Carmel Catholic Unveils Kathy A. Nemmers Welcome Center

Kathy Nemmers had a passion for mahjong and golf, but most of all, she loved family. Born and raised on a farm in Iowa along with nine brothers and sisters, Kathy was a Carmel Catholic High School parent, volunteer, and Board member who lost a brief battle to melanoma in 2016.

Later in life Kathy would have her own family, including husband, Joe ('73) and sons Sam ('01), Mike ('03), Max ('06), and Tom ('10). Kathy was beloved by all who came in contact with her for her optimistic and friendly disposition.

This past September 9, following months of intense planning and construction, Carmel Catholic High School proudly opened its brand-new Kathy A. Nemmers Welcome Center. President Brad Bonham and others from Carmel provided a warm reception for Nemmers family members who included Kathy's husband, Joe, sons Max, Michael, and Sam, their wives, and her four grandchildren.

"She loved Carmel Catholic for the great institution it is, and for what the school has done for her family," said President Bonham. "We are so blessed to have the Nemmers family among the closest of friends of the school."

The Welcome Center might not have been built and opened so quickly had it not been for a sizable donation made by Joe Nemmers, the current Chairman of Carmel Catholic's Board of Directors. The million-dollar donation made on behalf of his family is the largest gift that Carmel Catholic has ever received.

The Kathy A. Nemmers Welcome Center will serve as the new main entrance to the school, with a pathway to the Mary of Mt. Carmel Garden. The center features a modern lobby and greeting area along with a new 2,268 sq. ft. conference center that was previously a deconsecrated chapel. The Welcome Center will provide new technology and dramatic design to provide a comfortable space for visitors and the Carmel community, all in the spirit of Carmel Catholic.

Bonham noted that contributions made in memory of Kathy Nemmers will be gratefully accepted to support additional enhancements for the Center.

"Kathy was a positive and optimistic person, and always a warm and gracious host," said Joe Nemmers, a long-time financial supporter of Carmel Catholic, as well as Catholic education initiatives in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Arizona. "Naming the new Welcome Center for her is a loving tribute to the welcoming person she was."