Alumni Spotlight
Once a Raven, always a Raven! At the close of each school year, we welcome a new class to the ranks of our prestigious alumni, forever remaining part of our Raven family. Whether you’re the first in your family to attend MH - MA or the second, third, or even fourth generation Raven, good things are in store for you. Meet just a few of our outstanding alumni.
Megan (Klebba) Dougherty ‘09 — Maur Hill - Mount Academy
Megan (Klebba) Dougherty comes from a long line of alumni before her. Her father, John Klebba '75, and his seven siblings all attended Maur Hill Prep and Mount St. Scholastica Academy. Carrying on the tradition, Megan and her three brothers graduated from MH - MA (John '06, Joe '07, and Patrick ‘11). Megan was very busy during her years as a boarding student and was involved in student council, forensics, and Scholar's Bowl. She also played volleyball and was on the swim and dance teams.
After high school, Dougherty earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Dayton and then an M.Ed. in higher education administration from Vanderbilt University. Currently, Dougherty is the associate director of the Professional and Career Development Center at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.
Dougherty emphasized the importance of friendships as a boarder. "I most enjoyed experiencing the type of friendships that many don't have until college," she said. "Strong relationships develop when you live with your classmates." She encourages current students to take advantage of the international aspect of MH - MA. "Interact with your peers from other cultures," she said. "And day students, make sure to spend time with the boarding students outside of school. Many are very far away from their families, and they'll appreciate feeling included in yours."
Dougherty lives in Kansas City with her husband and daughter.
Dr. Stephen Bartulica ‘88 — Maur Hill Prep
Dr. Stephen Bartulica was a Maur Hill Prep boarding student from 1984 to 1988 under headmaster Fr. Barnabas Senecal and Principal Ed Stork. Although Bartulica had planned to go to Bishop Le Blond in St. Joseph, Missouri, his father had other plans. "Initially it was my father's idea to board," Bartulica said. "He thought it was a healthy choice for a strong-willed kid to move out of the house." Bartulica didn't plan to stay at Maur Hill Prep but was glad he did. "Those formative years at Maur Hill—you can't get those back," Bartulica said. "There was apprehension in the beginning, but in the end, I'm very grateful to Maur Hill. I owe my success to the Benedictines and my time at Maur Hill."
A highlight during Dr. Bartulica’s high school years was winning the state title in doubles tennis with David Golbrath. After high school, Bartulica graduated from Mizzou and then went to Zagreb, Croatia, where he earned a master's degree in philosophy. He later earned his doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. "While in high school, I had no inclination that directed me to anything outside of the U.S.," Bartulica said. I didn't have any dream of living in Europe. I came over after my studies and stayed. You never know where life is going to lead you."
In July 2020, Bartulica became the first American-born person to be elected to the National Parliament. Before his election, he taught political philosophy full-time at the Catholic University of Croatia in Zagreb. Bartulica has been married over 20 years to a Croatian from Split where his father is from. They have four sons.
Remembering Br. Jude Highberger (1932–2021) — English Teacher and Coach, Maur Hill Prep
Jude Highberger passed away at the age of 88 on January 10, 2021. We will always remember him for his energy and caring, warm, generous spirit. In May 1998, Highberger married Sharon Montgomery Ries at St. Mary’s Church, St. Benedict, Kansas. He was an active oblate at Mount St. Scholastica Monastery.
Many people remember Highberger as Br. Jude, the English teacher and coach at Maur Hill Prep where he worked from 1960 to 1975, but that's not all he did. Highberger served as a missionary in Brazil from 1975 to 1978 and then as campus minister at Benedictine College from 1978 to 1984. He also worked in hospice care and nursing facilities in Topeka.
Dr. Allyson (Sundby) Missura '03 — Mount St. Scholastica Academy
Following in the footsteps of her mother and aunts, Allyson went to Mount St. Scholastica Academy. She was involved in cross country, cheerleading, drill team, swimming, track, student council, and much more. After graduating, she moved to Nashville and earned a degree in biology from Vanderbilt University, graduating magna cum laude. She went on to graduate from UMKC School of Dentistry in 2011 and completed her residency in 2012 at UMKC’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry.
Returning to her roots, Allyson moved back home to Atchison in 2018 where she opened Canary Dental on 7th Street (formally Wingate Dental). Known for her adventurousness and fearlessness in her childhood—skiing double black diamonds, paragliding, and jumping off cliffs in foreign countries—it is no surprise that Allyson named her dental business for Amelia Earhart's first aircraft, a yellow plane named Canary. "Amelia’s courage, determination, and adventurous spirit continues to be a part of this town and sheds light on the joy we want to share at Canary Dental. We want our team and patients to feel welcomed in our cheerful and positive office," said Missura. Dr. Allyson lives in Atchison with her husband and three sons.
Fr. Blaine Schultz (formerly Kenneth Schultz), OSB '51 — Maur Hill Prep
Fr. Blaine had to mow a lot of lawns in Kansas City to attend Maur Hill Prep. He received a partial scholarship from his pastor and mowed lawns to make up the difference to the $609 total. While at Maur Hill Prep, he served as the student council secretary and Tatler editor, was a band member and an athlete, and was the valedictorian of the Class of 1951.
Fr. Blaine made vows in 1954 and studied the priesthood at St. Benedict College. He earned a bachelor’s in music in 1964 from Kansas University and then a master’s in music from the University of Wisconsin. He returned to the Abbey to teach in the St. Benedict College music department and continued in that role even after the merger with Benedictine College. For several decades, Fr. Blaine taught piano and organ lessons and served as Abbey Guest Master and Abbey Choir Master. He was instrumental in guiding the formation of the prayer books the Abbey still uses today.
Aggie Asher '74 — Mount St. Scholastica Academy
Aggie is a second-generation Mount St. Scholastica Academy graduate following in the footsteps of her mother, Catherine Corpstein Schuele ‘35. Her sister, Cathy Schuele Paolucci ‘76, graduated two years after Aggie.
After high school, Aggie attended St. Mary's University in Leavenworth and graduated in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in social work. She went on to earn a master's degree in social work from the University of Kansas in 1988. She is currently a licensed specialist clinical social worker in Kansas and a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri.
Aggie worked at Atchison Hospital for 30 years as the manager of the Social Service Department here in Atchison. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Guidance Center, Live Well Live Atchison, and the Atchison Community Health Clinic. She also serves on the planning committee for the Mount St. Scholastica Benedictine Sisters Night of Dreams fundraiser. Aggie was a member of the Maur Hill Prep School board during the merger into Maur Hill - Mount Academy and continued as a board member for MH - MA for several more years.
Aggie's continuous hard work and dedication in her community were recognized with the Zontas Atchison Area Woman of the Year award in 2009, the Atchison Hospital Leadership Award in 2011, and the Live Well Live Atchison Volunteer of the Year award in 2018.
In 1992, Aggie married Martin Asher ‘73. He serves as a district court judge for the First Judicial District, which includes Leavenworth and Atchison counties. Aggie and Martin are members of the League of St. Maur and St. Benedict Catholic Church.
Carrying on the tradition started by her mother, all four of Aggie's children graduated from Maur Hill Prep and Maur Hill - Mount Academy schools: Ryan Maderak '99, Stephen Maderak '01, Joseph Asher '11, and Cecilia Asher '13, and the tradition continues with Aggie's granddaughter, Kristin. Aggie’s legacy continues to grow!
Mick Hundley '02 — Maur Hill Prep
Mick is a native of Atchison, Kansas. After high school, he attended Kansas State University his freshman year and then transferred to the University of Missouri. While a student at Mizzou, he worked as an assistant coach on Gary Pinkel’s staff for the Tigers football program from 2003 to 2006. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri in December 2006.
After college, Mick returned home to Atchison and accepted the position of development director at Maur Hill - Mount Academy, where he worked from 2007 to 2010. During his time at MH - MA, Hundley focused on building relationships with alumni across the globe. His fundraising efforts led to the successful Penning Science Wing renovation campaign, which raised over $500 thousand. Mick was an assistant coach for the Ravens football team and the offensive coordinator for one season during his years at MH - MA.
Hundley served in key leadership positions on many boards and committees for both Maur Hill - Mount Academy and the Atchison community. His commitment to his high school alma mater is apparent in his dedicated service as past president of the MH - MA Alumni Association Board and vice president of the MH - MA 500 Club. Mick is very active with organizations within the Atchison community, including past chairman of the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and member of the Atchison Area Leadership Development Council. He also served on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atchison County board and the City of Atchison Planning Commission
Mick joined Edward Jones Investments in 2010 as a financial advisor where he has received multiple recognitions for his success, hard work, and determination in serving his clients, including the Ted Jones Prospecting Award 2011, the Spirit of Partnership Award 2012, the “TNT” Client Development Award 2014, the Century Award 2015, and the Edward Jones Sr. Founders Award 2015 and 2018. Mick uses his experience and knowledge as a successful businessman to mentor other financial advisors. Mick also served on the growth team.
Mick is the son of Mike and Debbie (McGinnis) Hundley '73 and lives in Atchison with his wife, Lauren. They were married in a small ceremony at St. Patrick Catholic church in Atchison on August 17, 2018. On January 9, 2019, they continued the celebration with a beach destination wedding with family and friends in Cancun, Mexico. Mick and Lauren are members of the League of St. Maur.
Billie Ellis '69 — Maur Hill Prep
Billie Ellis became a boarding student at Maur Hill Prep at the age of 16. He went on to earn his BA, MBA, and then a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 1978. Ellis is a senior partner in the international law firm of Winston & Strawn, LLP. His practice covers a broad spectrum of private equity, financial, commercial, and real estate transactions, including the acquisition, financing, development, and sale of all types of properties and companies.
The Texas Lawbook recognized Ellis as a legendary attorney that the profession considers one of the “Lions of the Texas Bar.” With four decades of practicing law under his belt, Ellis is widely recognized as one of the best commercial real estate transactional lawyers in Texas history. Ellis' list of accomplishments is extensive. Texas Monthly magazine recognized him as a “Texas Super Lawyer.” He is listed in Best Lawyers in America and has numerous professional affiliations, achievements, and community leadership positions. He is an accomplished writer and presenter and has educated students and colleagues for two decades. In 2012, Ellis received the coveted Texas Exes Teaching Award, an annual tribute honoring one professor from the law school (and only one of eight teaching awards given at The University of Texas at Austin) for performance in the classroom. Ellis lives in Dallas with his wife and has three grown children. MH - MA was honored to have him deliver the 2019 MH - MA commencement speech.
Chad Folsom '90 — Maur Hill Prep
Maur Hill Prep graduate, college athlete, and college coach are just a few titles Chad holds. He graduated from Grinnell College in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While at Grinnell, Chad earned a total of 12 varsity letters in basketball and indoor and outdoor track, and he was named captain his senior year in all three sports. As captain of the Grinnell Pioneers basketball team, they became the national scoring champions, averaging 110 points per game. Chad attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, where he completed his master’s degree in sports psychology in 1997. He returned to his hometown of Atchison, Kansas, after 11 years away.
As head coach of the Benedictine College Lady Ravens basketball team, he is the all-time winningest coach, guiding the program to a 402-188 mark. Under his leadership, the basketball program won the conference title twice, was invited to the NAIA National Tournament seven times (five of the past seven years), and has averaged 22+ wins per season for 18 straight years. The team finished in the top four of the Heart of America Athletic Conference for 16 consecutive years. During his tenure, the program has earned 63 All-Heart performers and has produced 12 NAIA All-American selections.
Chad is married to Amy (McKelvy), a 1995 graduate of BC. They have five children: Haylie '18, Taylor '20, Madison '21, and future MH - MA graduates, Kaitlyn and Kyle.
Melinda '05 and Justin Pregont '05 — Maur Hill - Mount Academy
After an outstanding basketball career at Benedictine College, Dr. Melinda became a sought-after chiropractic doctor in Atchison. Justin became a public administrator and is currently the Atchison assistant city manager. These young professionals are leading the charge to change the city of Atchison. The Pregonts are involved in the Rotary Club, operate an art gallery, and are working to develop moderate-income housing in the old YMCA building. The couple continues to help out at MH - MA by serving on the board of directors and in the alumni association. They have one daughter, Maya, and plan on living and serving in Atchison for the foreseeable future.
Chris '89 and Patty Hunter — Maur Hill Prep
Chris has continually risen in the ranks of Cambridge Associates during his 18 years with the company. With Cambridge, he has literally been around the world. After six years working in China, Chris was named the global head of Cambridge Associates' Endowment & Foundation Practice and moved his family to London. He and his wife, Patty (Klebba), have three children: Tess, Maggie, and Christopher. They serve as members of the League of St. Maur and are involved in a Syrian Refugee program in the U.K. No matter where they are in the world, they find a way to plug into the Catholic Church and travel the journey of faith.
Mick '62 and Maryls Haverty — Maur Hill Prep
The Haverty’s generous donations change lives. As the most benevolent donors in the history of Maur Hill Prep- Mount Academy, the $3 million and counting they have gifted continues to ensure the success of MH - MA. Each year, the couple sponsors 16 students and supports the school through their annual membership in the President’s Circle. Additionally, they have donated campus improvement funds.
Mick was an outstanding athlete at Maur Hill and went on to play college football. He worked his way up through the ranks of the railroad, from brakeman to CEO and chairman of Kansas City Southern. He and Marlys regularly connect with MH - MA and its students, attending events and sharing advice. The Haverty's were honored by the League of St. Maur with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award in our history.