Center Focus 1-16 ALL.pdf Center Focus May 2014 | Page 2

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

The Spirit of Dowling Catholic
School is life. The days blend
together with some very good
days and some days that are
very difficult. As many of you
know, we faced one of those
difficult days in January when
we lost one of our counselors,
Mrs. Jan Brubaker.

I remember interviewing Jan when she applied at
Dowling almost 25 years ago. When I asked her
about the students she was working with at her
current school, she began to tear up and we had to
stop for a minute. She really cared about her students
and felt bad leaving them. I knew then she was a
special person.
Jan became the very “spirit of Dowling Catholic.”
She was kind, thoughtful and outgoing, always putting
others first. She touched many lives during her time
here. After her passing, many alumni sent notes
stating what a difference Jan made in their lives.
Jan was a counselor for our children and my wife
referred to her as a second mom to our sons. I think
many parents felt that way. We miss Jan but her spirit
will always be with us.
One of the things for which I am thankful was the
ability to provide my children with a Catholic
education and I work every day to help other families
do the same. I want to share with you some news that
could help choice in education in Iowa become a

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SPRING| 14

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you
trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the
power of the Holy Spirit.
Rom 15:13

reality for all parents. Iowa Alliance for Choice in
Education (Iowa ACE) is an organization that
promotes the right of parents to choose the best
educational option for their children. Iowa ACE
works with the superintendents of Catholic schools
and other nonpublic school leaders across the state
and nation to promote school choice. This year, Iowa
ACE has helped introduce a bill in the Iowa legislature
to provide for Educational Savings Accounts (ESA).
ESAs allow parents who do not enroll their child in a
public school or charter school to receive a deposit of
public funds into government-authorized savings accounts with specific multiple uses.
More information is included in this issue about this
important piece of legislation. I invite you to learn
more and keep the process in your prayers. The
legislation did not make it to the debate this year, but
we had a great start in a process that will take some
time to complete.
And finally, the new chapel is about to become a
reality with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 29 at
10 a.m. in the circle drive of the school. All students
along with Bishop Pates and other guests will
participate. We are excited to reach this day and to
begin construction in mid May. The goal is to
complete the chapel in February or March of 2015.

have helped support this effort with a financial gift. If
you have not given a gift to the chapel I invite to you to
do so. We are in need of everyone’s help to complete
the fund raising for this most important project. Your
gift will help extend the faith opportunities and
activities of our students for generations to come.
I began this letter reflecting on some sad news. I
want to end it by saying I could not be prouder of the
Dowling Catholic students, faculty, staff, parents and
community this year and all the wonderful things that
have been accomplished. Our students continue to
give so much to the community through their service
and faith walk. They have represented us all so well on
the court, field, stage, or other venues, and they have
dedicated themselves to development of their ability
and skills in the classroom. Thanks for your
continued support that continues to make all of this
possible.
May God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jerry Deegan
President

Our next celebration will be a grand opening to
include a blessing of the chapel. We will keep you
posted on our progress. I want to thank all those who
Jan Brubaker (far right), pictured with her good friend and DCHS
Teacher Sharon Abler. Jan has touched many lives at Dowling
Catholic. Her loss is felt by the entire DCHS Community.
See pg. 7 for more on Jan Brubaker.