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ISD 88 Foundation invests in the future

Traurig, Dirks, Bolduan and Macho inducted into Hall of Fame

By Amy Zents 3 min read

NEW ULM -- The ISD 88 Foundation awarded more than $11,700 in classroom grants and inducted four individuals into its 2026 Hall of Fame during the Eagles Extravaganza on Friday at the Royal Oak Event Center. 

The annual fundraiser supports grants, scholarships, and the foundation's endowment for New Ulm Public Schools, which serves students from prekindergarten through 12th grade. 

Executive Director Steph Kircher noted that the foundation has awarded more than $160,000 in grants since its inception. Sponsorships for the event raised $25,750, surpassing the $25,000 goal, with additional revenue generated through dinner, auctions, and raffles.

Three grants were presented for projects at Washington Learning Center and New Ulm Middle School. Erika Lieser of Washington Learning Center accepted a $9,000 grant for a gross motor STEM activity room designed to support early development through play-based learning. Lieser also represented colleague Jill Berdan, who received a $1,500 grant for "Finger Fun Fine Motor Tools" to help students strengthen muscles used for writing and cutting. Amber Gremmels, a middle school STEM teacher, received $1,200 for the "Let It Grow" project, which will fund fencing and a gate for the school garden. Gremmels noted that the garden allows students to learn through hands-on experience and environmental science.

The foundation inducted four members into the 2026 Hall of Fame, introduced by board member Kaitlin Houlihan. Leo Traurig, a 1948 graduate and longtime guidance counselor, was inducted posthumously; his son David Trauig recalled his father's signature phrase, "Today is a very good day to be a New Ulmite." Leslie Dirks was inducted posthumously for his distinguished career in science and national security, having served as Deputy Director of Science and Technology at the CIA.

Ron Bolduan, Class of 1961, was recognized for his environmental education work and the founding of the Riverside Environmental Learning Center.

Tom Macho, a 1964 Cathedral graduate and 35-year teacher, was inducted posthumously for his foundational role in developing New Ulm's youth and high school hockey programs.

The evening included recognition for staff milestones and upcoming retirements. Kevin Kluis was honored for 35 years of service, Tamara Neidecker for 30 years, and Joy Anderson for 25 years. 

Retirees acknowledged included Betty Uehling, Korene Altmann, Deborah Christian, and Candis Wilfahrt.

Musical entertainment featured the Middle School Jazz Band and Pops Choir, and the High School Jazz Band, Oak Street Singers, and choir performers. Student ensembles were directed by Jodi Johnson, Holly Beranek, and Philip Claussen.

Gene and Jennifer Clark attended the event in support of ISD 88. Gene noted that their son, a New Ulm Public Schools graduate, went on to attend Purdue University, earning "about a half year" of college credit through district programs. 

Jennifer, who teaches in the district, called the public school system "a wonderful system" and "a great place to be." Gene added, "We're proud to support these schools."

The extensive list of supporters highlighted a night focused on the community's investment in the future of its schools.

"When a community invests in its schools, it invests in its future," organizers noted, summarizing the evening's focus on local education.

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