FEBRUARY 2026   
   TRUE MAROONS  
Dowling Catholic Career Academy students recently connected with four alumni who shared their experiences, advice, and career insights. Damien Garza ’08 spoke with Health Sciences students about Medical & Clinical Lab Science through a hands-on presentation. 

Young Alumni Board members Colton Rupprecht ’15, Claire Michel ’19 and Isabela Yamen ’19 also met with students in the Business, Finance & Innovation and Education & Human Services academies to discuss their college and career paths, internship tips, and professional journeys.

We are grateful for alumni who stay connected and continue to inspire the next generation of Maroons.

We loved welcoming so many alumni to the Evening of Style presented by Coachlight Clinic & Spa! This event supports Bash on Buffalo through silent auction basket donations, and we are grateful for the generosity and support! The creativity, costumes, and themed tables made the night even more memorable. We hope to see you again at Bash on Buffalo on Saturday, April 11!

Congratulations to Ty Flood ’11 on being named to the Des Moines Business Record’s annual list of Forty Under 40 honorees. This recognition celebrates local leaders who are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. This recognition adds to a growing list of accomplishments for Ty, who was also honored with our Distinguished Young Alumni Award in 2025.
EVENTS
APR 11: Bash on Buffalo - Rewind to the 80s
Join us at DCHS for the Bash on Buffalo! Enjoy a night filled with fun, fellowship and generosity - including a silent auction with both in-person and remote bidding, a high-energy live auction, delicious food, signature cocktails, a raffle, and more! Guests are invited to dress in their favorite 80s-inspired attire (totally optional, but highly encouraged!).
Proceeds will support the Career Academy Endowment which connects students with local employers and alumni to provide real-world insight and career exploration opportunities. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more—and be sure to follow the Bash Facebook page for the latest updates and exclusive previews of our auction items!
    CAMPAIGN CORNER
Pledge Update 
The Honoring our History, Faith in our Future campaign has exceeded $43.4 million in total pledges from 396 donors. This is an incredible accomplishment. It is energizing, affirming, and clearly demonstrates the strength and commitment of the Dowling Catholic community. To keep track of our progress, visit dowlingcatholic.org/campaign
Construction Timeline 
Starting mid-January through mid-March 2026, Dowling Catholic leadership will formally request approval of the first phase of construction. The demolition of the four houses on 17th Street will begin between January and February. Your support is helping position us for a transformational moment in our school’s history. In preparation, we are working diligently to ensure a smooth process and limited impact on the school day. Dowling Catholic is committed to maintaining a safe, caring community and continuing its tradition of academic excellence throughout the construction period.
Your Support 
As the campaign progresses, to achieve the next milestone of $58 million will require the full participation and continued generosity of those who care most about Dowling Catholic. There are many ways to support Dowling Catholic and the Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future campaign during this historical time. Donors can make pledges over three years, provide gifts of stock, donate securities and retirement funds, or make an estate gift. Every pledge brings us closer to building the future for our Maroons. 

Honoring Del Lark
After 50 years of dedicated service as an athletic trainer at DCHS, Del Lark will be retiring. We invite our community to help celebrate this remarkable milestone by sending a card or letter with your well wishes for a happy retirement. 
Please mail by March 1 to:
Sarah Michaud
Dowling Catholic High School
1400 Buffalo Road 

West Des Moines, IA 50265
Please feel free to share this flyer and help spread the word! 
Alumni Survey
As a valued member of our Dowling Catholic alumni community, your perspective matters. We invite you to take a few minutes to share your insights on student life at DCHS.
This survey focuses on the four core goals of our Student Life program: Spiritual Formation, Servant Leadership, Holistic Well-Being, and Inclusive Community & Belonging. Your feedback will help school leadership thoughtfully shape future priorities and initiatives that support our students.

Please click here to access the survey and respond from your experience and perspective as an alum. Separate surveys are being conducted for parents, students and faculty. Thank you for sharing your time, insight, and continued support of DCHS.

We're Hiring!
Dowling Catholic High School is currently seeking dedicated professionals to join our team in the following roles:

• School Counselors
• Teachers in Biology, Earth Science, Math, English, German, and Spanish
Learn more and apply online
Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
IN MEMORIAM
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of alumni who have passed away.
Sister Patricia Ann “Pat” (Marjorie) Donahoe, BVM '49 SJA
Ramon "Ray" Joseph Renda '53
Charles (Mike) Michael Glas '58
Mary “Molly” (Hammes) Hewitt '60 SJA
JoAnne (Erickson) Hauserman '64 SJA 
Jerel "Jerry" Stephen Laurenzo '65
Mary Anne (LePorte) Greco '66 SJA
Theresa Ann "Terri" Henson '67 SJA
Denise (Jimenez) Bassell '70 SJA
Angela "Angie" (Werner) Davis '71 
Peter “Pete” Nielsen '75
Lawrence "Larry" Shaw '75
Class of 1961
65th Reunion
Details: TBD
Contact: Butch Mazzie
Class of 1966
60th Reunion
Aug. 15, 2026

Blank Golf Course Clubhouse, 4-8 PM
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/general questions. 
Kathy Reynolds to RSVP, and pay for event(s
).
Class of 1972
55th Reunion

Saturday, June 12, 2027
Hotel Rewind
Contact: Michael Egan
Class of 1976
50th Reunion

October 2-3, 2026
Details TBD
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

Planning a reunion? Please contact Jody White in the Alumni Office 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 Jody White, alumni alumni manager, at jwhite@dowlingcatholic.org 
or 515.222.1090. 
Update contact information here
DOWLING CLUB
Since 1941, the Dowling Club has fueled the tradition of excellence in Maroon 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)
• A 15% one-time Campus Store discount
• A window cling to proudly display Maroon pride
Learn more and purchase your membership online. GO MAROONS!
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 learn more or make a gift, please visit our website or mail a check to Dowling Catholic High School, 1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265. Thank you for your support!  
powered by emma