John Hoeven graduated as the valedictorian of Bishop Ryan High School Class of 1975. He earned a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in 1979 and a master's degree in business administration from Northwestern University in 1981.
As a successful businessman, he established a strong position of service in many civic, community and economic development activities, which led him down the path to Governor and Senator for the State of North Dakota. John is a leader known for promoting excellence in education, economic development, agriculture, energy, technology, and quality of life.
Dale Brown is a 1953 graduate of St. Leo's High School, where he was the leading scorer in both football and basketball. As a senior at St. Leo's, he was the state's leading scorer in basketball and set the school record in the 440 yard dash.
Dale was a basketball coach for 44 years, including his time at the helm for the Louisiana State University Tigers. He now serves as an author and motivational speaker. Whether on the court or off, he sets his goals high and lets nothing stop him from achieving success.
A true believer in positive thinking and hard work, Dale has been an instrument of change and hope for many noble causes. Dale is the one of the winningest coaches in SEC league history, second only to Kentucky's Adolph Rupp. Dale was also recognized as NCAA Division I Basketball Coach of the Year in 1986.
General Wald is a 1966 Bishop Ryan graduate who has soared to grand heights in his career with the United States Air Force, serving as Deputy Commander of the Headquarters of the US forces operating across 91 countries in Europe, Africa, Russia, parts of Asia and the Middle East, and most of the Atlantic Ocean.
General Wald attributes most of his success to the foundation in faith that he received during his school ears. He reminds us that greatness can be obtained when we are passionate about our values of faith, integrity, discipline, and respect for all.
Bob Cook is a 1943 St. Leo’s graduate whose strong faith called him to expand Catholic education in Minot. With land already purchased by Monsignor J.J. Raith, Bob rallied the community to build a new Catholic high school. He dedicated much of his life to raising the funds to build and run Bishop Ryan High School. In addition to putting his own 10 children through the school system, he volunteered his time to coach and to insure the success of the school.
For more than 50 years of dedication and wisdom, the Minot Catholic Schools will be forever grateful and inspired to keep Catholic schools alive and vibrant in Minot because of the example set forth by Bob Cook.
The man tapped to run Bishop Ryan High School was Reverend Blaine Cook, a 1936 graduate of St. Leo's High School. He graduated from St.John's University in Collegeville, MN, and was ordained a priest in Minot in 1944. He later earned his masters degree at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.
His title at Bishop Ryan was that of administrator. He quickly became known for his toughness as a disciplinarian; fair, but tough. Like Msgr. Hogan, he was a popular man throughout the Minot region. He developed a reputation for his ability to resolve conflict. When he left Bishop Ryan in 1970, he was hailed by District Judge Eugene Coyne as the "uncommon man...the right man in the right place at the right time."
In 1901, Minot was just a few years out of its territorial days with a history of lawlessness and instability. Until Fr. Raith's arrival that year, Minot had been served by missionaries and priests who either died early deaths or departed from the area for tamer precincts.
Fr. Raith built the existing St. Leo's Church in 1907 and had it dedicated in 1908, forging ahead in the face of ridicule by townspeople who said he had grandiose illusions about the future of Minot and the growth of the Catholic population.
He was also the inspiration for construction of a Catholic hospital in Minot. By 1916, St. Joseph's Hospital was on its way. In 1926, he introduced Catholic education to Minot with the construction of St. Leo's School. In 1931, Fr. Raith built a convent to house the sisters. Over the years, he made some good property purchases, including the land where Bishop Ryan High School was built. Fr. Raith died in 1960 leaving behind a legacy of faith and community service.
A 1972 graduate of Bishop Ryan High School, Chuck Kramer and the “Kramer” family name are intertwined with Bishop Ryan High School.
Chuck began working at I. Keating Furniture World while still in high school and held various positions until he achieved the titles of owner and president in 1995. Under Chuck’s management, I. Keating became the first North Dakota business to receive the prestigious Better Business Bureau Integrity Award.
Chuck’s accomplishments extend far beyond his success in the furniture business including innumerable philanthropic contributions that have been a lifeline to many nonprofit organizations in the state. Chuck's service as a deacon of the Church works to change ignorance to insight, selfishness to selflessness, and aids people in discovering their own potential.
Father Henry Schneider has served as a Catholic priest for more than 50 years, with 32 of those years at the helm of St. John the Apostle Church. As an instructor at Bishop Ryan High School for 20 years, Fr. Schneider shared his faith and knowledge helping students form lasting relationships with Christ.
A world traveler known for his generosity, Fr. Schneider opened the doors of the world to many students by inviting them on his adventures. This active, forthright priest is most affectionately known for ensuring the accessibility of Catholic education for countless children, providing them with the journey of a lifetime.
Jim Ryan started his lifelong journey in the automobile industry as a mechanical engineer at General Motors Institute of Technology in Flint, Michigan. After serving a two-and-a-half-year tour in the Navy, Lt. Ryan returned to Flint and the General Motors Corporation. His work with Chevrolet brought him to Minneapolis, MN; Sioux Falls, SD; Fargo, ND; Grand Forks, ND; and in 1973, Minot, when he bought the dealership that would become Jim Ryan Chevrolet, which he howned and operated for nearly three decades.
A man of humble faith and lasting inspiration, Jim was a dedicated husband and family man who, along with his wife Anne, raised five daughters. Jim was committed to many local causes including devoting more than a decade of service as the Minot Catholic Schools Foundation president. Jim supported Catholic institutions around the state, and as a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, was honored as a Fourth Degree Knight.
Reverend Chris Walter celebrated his 50th year of ministering in the Catholic Church in June of 2008. Father Walter has spent the last 20 years as a priest at St. Leo's Catholic Church.
Two of Fr. Walter's latest accomplishments include the starting of the St. Leo's Day Care Center and the St. Leo's Community Center in downtown Minot. From 1964-1970, Fr. Walter was an educator in the Minot Catholic Schools. He has also served on the MCS Foundation Board and the MCS School Board. Over the years, Fr. Walter has shown great devotion, commitment and service to the Minot Catholic Schools.
Fr. Walter is well-known for his love of children and his efforts in ensuring the future of Catholic education for all children. This year, the Father Walter Heritage Fund was established to provide scholarships in honor of his commitment to Catholic education.