Meet the team

Doug Thiessen
Chairman of the Board
Cornerstone began because
the community was struggling. We needed to have another entity to raise funds to be used today, 5 years, 10 years, 100 years down the road.
I remember being a high school senior and Sr. Mary DePaul telling me, “You’re going to be a leader here someday.” At the time, I thought, “You’re crazy!” But I never forgot it, and here I am. I hope we can inspire the same leadership in the students that Sister inspired in me
St. John's Catholic
High School Alumni 1975
Inspired the Need for CCF in 2003

Joe Walter
President
I care about the local Catholic community because
it’s all about Salvation . . . EVERYTHING we should be doing should be navigated within the context of how each person involved might positively impact/mentor the students they connect with in that path towards Salvation.
St. John's Catholic
High School Alumni 1982
Affiliated with CCF since 2005

Dan Ellenz
Vice President
I joined the foundation
to help look for avenues of generating supporting income for the local Catholic community. CCF looks to take on challenges of fundraising and assist with charitable giving in support of this community. We have a welcoming, family-oriented presence that supports the faith-centered education and top-notch academics for generations to come.
St. John's Catholic
High School Alumni 1982
Affiliated with CCF since
2005

Dean Gengler
Secretary
I believe in the local Catholic community because
of my experience as a student paired with being away for almost 25 years. A genuine emphasis on the beauty and history of the Catholic faith is now being taught, and I realized my obligation to pass this on to my children. Being in an environment that promotes the faith 7+ hours a day gives them the best opportunity experience the fullness of Catholicism. How could I deny them that?
St. John's Catholic
High School Alumni 1985
Affiliated with CCF since 2011

Doug Eilert
Treasurer
I became involved with CCF
to give back to the local Catholic community. The school has educated my six children and myself. They all have received a high quality education along with a deepened relationship with God. I hope to make this same experience available to my grandchildren and the generations that are to come.
St. John's Catholic
High School Alumni 1985
Affiliated with CCF since 2005

Dennis Lutgen
Trustee
I am part of Cornerstone because
it is a great organization that supports the Church and school.
Attended St. John's through sophomore year,
returned to Beloit in 1984
Affiliated with CCF since 2003

Dave Dubbert
Trustee
I believe in the local Catholic community because
it is all very unique in what it has going on. This includes everyone from our parish priest to the first grade's teacher aid. Not everything is perfect but we have a system that truly cares about the students, their families and success of each individual in a Catholic environment. Cornerstone is the financial engine that keeps things operating and strives to make improvements for the betterment of the parish, school, faculty and its' graduates.
Tipton Catholic
High School Alumni 1988
Affiliated with CCF since 2015

Jeff Bechard
Trustee
Secretary
I believe in CCF's vision because
past generations made sacrifices of time, talent and treasure so my family and children could experience the community's blessings. I want to do the same for future generations. We combine the Catholic faith, small town values, a teacher staff that views their role as much a ministry as a job, and strong community support. That’s a powerful recipe for positively shaping lives.
St. John's Parishioner since 1997
Affiliated with CCF since 2010