Mike and Kristi Kampmeyer both graduated from the University of Minnesota. Mike went into commercial real estate, later focusing on renewable energy projects. Along with her sister, Kristi owns multiple community banks. The couple was committed to providing their three boys with a Catholic education, beginning at St. Joe’s, and teaching them to give back to their community as much as possible.

As their three sons, Drew, Christopher, and Matthew, were reaching high school age, Mike and Kristie went looking for a school that would provide them with great opportunities, strong values, and exceptional academics. Choosing CDH was easy, and Matthew enrolled as a ninth grader in the fall of 2003.

While neither Mike nor Kristie are alums themselves, their experience as parents, and belief in the mission of Cretin-Derham Hall, have led them to stay heavily involved even after their youngest son Drew graduated in 2011.

The Kampmeyers made a major impact on Cretin-Derham Hall when they collaborated with a group of students to contribute solar panels, allowing CDH to benefit from renewable energy. The solar panels continue to make a major impact on our sustainability as a school. Mike and Kristi have served on a number of committees, including helping with many fundraisers. They believe that a Cretin-Derham Hall education should be accessible to all students, regardless of their family’s financial situation, and are committed to helping the school remain affordable to anyone who wishes to attend.

“Giving is often described through the “three T’s”: Time, Treasure and Talent,” said their friend Tricia Long. “Most people, who are generous enough to give, may do one of the three. As long as we have known Mike and Kristi, when they embark on a giving opportunity, they jump in with all three. They have given generously in all aspects to CDH. This has and will help to preserve CDH’s mission and ensure the school will have the resources it needs to secure its future.”

This award is presented in recognition of Monsignor Hayden for his outstanding service to the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis as Vicar General. This award recognizes an individual(s) whose spirit and energy reflect an understanding of the need to preserve the past and provide for future generations. The award recipients exemplify the charisms of the Christian Brothers and the Sisters of St. Joseph.