Each year, the Catholic Education Foundation recognizes individuals whose generosity helps ensure students of all backgrounds have access to a high-quality, faith-filled education. The Michael and Patty Morrisey Angels Among Us Award celebrates members of our caring CEF community for their dedication to Catholic education.
For decades, the Byron and Jeanne Thompson family has been instrumental in providing vital support to communities across the Kansas City area.
Rooted in their commitment to God, family and community, the Byron and Jeanne Thompson family have become a cornerstone of support for the Catholic Education Foundation, ensuring students of all backgrounds have access to a Catholic education.
During their lifetimes, Byron and Jeanne brought about positive change and inspired countless individuals through their remarkable generosity. Today, Byron and Jeanne’s legacy proudly lives on through their children and grandchildren.
Their unwavering dedication to bettering their community and the world, guided by their faith in Christ, serves as a powerful testament to the profound and far-reaching impact of their well-lived lives.
The Catholic Education Foundation is proud to honor the Byron and Jeanne Thompson Family at this year's Gaudeamus benefit gala on Saturday, October 28th at the Overland Park Convention Center.
Each year, we celebrate ..... Larectur. Si fitanum fur audem quamquod defent, con vastemplica vicaudem invo, quam, su mo consultus, maio ve, nernimultia nonloccii iam factumullem avenatabis nonimum nihices cemurionfe.
2022 – (CEF Lifetime Achievement Award) Blake Mulvany, Tom Zarda, Rich Henry, Archbishop James P. Keleher, Sr. Vickie Perkins, and Leonard & Ellen McKinzie
2021 – Archdiocesan Catholic School Teachers
2020 – Lamar & Rita Hunt
2019 – Kathleen A. O’Hara, PH.D.
2018 – Hamp & Nikki Henning and Glenn & Joan Wells
2017 – Stan & Suzan Cramer
2016 – Tom & Sandy Long
2015 – Mark & Lisa Ledom, Pat & Mel McAnany, and Nelson & Marcia Newcomer
2014 – John & Bridget Murphy
2013 – Gaudeamus 10 Year Honorees Reunion
2012 – Bishops and Archbishops Past & Present
2011 – Catholic School Pastors
2010 – The Straub Family
2009 – John & Pat Menghini
2008 – Bob & Esther White and Ben & Betty Zarda
2007 – Charlie & Antoinette Berkel, Bill & Jean Dunn, and Leonard & Ellen McKinzie
2006 – Richard & Sheila Henry and Thomas & Mickey Zarda
2005 – Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB
2004 – Archbishop James P. Keleher
2003 – Blake & Rose Ann Mulvany
The 2022 Gaudeamus gala chairs were Kyle and Nicole Hill and Jake and Ashley Rieke.
Jake Rieke and Nicole Davila Hill are grandchildren of Tom and Mickey Zarda, one of CEF's founding families.
Jake Rieke, COO of Ernie Rieke Equipment, is a graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and serves as the Grand Knight of St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus council. Ashley, an event coordinator, is a graduate of Bishop Miege High School and has served as co-chair for the school auction at St. Joseph Catholic School in Shawnee, where their three children attend elementary school.
Kyle and Nicole Hill are both graduates of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. They have two young sons and are accomplished entrepreneurs. Together, they run Hill Homes KC, a remodel and home design company, and Kyle is the founder and CEO of Tywoo Technologies.
Both couples are members of the St. Joseph parish in Shawnee and share a passion for Catholic education.
The 2022 Gaudeamus committee included: Stephen and Joan Charbonneau, Andy and Stephanie Eilert, Brad and Katie Inman, Shannon Lillis, Darren and Janet Lovick, Mary Parrigon, Colin and Micala Quinn, Tom and Katy Rottinghaus, Chris and Megan Schumm, John and Rose Shaw, Jolynn Taratino, and Jeff and Amy Zeller
Together, they helped us recognize our founding leaders and celebrate 25 years of Catholic Education Foundation’s impact at the 2022 Gaudeamus benefit gala.
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The Catholic Education Foundation provides scholarships for low-income students to attend K-12 Catholic schools. We’re working every day to make high-quality, faith-filled education possible for children in poverty.
Each summer, CEF-supported schools throughout Northeast Kansas apply for the award, submitting stories of faith, community, and academic growth. The comprehensive applications are evaluated by leadership from CEF and the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese based on five main criteria: Joyfully Catholic, Diligently Achieving, Intentionally Self-Giving, Prudently Managed, and Forwardly Thinking.
We're thrilled to be recognizing the St. Patrick community during this year's gala on October 23rd.
Our Lady of Unity Catholic School in Kansas City, KS was selected as first finalist, followed closely by the second finalist, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic School in Garnett, KS. Both schools have worked hard to support families and students this spring, and the recognition is a testament to their commitment to growth, innovation, and Catholicity throughout the 2019-20 school year.
