Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The keynote speaker for this year’s Salute to Catholic School Alumni Dinner on March 5 is Father Nate Wills, the football chaplain for the University of Notre Dame. Father Wills is also a faculty member of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE), an educational program that recruits talented college graduates to teach in Catholic schools.

Richard A. Lechleiter, president of the Catholic Education Foundation, expressed excitement about Father Nate Wills as the keynote speaker, calling him a "dynamic speaker." Lechleiter highlighted the significance of ACE, stating that "we have ACE teachers right here in Louisville, in this diocese." He further mentioned that the foundation is eager to hear Father Nate discuss the development of the program.

The Catholic Education Foundation aims to continue its success in providing tuition assistance to Catholic school families. Last year's dinner raised a record-breaking $1.5 million, and this year, the goal is to reach $1.6 million. Lechleiter emphasized the foundation's mission of helping more children access Catholic education every year.

The foundation recently announced that it awarded $8 million in tuition funds to 3,700 students last fall, demonstrating the level of success that has been achieved. Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre expressed gratitude for the community's support, stating that the funds support families across central Kentucky who desire a Catholic education for their children but cannot afford the full cost.

During the Salute dinner, the foundation will honor eight individuals, including distinguished alumni of Catholic schools and community leaders. Among the honorees is Charles Dahlem, president of Dahlem Realty, who will receive the Community Service Award. Julie Domzalski, a teacher at St. Margaret Mary School, will receive the 2024 Father Joseph McGee Award.

The dinner will take place at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville on March 5. Attendees can purchase tickets through the Catholic Education Foundation's website or by phone.

Overall, the Salute to Catholic School Alumni Dinner aims to raise funds to support Catholic education and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. The event provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the value of Catholic education in shaping the futures of children.