ROCKFORD—Boylan Central Catholic High School honored eight individuals who embody the spirit and mission of the school at the Alumni Recognition Awards Sept. 16. The awards took place in the Boylan Courtyard. 

 

Award Recipients 

 

â–º Tom Baudhuin ’81: The Veritas. The school’s highest honor recognizes alumni who exemplify Boylan’s mission of service in their community. 

Upon graduating from Boylan, Baudhuin earned an associate’s degree from Rock Valley College and a bachelor’s of science in management, finance and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. 

Tom started his career in Real Estate and Property Management with Captain’s Cabin Incorporated and built and managed 13 Papa John’s restaurants.

 

â–º Father David Beauvais: Honorary Alumnus. Given to a non-graduate who demonstrates the same qualities as the Veritas recipient. 

Father Beauvais graduated from Loras College with a bachelor’s degree in history. He attended St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, Md., and was ordained to the priesthood in 1962 at St. Bernadette Parish in Rockford. 

He later completed graduate studies in social work at Loyola University, Chicago in 1973. 

Father Beauvais has served at over 10 parishes. Though retired from ministry now, he still assists at parishes and serves the community through local charities. 

 

â–º Penny Yurkew ’84: The Outstanding Teacher Award. Given each year to a current or past faculty member who has displayed exemplary dedication and impact on their students.

Yurkew, Assistant Principal of Academics. graduated from Boylan in 1984 before earning her bachelor’s in English with teacher certification from NIU, her first master’s degree in teaching from National Louis University and her second master’s degree from University of Notre Dame in Educational Leadership. 

She started working at Boylan in 1989-90, teaching English for 25 years before moving into administration as Assistant Principal of Academics in 2014.

 

â–º Angelica Meraz ’06: The Young Alumnus Award. 

Given to alumni who have graduated within the last 15 years. 

Meraz recently graduated from Judson University with an associate’s degree and is currently seeking a bachelor’s degree there in human services. 

She is employed with the State of Illinois in the fraudulent department.

 

Alumni Excellence Award Recipients

 

This award is given to alumni for making a difference in their community, parish or business. 

 

â–º Dr. David Corcoran ‘67. After graduating from Boylan, Corcoran earned his bachelor of science degree from Western Illinois University before serving in the military. 

While in the service, he earned his master’s degree from Incarnate Word University then attended Baylor Dental School. He is still working in dentistry.

 

â–º John J. Phelps ‘76. After graduation, Phelps went to Northern Illinois University to earn his Master’s Degrees in Economics and Finance. 

He is the Executive Director of the Rockford Local Development Corporation. 

 

â–º Micheal Ziener ‘91. Ziener is the Regional Senior Director of Philanthropy for the American Cancer Society. 

He is a graduate of the Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA) program from the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business.

 

â–º Sonia Jass ‘98. Currently employed by Wilo USA, LLC as a global commodity manager after having spent the last 20 years working in the supply chain. 

She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University.

 

Closing Remarks

 

“The Boylan graduates honored during this year’s Alumni Recognition Awards are models for what we hope all our students will strive to be — saints, scholars, and champions — both in their professions and in the community around them,” said Boylan President Amy Ott. “We are incredibly proud to call them Titans.”