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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.
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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!
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 (to update 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 2016 10th Reunion Details TBD Contact: Cole Patton
Planning a reunion? Please contact Jody White to share your reunion dates and news.
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| ALUMNI NEWS We'd love to hear news and updates about you and your classmates!
Update contact information here.
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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!
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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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