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Hall of Fame

2023 Hall of FameGonzaga Prep is pleased to introduce the 2023 inductees to the school's Hall of Fame. Please join us in celebrating these inductees who made their mark through excellence and in service to others at the school and in the world beyond.
 
The selection committee is pleased to introduce the 2023 inductees. We invite you to read about each inductee and watch the videos shown at the January 18 ceremony.
 
WATCH VIDEOS BELOW:
Founders of Fair Share
Boards envisioned and brought unique tuition program to life.

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In 1992, the Boards of Directors recognized a pivotal moment in the school’s future financial stability. In founding the Fair Share Tuition Assistance Program, they made a bold commitment that Gonzaga Prep would strive to serve all, regardless of ability to afford full tuition. Fair Share broadened family economic diversity and supports an enrollment that promotes activities at the highest level. As of 2022, more than 4,600 students have benefited from Fair Share.

Al Falkner
Lives the mission of Prep as teacher, coach, principal, president, board member.

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Gonzaga Prep is more diverse, vibrant, and stronger because of AL FALKNER. Teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, and president, he was part of significant change in the 40+ years he served the school. In his tenure, he worked with more than 9,000 students, striving to know each by name. His accolades are many, including Teacher of the Year, the St. Aloysius Gonzaga Medal, and a Nazareth Guild Lifetime Achievement. So significant was his impact, the Hall of Honor bears his name.

Carl Maxey `42
Alumnus, renowned Spokane trial attorney, CIVIL RIGHTS leader.

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CARL MAXEY'S brilliance and tenacity were evident early on, bringing him to Gonzaga Prep on a full scholarship. After serving in the segregated Army in WWII, Maxey returned to Spokane to attend Gonzaga University and was the first African American to graduate from the law school. Maxey made his mark in the civil rights era through cases that challenged the racial status quo. His lifetime of work as a trial attorney and tireless efforts as civil rights leader had a broad and lasting impact.

Kuder brothers
Demonstrated love and service especially through annual Food Drive.

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For nearly six decades, there was a Kuder brother at Gonzaga Prep. PHIL `68 served as a longtime science teacher and coach, and STEVE `60, a Jesuit, served on various committees and boards through the years. Both brothers are synonymous with a generation of Food Drive in unique and distinct ways. The poking, prodding, encouraging, challenging, and caring the legendary, curmudgeonly brothers dished out to students and families are what are most remembered and celebrated. 

Kathy Perko
Nurse practitioner exemplifies cura personalis in her field

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Pediatric nurse practitioner KATHY PERKO `79 earned national recognition during her career for her work in pediatric oncology and palliative care. She is known for her expertise in helping families find tools for counseling, symptom, and pain management, and spiritual care for their children with life-limiting conditions. Her empathy and compassion for the most vulnerable children and families are her life’s mission. Her genuine generosity of spirit demonstrates what it is to be a person for others.

Denise Schlepp
Teacher, coach, MENTOR for 36 years at Gonzaga Prep.

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DENISE SCHLEPP was a pioneer for women's athletics at Gonzaga Prep. Hired to teach P.E. after Prep went co-ed, she coached for 36 years in almost every sport and inspired innumerable student-athletes to pursue excellence and leadership. Her true legacy is found in her ability to make kids feel loved and accepted exactly as they are. She embodies cura personalis. Denise believed in the potential of each student and helped them to believe in their own ability to change the world for the better.

1982 State Champion Football Team
First Bullpup team to win football STATE TITLE in King Bowl.

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Since 1939, Bullpups have been competing on the gridiron, but it was the 1982 FOOTBALL TEAM coached by legend Don Anderson and his incredible staff that brought home the Kingbowl Six Championship in 1982. The 25-7 win over nationally ranked South Kitsap High was the first official state football championship for Gonzaga Prep and the Greater Spokane League's first state title. The success of the 1982 season was built on the shoulders of the many teams that came before and affirmed a Gonzaga Prep legacy of brotherhood and greatness.

2013-2015 Girls Basketball Teams
Unstoppable teams won 51 straight games, back-to-back state titles.

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For two years, no one could stop GONZAGA PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL. Under the guidance of longtime coach Mike Arte, the teams dominated the sport, winning 51 straight games over two seasons and consecutive 4A State Titles. Their success earned a national USA Today Super 25 ranking in 2015 and a trip to Madison Square Gardens to compete in the Dick’s Sporting Goods high school nationals semifinals. Nine members of the combined squads went on to play collegiate sports.

 
 
 
On a night celebrating the shared story of service and excellence, Gonzaga Prep welcomed the 2023 class of inductees to the Hall of Fame. The ceremony in Kubiak Theater showcased each recipient’s impact on the school and the world beyond through videos that vibrantly painted a picture of each inductee’s life and accomplishments.

Each recipient–and those accepting on behalf– gave a nod to the others, captured well by the final inductee and former school president, Al Falkner, “Everyone honored tonight with me has done the work, all in extraordinary ways. That seeking the greater, the Magis, is what Prep is all about.”

Toni Kuder: “I asked Phil some years ago, hypothetically, if he could do it over again, would he still choose to teach at Prep. He didn't hesitate to answer that of course he would!”

Denise Schlepp, with her familiar humility: “I am just one, one of the many lives that have been forever changed through this place, and I consider myself lucky to have been considered.

Coach Mike Arte, accepting on behalf of the 2013-2015 Girls Basketball Teams: “For the first time, there are 3 inductions that represent the great accomplishments of females; our team, Kathy for her endearing work with young children and Denise for her pioneering work in women’s athletics.”

Camilla Tilford, on behalf of the Founders of Fair Share: “We are grateful for this honor and for the success of Fair Share. Thank you to the committee for this recognition and honor. Meeting adjourned!”

 


 

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Gonzaga Preparatory School Hall of Fame is to serve as a means of maintaining the rich heritage and tradition of the Gonzaga Prep community. In addition, it will serve as a means of recognizing, preserving, and honoring the alumni, athletes, coaches, individuals, and teams that made significant contributions to the school and their community.
 
CRITERIA
There are two categories under which a nominee may be considered for selection to the Hall of Fame:
  1. Athlete/Team/Coach - who distinguished themselves while at Gonzaga Prep.  Primary criteria should include athletic ability and contribution to his/her team.  This may include individual honors and records, team honors or legacy of excellence for a determined period of time.  Secondary criteria may include any post-Prep accomplishments, both collegiate and professional.  Can only be eligible for selection 10 yrs after graduation.
  2. Alumni/Individual/Jesuits - who has made significant contributions to the Gonzaga Prep community, or in the case of alumni, have distinguished themselves in their field after graduation from Gonzaga Prep.  Alumni can only be eligible for selection 10 yrs after graduation.
All nominees must exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and Ignatian character.  Anyone (alumnus/alumnae, parent, current/former faculty/staff member, and/or friend of Prep) may submit a nomination.

HALL OF FAME MEMBERS 

1931 Football Team

1963 Football Team

1999 Wrestling Team

Don Anderson

Joey August `34

Jim and Beth Brasch `76

Fr. Dick Case, S.J.

Fr. Joseph Cataldo, S.J.

Joanne Cipolla

Tim Cronin `70

Bing Crosby `20

Joseph Danelo, Sr.

Jack Delehanty `60

Tim Egan `73

Frank "Ginge" Etter `63

Ray Flaherty `26

Fr. Paul Fitterer, S.J.

Thomas Foley `46

Bill Frazier

Ganz Brothers:
Mark, `79, Bill `77, & Fr. Rick `72

Steve Gleason `95

Fr. Robert Goebel, S.J.

Sam Grashio `36

Fr. Bill Hayes, S.J.

Henry (Hank) Higgins `47

Fr. Harry Jahn, S.J.

Terry Kelly `76

Kurt Kromholtz `55

Donna Lenseigne

Ron Long `65

John Luger `64

Mark Machtolf `83

Major Anne McClain `97

Trish McGonigle `84

Marilyn McKenna

Dan Murphy `58

John W. Murphy `30

Lisa Oriard `84

Michael Oriard `66

Frank M. Rotando

Mike Redmond `89

Paul Redmond `55

Mary Reilly Tait `88

J. Merton Rosauer

Nicholas Scarpelli `42

Bill Shanks `54

Dick Sprague `49

Jack Stockton `45

John Stockton `80

Hon. Phil Thompson `52

Fr. Gordon Toner, S.J.

John Traynor

Fr. Joe Weitensteiner `50

Tim Welsh `63

Fr. Victor Zehnder, S.J