ICHS honors distinguished alumni with award
On Feb. 1, the “buzz” at Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst was not about the impending blizzard that was fast approaching, but about the two outstanding former students who were being honored that day with the 2011 ICHS Distinguished Alumni Award.
Jim Bauernfeind (Class of 1956) and Patricia Cassidy (Class of 1980) set off on two distinctly different paths after graduating from Immaculate Conception High School, but both attributed much of their success to the foundation that was built during their time at the high school.
The day began with a special “all-school” Mass, held in the IC Chapel. At the conclusion of the Mass, ICHS Principal, Pam Levar, introduced the nominators that presented this year's Distinguished Alumni to the students – highlighting the remarkable journey of each of these exceptional alumni. Each honoree was then presented with their award and given the opportunity to speak to the gathered crowd.
Both award winners emotionally described what they learned in their years at ICHS and expressed a deep gratitude for the foundation of leadership and learning that enabled each to excel in their respective careers and personal lives. A breakfast reception honoring the Distinguished Alumni recipients was held on campus after the Mass. The honorees, their families and friends joined ICHS administrators, staff, and a small group of current ICHS student leaders to enjoy some great food and reminisce about their alma mater.
After graduating from ICHS in 1956, Jim Bauernfeind headed to Northern Illinois University and then served in the U.S. Army from 1959-61. He then went to work for Royal Typewriters where he quickly became their number one west coast salesperson. Moving back to Chicago, Jim became the sales leader at International Typewriter Exchange before founding the Liberty Sales Corp., a promotional products company that is still going strong today. A firm believer in Catholic education, Jim and his wife, Mary Ann, sent both of their daughters, Suzie (Class of 1992) and Mary Beth (Class of 1993), to Vistitation Grade School and Immaculate Conception High School.
“I gave my daughters three choices for high school” Bauernfeind explained to the gathered ICHS students, “ ICHS, ICHS or ICHS”.
Jim has remained a steadfast supporter of the high school, whether it be assisting the Alumni Association, helping to organize and seek participation for the golf outings, working the phones at a Phone-A-Thon or consistently being one of the top sellers in the Booster Club sponsored NFL Raffle. Previously, Jim has also been honored with the Golden Man Knight of the Year in 1992 and he received the Honorary Knight Award for service and dedication to the Athletic Department in 1993. “He is one of the most honorable and dedicated men I have ever met to not only his family but to ICHS” said his nominator Gina Ensalaco Gasbarre (Class of 1981), “He believes what ICHS can do for every kid and will do anything possible to help out in any way he can”.
Trisha Cassidy headed off to the University of Illinois after graduating from ICHS in 1980 where she earned a degree in political science. Continuing her education even further, Trisha went on to earn her masters in business management from Loyola University. After gaining some experience in the business world, Trisha was hired by Loyola Health System and took on many roles over the past 20 years including directing various departments and becoming a vice-president within the organization. Trisha took advantage of her opportunities and gained invaluable knowledge on managing the daily operations of a large and successful health system.
In 2009, Trisha's hard work and dedication was acknowledged when she was named the new president of Gottlieb Hospital in Melrose Park after Loyola purchased it. Since taking on her new role, Trisha has not only overseen the opening of a new cardiovascular unit, but has implemented a variety of changes to shift the new Loyola Gottlieb to a more patient-centered health facility. Her career and life has been marked by many accomplishments due to her thoughtful intelligence and dedication to providing compassionate care to the patients that are treated at Loyola Gottlieb Hospital.
She is a great example of the kind of person that ICHS strives to develop. “I sat exactly where you are sitting about 30 years ago” Cassidy told the students “and I never would have dreamed where my journey would take me from there – but I now know it all started here at ICHS”.
ICHS established the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005. This award is given annually during Catholic Schools Week. It is intended to recognize an Immaculate Conception High School graduate whose achievements reflect excellence, commitment, and service, and gives witness to the heart and spirit of Catholic education. The award serves as a standard to which current ICHS students can aspire.
For more detailed information on the 2010 ICHS Distinguished Alumni Award Winners, visit the website at www.ichsknights.org.