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Meet the team

Doug Thiessen

Chairman of the Board

Cornerstone began because

the community was struggling. We needed to have another entity to raise funds to be used today, 5 years, 10 years, 100 years down the road. 

I remember being a high school senior and Sr. Mary DePaul telling me, “You’re going to be a leader here someday.” At the time, I thought, “You’re crazy!” But I never forgot it, and here I am. I hope we can inspire the same leadership in the students that Sister inspired in me

St. John's Catholic 
High School Alumni 1975
Inspired the Need for CCF in​ 2003

Joe Walter

President

I care about the local Catholic community because

it’s all about Salvation . . . EVERYTHING we should be doing should be navigated within the context of how each person involved might positively impact/mentor the students they connect with in that path towards Salvation.  

St. John's Catholic
High School Alumni 1982
Affiliated with CCF since 2005

Dan Ellenz

Vice President

I joined the foundation​

to help look for avenues of generating supporting income for the local Catholic community. CCF looks to take on challenges of fundraising and assist with charitable giving in support of this community. We have a welcoming, family-oriented presence that supports the faith-centered education and top-notch academics for generations to come.

St. John's Catholic
High School Alumni 1982
Affiliated with CCF since
2005

Dean Gengler

Secretary

I believe in the local Catholic community because

of my experience as a student paired with being away for almost 25 years. A genuine emphasis on the beauty and history of the Catholic faith is now being taught, and I realized my obligation to pass this on to my children. Being in an environment that promotes the faith 7+ hours a day gives them the best opportunity experience the fullness of Catholicism. How could I deny them that?

St. John's Catholic
High School Alumni 1985
Affiliated with CCF since 2011

Doug Eilert

Treasurer

I became involved with CCF

 to give back to the local Catholic community. The school has educated my six children and myself. They all have received a high quality education along with a deepened relationship with God. I hope to make this same experience available to my grandchildren and the generations that are to come.

St. John's Catholic 
High School Alumni 1985
Affiliated with CCF since 2005

Dennis Lutgen

Trustee

I am part of Cornerstone because

it is a great organization that supports the Church and school.

Attended St. John's​ through sophomore year, 
returned to Beloit in 1984
Affiliated with CCF since 2003

Dave Dubbert

Trustee

I believe in the local Catholic community because

it is all very unique in what it has going on.  This includes everyone from our parish priest to the first grade's teacher aid.  Not everything is perfect but we have a system that truly cares about the students, their families and success of each individual in a Catholic environment.  Cornerstone is the financial engine that keeps things operating and strives to make improvements for the betterment of the parish, school, faculty and its' graduates.

Tipton Catholic 
High School Alumni 1988
Affiliated with CCF since 2015

Jeff Bechard

Trustee

Secretary

I believe in CCF's vision because

past generations made sacrifices of time, talent and treasure so my family and children could experience the community's blessings. I want to do the same for future generations. We combine the Catholic faith, small town values, a teacher staff that views their role as much a ministry as a job, and strong community support. That’s a powerful recipe for positively shaping lives.

St. John's Parishioner since 1997
Affiliated with CCF since 2010