CLHSA “On the Road” Event in Fort Wayne, IN
Fourteen former alumni, faculty, and friends showed up at the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association’s (CLHSA) ‘On the Road’ event in Fort Wayne on Saturday, May 4. They came from as close as Ft. Wayne: Mindy (Hoffscheider) Walz LW’90 and John Schamber (former LE Faculty), and as far as Indianapolis: Robert C. Fischer DT’58, Leah (Jeske) Hartsock LW’60, and Valparaiso: Bob Steingass LW’75 and Oliver Proteau LW’65. The group met at the Fort Wayne Country Club to enjoy fellowship, reconnect with past friends and faculty, and make new acquaintances.
The day consisted of catching up with everyone in attendance, an update of the two schools (Lutheran East and Lutheran West) and a delicious brunch. Some highlights of the day: Ingrid (Lindstrom) Rinker LE’60 was able to see Marilyn Horman, who was the PE, Health, and English teacher; Signe (Lindstrom) Nicholson LE’74 gave a big welcome hug to Don & Ellen Luepke, who taught math and led the Academic Challenge team back in the 70’s; and an impromptu singing of the alma mater!
Pastor Mark Minnick LW’70, a Distinguished Alumni member, opened the event in prayer and also served as the host of the gathering, along with wife Alice. Current CLHSA Assistant Superintendent Joe Gray led off the program by explaining why the CLHSA decided to schedule an event outside of Cleveland. He spoke about CLHSA coming to see alumni and friends, so they would not have to travel to catch up on all the great things going on at the schools. Joe also talked about the importance of alumni updating their information with the Association, so that we can better stay in contact and potentially set up future CLHSA ‘On the Road’ visits, events, and class reunions in areas outside of Cleveland.
Chris Steinmann LW’00, current Superintendent & CEO of the CLHSA, spoke about the history of Lutheran East and Lutheran West, current enrollment (which is excellent at both schools!), the recent addition of middle school at Lutheran West, and the two ongoing capital campaigns. Faith & Future at Lutheran East is funding crucial building upgrades and improvements (learn more at LutheranEast.org/FaithandFuture). Forward in Faith at Lutheran West is enabling the addition of 30,000 square feet of academic and extracurricular space to our building, as well as funding the development of academic Centers of Excellence (learn more at LutheranWest.com/ForwardinFaith). Chris also highlighted two current faculty members at each school: Miriam Uffelman, Director of Student Life at Lutheran East, and Pastor Jeff Steele-Steeber, Campus Pastor at Lutheran West. Each of these are new positions at our high schools that have already impacted, and will continue to impact, our student bodies and school communities.
Debi Albrecht LW’85, Lutheran West Alumni Director, and Joe Gray concluded the updates by reviewing the various alumni events that took place during the past year at both of our schools, as well as upcoming activities including class reunions and homecoming events at both East and West.
The event ended with mingling and talking, venturing out on the country club balcony to take in the view of the course, a group photo, and that singing of the alma mater by all alums in attendance from both schools!
View photos and video of the event on CLHSA social media: Facebook – @CLHSA; Instagram – @clhsa.