Alumni Album - TCCES

Zephyr Connection
While he was competing
with the SMC math team,
Aaron Schumacher never
dreamed of stepping into
the teacher’s role. Yet now,
six years after his 2001
SMC graduation, he is
about to do just that, as
he prepares to teach high
school mathematics in
a New York City public
school.
Aaron earned his Bachelor
of Science in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin at
Madison in May 2006. As an undergraduate he pursued diverse
interests, conducting experiments for the psychology department’s
Speech Perception Laboratory and leading the university’s official
breakdance club.
A publication for alumni, parents and friends of St. Mary Central High School
Spring 2007
ALUMNI PROFILE: SMC Grad Takes Teaching to THE Big Apple
Aaron is the oldest of nine children and the only boy in the family. His
parents, Phil and Karen, live in Menasha where several of his younger
sisters are students in the TCCES school system. Aaron enjoys visiting
home and family as often as he can, and is already planning a party with
his sisters for the release of the final Harry Potter book this summer.
Asked how SMC contributed to his obvious academic success, Aaron
replied, “My high school experience completely instilled in me the
ideal of self-reliance, building the skills to make judgments, think, and
work independently. I only realized it after leaving its halls, but SMC
really did give me a great sense of optimism for the future, a sense that
no matter how bad things seem they can always get better. I would say
that I carry this attitude through all my experiences, and it gives me
a real inner strength to draw upon. My high school teachers at SMC
really inspired me to go out and be the best teacher I can possibly
be.”
Aaron explains how he made the decision to go into teaching. “In
my final year at Madison I applied for a variety of programs, and my
decision came down to getting a Masters and teaching math in New
York or teaching English in Japan. Japan would have been fun, but I
decided to advance my education and try to make a difference in the
U.S.”
Aaron was selected by the non-profit Math for America (MfA) as a
Newton Fellow. MfA was founded in 2004 with a mission to improve
math education in our nation. Through the program, Aaron is
currently completing a one-year Master of Arts in teaching program
at Bard College in New York State. He will be a full-time teacher in
a New York City high school for the 2007-2008 school year. Aaron
is currently student teaching at a school on the lower east side of
Manhattan, and says it’s an adventure and a challenge, but one he is
very excited about.
Event Calendar
SATURDAY APRIL 21, 2007
Zephyrfest 2007
Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, Appleton
FRIDAY JULY 20, 2007
Greater Zephyr Golf Outing
Westridge Golf Course, Neenah
SATURDAY JULY 21, 2007
Athletic Hall of Fame/Outstanding Alumni Award Dinner
Holiday Inn Riverwalk, Neenah
In This Issue • Spring 2007
Alumni Album.....2-6
Alumni Events......7-8
SMC News...........9-10
Other News.........11-13
Alumni Sports Corner.......14-15
FRIDAY OCTOBER 5, 2007
SMC Homecoming/Alumni Tailgate Reception
Zephyr Field at St. Mary Central
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2007
TCCES Jumbo Gumbo Fundraising Event
Waverly Beach, Menasha

Alumni Album
CLASS NOTES
1940s
1950s
1960s
Mari Ester (Wyling) Howard (’47) lives in Appleton
and remains very active in several community volunteer
organizations including the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family
Christmas giving program. She is currently spearheading the
class of 1947’s 60th class reunion. Mari Ester remembers
being the only girl from St. Therese Parish who made the
journey from Appleton to attend St. Mary Central High
School, then in Menasha.
Donna (Beaudo) Coenen (’49) and her husband, Duane,
recently visited SMC to buy raffle tickets for this year’s
Zephyrfest fundraising event. Donna and Duane, who live
in Neenah and have grandchildren in the TCCES school
system, also toured the school.
Ron Dibeluis (’56) and his wife, Lotus, live in Meridian,
Idaho, where Ron is an assistant athletic director for Boise
State University. It was an exciting year for Ron, as the Boise
State Bronco football team finished the season ranked 5th.
They were the nation’s only unbeaten team after defeating
Oklahoma 43-42 in overtime to win the Fiesta Bowl on New
Year’s Day. Ron was a standout athlete at SMC, named the
Most Valuable Player for the 1955-56 basketball team. He is
a member of the SMC Athletic Hall of Fame and still remains
one of the Zephyr’s biggest fans, watching the outcome of all
of our athletic teams via internet postings.
Suzie (Waters) Meyers
Sund (’58) married Bill
Sund on August 26, 2006
and honeymooned on
a Canadian river cruise.
They are retired and reside
on the Chain of Lakes
in Waupaca. Suzie, with
Bonnie Plummer (’58), is helping to coordinate the class of
1958 reunion to be held in October, 2008.
Nancy Kolasinski Fischer (’58), using an 8 iron, impressively
made a hole-in-one on the 18th hole at the Country Creek
Country Club in Estero, Florida, her winter home. Nancy is
a winter resident of Estero and otherwise lives in Menasha.
David McGuire (’61) lives in Sacramento and is a lawyer
for an insurance company. He is married to Catherine, who
is originally from Chippewa Falls. They have three grown
children who are all college graduates--two from George
Washington University and one from UC Santa Barbara.
The McGuires feel extremely grateful that the last of tuition
has been paid!
Anne (Lyons) Huston (’62) lives in Chicago and is a senior
development editor for Kaplan Professional Publishing.
She is also busy as the owner/manager of Annie’s Lincoln
Park Bed & Breakfast, which she operates with her husband
John. Anne has lived in Chicago since she graduated from
college. She and John raised three children, all of whom live
in the Chicago area.
1970s
1980s
1990s
Victoria Fay (Houk) Ebben-Svitavsky (’73) graduated
from UW-Oshkosh in December with a Bachelors of
Science degree in education with a license to teach K-12
cross-categorical special education students.
John P. Keating, (’76) turns 50 this year. In honor of the
milestone, he recently climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro, a 19,340-
foot mountain, which lies about 220 miles south of the
equator. John was one of the 20,000 climbers who attempt
the ascent up Africa’s highest peak every year. When he isn’t
climbing, John lives with his wife, Peggy, in San Diego,
where he has managed the San Diego office of the civil
engineering firm Linscott, Law and Greenspan for the last
15 years.
Amy (Sall) Kiser (’87) lives
in Eagle, Nebraska, and
works as a sales representative
for Curwood. She and
her husband, John, have a
daughter, Kennedy Rose who
was born in May 2005.
Dan Bogart (’89) Dan graduated in May 2006 from
Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee with a Master
of Arts degree in special education. In September, Dan
will begin his third year as a special education teacher with
Milwaukee Public Schools, working with students with
autism.
Tom Latham (’90) and his wife, Kaonou, welcomed their
second child, Aleah Nouci Latham, who was born on August
29, 2006 in West Bend. Aleah has a big brother, Ethan, age
five.
Tracy (Hupf) Akstulewicz (’91) is married to Lee and has
three children, Allie 14, Frankie 12, and Morgan 9. They are
all enrolled in TCCES schools, Allie and Frankie at Seton
Catholic Middle School and Morgan at St. Margaret Mary
Elementary. Tracy is employed at Pitney Bowes as a technical
support lead. She enjoys playing volleyball and is currently on
a co-ed quads team.
Bob Zuleger (’92) is the shipping and receiving manager for
Fox Valley Truck Service. Bob has been married to Christie
for four years. She is a second grade teacher at St. John the
Baptist in Howard. They have two children of the furry,
four-legged variety named Duke and Teal, with whom they
enjoy hunting for ducks and pheasants in their spare time. A
highlight was last October when they used Teal to guide for
Dan Small on his television program “Outdoor Wisconsin.”
Jane Healy Brown (’93) graduated cum laude from St. Mary’s
University in Winona, Minnesota with a Bachelor’s of Art
degree in theater and English literature and also earned at
M.A. in Arts Administration at St. Mary’s University in
2

Alumni Album
1990s
Minneapolis. She currently
works for JP Morgan Chase
as a retail project manager.
Jane and her husband,
Mason, recently had
their first child, Margaret
Kay (Maggie), born on
November 26, 2006. They
live in Chicago where
Jane volunteers for the
Family Literacy Program
at the Jane Addams Hull
House. Jane recalls the value of the small class size at
SMC and the availability of teachers for extra help
when needed. She states, “I started college with a sense
of personal responsibility for my college classes and that
encouraged strong study habits.” She especially praises
Doc Mannenbach’s English and speech classes for “laying
a fantastic foundation for students to express themselves
clearly and thoughtfully.”
Brett Zagzebski (’93) graduated from UW-Milwaukee
and works a manager at Burghardt Sporting Goods in
Brookfield. On June 12, 2004, Brett married Sparta native
Carrie Simpkinson. On April 6, 2006 their son, Will
Dalton, was born. Brett keeps busy with his family and
in his spare time enjoys playing on a couple of softball
leagues, a dart league and enjoys playing poker. They have
made a few trips to Las Vegas in the past couple of years.
Katie (Schneider) Thiry (’94) recently accepted the
position of training & development manager within
the department of human capital development at with
UnitedHealth Group’s corporate headquarters. With
the support of Jason Thiry, her husband of seven years,
Katie is also pursuing a PhD in training and performance
improvement. Katie says, “My endless passion for
education stems from the extraordinary experiences I had
at my alma maters St. Mary Central High School and the
College of St. Catherine’s Master of Arts organizational
leadership program. Both environments taught me that
leading, instead of just managing change begins with
educating oneself. Both of these schools are known for
their outreach to those who are historically marginalized
in our society and their service as leaders in education. I
am proud to be an alumna and proud to support private,
Catholic education.”
Chris Britzke (’96) and Liesl Bergstrom (’99) were
married in November at St.
Mary Church in Menasha. In
lieu of the traditional clanging
of glasses to garner a kiss at the
reception, wedding guests had
to first make a contribution to
Chris and Liesl’s alma mater.
The result was over $400 (and a
lot of kissing!) that was donated
to the school.
1990s
2000s
Tara (Semmerling) Zichichi (’97) teaches first grade in
Gilbert, Arizona. She received her M.Ed. in elementary
education from Northern Arizona State University in August
2006. On December 14, 2006, Tara and her husband,
Michael, welcomed their first
child, Ashland Marie Zichichi.
Brooke (Dombeck) Hintze (’99)
completed her undergraduate
studies at the University of
Wisconsin Green Bay with a
double major in psychology
and human development. In
December of 2006, she earned
a masters degree in school
counseling from UW Oshkosh.
On August 27, 2005, Brooke
married John Hintze. Brooke
met John, a commercial loan
officer at Associated Bank,
while they both attended UW-
Green Bay. John and Brooke
feel very lucky to have both of
their families in the area to spend time with.
Renee (Heimerman) Siems (’00) married former classmate
Eric Siems (’00) last summer.
Both she and Eric graduated
from St. Norbert College in
De Pere. Renee is currently
a kindergarten teacher at St.
Margaret Mary Elementary
in Neenah, while Eric is a
substitute teacher in the Fox
Valley area. The couple lives
in Neenah.
Lindsay Dombeck (’02) and Steve Aykens (’01) are engaged
and will be married on August 4, 2007.
Blake Doss (’00) graduated from Luther College in Decorah,
Iowa in May 2005 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in music
(organ performance emphasis) and political science. He
is currently pursuing Master of Music degrees in organ
performance and sacred music at Westminster Choir College
of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey. In December,
Eric sang with other members of the Westminster Symphonic
Choir in Handel’s “Messiah” at the Riverside Church in New
York City with the New York Philharmonic.
Patrick Juneau (‘02) has a son, Patrick Jr. He attends Fox
Valley Technical College and manages and leases apartment
buildings.
We’d love to hear from you! Send your update
to us at http://www.smc.k12.wi.us and click on
the alumni event icon.
3

Alumni Album
LET’S GET TOGETHER: UPCOMING REUNIONS
CLASS OF 1947
Mari Ester (Howard) Weiland recently sent out postcards in search
of contact information for the class of 1947 reunion to be held next
year. If you have not received a postcard or have an update for her,
please e-mail her at Mari2333@aol.com.
CLASS OF 1957
St. Mary Central High School Class of 1957 will gather for a reunion
the weekend of August 25 and August 26, 2007. The reunion will
begin on Saturday, August 25 with a party at the home of Bob and
Mary Karisny in Menasha. There will be a barbeque, boat rides and
a surprise later in the evening. The reunion will conclude on Sunday,
August 26 with a banquet at Michiel’s in Appleton that will include
a social hour, dinner, music and dancing.
The class of 1957 had 128 graduates, 14 of whom are deceased. The
committee is looking for information on the following classmates:
Kay (Finch) Peterson, Robert Wenzel and Diane Retzlaff. Please
contact Carol Schueler Plank at 920-739-2947 or Clarence “Sonny”
Lotzer 920-722-3791 with information, or if you did not receive an
invitation from the committee in the mail.
CLASS OF 1958
Mark your calendars--the Class of 1958 has already made plans for
their 50th reunion in 2008! The reunion will take place on October
10-11, 2008. Chairperson for the 1958 class reunion is Suzanne
(Waters) Sund. You can contact Suzanne at 715-258-4234 or
suzysundshine@charter.net.
CLASS OF 1967
Reunion planning is underway for the class of 1967’s 40th reunion,
being planned by Fran (Walbrun) Larson. It will be a combination
reunion with SMC and Menasha High School and will be held
on Saturday, October 6 at the Bridgewood Resort in Neenah. The
weekend events will also include a golf outing at Bridgwood on
Saturday. A social is planned for 5:00 p.m., with dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Hopefully you recently received information from Fran. If you did
not, contact her at 725-4952.
CLASS OF 1972
The class of 1972 has planned their 35th reunion for Saturday,
September 8, 2007. It will be held at the Center Court in Club West
in the Town of Menasha. A “save the date” postcard has been sent
to class members. If you did not receive this, please call Christine
(Mack) Reiser at 920-725-6812.
CLASS OF 1987
Curt Bauman would like to plan a 20th reunion for the class of 1987.
If you would like to assist Curt, please e-mail him at cbaumann4@
charter.net
RELIVING THE GOOD TIMES: SMC REUNIONS
CLASS OF 1956
The class of 1956 held their 50th class reunion on Friday, September
29 and Saturday, September 30, 2006 at the Bridgewood Resort in
Neenah. On Friday, the group (many from out of town) took part in
a traditional Wisconsin Friday fish fry at Bridgewood. On Saturday,
some classmates golfed, while others went to St. Mary Central for
a school tour. The weekend’s activities concluded with a dinner on
Saturday evening at Bridgewood. Approximately 74 classmates and
guests attended the reunion, which was organized by Marty (’56)
and Mary Kay (Schwalen) Kees (’57).
Standing: Anne Lewis, Chris Lewis (’56), Joan (Otto) Haag (’57) and Dave Haag (’56). Seated: John
Sahli (’56) and friend, Dick Pagel (’56) and Marlene Pagel.
Nancy (Schoepel) Fuszard (’56), Carol (Pocquette) Ropella (’56), Dorothy (DeBruin) McCallum (’56).
Members of the class of 1956 reminisce over yearbooks at SMC during a tour as part of their 50th
class reunion in August. Pictured are: Gerald Kujawa, Mary Kay (Schwalen) Kees (‘57), Marty Kees
(’56) and Mary Ellen (Pilgreen) Kujawa (’56).
4

Alumni Album
CLASS OF 1991 GIRLS BASKETBALL REUNION
The girls varsity basketball team from the class of 1991 came together
for a reunion on Saturday, November 25. Nine players, with most
of their parents and two of their coaches from ‘the day’ Brian Garvey
and Pete Schulz, met at the Stone Toad Pub to share stories and
reconnect with their teammates. Shelley (Fulton) Raaths and Dawn
(Uhlenbrauck) Fry planned the gathering.
67369 Basketball Postcard 10/12/06 10:24 AM Page 1
The whole gang including parents, friends and spouses.
1991 Sara (Baier) Schulz, Sarah Kramer and Heather Halfmann, along with Jim Schulz (Sara’s
husband) and Mr. Baier (Sara’s dad).
CLASS OF 1996
On Wednesday, November 22, 2006, the class of 1996 gathered at
the Stone Toad Bar & Grill for a 10th class reunion planned by Caela
(McClone) Brenn (‘96). About 15 classmates attended, along with
SMC alum from other years. All who attended had a great time.
SMC Girls Basketball
The girls varsity basketball team from 1991.
VARSITY TEAM 1991
Front 2 rows: Pat Weiss, Dan Nadolney, Kelly Weinandt, Ann (Wehrel) Huelsbeck, Tom Ise, Colleen
(Mankoskey), Lisa Sturm, Mary Ellen (Blumreich) Krueger, Chris Britzke, Caela (McClone) Brenn,
Pat Lepinski Back Row: Kevin Huelsbeck, Sam McClone, Morgan Catlin.
ALUMNI PHOTO ALBUM
Denny Van Handel (’58) is shown with David DuVall following the Pro-Am in San Diego last
January. Denny lives in San Diego where the Buick Pro-Am Tournament is held each year.
Gene Dunsirn (’57) - left and Tom Eiff (’58) - working at a rodeo in Tucson. Tom is a Tucson
resident, while Gene is a “snow-bird” winter Tucson resident. For the last two years, they have sold
beer together at the rodeo for Tom’s Rotary Club. Pictured in the middle is Tom’s fellow Rotarian
Pete Lehman.
5

Alumni Album
ALUMNI TAILGATE
Despite the soggy weather,
many SMC alumni
braved the elements on
September 29 to join in
our Homecoming 2006
festivities. The evening
started with the traditional
homecoming parade
SMC Alumni with Sr. Rochelle Kerkhof. beginning at the old St.
Mary’s in Menasha and ending at Jefferson Park, followed by a
“tailgate party” under the tent at Zephyr Field. Alumni football
players from all years were recognized at halftime of the SMC-
Manitowoc Lutheran game. Over 50 alumni attended the event.
Mark your calendar
for next year’s SMC
Homecoming--Friday,
October 6, 2007. Watch
for details about another
alumni reunion!
SMC Alumni football players recognized at halftime.
ALUMNI SOCCER REUNION
Group shot of alumni players for the 2nd
annual soccer reunion.
The SMC soccer team hosted the
second annual Zephyr coed alumni
“friendly” match. All former SMC
soccer alumni were invited to play.
The match took place at Zephyr
Fields at St. Mary Central High
School on September 30th, 2006.
Over 30 alumni soccer players
demonstrated they can still
maneuver the ball and make it up and down the field with ease!
Following the game, many alumni
stayed to cheer on the SMC boys’
varsity soccer team as they took on
Freedom. Current and longtime
SMC boys’ and girls’ soccer coach
Gary Kruger and SMC Booster
Club representative Mike Brown
coordinated the event.
Alumni soccer players enjoy a copy of the
Zephyr Connection.
Two distinguished awards will be given to St. Mary Central alumni on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk in
Neenah. This year’s recipient of the SMC Alumni Achievement Award and a new inductee to the Athletic Hall of Fame will be
announced during a dinner that begins at 6:30 p.m.
Are you golfing in the Greater Zephyr Golf Outing on Friday, July 20? Make it an SMC weekend and a celebration of all alumni
by attending the dinner as well. For more information, fill out the form below, call Sue Thelen at SMC, 722-7796, ext. 853 or
watch the alumni information on the SMC website for reservation information.
SMC ALUMNI AWARD DINNER - SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2007
RESERVATIONS FOR THE HALL OF FAME/ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT DINNER
NAME/CLASS YEAR:
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
E-MAIL:
NUMBER OF TICKETS REQUESTED:
AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $
The cost is $25 per person, made payable to TCCES.
Please send to Sue Thelen, SMC/TCCES Advancement Office, 1050 Zephyr Drive, Neenah, WI, 54956.
6

Alumni Events
SMC Honorary Alumnus, Athletic Hall of Fame
and Alumni Achievement Awards Nomination Form
Please help us honor individuals who have distinguished themselves in the finest tradition of St. Mary Central High School.
I would like to nominate:
Name:
Address:
City, State & Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Class Year:
Nominated by:
Name:
Address:
City, State & Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Class Year:
Nominating for:
___ Honorary Alumnus ___ Athletic Hall of Fame ___ Alumni Achievement
The criteria for the awards are as follows:
Honorary Alumnus (to be honored during the SMC graduation ceremony): The Honorary Alumnus Award is presented to an individual who has shown
an exemplary volunteer commitment to St. Mary Central High School by selflessly sharing his or her time and talents with the school. This individual
consistently represents SMC in a positive manner throughout all his/her volunteer efforts.
Alumni Achievement Award (to be honored during the alumni banquet in July): The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to an alumna/us who
displayed strong leadership while a student at SMC, has achieved distinction in his/her community and/or field of expertise, continues to support SMC
and/or Catholic education, and exhibits Christian values. The nominee has to have graduated from SMC at least 10 years ago.
Athletic Hall of Fame (to be honored during the alumni banquet in July): The nomination for induction into the SMC Athletic Hall of Fame requires that
the individual brought recognition to SMC through athletic accomplishments, is currently respected in his/her community and models Christian values.
Please tell us about the nominee and the characteristics that you feel make him/her an outstanding nominee:
Return by April 23, 2007 to SMC Advancement Office, St. Mary Central High School, 1050 Zephyr Drive Neenah, WI 54956
7

Alumni Events
2007
St. Mary Central Golf Outing
Tournament benefits the St. Mary Central Booster Club
Friday, July 20, 2007
Westridge Golf Course
Located on Hwy 76 (old highway 45) in Neenah
Rain or shine • Scramble format
Sponsor Sign-Up
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the SMC Booster Club,
which supports all of the athletic and co-curricular activities offered
at St. Mary Central High School.
Tee Sponsor--$250
Includes sign at tee / prominent recognition in all advertising,
newsletter and annual report
Hole Sponsor--$500
Includes sign at tee / two SMC polo shirts and umbrellas/
prominent recognition in all advertising, newsletter and
annual report
Entrance Fee
$80 per person by 6/1/07 or $90 after 6/1/07
Entrance fee includes: 18 holes of golf, greens fee and golf cart,
box lunch at the start and dinner after golfing.
Registration deadline is July 7. There are spots for 144 golfers and it
will sell out, so register early to reserve your spot!
Sign-in time: 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
Shotgun start: 12:00 p.m. SHARP!
Player Registration
Enjoy the entire day for $80 per player (before 6/1/07) or $90 after 6/1/07. Don’t
be left out! Sign up your team today!
Player 1
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
E-Mail
Alum Year (if applicable)
Sponsor Name
Contact Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
E-Mail
Bronze Sponsor--$1000
Includes two player slots sign at tee / corporate information
display / sign awards and dinner / prominent recognition in all
advertising, newsletter and annual report
Silver Sponsor-$2,500
Includes four player slots sign at tee / corporate information
display/sign at registration table, awards and dinner/prominent
recognition in all advertising, newsletter and annual report
Gold Sponsor--$5,000
Includes eight player slots/ sign at tee / corporate information
display / sign at registration table, awards and dinner / prominent
recognition in all advertising, newsletter and annual report
Prize donations
Gift certificates or door prizes that can be awarded during
the event
Player 2
Player 3
Player 4
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
E-Mail
Alum Year (if applicable)
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
E-Mail
Alum Year (if applicable)
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
E-Mail
Alum Year (if applicable)

SMC News
TEC TEAM OFFERS KIDS DAY OF OLD-TIME TECHNOLOGY
Unlike the limited technology available to most SMC alumni in
their high school days, kids now can e-mail, text message or make a
cell phone call to their parents from anywhere. In this age of super
technology, there is still one source of communication that has stood
the test of time—ham radio operation.
On Sunday, January 7, SMC’s Technology and Engineering Club
(TEC) hosted a unique and fun educational outreach for area
middle school students and their parents. Ham Radio Kid’s Day,
a nationwide event that exposes young people to the marvels of
communications technologies, was held at SMC. The kids made
many ham radio contacts locally and with other kids from across the
United States.
some very interesting stories to tell about St. Mary’s active ham radio
club in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.
Father Richard Shafer, then St. Mary administrator, was a ham
radio operator and club member, as was mathematics teacher Sister
Lumena. Mr. Kober stated that Sister Lumena awoke most mornings
at 4:00 a.m. to get “on the air” before preparing for class. Sister
Lumena asked Father Shafer and the students to help her install an
antenna on the roof of the convent and wire it into her bedroom.
Mr. Kober said they had to go almost all the way to the Vatican
for special permission to enter the convent and her private quarters!
Special permission was eventually given by the bishop to enter her
bedroom and complete the work.
John Kober (’61) attended and brought his 1959 yearbook and
original pictures with him. Mr. Kober, a ham radio operator, had
The TEC Team, which has 20 members this year, is coordinated by
SMC Alumni Greg Cheslock (’73).
In Memoriam
Please pray for our departed alumni and friends and their families. All those listed have been remembered in petitions at an all-school liturgy.
We respectfully wish to remember all alumni and friends of SMC. Please send the information to sthelen@tcces.k12.wi.us.
SMC ALUMNI
Marcellin “Muzzy” Resch 1936
Marc F. Griesbach 1937
Germaine (Calmes) Murphy 1939
Mary Kolo 1941
Elaine A. Bishop 1942
Robert Denil 1946
Imogene Storzer 1948
Donald Fadner 1949
Jerry Spang 1950
James F. Delain 1953
James Sahli 1957
Mary Stusinski 1957
Denny Zapp 1958
Joe Heitl 1958
Carol (Schierl) Koehler 1959
Steven E. “Kip” Kitzerow 1969
Jon St. John 1999
FRIENDS OF SMC
Orville Murphy
Husband of Germain (Calmes) Murphy (’46)
John Van Rossum
Father-in-law of Jodi (Niesen) Van Rossum (’86) and Mary (Bayer) Van Rossum, (’80)
William Stanton
Husband of Gladys (Klinker) Stanton (’43), father of Ann (Stanton) Hoernke (’81), Linda
(Stanton) Grunska (’78), Maggie (Stanton) Potratz (’80) and Maureen (Stanton) Fluette (’66)
Richard M. Tuttle
Father of Debbie Chew (honorary alumnus) and father-in-law of Jeff Chew, SMC girls varsity
basketball coach
Reverend Roy J. Geenen
Pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish, 1985-2006
Reverend Roy J. Geenen - Rest in Peace
The death of Father Roy Geenen in January was a shock to
everyone in our school and parish community. Among a long list
of accomplishments and assignments, Fr. Roy was beloved pastor
of St. Patrick’s Parish in Menasha from 1985 to 2006. Many SMC
Alumni who attended Seton Catholic Middle School will remember
Fr. Roy well.
In taking the words of his colleague and friend, Father Richard Allen
of St. Gabriel parish, “Fr. Roy was a man of many hats, delighting
people with his wit and wisdom (and hats) from the pulpit, on local
theatrical stages and at parish gatherings. Father Roy believed in the
words of Jesus, ‘I have come that you might have life and have it to
the full.’ Therefore, it was his wish that any of his useable organs and
tissues be donated to people in need.”
Father Roy worked tirelessly to bring the area schools together into a
system, that ultimately became TCCES. Through his work and that
of so many others, today we have a system that has vitality and that
reflects a cooperative and collaborative effort on the part of all five
parishes.
Again with the words of Father Allen, “We salute Fr. Roy. As a
priest, friend, moderator and teacher he touched the lives of so many.
We thank God for sharing him with us over the years. Obviously his
physical heart was not as strong as his spiritual heart. May God open
wide His heart to welcome Father Roy.”
9

SMC News
SMC JUNIOR CLASS LEARNS ABOUT
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Students in Mrs. Jean Zuleger’s junior American literature and honors
American literature classes were recently given the task to research
different careers. As part of their research, they were required to shadow
an individual in a career of their interest. The professions chosen by
the students were wide-ranging. Two students, Michael Miner and B.J.
Englebert, shadowed Menasha Mayor Joe Laux, while Dana Mc Elligott
spent a morning on WIXX with morning hosts Murphy and Maino.
Other professions shadowed included several in the medical field,
teachers, chefs, attorneys, engineers, realtors, and veterinarians.
SMC KEY CLUB BRIGHTENS
THANKSGIVING FOR AREA FAMILIES
The SMC Key Club sponsored a basket drive for Thanksgiving. By
collecting food items, students were able to provide Thanksgiving
dinner to 12 families in the Neenah and Menasha area. The baskets were
completed with turkeys purchased with the revenue earned from student
donations.
SMC ATHLETES SHINE
The SMC boys’ and girls’ fall and winter sports teams have not only
proven to be successful on the court or field, but in the classroom
as well. Cumulative grade point averages prove this point:
Joel Quella listens while SMC technical technician Bill Schulze (’99) explains the operation
of a school server. Quella’s interest in technology prompted him to shadow IT Director Dan
Roe and Schulze for his career project.
ST. MARY CENTRAL TOPS AREA
ACT RESULTS
St. Mary Central High School students excelled in ACT performance,
averaging 24.5 on the national standardized test. SMC are the leaders
among area schools as well as outpacing the statewide composite
average of 22.1 and the national average of 21.1. 83 percent of SMC
graduates took the ACT test at some time during their sophomore,
junior, or senior years of high school, compared to 68 percent of
graduates statewide and 40 percent nationwide.
Boys’ cross-country
Girls’ cross-country
Soccer
Volleyball
Tennis
3.237
3.552
3.413
3.420
3.520
Football
Girls’ basketball
Boys’ basketball
Boys’ hockey
3.146
3.596
3.420
3.530
COMMUNITY LEADERS ATTEND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK LUNCH AT SMC
In celebration of Catholic Schools Week, Representative Roger Roth, Jr. (’96) (R-Appleton) and his brother, Kevin Roth (’04), joined
members of the SMC student council for lunch on Friday, February 2. Newly elected to the Wisconsin Assembly, Roth told student council
representatives that the issues he faces in Madison are similar to those he faced when a member of the SMC student council in the 1990s, only
larger-scale. He said the background he received at SMC has been especially helpful in his new role as a Wisconsin legislator.
Neenah businessman John Bergstrom also joined SMC students for lunch on Tuesday, January 30. Mr. Bergstrom joined members of
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). The group discussed college plans and their experience at SMC, among other topics, with Mr.
Bergstrom.
Rep. Roger Roth (’96) catches up with teacher Doc Mannebach during a visit to SMC
during Catholic Schools Week in January.
Rep. Roger Roth (’96) and Kevin Roth (’04) visit with SMC student council member Nina
Nosovan at lunch.
10

Other News and Information
TCCES JUMBO GUMBO
FUNDRAISING EVENT
The TCCES Jumbo Gumbo fundraiser was held on Saturday,
November 11 at Waverly Beach in Menasha. The event, hosted by
cooking gurus Mad Dog & Merrill, featured soups galore and amazing
prizes. The ever-popular Vic Ferrari provided entertainment, along
with other performers recruited from a talented pool of teachers
from TCCES. The unique and casual style of this event has made
it popular among our school parents as well as alumni and friends.
This important fundraising event for the TCCES system will again
be held next November. Watch for details!
Members of the class of 1976 enjoy Jumbo Gumbo
PLANNED GIVING:
RECOGNIZING YOUR
THOUGHTFULNESS
If St. Mary Central
is fortunate to be a
part of your bequest,
please let us know about
it. We would like the
opportunity to recognize
your thoughtfulness.
Please call Sue Thelen in the
Advancement Office at 920-
722-7796, ext. 853 or e-mail
sthelen@tcces.k12.wi.us. We
can also provide more information
about how your charitable gift can
ensure the future of SMC.
SMC GRADUATE PERISHES IN IRAQ
Jon St. John, a 1999 graduate of SMC, was
killed in January while serving our country
in Iraq. A member of the Wisconsin
National Guard, St. John was killed by a
roadside bomb while delivering supplies
to Iraqi villagers near Taji. St. John had
recently been promoted from private first
class to specialist.
Teachers and classmates at SMC remember
Jon St. John as a happy and friendly
student. Science teacher Michelle Jungbauer attended his funeral
and was truly impressed by the important contributions St. John
made since graduating from SMC. Jungbauer was equally impressed
with the support shown by Jon’s classmates at SMC and the school’s
current student council. Shortly after receiving the news, the class of
1999 looked to a former class leader, Meghan Healy (’99), to organize
a memorial, a task that she gladly stepped up to. The SMC student
council also plans to coordinate a project in St. John’s honor.
Other members of our school community stepped forward as well.
Ralph McClone (’44) will purchase a gift for SMC--a picture of
Jon St. John to be displayed in his honor. In addition, former SMC
principal Sue Simonsen will coordinate establishing a scholarship at
SMC in Jon St. John’s name.
Jon St. John was remembered in many ways, most notably with
a funeral service with full military honors. On February 6, 2007,
Wisconsin National Guard airbase and state office buildings flew all
flags at half-staff in his honor. St. John will be remembered at SMC
Leadership Day on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, when the memorial
photograph will be presented to the school. Please join us at 9:00
a.m. on that day.
The loss of any of our alumni family is felt deeply by our entire school
community. Our prayers are with Jon’s parents, Jon Sr. and Kay, and
his sister, Sonja, as they continue to deal with the loss of their son
and brother.
JON ST. JOHN MEMORIAL
SCHOLARSHIP
A scholarship has been established in Jon St. John’s name. It
will be awarded to a student to attend SMC. If you would like
to contribute to this effort, please mail your contribution to:
SMC Advancement Office
Attn: Jon St. John Scholarship
1050 Zephyr Drive
Neenah, WI 54956
11

Other News
ALUM CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY IN STYLE
Herb Batley (’55) never had it so good. On November 12th, he
celebrated his 70th birthday surrounded by three beautiful SMC
cheerleaders. The cheerleaders were Mitzi Batley, Sue Batley and Joyce
Neveau, who were decked out in retro cheerleading outfits supplied
by SMC (and just slightly remodeled).
All of this was part of a surprise party in Herb’s honor that was held
at his daughter’s home and attended by many friends and family
members. Herb lives in Menasha with his wife, Mitzi, and is retired
from the George Banta Corporation. He has four daughters, one son
and 11 grandchildren.
During the event, a trivia contest was held and it was no surprise that the
answer to a question about Herb’s favorite sports event was “St. Mary
High School winning the state basketball championship in 1955.”
scholarship focus: CHRIS MEIER’S LEGACY ALWAYS A HIGH NOTE
As a student at St. Patrick’s
School in Menasha in
the early 1980’s, Chris
Meier’s sense of humor
and heart were as big as
his size 12 shoes. Already
an accomplished football
player at age 12, he was
also anxious to play in the
school band. To that end,
his parents, Paul and Pat,
were able to purchase a
used cornet for him from
a friend who played in the
St. Mary Central band. Unfortunately, Chris was never able to fully
explore his musical interests.
Chris’ brain tumor was discovered in the fall of 1981. After an
unbelievably courageous eight-month struggle with the cancer, Chris
died on June 15, 1982--just a few weeks after his 13th birthday.
The Meiers, who are SMC alumni from the class of 1961, have kept
Chris’ memory alive by establishing the Chris Meier Scholarship
for SMC/TCCES students. Strong Catholic school supporters, Paul
and Pat find comfort in offering other children an opportunity for a
Catholic education. They hope it will open the doors to an experience
similar to the one that has so greatly benefited them and their other
two children, Doug and Jenny, also SMC graduates.
Of the many symbols the family has to remind them of Chris, they
believe the scholarship in his name is by far the most important. Started
with the memorial donations from Chris’ funeral, the scholarship has
been funded in many creative ways throughout the years by family
and friends, and by donations directed through the Community
Foundation of the Fox Valley in Pat’s parents’ names.
Still active supporters of SMC and TCCES, Paul and Pat had the
opportunity in February to attend the TCCES Celebration of Arts, a
concert performed at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center by all five
TCCES schools. In addition to being impressed with the talent they
witnessed that evening, they were reminded that Chris’s cornet was
still sitting on a shelf in the basement of their Menasha home. While
sentimental about the old Bundy cornet, they both felt that there was
probably a better use for it, so the Meiers donated the instrument to
the TCCES band program.
The Meiers share their wonderful, though painful story in hopes that
others will be inspired to make a gift to our Catholic schools. As Paul
states, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could work toward the goal
of tuition-free Catholic schools for all who want to attend?” This is
indeed a wonderful vision. It is one that we, as a school- and religious
community, can all work toward together.
Change of e-mail address?
Don’t miss important information and updates from SMC. Update your e-mail
address with us! Send the information to sthelen@tcces.k12.wi.us.
12

Other News
Support smc’s 2006-07 Annual Fund drive
Donor Name(s):
Maiden Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone:
E-mail:
How would you like your name to appear in the Annual Report?
I wish to remain anonymous.
Please use my gift for:
SMC Operations Fund
SMC Annual Fund
SMC Tuition Assistance and Scholarships
$ $ $
Total Pledge Amount Enclosed Balance
Please bill me:
Annually Semi-Annually Quarterly
I have included SMC in my will, trust or insurance policy
Please contact me regarding my estate plans
Please contact me concerning a gift of stock
Your gift may be doubled if your employer participates in a matching gift program.
Please contact your Human Resource department for details.
My company will match my gift
(company name)
Please return this form to:
St. Mary Central High School, Office of Advancement, 1050 Zephyr Drive, Neenah, WI 54956
13

Other News
SMC: THE OLD SCHOOL AND THE NEW SCHOOL
Almost ten years
ago in August of
1997, a dream
became reality for
many when the
doors to the new St.
Mary Central High
School were opened
at 1050 Zephyr
Drive in the Town
of Menasha. This
modern, state-ofthe-art
facility was
the direct result of
St. Mary Central High School, 1956
the efforts of church, community and school leaders and supporters
who have a never-ending commitment to Catholic education.
For many newcomers to SMC and TCCES, the new SMC facility is
all we know. However, most SMC alumni identify their high school
experience with the old school, the St. Mary Central High School they
attended at 528 Second
Street in Menasha.
Since beginning
my position as
Development Director
for SMC/TCCES in
July, I have heard many
stories from alumni
about the former SMC
high school building,
a place where so many
dreams, careers and
relationships began.
While I am new to
the Neenah-Menasha
area, I also have a
special connection to
your old school. My
two daughters are in
Entrance to St. Mary Elementary 2007
kindergarten and fifth
grade at St. Mary Elementary, and another graduated from St. Mary
Elementary last year and is currently in sixth grade at Seton Catholic
Middle School.
My family began our experience at St. Mary’s in 2001, when the
St. Mary Central High School, 2007
building was in the midst of being modernized with the addition of
a new gymnasium, lower level meeting rooms and new office space.
The result is a wonderful use of your old school that benefits over
130 Catholic school children, many of whom will go on to graduate
from SMC.
F o r t u n a t e l y ,
our church and
community leaders
in the 80’s and 90’s
had the foresight
to know a new
school facility was
necessary to remain
competitive and
to help produce St. Mary Elementary 2007
successful students and alumni. We continue to benefit because many
of these leaders still take an active interest in our school. If you have
not yet visited the new SMC facility, I invite you for a tour. Our doors
are always open.
While the physical location of St. Mary Central has changed to a
more modern facility, the deep faith, strength and spirit that was alive
at 528 Second Street is still thriving and growing at 1050 Zephyr
Drive. These are still our school’s most important assets.
Sue Thelen, Development Director
Do you have stories of the “old school” that you would like to share?
We would love to print them in our fall Zephyr Connection. Send it to
Sue Thelen, SMC Advancement Office, 1050 Zephyr Drive, Neenah,
Wisconsin, 54956 or e-mail sthelen@tcces.k12.wi.us.
SMC/TCCES ANNUAL REPORT
Hopefully you received the 2006 SMC/TCCES annual report. There
are a few additions/corrections to the information that we would like
to share: The Joan Rickert Phillips Scholarship was spelled incorrectly.
In addition, we would like to recognize Ed Hirsch for his scholarship
donation and The Bemis Corporation for their matching gift.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
School Office Phone: (920) 722-7796
Advancement Office: (920) 722-7796 ext. 853
FAX: (920) 722-5940
Websites: www.smc.k12.wi.us & zephyrfest.com
Zephyr Connection Editor:
Sue Thelen, SMC Development Director
Printing by: AmeriPrint Graphics
14

Sports Corner
ALUMS MAKING SPORTS NEWS
Kali Houselog (’04) is a junior at the
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
where she is a forward on the basketball
team. The team sports a 16-7 record
and is in second place in the WIAC
Conference. Kali is majoring in biology
(pre-chiropractic) with a Science of
Coaching minor. She also finds time
to volunteer at youth basketball camps,
Special Olympics, and The Community
Table, a homeless shelter. Her family
was able to attend most of her games this season.
Marin (’04) and Cailin Tuchscherer
(’04) are sophomores at Carroll College
where they also are members of the
Carroll College women’s basketball
team. Marin plays point guard, while
Cailin plays post. The team is currently
21-4 overall and have received a bid
to the NCAA. Their parents, Mike
and Kathleen, have attended most
of their games this season. The twins
are both nursing majors, and in December gave a presentation on
“Living with Crohn’s Disease” at a Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
(Milwaukee) family forum for digestive diseases.
Robert Michalkiewicz (’03) is in his
last year of eligibility playing baseball at
UW Milwaukee, where he is a starting
pitcher for the Panthers. He is majoring
in accounting, and will continue next
year to earn his CPA. Last semester,
Robert was on the UW Milwaukee
dean’s list, as well as the Horizon League
academic honor roll. He is engaged to
be married to Stephanie Allen (’02).
Pat Stilp (’04) is a junior at Carroll College in Waukesha and is a
forward for the Carroll College mens’ basketball team. He has been
described as a “total team player who
does what needs to be done.” The team
has had a very successful season, making
it to the conference tournament. Pat is
majoring in business.
Samantha Sonnentag (’05), is a
sophomore at Carroll College in
Waukesha and is a member of the Pioneer
soccer team, where she plays midfield. A
major contributor to the team and a starter since her freshman year,
she has played as a forward and most recently right forward. The team
has been very successful, losing a heartbreaking game to Grinnell for
the second straight year in the conference championship game that
would have seen them advance to the NCAA. Her parents, Jim and
Jodie, are able to attend most instate games, which they say, “makes
for a long night, but is worth it.”
Are you involved in a college activity or sport? Do you have news
of an alumnus who is involved in a college activity or sport?
We want to hear from you! E-mail your news and pictures to
sthelen@tcces.k12.wi.us.
Don’t miss out on
important
SMC news!
Check out the SMC website. It takes just one click to get to
the alumni page where you will find all the current alumni
happenings. Go to www.smc.k12.wi.us and click on this icon
on the left side of the page.
SMC 2006-07 ANNUAL FUND: STEP UP
TO THE ALUMNI CHALLENGE
This year’s Annual Fund Drive is well underway and is on
target to be our most successful drive ever! We have received
many generous donations from our alumni, friends and SMC
families.
If you have already donated, thank you! You believe in St. Mary
Central and our students. If you have not already sent your
Annual Fund gift, please make your donation today. Here is an
update of giving by decade:
DECADE TOTAL GIVING NUM. OF DONORS
1929/1930s $5,671 3
1940s $15,195 8
1950s $18,129 8
1960s $13,740 63
1970s $6,625 44
1980s $2,115 15
1990s $330 8
2000s $50 3
TOTAL $61,855 152
You can use the enclosed donation form or send it to SMC Office
of Advancement, 1050 Zephyr Drive, Neenah, WI 54956.
15

It is St. Mary Central High
School’s 22nd Annual
Zephyrfest Celebration!
Zephyrfest 2007 is fast approaching! Zephyrfest is St. Mary Central’s most important fundraising event.
It will be held Saturday, April 21 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton. Each year, our alumni,
friends, staff and the community come together to make this a HUGE success.
For more information about Zephyrfest, contact Sue Thelen at SMC, 722-7796, ext. 853.
Thank you for your continued support of SMC, our fundraisers and our outstanding school programs.
Catholic education...the best is yet to come!
2007 SMC Zephyrfest Committee
1050 Zephyr Drive
Neenah, WI 54956