Hall of Fame Inductees

The Schola Foundation was founded by dedicated men and women who believed in Catholic education and who contributed their time, talent and treasure to the Foundation. Each year the Board of Directors honors those individuals and entities that reflect the values of Catholic education and

Loyola Catholic School. Nominations to the Hall are submitted each year by the Loyola Community for review and a determination by the Board of Directors. Any nomination should have a deep and long lasting commitment to Loyola Catholic School. Inductees for 2019 are:

Sister Mary Beth Schraml

Jane Schraml (’70) joined the School Sisters of Notre Dame as a novice in 1972, just two years after graduating from Loyola High School, and took the name Mary Beth because of her affinity for the Virgin Mary and her desire to serve as a dwelling for God on Earth. A life-long learner and lover of early childhood education, Sister Mary Beth taught elementary students at seven Catholic schools throughout Minnesota and Iowa, rising to serve as principal at All Saints in Madison Lake before coming to Loyola in 2005. While here, Sister Mary Beth earned a reputation as a beloved first-grade teacher, then elementary principal, a position she held from 2007 through 2016. Sister Mary Beth continued to minister to Loyola students and staff as the school’s Mission Integration Associate until her passing on January 17, 2019. She leaves a legacy of love, compassion, service, and faith. Even in her physical absence, Loyola continues to feel her spiritual presence. Thank you, Sister, for your devotion to God and the Loyola community.

Jack kolars

For Jack Kolars, a long-time radio-newsman, it was a press release that launched his career with Schola and Loyola. He was working as news director of KTOE Radio in Mankato when Loyola issued a release advertising for a superintendent and development director. In 1988, Jack joined Loyola as development director under Sister Marion Welter, and together they increased enrollment by 50 percent in two years. Jack remained with Loyola for the next seven years, until accepting another position in radio back at KTOE. Catholic education came calling again in 2000, when Jack joined Schola as the foundation’s director, a position he held until 2005. “It was a rewarding position to work with these families whose generosity would benefit families sending their children to the local Catholic schools in the future. I will always remember those days fondly,” Jack says.

David LamM

David Lamm (’63) served the Mankato area as a real estate, probate, and estate planning attorney. He enabled several of his clients to make substantial bequests to the Schola Foundation. David served on several boards, including Habitat for Humanity, Holy Rosary Catholic School, and Pathstone Living. His father, Paul Lamm, and his three sons, James, Michael, and Matthew, all graduated from Loyola. David’s son James was named after Jim Korth, the towering coach and legendary Loyolan, and Jim Smith, his track coach at St. John’s University. Jim Korth “persuaded” David to run track as a sprinter, and he set sprint records at both schools and in the MIAC conference. As a senior at SJU in 1968, David placed third in the 200-meter dash at the NAIA national track meet. He established the St. John’s school record in the 100- meter dash, which stood until 2018, and in the 200-meter dash, which remains unbroken. David and Pam, his wife of 49 years, now reside in Florida.