Just weeks away from graduation, the Class of 2026 will soon walk across the stage and out into the world, ready for what’s next. I’d like to take this opportunity, though, to say a little bit about another member of the Walther family who will soon move on to the next phase of his life: Science Teacher/Dept. Chair/Athletic Director Dave Grim.
Dave has been a Lutheran School teacher for 45 years, nine at Walther and 36 at Luther North. Now, I know that some readers of this newsletter from past decades might have some…feelings about Walther’s former rival Luther North, but hear me out! Dave is a wonderful servant leader who has committed his life to sharing the Gospel through Lutheran education. Dependable and steadfast, Dave comes early, stays late, and spares nothing in order to give students great athletic opportunities and experiences as well as top-notch chemistry and physics instruction.
I first heard of Dave more than a decade ago when my daughter came home from a Lutheran grade school track meet with a “Grim Mile” tee-shirt on. Working with him these past seven years at Walther has been inspiring. He leads by example and sets the bar high for what it means to be a Lutheran educator. A man of deep faith he talks the talk AND walks the walk. I could go on for pages about Dave, but I’ll end with this: Dave, enjoy a well-earned retirement, knowing that you have impacted the lives of thousands of students for the better as a faithful servant of Christ. You are one of my heroes.
Happy Spring, Broncos!
Tim Bouman
Head of School
Did you know that more than 20,000 businesses across the country match donations made by their employees to schools and other non-profit organizations?
Companies like Exelon, McDonalds, and Boeing match up to $10,000 per employee per year.
Companies like Baxter International, Motorola, Nicor, and State Farm match $4500-$7500 per year.
Some companies like Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar, Johnson & Johnson, and Thrivent even match donations from their retirees.
If you have made a donation to Walther in 2026, or plan to give in the next two months to help us end our fiscal year on a strong note, use this link to our website to see if your employer will match your donation. https://www.walther.com/match
If they do, any form you need to complete is accessible right there on our website.
Bill Koehne ‘87
Director of Advancement
Walther Christian Academy
On Friday, April 17 the Chicago Women in Philanthropy hosted their second annual Career Conference at Walther for our sophomore girls. Nineteen women professionals were here to share their experiences and insight with our students, encouraging them to go after their dreams. Our students heard about Beginning of Your Career & Getting Started in the Workplace, learned about a wide range of Career Pathways, received Mentoring from professionals, and learned about Famous Women Throughout History.
Sophomore Kylie Jones shared, “It was inspiring to hear from professional women who are excelling in so many different fields. It made me realize, I could do that some day.” Sophomore Claire Eberhard added, “Hearing their stories and the challenges they overcame is something I will take with me into my future.” The girls agreed that the 1:1 mentoring session was their favorite part. Kylie concluded, “The event was more interesting that I expected. I am glad we were able to participate in it.”
Jazz Band, Christian Minstrel, Gospel Choir Concert – Thursday, May 7, 7:00pm
Wind Ensemble, A Cappella, Concert Choir Concert – Sunday, May 17, 4:00pm
Graduation – Sunday, May 31, 2:00pm
Spring Musical – The Wiz – June 5 & 6 @ 7:00pm, June 7 @ 2:30pm
Paul Schroeder, Walther Class of 2003, is the Director of Factor and QQQ Equity Product Strategy on Invesco’s Factor and Core Equity ETF Strategist team. In this role he specializes in promoting the adoption of the Invesco QQQ Trust and Invesco Innovation Suite by developing implementation strategies to help investors navigate today’s evolving markets.
After Walther, Paul attended Purdue University where he earned a BS in Management and Accounting with a minor in Finance. While at Purdue, he also earned an Advanced Accountancy Certificate, a 150 credit hour program. In 2019, Paul became a Chartered Market Technician (CMT). This professional designation is held by only 4500 people worldwide.
When asked why he chose this career path, Paul shared that he was always good at math and interested in math, but it was an Economics Class with Mr. Fisher in which they did a stock picking challenge where he developed interest in the stock market. The stock market is still a passion for Paul. “I enjoy watching it on a day to day basis and analyzing what is happening. It makes me better at what I do professionally.”
Paul’s career path has taken several turns along the way. He started as a licensed broker working at a call center. While in this role he realized he wanted to work with high net worth clients helping them to develop a full investment strategy. After several years as a financial advisor, Paul joined Invesco PowerShares as an internal wholesaler to financial advisors. He then became a specialist in Exchange-Traded Funds, eventually becoming a Strategist with QQQ, the 5th largest ETF in the world. “I really enjoy what I do.” Paul is now a spokesperson for Invesco QQQ, but continues to also meet 1:1 with clients.
While at Walther, Paul was in the Wind Ensemble and Pep Band as well as Football and Wrestling, where he served as a captain for three years. “One of the great things about Walther is that it brings together people from a lot of different backgrounds”, he shared. “Walther also allows and encourages its students to participate in many things, producing well rounded individuals.”
“I credit the faith I have today to the Christian education in which I was raised. Repetition is important, hearing every day that Jesus loves you and is there for you. Walther gave us the opportunity to come to our own conclusions within a Christian framework.”
Most of Paul’s favorite memories come from within sports and band, but he did mention a couple teachers as well. “Wrestling tournaments and going on band tour to perform in different parts of the country while hanging out with your best friends were a lot of fun. Academically, Mr. Korntheuer in AP US History and Mrs. Korntheuer in Senior Seminar were two of the best educators I have ever had. I truly appreciated how engaging and approachable they were.”
In October of 2024, Walther resurrected its Athletic Hall of Fame with the first induction ceremony in 26 years.
Plans are underway for the 2026 induction to be held on Homecoming Day, Saturday, October 10, 2026. Nominations are now open for the next class of inductees. Use the button below to nominate an individual, team, or coach. Nominations close on May 15, 2026 with the new induction class being selected early in June. Any person or team who was nominated in the past stays in the pool of candidates for 2026 and does not need to be nominated again.
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.
Dr. Elaine Kruse, Walther Class of ’58, passed away on November 27, 2025. A celebration of her life is being held at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, IL on May 30, 2:00-4:00pm
Please email any death notices to Advancement@WaltherAcademy.org
Walther Christian Academy is operated for the purpose of providing Christian Education at the secondary level for the families of Lutheran congregations. However, it admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, and religion to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin and religion in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
