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Marianist Values, Moeller Commitment
- Jeff Gaier
Each year, we celebrate Founder’s Day and honor two individuals who embody the spirit of Blessed Chaminade. This year, Dr. Bill Knight (a 1995 Moeller graduate) and Mr. Dick Beerman were the 2022 recipients of this very meaningful award.
Mr. Beerman has dedicated over 40 years of service to Moeller in several different roles: as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and sports archivist. However, this is only a part of what this living legend has contributed to the Men of Moeller and all who call Moeller home. His compassion for others and his commitment to his faith are constant reminders of how to live by example. “Dick’s heart is truly Marianist,” said Jeff Gaier. “I can’t think of anyone else who not only lives what this award is about but does it with graciousness and humility.”
Dick is not only a graduate of Purcell High School—another connection to the Marianist community—but he began teaching at Purcell in 1968. With one of his most significant mentors, Bro. Larry Eveslage S.M,
Moeller’s first principal, Dick was elevated to assistant principal, and with a recommendation from Bro. Larry in 1976, he moved to Moeller.
In the mid ’80s, Dick became co-athletic director with Barry Borman ’64 and held that title until his retirement. But he did not stop serving; he continued to help the school, particularly in athletics and keeping archives for Moeller’s rich athletic traditions. “Dick saw the importance of recognizing those in need and saw the value of how small ways of service go a long way.”
Overall, Dick’s career with Marianist schools has spanned over 50 years. Dick was formed by the Marianist, gave his career to Marianist education, and has passed on that formation to thousands of young Dr. Bill Knight graduated from Moeller in 1995 and went to the University of Dayton, continuing his education in the Marianist tradition. As a college student, Bill had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Honduras. His experience there so affected him that he contacted Brother Ron at Moeller and encouraged him to initiate service trips to Honduras for Moeller students. Bill facilitated several aspects of the Moeller-Honduras service trips, including opportunities for students to work at an orphanage and a medical facility. Bill served as an adult leader on several of these trips. One Moeller alumnus who later became a physician credits Bill and his work with the medical team in Honduras for his
Founder’s Day Honorees
Sylvia Altherr Richard Beerman Gustavo Benedetti Charley Blum Rick Bohné Barry Borman ’64 William E. Braun ’72 William O. Brisben Patricia Buckley Dave Campbell Whitey and Carol Campbell Becky and Ted Catino ’79 Mary and Charles Clark ’74 Blane Collison Anthony Corder Mary Dees Alberto Delgado Mary Donohue Jim Elfers Gerry Faust Janet and William Fette June and Thomas Fitz Jeff Gaier Henry Gallenstein, Jr. Brian Gilronan Nancy and Fred Habegger Mary and Thomas Harmon Bill Hunt Ed Jamieson Rev. J. Dennis Jaspers Sheila Munafo-Kanoza Jean and Jack King Sister Judy Klei, R.S.M. Steve Klonne Dr. William Knight, IV ’95 Herman Knueven ’74 William R. Kohus, Sr. ’69 Carita and Paul Kollman Kevin Kozlowski Fr. Tom Kreidler Carl Kremer Fr. Lawrence Krusling Craig Lindsey Fr. Michael Leshney Dan Leugers ’77 Carol and Mark Manley John Massarella Karen Matuszek Mary and John McCormick Mike Moroski Todd Naumann ’91 Lisa Neubauer Cindy Neuhaus Arlene and Robert Niehaus ’65 Sally Nugent Jim and Anita Pappalardo Mary Helen and Thomas Petry Vicki and Donald Richter Marilyn and Robert Schildmeyer Kenneth P. Schlotman Peggy and David Schlueter ’67 Carmelita and Elmer Schlueter Joan and Donald Schmitt Jack and Mary Teuschl Hazel Wood
Dr. Bill Knight ’95
decision to pursue a career in medicine. Clearly, Bill was committed as a young adult to serving others, including some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
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Founder’s Day Honorees
