When an individual goes above and beyond to support Catholic education, it is only fitting that we recognize their tremendous impact on the students and families we serve. For that reason, the Catholic Education Foundation created the Lifetime Achievement Award as a special award that celebrates these inspiring individuals and their dedication to ensuring Catholic education is available to students of all backgrounds.
Ordained as a priest in 1975, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has dedicated his life to the service of God and His people and been a champion for Catholic education, recognizing its vital role in forming the next generation of faithful leaders.
A tireless advocate for the sanctity of life, for decades, Archbishop Naumann has been instrumental in raising awareness and promoting a culture of caring within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and beyond.
As the Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, he has continued to inspire and lead the Catholic community with grace and wisdom.
Under Archbishop Naumann's leadership, the Catholic Education Foundation and its community of supporters has grown, helping to strengthen Catholic schools throughout northeast Kansas and ensuring more students have the opportunity to receive a Catholic education.
Archbishop Naumann's lifetime of service and dedication to the Catholic Church, his steadfast commitment to the sanctity of life, and his leadership in education ensure his legacy will be an inspiration for generations to come.
The Catholic Education Foundation proudly honored Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann with the CEF Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gaudeamus benefit gala on Saturday, October 12, 2024 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 Founders: Blake Mulvany, Tom Zarda, Rich Henry, Archbishop James P. Keleher, Sr. Vickie Perkins, and Leonard & Ellen McKinzie
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 most in need.
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.
