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The annual Benilde-St. Margaret’s Hall of Honor event recognizes and celebrates members of the BSM community who have made meaningful contributions to our school, the Twin Cities region, and society at large.
The 2025 class of honorees include: Red Knight Leadership Honorees: Greg & Maureen Weber ‘86 Grazzini, Steve Pohlen ‘86, and Meghan Lind DesLauriers ‘99. Bert Notermann ‘64 and Sydnee Woods ‘86 received the Distinguished Alumni Award, while Wendy Jacobsen-Gretsch, Jenna Murphy, and Brett Carver received the Volunteer Service Award.
BSM also recognized Mary Seppala, Keith Jones, and John Porisch for their twenty years of service as members of the BSM faculty.
“It is no mistake that the Hall of Honor is on the Monday of Catholic Schools Week," said Danielle Hermanny '03, president, "The community spirit that is at the heart of our identity is a reflection of people in this room and beyond who have given – and continue to give – so much to BSM."
BSM is proud to celebrate these individuals for their passion, dedication, and service - usually behind the scenes - and very grateful for being an inspiration for many by making our community stronger and better for future generations.
Red Knight Leadership Award
The Red Knight Leadership Award is given to any St. Margaret's Academy, Benilde High School, or Benilde-St. Margaret's graduate or member of the greater BSM community, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and contribution for the betterment of Benilde-St. Margaret's School and community. They have often shared their heart and expertise to shape the path of our school. This year, we are pleased to recognize:
Greg & Maureen Weber ‘86 Grazzini
It’s very appropriate to be honoring Maureen Weber Grazzini and Greg Grazzini. Maureen recently did the math and her first exposure to BSM was probably in the Great Hall, where the BSM Hall of Honor Induction ceremony is taking place – as a 4-year old.
It’s doubtful that Mary Lou and Virgil Weber would have missed the traditional Class Masses, bringing Pat, Ron, Paul, John, Kevin, and little Maureen in tow. The basketball and volleyball games at BSM for her brothers and later herself make the Great Hall at BSM a very familiar spot for Maureen.
The dedication of the Weber family to Catholic education and Maureen's own BSM experience created a passion that spread to Greg when they married. When their son Adam began high school, a visit to the local public school and a visit to BSM during an open house sealed the deal for the next generation to become Red Knights.
Their daughter Claire soon followed and Greg and Maureen have positively impacted BSM in so many ways through the years. Some of those ways are very visible. When one enters the BSM atrium, the beautiful terrazzo floors proudly displaying the School’s shield is the handiwork of the Grazzinis, as are other improvements made to the facilities through the years. We are so grateful for your professional and quality work.
Maureen also served as president of the BSM Parent Association, providing wise leadership and later becoming part of the BSM board of directors, contributing hours and insights for the direction and management of our beloved BSM. For good measure, add in hours in the spirit shop and of course duties for both Maureen and Greg as the parents of soccer captain Claire. While Maureen was busy with those duties, Greg and accomplished marksman Adam were instrumental in beginning BSM's very successful trap shooting team.
We often talk about the gifts of time, talent, and treasure. The Grazzinis hit all three marks with gusto - and then some. Passionate, loyal, straightforward, generous, and caring. Greg and Maureen are generous with their time and kindness to all, and we are very thankful for being such valuable members of the BSM community.
Thank you, Greg and Maureen!
Steve Pohlen ‘86
As anyone who knows him would attest, you would be hard pressed to find a nicer person than Steve Pohlen.
One of 7 BSM graduates in his family– not counting his wonderful wife and three children, also proud BSM alums– Steve was a varsity athlete as a student, which would explain his enthusiastic and somewhat 'ahead of his time' promotion of pickleball. Which allows for a shameless plug for the Alumni Pickleball Jamboree, on February 8 from 12-4 p.m.: sign up today!
Steve has been an employee at BSM for almost 17 years, and is truly a jack of all trades. One of Steve’s greatest contributions to BSM – and one that continues to grow – is his cluster of acronym programs, helping students make connections beyond the classroom and teachers grow through professional development opportunities led by peers. EPIC, RED, CARES, SAIL… Steve loves a good acronym.
But perhaps what makes Steve so particularly deserving of this award is his relentless belief in the goodness of all people, passion for innovating BSM into the future of education, and bottomless commitment to this place. When one wants to talk strategic planning – or even when one doesn’t want to talk strategic planning – Steve is right there, dreaming about the future, and excited to be a part of bring those dreams to life in service to our students and our community.
That is Steve, and we are so blessed to have him as an alum and colleague.
Congratulations, Steve!
Meghan Lind DesLauriers ‘99
The youngest of the Linds to go through BSM, Meghan was a talented athlete, member of student council, and model Red Knight. Through college, law school, marrying Mike, a fellow Red Knight, Meghan continued to support BSM even as a very busy prosecuting attorney for Dorsey Whitney, attending events and serving on the Board of Directors before stepping into what is a demanding, one-of-a-kind job when she agreed to be interim president here for an entire academic year.
Meghan served as the interim president at BSM during the 2022-2023 school year. With the appointment of Danielle Hermanny '03 as president, Meghan generously agreed to remain in the interim role for several weeks providing Danielle with a thorough checklist that ensured a smooth transition.
She was generous with her time, incredibly thorough, and yet somehow managed to slowly, purposefully, and imperceptibly phase herself out as the school year concluded, actively deflecting any attempts at praise or attention. It was a masterclass in graceful transition, and a reflection of precisely who Meghan is as a Red Knight.
Following her work at BSM, Meghan assured many that she was going to take some time off and focus her energy on her sweet girls, Jane and Kate. She did just that and more - becoming a children’s book author, recently publishing the darling Lizzy the Pizzly, which is perfect for the kiddos in your life.
Meghan is kind, generous, calm under pressure, a strong servant leader, and is beyond deserving of the Red Knight Leadership Award.
Congratulations, Meghan!
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to graduates of St. Margaret’s Academy, Benilde, or Benilde-St. Margaret’s who demonstrate outstanding success in their careers, exceptional service to their community, profession, or a recognized commitment to Benilde-St. Margaret’s School.
Bert Notermann ‘64
Bert has not only excelled in his professional life but has also devoted countless hours to bettering his community and uplifting those around him.
A proud graduate of Benilde High School, Class of 1964, Bert began his remarkable journey in 1971 when he became the owner of Shakopee Gravel, and in 1977, he expanded his impact by acquiring Lions Tap Restaurant, which has since become a local favorite known for its incredible food and hospitality.
But it’s his community involvement that truly sets him apart. Bert has been an active force in organizations like St. Francis Hospital, the Knights of Columbus, the Jaycees, St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Shakopee Area Catholic Schools, the American Cancer Society, and the Boy Scouts—just to name a few. His unwavering commitment to service is a model for all of us.
In recognition of his contributions, he has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Shakopee Outstanding Young Man Award, the WCCO Radio Good Neighbor Award, Eden Prairie Business Person of the Year, and listings in both Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans and Outstanding Young Men of America. He has also been honored with the Benedictine Foundation Horizon Award, the National Catholic Distinguished Graduate Award, and the W. Adair Muralt Community Service Award.
Bert is a proud member of the National Federation of Independent Business Association, the Minnesota & National Restaurant Associations, and the Minnesota Association of Commerce and Industry, reflecting his dedication to both business and community growth. In all his accomplishments, he remains grounded by the love and support of his family, particularly his wife, Bonnie, with whom he shares his life in Shakopee.
Congratulations to a man whose work, both in business and in service to others, has made an indelible mark on his community and beyond.
Congratulations, Bert!
Sydnee Woods ‘86
Sydnee is a distinguished graduate from the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Class of 1986, and someone who has truly made an impact in both her profession and her community.
When asked about Sydnee Woods in high school, her friends described her as someone who was incredibly social, able to connect with people from all walks of life. She was the kind of person who seemed to have friends in every group, bringing people together in ways that made everyone feel valued.
One memorable example is her 16th birthday party—an epic Gatsby/1920s themed event that brought together a ton of classmates, all dressed to the nines, where everyone had an unforgettable time. It’s clear even from her teenage years that Sydnee has always had an ability to bring people together, make connections, and lead with energy and enthusiasm.
Sydnee’s parents were incredibly pro-academic, which helped shape her passion for learning and education. She worked hard in school at BSM, and that drive only continued as she pursued higher education. After earning her B.A. in literature from Loyola University in Chicago, she went on to achieve her law degree from Tulane University Law School. Her thirst for knowledge was clear—she was driven to learn and to excel.
Sydnee’s career in law is nothing short of impressive. She has worked her way up from law clerk to litigator, and later served as Assistant District Attorney for major felonies in New Orleans. She went on to work as Assistant County Attorney in Ramsey County, Assistant City Attorney in Minneapolis, Senior Equal Opportunity Consultant, and Associate General Counsel for the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities. Her career continued to rise as she served as General Counsel for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and most recently, as a Hennepin County District Court Judge.
What truly sets Sydnee apart is her dedication to mentorship and community service. She has shared her time and expertise with future attorneys, serving as an adjunct professor at William Mitchell College of Law, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and as an instructor at the University of Minnesota. Her impact goes beyond the courtroom as she actively shapes the future of the legal field. Sydnee embodies all the values that we strive for at Benilde-St. Margaret’s.
Sydnee is driven to learn, committed to equity and social justice, and inspired by faith to contribute meaningfully to society. She lives her life with integrity, humility, and a profound sense of gratitude. Her leadership, both in her career and in her personal life, serves as a shining example for us all.
We are so incredibly proud to call Sydnee Woods an alum of Benilde-St. Margaret’s, and we are excited to celebrate her accomplishments.
Congratulations, Sydnee!
Volunteer Service Award
The BSM community relies on the generosity of our parents, grandparents, and friends who offer their precious time to enhance our special events and our everyday life for our students and community. These individuals go above and beyond - and usually behind the scenes - in ensuring the success of events and positive experiences for our Red Knights.
Wendy Jacobsen-Gretsch
As described by one friend, Wendy Jacobsen-Gretsch has an electric smile, a contagious laugh, and a willingness to accept any project or challenge. What a blessing for all of us.
It started in the spirit shop when the first of the Jacobsen boys, Carson, was a sophomore, and continued through the years of Jake and Jack. It didn’t take long for the veteran volunteers to recognize Wendy’s talents. She is competent, reliable, kind, a great manager, and calm.
No matter what the extra duties in the spirit shop were, Wendy was willing to help. This led to her work with the BSM letter jacket project, coordinating purchases, deliveries, patches, and managing vendor relations. Wendy ensured timely deliveries for Christmas for every student.
She also coordinated the parting gifts for the senior moms working with the Parent Association and was ready to volunteer for any job, even the unpopular ones, always with a smile.
Wendy has given countless hours to the BSM Gala, having chaired the event for the last few years. She planned, met, worked, decorated, solicited, and supported all aspects of the project. It was so much fun to have her involved because her creative juices flow, she rolls up her sleeves, was ever-present, and celebrated our school at the party.
Always positive, helpful, and absolutely delightful, Wendy also helped BSM celebrate our 50th anniversary last year - with Stephanie Drees. They were very gracious, hard working, creative, fun, and unbelievably generous.
One of Wendy’s friends noted that we would all be lucky to have a Wendy in our life. BSM is very lucky to have a Wendy in our community.
Thank you, Wendy!
Jenna Murphy
Jenna Murphy was first introduced to the BSM community in 2017 by a current parent, Beth Boase, who knew of a parent of an incoming 7th grader who would be an incredible volunteer for the school. Beth was right.
Jenna’s first volunteer gig might have been the spirit shop. She approached each day with joy and each task with structure and an established system. She paid attention to the details and thus was very well suited to her role as a manager in the shop.
The Parent Association was also “paying attention,” and they recruited Jenna when her daughter Alexis was in 8th grade. Jenna contributed greatly to hospitality, the PA display case, social programs, Knightsbridge, and eventually was the PA president during Alexis' senior year.
Jenna also played in important role during COVID, helping the PA provide an amazing experience despite the conditions, honoring the Class of 2020. Jenna also served on the nominating committee for the BSM board of directors, helped with the annual Gala, and was a captain’s parent for the girls’ swim and dive team.
All of these events and programs are “things” and Jenna definitely contributed to their success. The real deal is that Jenna pays attention to people. She is interested in each person, caring about them and wanting the best day for everyone.
She is welcoming, helpful, kind, and joyful. And she wants everyone who enters this building to love being a Red Knight as much as she does.
Thank you, Jenna!
Brett Carver
There are many very specific volunteer roles, but every team needs a utility player and team BSM has one of the best - Brett Carver.
Brett and his wife Carla have two Red Knight alums - Brooks, Class of ’20 and Siena, Class of '24.
Yet Brett is still here. The Carvers obviously believe in our motto “Once a Red Knight, Always a Red Knight.” While we're not sure when Brett first helped at BSM, he was here wearing his Red Knight gear just last Saturday at the girls’ hockey game, offering their support to the girls.
Brett can be found supervising and helping one of his kid’s teams packing groceries for a service project. Positive, helpful, and always ready with a greeting, he had that grocery packing under control.
Brett often volunteers for events with the Parent Association and BSM at large, always happy to help, and willing to do that “little extra.”
The Gala and last year's 50-year celebration both benefited from Brett’s marketing expertise. We always remember his advice – they need to see things five or six times before it really sinks in. After community events, Brett would be there, taking down chairs and stacking them with BSM staffers.
Last week was senior night for girls’ hockey and there was Brett, doing the announcing of the game. As a former captain’s parent, his familiarity with the group provided a special touch. Sometimes it seems like Brett is everywhere. He just appears when needed. There are so many other instances where Brett was the needed helping hand, and we are so grateful for his generous, wise, and oh-so-pleasant assistance.
Thank you, Brett!
Since establishing the Benilde-St. Margaret Hall of Honor in 1996, 102 members of our community have received the Red Knight Leadership Award, 84 alumni have received the Distinguished Alumni Award, 102 parents and community members have received the BSM Volunteer Service Award, and 142 faculty and staff have been recognized for the years of service to BSM.
We recognize and thank this year's honorees and all of the members of the BSM Hall of Honor for their dedicated and voluntary service to others.
In addition to the Hall of Honor inductees, three members of the BSM faculty were honored for their 20 years of service at Benilde-St. Margaret's: Keith Jones, John Porisch, and Mary Seppala.
Congratulations and thank you for your dedication and commitment to providing the best educational experience for our students!
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