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December 12, 2013
BISMARCK – Light of Christ Catholic Schools of Excellence (LOCCSE) has hired Gerald Vetter as director of advancement and development, Bishop of Bismarck David D. Kagan announced.
Gwen Beckler has been hired as associate director of advancement and development for LOCCSE as well. Vetter and Beckler will begin their full-time duties on January 1, 2014.
“Gerald and Gwen are well-equipped to help lead the exciting growth that is taking place in our Catholic school system in Bismarck,” said Kagan, who is president of the LOCSSE board of directors. “Offering the children of our area quality, Christ-centered Catholic education is of utmost importance, and these two new hires are crucial as we plan for the future and take Catholic education in the capital city to the next level.”
Vetter has 24 years of experience in Catholic education as a teacher, state champion basketball coach and assistant principal. He received a master’s degree in educational leadership from North Dakota State University and has worked at St. Mary’s Central High School (SMCHS) in Bismarck since 1991.
Beckler, who earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Jamestown College and her master’s degree in strategic leadership from the University of Mary, is a graduate of SMCHS. She was hired as the school’s development director in 2008 and currently manages all fundraising, marketing and recruiting efforts at the school.
“As we have seen tremendous growth in our community, we have also seen tremendous growth in our schools,” Vetter said. “Catholic education has always contributed to a spirit of vibrancy in our community and Gwen and I look forward to continuing that spirit and challenging the students to become the best version of themselves as God intended.”
LOCCSE is currently completing a feasibility study that will guide the school system’s planning for future growth. After the results of the feasibility study are announced, Vetter and Beckler will immediately begin coordinating a capital campaign to accomplish the goals outlined by the study’s results.
“With Gerald and Gwen assuming these responsibilities, Superintendent Dr. Rick Kruska will be able to concentrate his time and efforts on the spiritual and educational advancement and instruction of all the children in our school system,” Kagan explained.
Over 1,200 students are enrolled in the LOCCSE school system, making it the largest non-public school system in North Dakota. The system officially formed in 2012 when the four Catholic schools and five Catholic parishes in Bismarck joined to provide a unified Catholic education system. Today, LOCCSE consists of Cathedral of the Holy Spirit School, Saint Anne School, St. Mary’s Elementary School, SMCHS and the newly formed 7th and 8th Grade Academy.
“The formation of LOCCSE continues to hold true to the purpose of Catholic education in our community: to offer a faith-based education which teaches Gospel values across all curriculum and fosters constant academic and spiritual growth,” Beckler said.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Matthew Kurtz, [email protected], 701-204-7190.
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