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During the first semester Career Academy students enjoyed connecting with alumni during field trips and college visits. Highlights included stops at Creighton University, Zirous, and DMACC Ankeny where students gained meaningful insights from those now studying, teaching, and leading in their fields.
Pictured:
Creighton University
Jimmy Wanek '23 & Max Young '24
Current junior Emily Tallman with her sister Taylor Tallman '23
Jimmy Wanek '23, Meaghan Dowdle Wittstock '05 and Colin Clark '23
Zirous (Applied Art & Technology)
Current students Ian Reed, Austin Macharia, and Peak Dunker with alum Clinton Olsasky ’14 and Ms. Kasey Tickel
The Career Academy program is always looking for alumni to serve as mentors in the fields of Health Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Business, Education and Human Services. Please email Kasey Tickel if you're interested in getting involved!
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Five Dowling Catholic graduates recently returned to speak with our Foundations of Education class, sharing advice and experiences with students exploring a future in teaching. These alumni—now studying education or coaching at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and UNI—once sat in the same classroom and inspired our current students with their stories and encouragement.
Alumni speakers:
Averie Meeks ’21
Marie Gookin ’24
Bridget Murphy ’25
Seamus Auen-Ryan ’25
Jake Leo ’24
We always enjoy welcoming alumni back to campus! Once a Maroon, Always a Maroon!
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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.
Mail 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!
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EVENTS
FEB 12: Evening of Style
Join us for a fun “Ladies Night Out” at St. Francis with dinner, drinks, themed tables and a style show! Proceeds benefit the Bash on Buffalo and the Career Academy Endowment. Learn more and RSVP online.
APR 11: Bash on Buffalo
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! 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 for more information.
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CAMPAIGN CORNER
Did you know 90% of students participate in at least one extracurricular activity, and 63% are in athletics? The new areas for studying, socializing, and club meetings will replace the crowded hallways with intentional community-focused spaces. The enhanced facilities will help Dowling Catholic give students the space they need to connect, learn and grow, while reducing scheduling conflicts and overcrowding. Caring for the whole student supports our mission to prepare Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ.
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. To keep track of our progress, visit dowlingcatholic.org/campaign.
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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
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The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes those who embody the spirit and mission of DCHS. These alumni exemplify the values we strive to instill in each student and personify one or more of the following: distinction in professional life, service to their community, and/or inspiring others as positive role models.
The Distinguished Young Alumni Award recognizes graduates who are under 40 years of age. These alumni have demonstrated outstanding leadership, philanthropic and/or service capabilities, and orchestrated exceptional and meaningful change as leaders in their profession or community.
Any member or friend of the DCHS community may nominate an alum. The deadline is Feb. 1, 2026. Please submit online.
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| IN MEMORIAM
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of alumni who have passed away.
Polly (Tennis) Mumey '47 SJA
Mary Ann (Rasmussen) Wahl '49 SJA
Daniel John Smith '50
Mary "Jane" (Graham) Drey '51 SJA
Mary (Boesen) McAuliffe '51 SJA
Val Vacco '51 SJA
Barbara (DePhillips) Vignaroli '54 SJA
Joseph "Joe" Duff '55
William "Bill" Berry '57
John Howard '58
Kenneth Smith '58
Gary Linnenkamp '60
Lucille (Chach) Sharp '61 SJA
Kathleen (Costello) Bougher '64 SJA
William "Bill" Black '69
Charles Ambelang '70
William "Bill" Joseph Lancial, II '72
Michael "Mike" Morris '76
Stephen "Steve" Keller '79
Matthew Watkins '92
Emily Linn '97
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Class of 1972
55th Reunion
Saturday, June 12, 2027
Hotel Rewind
Contact: Michael Egan
Planning a reunion? Please contact Jody White in the Alumni Office 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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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!
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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 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!
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