|
Groundbreaking 2026
This week, Dowling Catholic officially broke ground on the Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future campaign. More than 200 community members, including Bishop Joensen, campaign donors, alumni, parents, students and staff joined in the celebration. See photos of the event HERE.
This milestone is only possible because of the incredible generosity and belief so many people have in the mission and future of Dowling Catholic. Together, we have raised more than $50 million.
Also announced at the event, thanks to several generous donors, the $3 Million Maroon Match. Every new gift will be matched dolloar-for-dollar up to $3 million. Visit
https://www.dowlingcatholic.org/campaign-donation to get involved and double your impact today.
Summer Break starts next week… So will construction.
Projects beginning June 1:
- Land grading
- Underground utility relocation
- Pre-purchasing steel and precast materials
- Loading dock
- Storm shelter/auxiliary gymnasium
- West parking lots
Campaign Update
The Honoring our History, Faith in our Future campaign has exceeded $50 million in total pledges from 708 donors. We are close to reaching our next milestone of $58 million, but it will take the full participation and generosity of the Dowling Catholic community. You can make a donation to support the campaign HERE. Every commitment moves us closer to building our tradition of excellence for future Maroons.
Thank You, Maroons!
Thank you to everyone who has helped make this transformational moment possible and for those still discerning their support. This accomplishment clearly demonstrates the strength and commitment of the entire Dowling Catholic community. The future of Dowling Catholic is being built because of you: Click here to see the full list.
| |
|
The DCHS community gathered this month for May Crowning to honor the Blessed Mother Mary. Rooted in the legacy of St. Joseph Academy, the prayerful celebration included a procession with the statue of Mary and the blessing of the crown. We were honored to welcome Maxine (Palmer) Flaherty SJA ’66, pictured with current students and Father Reed Flood '13, along with fellow SJA alumnae for this cherished tradition.
| |
|
The St. Joseph Academy Mass brought together alumnae from the classes of 1956–1975 to reconnect, share memories and celebrate cherished SJA traditions. Thank you to all who attended and to Father Ludwig ’66 for serving as celebrant. Save the date for next year on Sunday, May 2 at 3 p.m.
| |
|
Congratulations to Susan Fitzsimmons ’87 and Deanna Strable ’86 on being named 2026 Women of Influence by the Business Record! This prestigious recognition celebrates Central Iowa women who have achieved success while making a meaningful impact through leadership, service and mentorship. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
| |
Congratulations to Will Ryan ’22 who recently earned the Hawkeye Life Community Engagement Gold Herky Award for recording the most service hours at the University of Iowa this year. In addition to competing in track and field, Will volunteers at Stead Family Children’s Hospital and founded Hawks Supporting Hawks, a student-athlete initiative that raised more than $16,000 to support patients and their families.
| |
|
It was wonderful to welcome Monica Nassif ’74 back to DCHS! Monica spoke with more than 70 business and entrepreneurship students, sharing her journey from high school to college and becoming a successful entrepreneur as the founder of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and Caldrea. She also discussed her new book, I Bottled My Mother, and the inspiration behind her brands.
| |
|
Congratulations to Leonard ’73 and Diana Amadeo ’73 as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 5! The couple met as seniors in 1973, the first year Dowling and SJA became co-ed. They have built a life centered on faith and family, with three children and four grandchildren. Leonard worked in the computer industry, while Diana served as a registered nurse. Now retired and living in Merrimack, they recently visited Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal where this photo was taken.
| |
|
EVENTS
AUG 3: Dowling Catholic Golf Outing
Save the date and join us at Terrace Hills for the 48th Annual DCHS Golf Outing! Sponsorships are now open. Learn more here. Golfer reservations for alumni, family and friends will open in early July.
| |
| ALUMNI NEWS
We'd love to hear news and updates about you and your classmates! Please submit online or contact alumni manager Jody White at jwhite@dowlingcatholic.org or 515.222.1090.
Update contact information here.
| |
|
THE MAROON FUND
We invite alumni, families and friends to support the Maroon Fund, Dowling Catholic's Annual Appeal. Your gift strengthens every aspect of the student experience by supporting three essential pillars: Academic Excellence, Student & Faith Life, and School Services.
To make a gift, please visit our website or mail a check to Dowling Catholic, 1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265. Thank you for your support!
| |
|
| IN MEMORIAM
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of alumni who have passed away.
James "Jim" Bergman '57
Benjamin "Ben" Zenti '58
Benjamin Acri '60
Wayne Kaloides '66
Larry Minarsich '67
Christopher "Chris" Chebuhar '81
Samuel Pieczynski '06
Kevin Mercer '09
| |
|
All-Alumni Band Reunion
October 1-2, 2026
Thursday, Oct 1
DCHS - Rehearsal 5-6 p.m., Gilroy’s 6-8 p.m.
Friday, Oct 2
Valley Stadium 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Steve Craig ‘72
Please RSVP Here
Class of 1956
70th Reunion
August 14-15, 2026
Friday, Aug 14 - Windsor Heights Shelter House
5-7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 15 - Holy Trinity Mass at 4:30
Christopher’s Restaurant
5:30-7:30 p.m.
$45/person - guests welcome!
RSVP by July 15.
Contact: Mary Jo Threlkeld
Class of 1976
50th Reunion
October 2-3, 2026
Friday, Oct. 2 - Barntown Brewing, 6-11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3 - Iowa Cubs Principal Park, 6-11 p.m. $100/person for both nights | $75/person for a single night. RSVP by Sept. 10 to Elizabeth (Liz) Hilgenberg (Faber) and for payment info.
Class of '76 Facebook Page
Class of 1961
65th Reunion
September 12, 2026
Terra Park Shelter - Large
6400 Pioneer Parkway
Johnston, IA 50131
Time: TBD
Contact: Butch Mazzie
Class of 1965
61st Reunion
June 27, 2026
Felix & Oscars 5-8 p.m.
4050 Merle Hay Road
Buffet Cost: $21
Please RSVP to
Bob Neswold or
Barb Mullahey
Class of 1971
55th Reunion
Friday, June 26, 2026
Jester Golf Course
Golf - 9:30 a.m.
Contact Dan Brown to sign-up for golf
Waveland Club House
Buffet Dinner - 6-10 p.m.
Saturday, June 27
Coach’s Pizza - 6-10 p.m.
Mail checks by June 1. Contacts:
Linda (Wolf) Wallace ( update address/
questions)
Kathy Reynolds (RSVP & pay)
Class of 1972
55th Reunion
Saturday, June 12, 2027
Hotel Rewind
Contact: Michael Egan
Class of 1976
50th Reunion
October 2-3, 2026
Oct. 2: Barntown Brewing
Oct 3: Iowa Cubs Principal Park
Times/Cost Coming Soon
Contact: Elizabeth (Faber) Hilgenberg
Class of 1981
45th Reunion
July 31 - August 1, 2026
Friday, July 31:
Pal Joey's, 6-10 p.m.
Saturday, August 1:
Jester Park GC, 9:30 a.m. Tee Time; The Station, 6-10 p.m. Contacts:
Julie Bleimehl
Anthony Bonanno
RSVP Here
Class of 1996
August 15-16, 2026
30th Reunion
Saturday, August 15
Curate Event Center, 7-10 p.m. Contact: Michael Pratt More details coming soon!
Class of 2016
10th Reunion
Details: TBD
Contact: Cole Patton
Planning a reunion? Please contact Jody White to share your reunion dates and information.
| |
|
DOWLING CLUB
Since 1941, Dowling Club has fueled the tradition of excellence in athletics by providing funding for equipment, facilities, and support for our coaches and student-athletes.
Membership includes:
Passes to all home athletic events (excluding tournaments) and a 15% one-time Campus Store discount.
Learn more and purchase your membership online.
| |
|
