Chair, WEC Energy Group
Assumption High School, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
Class of 1968
I attended Assumption High School in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Sister Lourdette Van Driel, who now lives in an assisted living apartment in the new St. Francis Convent, was the assistant principal. Her smile would light up the room. She was kind and full of encouragement. Back in the day, Sister Lourdette made a difference. With her quiet but firm demeanor, she expected us to grow, live up to our potential, and become the very best versions of ourselves. Her influence helped build a generation of teenagers into capable, productive adults.
Later Sister Lourdette became principal at St. Mary’s Academy in St. Francis, encouraging many hundreds of young women to pursue professional opportunities and grow into compassionate, faithful and loving community leaders and mentors.
It is a true honor to give back to Sister Lourdette and all the other Sisters who have helped generations of young people become successful adults. Each year, my wife Judi and I contribute to the Sisters to ensure they receive the same quality and loving care that they provided others throughout their lives.
I encourage other Milwaukee-area businesses, foundations, and philanthropists to generously support the Sisters who – individually or through their ministries – have done so much to support our community.
Gale and Judi Klappa are members of The Assisi Society and By God’s Providence Society. Gale was honorary co-chair of The Spirit of St. Francis capital campaign for a new convent.
