Dahls to receive leadership award

Globe staff report
Posted Oct.10, 2002

BOONE - Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo of the Diocese of Sioux City recently announced the recipient of this year's Leadership in Catholic Education Award. Robert and Shirley Dahl of Boone will be honored this year at the Sixth Annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education to be held Oct. 20 at the Marina Inn in South Sioux City, Neb.

"I could not think of a more deserving couple for this award. Your tireless efforts on behalf of all the Catholic young people of Northwest Iowa are most commendable. I know, too, of the countless hours of volunteer leadership time you give and continue to give for many nonprofit human service organizations around the Diocese of Sioux City. I also know of your love and commitment to the Catholic schools of this diocese," wrote Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo in a letter to the Dahls.

The Dahls said they were honored to receive the award. The couple was surprised by the recognition as the majority of their contributions are made anonymously.

The couple is supportive of Catholic schools and particularly likes the solid values enforced in the schools.

They are the parents of four grown children - Lisa, Dalene, Roberta and Vince.

Shirley pointed out that the older children started their education at Sacred Heart School in Boone. The family then moved to Washington, in eastern Iowa, as a result of a job transfer. They attended Catholic schools there.

The Dahls returned to Boone in the early 1970s.

"My last two children went to public schools most of their schooling," she noted. "By moving them into a public school, I later realized the importance of the Catholic education. I think the Catholic schools are much more disciplined. I think they establish a value system that is in line with Catholic parents."

Along with stressing positive values, she believes Catholic schools also have strong academics.

"I know the Catholic schools are struggling financially and I wanted to see this one (Sacred Heart) be perpetuated," said Shirley. The Dahls are major contributors to the Sacred Heart Endowment.

Her father greatly influenced their desire to contribute to Catholic schools and the church by his excellent example of stewardship. She emphasized that he was a strong supporter of Catholic schools.

Both Robert and Shirley are natives of Boone. Shirley attended Catholic grade school in Boone and also attended a Catholic women's college in the Chicago area formerly called Rosary College, which is now Dominican University.

Robert joined the Catholic Church just three to four years ago. Since that time he has done a lot of volunteer work for Sacred Heart Church that aided the parish in securing a new sound system, air conditioning and a new community room. He has spearheaded the fundraising efforts for many different projects within the parish. Currently, he is serving on the Planning Committee for the feasibility study underway at this time in the parish.

Previous recipients of the leadership award include Dr. George and Carol Spellman of Sioux City in 2001, Russ and Marilyn Christiansen in 2000, Bishop Lawrence D. Soens in 1999, Msgr. James K. Lafferty in 1998 and the Matt and Pietig families in 1997.

Tickets for this year's dinner are still available by calling (712) 233-7524.