50th Anniversary Blog
Updates on what's happening with the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Campaign
West Catholic alumni, friends, and community members gathered together for the 50th Anniversary Homecoming football game and celebration on Friday night, Oct. 5.
The West Catholic faithful not only cheered on the Falcons, brandishing their commemorative gold jerseys, to a 40-15 victory over Greenville but also celebrated and reflected on the many memories and gifts that West Catholic has brought to Grand Rapids since its founding in 1962.
Monsignor Stasker led the packed stadium in prayer before the game, giving thanks for the school as well as continued blessings for the future. The game itself reflected the mood and festive atmosphere of the community as West Catholic jumped out to a 27-0 lead by halftime.
The Homecoming court was announced and even the Robotics Team made a special showing as they showed off their new t-shirt launcher robot that sent t-shirts into the home crowd.
Hundreds of alumni and friends of West Catholic gathered after the game for the 5th Quarter Party in the cafeteria. Old friends reconnected and looked over yearbooks as they shared happy memories.
Alumni Director Todd Peters and Football Coach Dan Rohn thanked the many alumni and guests for their support as the celebration proved to be the exclamation point to an exciting night from beginning to end.
More photos on Facebook
Posted June 30, 2012
The 1970-1974 alumni gathered June 22 at the famous 5th Street Hall on the West Side of Grand Rapids for one of the largest-yet alumni gatherings. Over 50 alumni heard the future plans and vision for West Catholic’s $5 million campaign.
Class leaders Mike McCarthy and Ted Kuzma opened the presentation by explaining their roles and passion for seeing the plans come to fruition. They also shared future events that will honor and bring the 1970s alumni back together throughout the next few years. Director of Advancement Ken Baldwin encouraged each alum to consider ways that they can each personally support the bright future of West Catholic.
Many alumni left the hall feeling excited about what the future holds for their alma mater and thinking about ways they can honor their family, coaches, and teachers through this golden anniversary.
See the photos on Facebook
Posted May 9
Dan Arsulowicz '64 sent this in:
TO OUR SPECIAL '60s DECADE TEAM:
All of you have been very helpful and instrumental in our planning for our WC60s decade main event!
We had our meeting last Sunday eve at West under the tutelage of our favorite Juddee M. Most of you made it, a few could not! But a very uplifting and productive meeting was enjoyed by all present. We finalized our Monday May 14, 7 p.m. WC60s Decade Meeting at West Catholic.
Now, lastly, and certainly of immense importance, we all agreed upon the importance of performing two more tasks in the next five days.
First, get on the phone and make personal phone calls to at least 10 (preferably 20) of your WC classmates. REMIND THEM about our big and exciting WC60s Event! Tell them about the exciting things that are beginning to happen at our WEST CATHOLIC and how they can and should want to be part of it! How there are no obligations and that it is FREE!!
Second, will you (please) go online and register for the event on the website (bit.ly/Register60s) or call Ken Baldwin at 233-5918. And ask the people you call to do the same (REGISTER)!
Would you please do this little bit to help ensure our success?
THANK YOU!!
Dan Arsulowicz, '64
P.S. And yes, please ask them to bring their significant others! The more the merrier! (the West Way!)
P.P.S: Like the 60s Decade Page on Facebook!
Posted May 9, 2012
The 2000s All-Alumni Meet up last Friday night was quite possibly the best event yet! We were able to raise several thousand dollars and most gifts were the first gifts those alums have ever given to West Catholic! Our 2000s graduates have set a new precedent by continuing to help move West Catholic High School forward for our children and grandchildren.
We are thrilled at what the future holds, and it is only fitting that our alumni lead the charge as we help advance West Catholic High School into the 21st Century and beyond.
This was a great step as we build towards our next big event – our Aug. 31 Tailgater during West Catholic’s football game at home -- we will continue to share the awesome news moving forward!
To all who were there: stay close and continue to be part of this significant moment in West Catholic’s history. West Catholic is so blessed by you and your support.
To those who couldn’t attend: Hope to see you at the Tailgater in August!
Posted May 1, 2012
On Thursday April 26, 50 West Catholic alumni from every graduating class of the 1980s decade gathered together at West Catholic to share memories and laughs
Alumni Catholic Secondary School President, Tom Maj presented the future plans and vision of West Catholic, as the 50th Anniversary West Way Capital Campaign which will begin this fall. Classes of 1987 Michael Curry and 1983 Rose (Kloska) Smith gave emotional talks on what West Catholic has meant to them and the impact it has made on their lives and families.
Dan Arsulowicz, Capital Campaign Chair, shared the impact that the campaign will have in moving forward West Catholic High School for next 50 years. Many alumni ended the exciting night by contributing to the campaign and committed to sharing the night’s message with their peers and friends throughout West Michigan and beyond.
Have you seen our video?
Posted April 25, 2012
Watch it on Facebook
NEW! Campaign Brochure
Posted March 28, 2012
West Catholic's plans for the future and fundraising campaign documented in a full color brochure, Proud of our Past, Focused on our Future.
Download a copy of the brochure (pdf)
View the flash "flipbook."
All Decade Team Meeting
Posted March 15, 2012
Download the presentation to get all the details.
Alumni decade leaders gathered last night in the West Catholic Library to hear more about the Capital Campaign progress and plans that are coming together to celebrate West Catholic’s 50th Anniversary.
Steve Abid hosted the gathering and went through the many alumni events and exciting reunions that will be taking place to celebrate West Catholic’s past. The events range from decade celebrations to gatherings that will honor the military alumni, Wall of Fame Members, and clergy that have served the community for years. Homecoming will highlight the many festivities that alumni can participate in at football games. The alumni events will also feature a spring concert in 2013 that should draw record crowds.
President Tom Maj outlined the major needs and opportunities that the upcoming Capital Campaign will be meeting. Audience members were able to view a captivating virtual tour of the Architectural Drawings for the proposed entrance and learning commons, as well as plans for the new concourse concession stand. The concourse will serve the many friends, alumni and community members who visit West Catholic for athletic events.
New Director of Advancement Ken Baldwin explained the strategy and initial progress being made as we prepare to invite major donors to participate in the campaign. Alumni leaders were invited to make pledges to the campaign. Focusing on the West Way, alums were amazed at the amount of money they can raise through high participation. Dan Arsulowicz gave a passionate and rousing speech about the chance that alumni have to forever transform the school’s future.
After the meeting alumni and staff were able to congregate and share stories as well as plan some upcoming decade events.