Discover the Difference: The Loras College Connection

by Diocese of Des Moines | March 1, 2022

Loras College, a Catholic liberal arts college in Dubuque, creates a community of active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and responsible contributors in diverse professional, social and religious roles. Since 1839, Loras students have received the foundation necessary to make thoughtful choices to learn, act, and contribute to society throughout their lives. As part of this rich tradition, Loras has prepared generations of educators.

Loras College offers a bachelor's degree with more than 20 licensure and endorsement programs in elementary and secondary education. Its students work with full-time professors and outstanding practitioners from area schools and agencies in these programs, including the Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools. So we thought it would be fun to share some stories from our educators and administrators who just happen to be Loras College alumni.

Emily Pollpeter

Meet Emily Pollpeter, a middle school social studies and religion teacher at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School. Pollpeter attended Loras college from 2013 to 2017, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education with endorsements in K-8 math and K-8 reading.

"I never felt like just a number at Loras. Looking back, I'm most thankful for the small class sizes," recalled Pollpeter. "My professors all knew who I was and knew exactly how to help me be successful."

Pollpeter, grateful for her Catholic education, knew she wanted to give back to the community that helped shape her and chose to teach in the Diocese of Des Moines. As the newest school in the Diocese, St. Luke the Evangelist was a natural fit for her with opportunities to help students grow academically and spiritually.

"I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember! Teaching for me is about helping form students into young adults into leaders that can think critically and responsibly. I love being able to help students learn the skills to help them be successful beyond the classroom," said Pollpeter. "We frequently talk in my classroom about how we can use the skills we learn to help evangelize with our actions. People we encounter should learn to know God by how we act!"

Fun fact: Loras College hadn't been on Emily's radar at all when looking for a college to attend. She discovered Loras when one of her teachers at Dowling Catholic encouraged her to check it out.

Pollpeter grew up in West Des Moines, attended St. Francis of Assisi, and graduated from Dowling Catholic in 2013. When she's not in the classroom, she enjoys traveling, reading, and joining her family to cheer on the Cyclones. She can often be found at an Iowa State football or basketball game.

Daniel Thole

Meet Daniel Thole, an administrator at Christ the King Catholic School. Thole brings nearly a decade of experience in education, having served as a classroom teacher, administrator, and director of secondary programs. Thole earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and secondary education with a minor in Catholic studies from Loras College. He also holds a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Creighton University in Omaha, where he was inducted into the Jesuit Honor Society. 

As a leader in Catholic education, Thole's passion for innovative instruction pushes the boundaries of traditional educational models. He was awarded the Outstanding Educator of the Year for the 2016-2017 school year and the Iowa Governor's Scholar Favorite Teacher Award for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school years. 

Fun fact: Thole and his wife met on the track team at Loras College!

"God placed me on this earth to focus my energies on making schools a place where students feel empowered and are given the optimal environment to learn deeply," said Thole. "In my role as an educational leader, I have the ability to make real changes that need to occur if we are going to be serious about truly facilitating learning in a way that is most effective, engaging, and enjoyable for today's students." 

Thole and his wife are the proud parents of daughter, Lucy. When he's not at school, he enjoys audiobooks, podcasts, sports news, continuous learning, walking his dogs, and doting on his daughter. 

Kathleen Sherzan 

Meet Kathleen Sherzan, a middle school math and religion teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School in the  Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines. Sherzan attended Loras College from 2005 to 2008, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in mathematics. She also holds a Master of Science in Education from Drake University.

"Loras College gave me the chance to get into a variety of local classrooms immediately as a freshman. My learning journey was made even better by wonderful professors within the education program," said Sherzan. "I felt very prepared for the classroom, for my master's program, and to be an educational leader within my building."

For Sherzan, teaching was always the plan. She is a proud alumna of Holy Trinity Catholic School and Dowling Catholic High School. Her time attending Catholic schools helped prepare her for her future as an educator. 

"I've wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I've always felt I've had a gift in working with young people and I wanted to share that gift each day," Sherzan recalled. "I am grateful that an opportunity came up that allowed me to share my gift in a place that I love."

Fun fact: Sherzan didn't start her education at Loras but transferred there after spending a semester at the University of Iowa. "I was looking for a small, faith-based community to continue my education. After visiting Loras, I knew it was a great fit for me," shared Sherzan.

Sherzan and her husband have two children, Elliot (9) and Lewis (5), who attend Holy Trinity Catholic School. When she's not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travel, and Iowa Hawkeye athletics.  

Scott Elhinger

Meet Scott Ehlinger, administrator at Sacred Heart School in West Des Moines. Ehlinger earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master of Arts Degree in physical education from Loras College and a Master Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Iowa State University. 

Ehlinger brings more than 20 years of educational experience to the role of principal and is adept at school leadership, having served as an assistant principal, athletic director and instructional leader. 

"It is an honor to serve as the principal for Sacred Heart," said Ehlinger. "I enjoy engaging in the work of ensuring spiritual, academic, social, emotional, and physical growth for all of our students. It is an honor to serve as principal for a school with such a tremendous reputation for excellence." 

Fun fact: Elhinger has worked in both public and Catholic schools across Iowa and Wisconsin.

He currently resides in Ankeny with his wife, Sarah, and his two children, Michael and Josephine. When he's not at school, he enjoys spending time with family, attending his children's events, running, traveling, all things Hawkeyes, and attempting home improvement projects. 

Erin Cain

Meet Erin Cain, a middle school English language arts teacher at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School. Cain attended Loras College from 2016 to 2020. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and secondary education, having majored in English literature and secondary education with a minor in Catholic studies. 

Cain attributes her passion for teaching middle school to her Loras College experience. "At Loras, I became more confident in myself and in my teaching," she said. "Loras gave me the unique opportunity to not only grow as a teacher but as a friend, leader, person of faith, and human all at the same time. Our discussions weren't surface level, but rather they challenged me to dig deeper into who I was becoming and how that would impact my classroom and teaching. Through my experiences at Loras, I know that I am a more thoughtful, empathetic, and compassionate teacher to my students."

Fun fact: Cain's grandfather, parents, several aunts, cousins and sister all attended Loras College!

Cain is the product of Catholic education, having attended St. Pius X in Urbandale and Dowling Catholic in West Des Moines. When she's not at school, Cain enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new places to eat, playing games, and traveling.

Learn More

Do you know a high school student that is beginning to think about their college options and wants to find a school where they can continue to grow in their Catholic faith? Refer them to Loras College by completing a short form at www.loras.edu/referral/ or call 563-588-7236.