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

The Catholic Education Foundation's annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni Dinner has once again broken records, raising $1.7 million for tuition assistance. This marks the 16th consecutive year of record-breaking fundraising, according to Richard A. Lechleiter, the foundation’s president. The event took place on March 18 at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville and was attended by approximately 1,600 people.

Lechleiter also announced the public phase of a significant capital campaign titled “The Answer is Yes! For Everyone. Forever.” He revealed that $80 million had already been pledged during a five-year silent phase towards the $100 million goal.

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre expressed his gratitude to the foundation and its supporters in his opening remarks, highlighting the importance of Catholic education as the "largest ministry" in the archdiocese.

Six alumni were honored at the event: Bishop J. Mark Spalding, Gregory A. DeMuth, Jennifer Black Hans, William E. Mudd, Donna L. Heitzman, and E. John Raque III. Charles H. Leis received the Community Service Award, while Emily H. McCarty was awarded the Father Joseph McGee Outstanding Catholic Educator Award.

Jeff Brohm, head football coach at the University of Louisville, served as keynote speaker and shared stories from his career that emphasized how Catholic education shaped him personally and professionally.

Brohm attributed his coaching philosophy to lessons learned at St. Bernard School and Trinity High School and noted that these experiences continue to guide him today.

Additionally, nine high school students were awarded Father John H. Morgan Scholarships: Caroline Pringle (Assumption High School), Christopher Spalding (Bethlehem High School), Garrett Lee Craig (DeSales High School), Breaze O’Neal (Holy Cross High School), Kyndal Wintergerst-Weston (Mercy Academy), Marie Laracy (Presentation Academy), Arabella Guerrero (Sacred Heart Academy), Henry Corbell (St. Xavier High School), and Jaiden Robinson (Trinity High School).