In celebration of their alma mater’s centennial, nearly 600 alumni and friends of St. Joseph School gathered at the Drury Lane Oak Brook on Friday, September 10th. It was a night to rekindle friendships and share stories. The gathering brought former teachers and staff from as far away as California. It was a night for glitz and glamour, but it was also a night for the alumni to take time to recognize some influential people at their former school.
“We were grateful to have the opportunity to honor and thank many of our current and former teachers in attendance for their service to St. Joseph School and commitment to Catholic education,” said alumna Kathleen Buck of Downers Grove. “Beyond recognizing all of our teachers, we also paid tribute to three remarkable members of our St. Joe’s family.” Outstanding Teacher Appreciation Awards were presented to both sixth grade teacher, Kathie Salek for her 30 years of service to St. Joseph and to third grade teacher, Angelita Gaffud for her 42 years. In addition, the alumni group presented the first St. Joseph School Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award to long-time principal, current school president, and class of 1950 alumna, Sr. Dorothy Randall.
This Alumni Legacy Award is the highest honor bestowed on a St. Joseph School Alumnus in recognition of their living lives reflective of our SJS mission’s ideals. “Sr. Dorothy was selected as our first Distinguished Alumna Legacy Award recipient for her outstanding commitment to our school community, her dedication to our children and her exemplary life led in service to others,” added Buck. “Our future Legacy Awards will carry Sr. Dorothy’s name, as she is the pinnacle. Who better to set our example, than Sr. Dorothy Randall.”
The Alumni Legacy Award is the highest honor bestowed on a St. Joseph School Alumnus in recognition of their living lives reflective of our SJS mission’s ideals. “Sr. Dorothy was selected as our first Distinguished Alumna Legacy Award recipient for her outstanding commitment to our school community, her dedication to our children and her exemplary life led in service to others,” added alumna Katie Engstler of Downers Grove. “Our future Legacy Awards will carry Sr. Dorothy’s name, as she is the pinnacle. Who better to set our example, than Sr. Dorothy Randall. The award acknowledges, honors and thanks Randall for her countless contributions as an alumna, principal and president. “We hope to continue this tradition, honoring distinguished alumni for their outstanding accomplishments, contributions to their communities and commitment to Catholic Education,” said Engstler.
This Gala event is only a start for the St. Joseph Alumni group. “We are in the process of forming a formal alumni group, and look forward to hosting additional events in the future,” said alumnus Vince Barrett. The search never ends for alumni, but the group is off to a good start. Newsletters informing alumni of activities and events are being created and mailed off to the thousands of alumni. “We have featured several of our alumni already; several who are across the world making a difference in the lives of others,” said Barrett. These newsletters have helped create an atmosphere of friendship and involvement for the group. “Many alumni have become class reps, and with that so many have reconnected with one another,” added Buck, who said the group is currently involved in the process of creating websites, collecting photographs, and forming their new alumni board to oversee activities.
Are you a St. Joseph School alumnus? Get reconnected by going to St. Joseph School’s website at www.stjosephdg.org/alumni, by email to alumni@stjosephdg.org, or call the school office at 630-969-4306.
