APRIL 2026   
   TRUE MAROONS  
We were honored to recognize Dowling Catholic's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Dave Marcouiller '71, Mike McCoy '81 and Joseph Nelson '12 during the Scholastic Achievement Assembly on April 22. Each honoree shared insights and experiences with our students. Learn more about these exceptional alumni here, and watch the full assembly online—Distinguished Alumni remarks begin at the 26-minute mark.  
We were proud to welcome Deanna Strable '86, Chair, President, and CEO of Principal Financial Group, back to campus to speak with 50 of our female Career Academy students. Deanna shared her journey from Dowling Catholic to Northwestern University and her 35-year career at Principal, offering valuable career and life advice. Her commitment to service, passion for developing talent, and focus on innovation were inspiring for our students!
Congratulations to Edward Maginn '83 who has been elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering, one of the field's most prestigious recognitions. An internationally recognized leader in chemical engineering research and education, he serves as the Keough-Hesburgh Professor of Engineering in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame and  associate vice president for research. His work has significantly advanced the use of molecular simulation to address challenges in energy, sustainability and materials design. Photo: Michael Caterina/University of Notre Dame
The boys basketball program recently hosted the annual alumni basketball tournament, with nine teams returning to the court. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 on claiming this year's championship title! Thank you to all who participated.
Photo: Earl Hulst
 
Former coaches, staff members and alumni recently gathered for the annual DCHS athletic department reunion breakfast, a tradition started in 2010 by Coach Ron Gray '73 and longtime DCHS athletic trainer, Del Lark
Pictured left to right: Ron Gray '73, Del Lark, Dave Marcouiller '71, Bob Nizzi '58, Sharon Hanson, Mike Burkert, John LaBonia 58, Bob Hanson, Joe Cordaro '67, and Frank Schweizer.
CAMPAIGN CORNER
Construction Update 
The demolition of the four houses along 17th street is complete, and we are ready for the next series of campus developments.  
Upcoming projects beginning June 1:  
  • Land grading  
  • Underground utility relocation 
  • Pre-purchasing steel and precast materials 
  • Loading dock  
  • Storm shelter/auxiliary gymnasium  
  • West parking lots  
To celebrate this important milestone in Dowling Catholic’s history, we will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony
Tuesday, May 19 at noon.   
Campaign Update 
The Honoring our History, Faith in our Future campaign has exceeded $44.8 million in total pledges from 615 donors. This accomplishment clearly demonstrates the strength and commitment of the entire Dowling Catholic community. Track our progress at the DCHS | Campaign Website
Thank you, Maroons! 
Thank you to all our generous donors to the campaign: Click here to see the full list.


Reaching our next milestone of $58 million will take the full participation and generosity of the Dowling Catholic community. You can support the Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future campaign in many ways—multi-year pledges, stock or securities, retirement assets, or estate gifts.
Every commitment moves us closer to building our tradition of excellence for future Maroons. 
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 AWARDS
Dowling Catholic proudly honors deserving alumni of St. Joseph Academy and DCHS with Distinguished Alumni awards, including induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Induction is merited by excellence in athletics, coaching or a related area during high school and/or beyond at the college, amateur or professional level. We are seeking nominations for 2026. The deadline is May 15. Please submit online
ALUMNI SURVEY
As a valued member of our alumni community, your perspective matters. We invite you to take a few minutes to share your insights on student life at DCHS. Your feedback will help shape future priorities and initiatives. Please click here to access the survey. Thank you for your time and continued support.
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IN MEMORIAM
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of alumni who have passed away.
Lois (Carroll) Beh '54 SJA
Gerald "Jerry" Farrell '58
Paul Flannery '58
Robert "Bob" Burns '59
Sharon (Fisher) Reid '61 SJA
Ann (Cass) Schenke '63 SJA
Susan (Holmes) Wood '65 SJA
David Baum '66
Michael "Mike" Lyons '66
Larry Angaran '67
Michael Richard Glenn '75
Julie Shepard-Smuck '83

David Butler '91
10 Year State Football
Championship Reunion

Friday, October 23, 2026
Valley Stadium
Contact: Jody White
Please RSVP Here

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 1966
60th Reunion
Aug. 15, 2026

Blank Golf Course Clubhouse, 4-8 p.m.
Contacts: Roberta (Gabriel) FalboSusie MacumberMaxine (Palmer) Flaherty
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 (to u
pdate address/questions) 
Kathy Reynolds (RSVP & pay for events)
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 -
9500 University Ave, WDM
Oct 3 : Iowa Cubs Principal Park - 1 Line Drive, DSM
Times/Cost Coming Soon
Contact: Elizabeth (Faber) Hilgenberg
Class of 1981
45th Reunion
July 31 - August 1, 2026
Details TBD
Contacts: Julie Bleimehl
Anthony Bonanno

Class of 1986
40th Reunion

August 14-15, 2026
Details TBD
Contact: Amy Walsh MacKrell
Class of 2011
15th Reunion 

Details: TBD 
Contacts: Nick Coleman
Jeffrey Nielsen
Class of 2016
10th Reunion
Details TBD
Contact: Cole Patton 
Planning a reunion? Please contact Jody White  to share your reunion dates and news. 
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!  
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
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