Members of the class of 1968 from Cardinal Stritch High School in Keokuk gather for their 55th reunion at the Knights of Columbus Hall June 30. Graduates of all Keokuk Catholic Schools were invited to an all-school reunion June 30 and July 1.
For The Catholic Messenger
KEOKUK — In a display of unwavering school spirit and cherished memories, the Keokuk Catholic All-School Reunion brought together more than 450 alumni, spanning generations, for a homecoming. The reunion, held at Keokuk Catholic School (formerly St. Mary High School, St. Peter High School and later Cardinal Stritch High School), rekindled friendships and reignited the sense of camaraderie.
A dedicated group of alumni volunteers organized the event that took place June 30 and July 1. A “meet and greet” at the Knights of Columbus Hall kicked off the celebration. Events the next day began with Mass at All Saints Church, at which alum Father Marty Goetz presided. Dinner and dancing followed at the school.
The reunion was a testament to the lasting impact that Keokuk Catholic had on its alumni. From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere crackled with excitement as old friends reunited, their faces lighting up with smiles and laughter. The event provided a platform for reliving cherished stories and shared experiences, fostering an environment of nostalgia and appreciation.
Alumni from across the country traveled back to their roots, eager to reconnect with former classmates and beloved teachers. In attendance were 17 former teachers, including seven Daughters of Charity Sisters. Father Thomas Stratman, who was responsible for building Cardinal Stritch High School in 1963, sent a heartfelt tribute and message to the alumni via a video recording. The oldest alumni in attendance were Mac Law and Dave Wolf from the Class of 1950.
During her address, the school’s Head of School Shari Bozorgzad (Class of ‘81), expressed gratitude for the support and devotion of the Keokuk Catholic alumni. She remarked, “Seeing the incredible turnout and witnessing the depth of love and loyalty our alumni hold for their alma mater is truly humbling. We are immensely proud of our school’s impact on so many lives.”
Bozorgzad proposed the idea of an alumni cup to inspire alumni to give back to their school. Donation totals were tallied and the class that gave the most would receive the cup. The Class of 1978 won this year’s cup. Altogether, alumni raised about $12,000 during the challenge.
Kate Pflug, a Class of 1978 spokesperson, gave a speech during the reunion. She emphasized the significance of alumni caring for their alma mater and spoke of the transformative impact Keokuk Catholic had on her classmates and her. Pflug’s heartfelt challenge to other classes inspired them to make a contribution to benefit future generations of students.
As the reunion drew to a close, all promised to keep the memories alive until the next gathering. The success of the Keokuk Catholic all-school reunion serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and lasting friendships forged within the school’s walls.
The event organizers are already setting their sights on future reunions, planning to build on this remarkable success. The echoes of laughter and the shared experiences of the Keokuk Catholic alumni will reverberate through time, a testament to the lasting impact of a remarkable education.
