here.
Colin Lein ’03
Standout basketball player at University of Texas – Pan American.
To read more, click here.
Michael Hogan
Was named President of the University of Connecticut
To read more, click here.
Bob Durnin Memorial
As most of you are now aware, Bob Durnin was involved in an automobile accident on 05/05/2007 that took his life. Bob was a graduate of Columbus High School , Class of 1987. More importantly, Bob was a husband and father to (4) young children.
His death has no doubt left a huge void in so many lives, but none more so then his children and spouse. One of Bob’s wishes was to ensure that his children were afforded the opportunity to go through the Catholic school system as he did.
Several of his friends and classmates have decided that they would like to help the family out monetarily. With that in mind, the Bob Durnin Benefit Account has been established. If you would like to help the Durnin family through this most
troubling time and be a part of something miraculous, then please contribute whatever monetary amount you feel might make a difference. Reach out to your network of people that may have known Bob and see if they would be willing to help.
The family will no doubt appreciate the generosity, but they will also realize that there is a community of people whom truly care.
Bob Durnin Benefit Account
c/o Veridian Credit Union
P.O. Box 6000
Waterloo, Iowa 50704
Place Acct. # 5602160 in Memo
Tim Clarke - Class of 2004
Tim Clarke has been selected as one of 8 West Point Cadets to study abroad in Brazil. To read more, click here.
Gary Sinnwell
Gary Sinnwell has been selected the Iowa recipient of the 2006-2007 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement. To read the article click here.
Chuck Yagla
Chuck Yagla makes the news, deciding to retire from being an official. To read the article click here.
Renee Duggan - Class of 78 and Julie Hayes - Class of 83
Renee Duggan and Julie Hayes are honored wtih the National Catholic Educational Association's Distinguished Graduate Award. To view the newspaper article click here.
Paul Gerkin - Class of 75
Cedar Rapids firefighter honored. To check out the full story click here.
Karen Dolan Rauenhorst - Class of 71
Karen Rauenhorst reveived an Honorary Doctor of Law from the University of Notre Dame. To check out the full story click here.
Kellyann Lekar Trost - Class of 86
Trost is the first woman to be appointed to Dristrict 1B Judgeship. To check out the full story click here.
Mike Mack - Class of 75
Mike Mack was named to one of the top positions with Deere & Co. To read more about this story click here.
Dr. Cassandra Foens - Class of 77
Foens is the first woman and first radiation oncologist from Iowa to be elected to the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors. To Find out more about this story click here.
Michael Borich - Class of 67
Borich, working in China provides and opportunity to soak up other cultures and gain knowledge. Mike and his wife Lynn relate some of their experiences in this article. Also a "Commentary" written by Mike, "Don't forget Chinese government agenda." To read more click here. And to read the commentary click here.
Ed Barker - Class of 65
Columbus grad finds a home at helm of motor home builder. To check out the full story click here.
Ben Hanisch - Class of 03
Suprise starter at ISU. To find out more click here.
Chris Fereday - Class 92
Winner of 20 under 40 award. To learn more click here.
Sean Kennedy - Class of 02
Ex- Sailor Kennedy finds success at Coe. To check out the full story click here.
Emily Summerhays - Class of 2005
Making tracks, Waterloo teenager releases first album. To find out more click here.
Joe Oppold - Class of 92
Thank you for support from 1996 to now. To read more on this story click here.
Tom & Cathy Lynch Hagarty - Class of 66
Most humorous valentine story. To check out more on this story click here.
Teresa Rhodes McGee - Class of 75
Teresa was one of 200 women religious leaders invited from around the world as a delegate to the Women's Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace, held in Kyoto, Japan. Ms McGee was also a delegate to the General Assembly of The World Conference of Religions for Peace which is an NGO (non governmental organization) of the United Nations. Delegates for the General Assembly represented nine religious traditions and 100 countries. The General Assembly published a series of documents called the Kyoto Statements which detail work to bring together religious leaders of all traditions to work for the common concern for peace.
Mike Knipp - In Memory of Glendy (Sweeney) Connor
Waterloo man gears up for 43-mile trek in friend's memory:
Faith. Support. Strength.
Glenda (Sweeney) Connor never lost any of those during her nearly
two-year battle with cancer that ended in March with her passing.
Mike Knipp will need the same faith, support and strength to honor her.
Knipp will embark on a 43-mile journey Friday morning --- one mile to
celebrate every year of Connor's life. He'll cover the distance on foot,
alternately running and walking until he reaches the finish line at the
Friday'Loo event in Lincoln Park.
"I've tried to picture it several times over the last few months what it
will be like," Knipp said. "Reaching the finish line will be very
emotional."
Knipp and Connor were Columbus High School classmates and close friends.
Knipp's quest to honor her began while listening to a sermon during
Lent. The priest asked parishioners, rather than give up something for
Lent, what could they do for someone else to show their faith?
"I went running one day, something I hadn't done for 20 years, and it
came to me," Knipp said.
It was an idea that required his own leap of faith, the support of
others and the strength within himself to continue even when his body
wanted to give up.
Those who knew her said Connor displayed the same courage.
"She was an amazing, extraordinary woman," said Scott Sweeney of New
York, Connor's brother. "For a year and a half she battled a very
debilitating disease and never lost her faith. You never heard her
complain."
Knipp's effort will raise money for Connor's surviving children, Amber,
18, a college freshman, and Brianna, 15, a high school sophomore, who
live in Minnesota with their aunt. The money will be placed in a trust
to help the girls pay for college.
"His concern about the well-being of the girls and wanting to honor my
sister's life really touched my family's heart," Sweeney said. "It's
incredible what he's doing. I've run a marathon. That's 26 miles. I
can't imagine running any more than that. It's truly amazing."
Knipp, 43, director of planned giving and major gifts at Cedar Valley
United Way, began training in April. He hadn't run since high school and
the farthest he'd ever run was 10 miles. Forty-three miles was a pretty
tall order, so he looked to the experts for help.
Enter Dana Foster, fitness coordinator{M3 at the University of Northern
Iowa. She volunteered to train Knipp at no cost.
"At first I thought he was crazy, but when I found out why he wanted to
do it I felt I could help him," Foster said.
"I remember that day," said Knipp. "I had gone to church that morning
and prayed for some kind of answers to how I'd get this thing done. When
I opened up my e-mails, there was Dana saying she'd do this free of
charge. I sat and cried."
Others have offered support, also. Sarah and Scott Gall, owners of the
Runner's Flat, hooked Knipp up with the right running shoes at a reduced
cost, and the YMCA allows Knipp to cross-train there at no cost.
Knipp's training was on track until about three weeks ago when a calf
injury sidelined him from running. He picked up the slack by swimming,
bicycling and walking to maintain his fitness level. Monday was his
first day back to running. As Friday draws nearer, Knipp grows nervous.
But Foster's confidence in him is strong.
"There's a lot to mind over matter," she said. "Your mind can double
what your body can do. Mike's faith is so strong and his desire to do
this is so strong there's no doubt in my mind he will complete it."
Knipp will begin his journey Friday at 7:30 a.m. He'll complete the
distance in 5-, 4-, and 3-mile walk/run increments. In the end, he'll
have walked 20 miles and run 23. He'll have company every step of the
way courtesy of a handful of family and friends who will join him at
selected intervals. He'll eat and drink plenty along the way to maintain
hydration and energy.
At the finish line waits Knipp's classmates, the Columbus High School
Class of 1981. They will gather at Friday'Loo for their 25-year reunion
and cheer on Knipp as he runs into Lincoln Park. He expects to arrive
around 6:30 p.m.
"I'm going to need somebody to grab hold of me as soon as I finish," he
said. "I hope I don't totally crumble."
To View Pictures Of Mike Finishing His Run click here.
McGeough named officer of the year
WATERLOO --- A member of a recently formed police unit has been named Waterloo's officer of the year of 2005. Members of the Waterloo police force nominated Matthew McGeough, 26, for the award. He was honored during a luncheon today by the Waterloo Exchange Club. "Fellow officers describe McGeough as respectful with his dealing with all people he has contact with," said Capt. Bruce Arends. McGeough, who joined the Waterloo Police Department in February 2003 after a stint as an officer in Iowa City, is one of the original members of Waterloo's Citizen's Response Unit. The special squad was formed over the summer to respond to neighbor complaints and give increased attention to "hot spot" locations. "It's a more proactive assignment," McGeough said "We work with a lot of the neighborhood groups and associations. We get feedback from them about concerns in their neighborhoods problems with drug dealing or illegal dumping, and we address those concerns." A native of Waterloo, McGeough graduated from Columbus High School, Class of '98, and earned a bachelor's degree in political science and sociology from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He became interested in law enforcement because had a number of family members who were in law enforcement, including his uncle who headed the Department of Natural Resources law enforcement division. After college, he was hired by the Iowa City Police Department in 2002. He joined the Waterloo force to be closer to home and has since served with the patrol division and bicycle patrol, and he is also a Neighborhood Association Liaison. "It's one of those jobs where every day is different. You don't just go sit at a desk and work at a computer for eight yours straight. You're constantly doing different things and dealing with different situations," he said. In his free time, McGeough likes to run, ski and spend time with friends and family. He also works part-time as a security at Devonshire School. Contact Jeff Reinitz at (319) 291-1578 or jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com.
Former Waterloo man earns top spot at Deere
WATERLOO --- A Waterloo native has been named to one of the top positions with Deere & Co.
Michael J. Mack Jr. has been named senior vice president and chief financial officer with Deere, company officials announced Thursday. It is a senior officer position with the company. He had served as treasurer since June 2004.
Mack, 49, is a 1975 graduate of Columbus High School in Waterloo and of Iowa State University.
Mack began his career at the John Deere Des Moines Works in 1978 as an engineer while attending Iowa State. Following graduation, he worked as a research and development engineer for Hewlett-Packard.
After returning to John Deere in 1986, he held a variety of positions in information systems, corporate finance, international finance, business development, strategic planning, product engineering, purchasing and as a factory manager.
In 1999, he was named vice president of marketing and sales for Deere's Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division, formerly known as lawn and grounds care.
He was named a senior vice president in February 2001, responsible for the division's marketing, sales, order fulfillment, finance, information systems, and e-business activities worldwide.
Mack serves on the board of the Figge Art Museum in Davenport and the Iowa State University Engineering College Industrial Advisory Board.
Mack's namesake father, of Waterloo, is the retired longtime director of the John Deere Product Engineering Center in Cedar Falls.
In 1971, Mack, then 14 and a crossing guard at St. Edward's School in Waterloo, won state and national lifesaving awards and recognition for saving 10-year-old Beth Sand from being struck by a car at the Kimball Avenue school crossing.
World Youth Day
Cedar Valley sends large group to attend World Youth Day
This group includes Columbus and Don Bosco alums, Fr. Ken Glaser who is the current pastor at St. Stephan the Witness on the UNI campus and who was recently the Chaplain at Columbus, Kim Huff the Waterloo Catholic Youth Minister, and parent Sandy Brennan. Recent alumni who will be attending are as follows: Heidi Holler, Jessica Breuer, Ashley Rottinghaus, Amy Muller, Nick Muller, Katie Burvee, Brad Federspiel, William Heathershaw, David Salisbury and Erin Brennan.
For a picture of the attendees, click here.
Tim Cordes
Tim Cordes ‘94 was featured in a story that ran in the Waterloo/ Cedar Falls Courier on Sunday, April 24, 2005. The story was written by the Associated Press and tells of how Tim, who is blind, has earned his MD from the University of Wisconsin. Tim is working on his Ph.D, runs four miles twice a week, is engaged to an associate medical student, has a passion for cars, enjoys camping and canoeing and handles his successes with humility.
Check out the full story by clicking here.
Abebe Sisters
Yeshi ‘94, & Tsehay ‘95, Saba ‘2000 Abebe - This feature story, “Abebe Sisters Offer a ‘Trifecta’ of Potential,” ran in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier in February, 2005. It tells of Yeshi and her background in international law, Tsehay participating in international issues of poverty and education, and Saba, fresh out of college and ready for a challenge. Check out the full story by clicking here.
Business Entrepreneurs
Dan Schmitt ‘85, Dru Schmitt ‘87, Joe DiMartini ‘87, Eric Schaeffer ‘87 - Northern Iowa Today - The University of Iowa Magazine, summer, 2003. This Alumni Profile - “St. Louis Firm Wins National Acclaim” - features Dan, Dru and Joe. It tells of their entrepreneurial spirit and the journey they took in building a successful holding company in St. Louis. This article, of course, touts the fact that these men are alums of UNI. We have only one thing to say - They graduated from Columbus first!Check out the full story by clicking here.
Clay Mitchell
Clay Mitchell ‘91 - A story about Clay and his “Farm of the Future” ran in Time Magazine on December 6. 2004. “Mitchell calls his combine his “office on wheels.” This story tells of the progressive techniques Clay is utilizing on the family farm - GPS, an Autopilot system, wireless networking from anywhere on the farm and more. He is on a mission to spread the word on how this is all done.
Check out the full story by clicking here.
Ed Barker-President Winnebago Industries
Ed Barker ‘65 -
Ed Barker, class of 65, was elected President of Winnebago Industries
FOREST CITY, Iowa--May 4, 2005--Winnebago Industries, Inc., announced that the Board of Directors elected Ed Barker, Winnebago Industries' CFO, to the additional position of President in a meeting held today.
Barker, 57, is a 36-year veteran of Winnebago Industries and was promoted to the additional position of President effective immediately. Most recently serving as Senior Vice President, CFO; Barker joined Winnebago Industries in 1969 as a cost accountant. He has served in various financial and management positions since that time. In January 2003, he was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in order to broaden his involvement in all aspects of the operations of the Company, while continuing to oversee the Company's financial and purchasing operations.
Winnebago Industries' Chairman and CEO Bruce Hertzke relinquished the title of President in order to focus on the Company's overall direction.
"Ed has a great working knowledge of the Company and its operations, having worked in senior management positions within Winnebago Industries since 1980," said Hertzke. "Under his financial leadership, he has helped Winnebago Industries lead the motor home industry in returns for the Company's shareholders and I have the utmost confidence that he will continue to help the Company grow for the future. Ed will retain his role of Chief Financial Officer.”
Pat Breuer
MMC (SS) Chief Pat Breuer ’85 - and his career in the military was outlined in this dedication in the Waterloo Courier Celebrations section. Pat was born on Oct. 27, 1966, in Waterloo to Willie and Marcella Breuer. A graduate of Columbus High School, he enlisted in the States Navy in August 1985.
Check out the full story by clicking here.
Matt Lawson
Sgt. Matthew Lawson ‘97 - answers question about his service in Iraq in this Waterloo Courier Forum on Novebmer 27, 2004. Check out the full story by clicking here.
Chris Klieman
Chris Klieman ‘86 - this Waterloo Courier article from November 20, 2004 announces the fact that Chris was hired as head football coach at Loras. Check out the full story by clicking here.
Teri Lenth
Teri Lenth ‘85 - this Wednesday, October 27th Courier article tells of Teri being hired as Director of Corporate Sponsorships for the Big Ten conference. Check out the full story by clicking here.
John Graham
John Graham ‘02 - the Waterloo Courier Insider featured a story about John’s visit to Blessed Sacrament school and the fact that the students “adopted” his battalion. Check out the full story by clicking here.
"Self-Portraits" by Claire Stigliani
We are pleased to announce that alumni Claire Stigliani, class of 2002, is having her first art show, "Self-Portraits". Her pictures are on display at the Panther Pause Cafe, University Book and Supply located at 1009 W 23 St, Cedar Falls. She will be hosting an open house on Tues, Jan. 27 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
 
 
 
Chuck Yagla
On September 4th 2004, Chuck Yagla became the 77th athlete to be inducted into the University of Iowa's Varsity Club. Inducted in the same ceremony was Football Coach Hayden Fry. During his career that started at Sacred Heart then moved to Columbus then to the University of Iowa. Chuck accomplished:
- 1972 - State High School runner-up
- 1974 - Silver Medalist Jr. World Champions
- 1974 - 1975 - 1976 - 3-time All American
- 1975 & 1976 - 2-Time Big Ten Champion
- 1975 & 1976 - Iowa Co-Captain
- 1975-1979 - 5-Time USWF National Champion
- 1975 & 1976 - 2-Time NCAA Champion
- 1976 - Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Championships
- 1976 - US Olympic Team alternate
- 1977 - 1982 - Assistant Iowa Wrestling Coach winning 5 NCAA Team Championships
- 1978 - USA Senior Freestyle Champion
- 1978 - USA Senior Greco Roman Champion
- 1979 - World Cup Champion
- 1980 - US Olympic Team member (US boycotted Olympic this year)
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Chuck Yagla, Coach Hayden Fry, and Mike Marlow
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Currently works in Waterloo At Kirk Gross Company and is a NCAA Referee working nation wide including the Big 10 tournament, PAC 10 tournament & the National Tournaments every year since 1994.
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