Dear St. Louise de Marillac Parishioners:
I would like to thank you for providing me a solid, faith-filled foundation which helped mold me into the man I am today. When I was in elementary school, Catholic Schools’ Week carried the slogan, “Where Great Beginnings Last a Lifetime”. As I look back upon my time at St. Louise de Marillac, I can fondly remember establishing the principles that have enabled me to conquer some of the most challenging scenarios life has thrown my way.
After graduating from St. Louise, I graduated from Seton LaSalle Catholic High School as a National Honor Society member. Then, I graduated Cum Laude from Washington and Jefferson College with a Bachelor degree in Accounting. Currently, I work downtown with PNC Bank and live in Mt. Lebanon, PA with my beautiful wife and our two pets. No matter where I have been in my life, the principles I learned at St. Louise have been integral into shaping my life.
In Mrs. Walsh’s third grade classroom, I developed my appreciation of literature. There, the bookshelves were stacked with novels I enjoyed reading from numerous authors. In Mr. Satter’s seventh grade social studies class, I remember feeling enlightened after we read through history and studied different cultures. This enjoyment has led me to study abroad and travel through eighteen different countries—with many more planned in the future. It was in Mrs. Bricker’s eighth grade math class where I discovered my enthusiasm of mathematics. That enthusiasm led into my career of accounting. On the St. Louise athletic fields, I learned about teamwork and discipline, which has enabled me to pass on those same teachings to the current players of St. Louise’s football and basketball teams.
I could go on and on, however, I’ll conclude by saying the obvious—I’m proud to be a St. Louise alumnus. I’m proud to say that I look forward to passing on the “Great Beginnings” to my children so that they will continue for many “Lifetimes”.
In the Spirit of St. Louise,
R.J. Soeder
Class of 1998
