Is the decision to form an independent alumni association simply an emotional reaction to the dismissal of Chuck Rothermel?
No! While we regret Chuck Rothermel’s dismissal and value his many contributions to the school, restoring Chuck to his position as Alumni Director is not a consideration. The decision to formalize an autonomous and independent alumni association resulted from multiple events and factors that have coalesced over the last several years. The dismissal of Chuck Rothermel merely served as the catalyst to the creation of the Fr. Patrick H. Koch, S.J. Alumni Association. We feel that, regardless of any personalities involved, an independent alumni association is a desirable and natural progression for active Jesuit alumni in order to provide a stable base for the formation of lifelong connections and the creation of fellowship among all former students.
