April 2025   
   TRUE MAROONS     
We were honored to recognize the 2025 recipients of Dowling Catholic’s Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Young Alumni Awards—Rick Debartolo ’81, Ty Flood ’11, and Elizabeth Merchut ’10—during the Scholastic Achievement Assembly on April 16. Each honoree had the opportunity to share their insights and experiences with our students. Learn more about these exceptional alumni here. You can also watch the full assembly online (Distinguished Alumni presentation begins at 27:26).
Alumni Basketball 
The boys basketball program recently hosted the annual Alumni Tournament where the Class of 2018 finished as the 2025 champions. Thanks to all who joined us for a great day of celebrating Dowling Catholic basketball!
Congratulations to Bob Hallman '79 and Perry Hummel '78 who were inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame on April 14th. Coach Ron Gray '73 and former Iowa State Wrestling Coach Jim Gibbons were there to celebrate their recognition.
Bash on Buffalo – Thank You!
The Bash on Buffalo took place on Saturday, April 12th and we’re so grateful to everyone who made it a success! Whether you attended in person, donated, participated remotely, volunteered, or served as a sponsor—we are thankful for your support. Proceeds from this year’s Bash will benefit the STEM Endowment, enriching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programming and opportunities for all DCHS students.

A special thank you to our dedicated Alumni Bash Committee and the many alumni-owned businesses who generously sponsored the event. Your continued connection and commitment to DCHS make a lasting impact. Once a Maroon, Always a Maroon!
2025 Alumni Bash Committee
  • Claire Michel '19
  • Sophia Chiodo '19
  • Alexander Pond '23
  • Rick Ball '82
  • Joe Pollpeter '80
  • Cathy McClellan '80
  • Barb Grask '80
ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY MASS
Please join us for our annual SJA Alumnae Mass in the St. Joseph Chapel at DCHS on Sunday, May 4th at 3 pm. Please RSVP here, email Kathy Kirby Power '80, or call 515-222-1090.
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Dowling Catholic proudly bestows numerous awards on St. Joseph Academy and DCHS alumni, including selection to 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. Please submit nominations online by May 15, 2025.
ATHLETICS SPONSORSHIPS
Looking for a meaningful way to support Dowling Catholic AND spotlight your business or organization? We’re excited to offer exclusive athletic sponsorships—a perfect chance to support our student-athletes while gaining valuable brand exposure. Whether you’re interested in ads, field signage, or even a custom package tailored to you—we’ve got options! And, new this year – we have a DCHS Kid Football Captain sponsorship, as well as an exciting Indiana Fever game opportunity! Click here to learn more. Don’t wait—team up with DCHS Athletics today!
 
DOWLING CLUB BOOSTERS 
Be a part of the tradition that has been supporting our student-athletes since 1941. Membership provides passes to ALL home athletic events (excluding tournament play), a one-time 15% Campus Store discount and more! Visit our website to find the membership level that best suits your needs (Adult, Family, Future Maroon, Senior or DC Fan). Thank you for your support! 
Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
IN MEMORIAM
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of alumni who have passed away.
RW "Bud" Nelson '44
Daniel "Dan" Drees '59
Victor Mele '62
Nicholas "Nick" Durand '70
Caprice Halverson '80
Jennifer Felgate '82

Class of 1965
June 27-29, 2025
Friday, Wellman’s (4-7 pm) 
Saturday, Waveland (6-9) Sunday, Mass at DCHS Chapel (11:00 am)
Contacts: Barb Mullahey
Barb James
Bob Newswold
Fran Chiodo

Purchase tickets 
Class of 1970
The SJA/Dowling Reunion celebration has been postponed until the 60th Reunion in 2030. In light of that decision, the committee hopes to have some informal get-togethers later this year. Contacts: Bill Gray
Grace Meyer
Class of ‘70 FB page

Class of 1975
Sept. 11- 14, 2025
Location/details TBD
Contact: Brian Tracy
Class of ‘75 FB link
Class of 1980
Aug 8-10
Friday- Golf outing (details TBD), Saturday-Wellman's 6 -9 pm, Sunday - Mass at the DCHS chapel, 11 am
RVSP/Donate here
Contacts: 
Cathy McClellan
Kathleen Landis
Kathy Kirby Power
Class of 1985
Aug. 8 & 9, 2025
Location/Details TBD
Contact: Sean Reese
Class of 1990
July 11-13, 2025
Friday - The Irish 6:30 
Saturday - The Hall  6:30 
Sunday - Mass at DCHS 11:00 am
Class of ‘90 website

Purchase tickets here
Class of 1995
June 28, 2025
Saturday - 6 - 10:30 pm
Blank Golf Course Clubhouse
808 County Line Rd, DSM
Sunday  - Mass at 11am
Purchase tickets here
Contact: Erin Wenham
Class of '95 Facebook 
Class of 2005
Aug. 9-10, 2025
Saturday - Picnic Raccoon River 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Jasper Winery 6 pm
Sunday - DCHS tour (10 am) Mass (11 am)
Contact: Kelly Berger
DCHS Class of 2005 
Band & Color Guard Reunion
Sept. 26-27, 2025
Details and RSVP here!  
2015 Football Champs
Date: TBD Contact: Kathy Kirby Power

ALUMNI NEWS & UPDATES
We would love to hear news and updates (including reunions) about you and your classmates! Please submit online or contact Kathy Kirby Power '80, alumni manager,  at 515.222.1090 or  kkirbypower@dowlingcatholic.orgUpdate contact information here.  
PLANNED GIVING
Did you know there are creative ways to support DCHS? Ways in which you, your loved ones and DCHS all benefit? Please visit our website to learn more about the benefits of planned giving.
 
ANNUAL APPEAL
The Annual Appeal impacts every aspect of the DCHS experience and helps ensure our students have the resources they need to be successful. Please donate online or mail a check to DCHS, 1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265.  
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.