ACUE hosts major donors to award its annual Faith, Hope and Inspiration award to Drees Home Foundation

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

The Alliance for Catholic Urban Education (ACUE) hosted its annual major donor recognition event at Drees Pavilion, Covington, Sept. 26. The event gathers major donors to ACUE to thank them for their generosity and to award the ACUE Faith, Hope and Inspiration award. This year the award went to the Drees Homes Foundation, which has given generously since its founding.

Superintendent for Catholic schools, Kendra McGuire, spoke to the donors before the presentation of the award, reinforcing the need for Catholic education.

“A Catholic education provides more than academic excellence,” she said. “It provides a faith-filled learning environment where students learn about their importance as a child of God, students learn about the love of Jesus and how to live that daily.”

Bishop John Iffert said to those gathered, “I thank you for giving young people opportunities that they may not otherwise have, to encounter good, solid education, by people who care for them, and especially to encounter the love and strength of Jesus Christ, the Lord.”

ACUE schools serve in the urban core of the Diocese of Covington, with schools operating in Covington, Bellevue and northern Taylor Mill. The organization’s primary function is to ensure that all children, regardless of economic status, have the opportunity to receive a high-quality, Catholic education.

Mrs. McGuire shared a story of one of those students, now a graduate of Holy Cross High School, Covington. Giselle entered St. Augustine Elementary, Covington, unable to speak English.

“Although St. Augustine didn’t have a Spanish speaking teacher or staff member, the school went above and beyond to support her, to welcome her and to include here in their school,” she said.

Giselle now plans to attend Purdue University and study cybersecurity. “Giselle is just one of countless examples of students who needed our schools, students who without this opportunity, may fall through the cracks or fail to reach their full potential due to a school environment that cannot fully support their needs,” said Mrs. McGuire.

The Drees Home Foundation has been a tireless supporter of ACUE and its mission. Ralph and Irma Drees, founders of the foundation, were the first to receive the ACUE Faith, Hope and Inspiration award, for their contributions to ACUE, both in time and money. They were also the first to achieve the title of “Cornerstone Donor,” with a donation in the amount of $250,000.

Beth Ruehlmann, director of development for ACUE, said, “Ralph has a true heart for ACUE, his love for our ministry and his legacy of support continues now through the Drees Homes Foundation, which we honor this evening as Cornerstone Donors. They have renewed the commitment of our first Cornerstone Donors … we are so grateful for your enduring support.”