Alumni Spotlight - Kevin Krupelak '77

Giving back to Elyria Catholic was always the plan for Kevin Krupelak, from the Elyria Catholic High School class of 1977. Kevin realized early on in his adult life that he owed a debt of gratitude to his alma mater. Having received an education that shaped his future, Kevin always wanted to find a way to give back to the school that had given him so much. Little did he know that his desire to give back would lead him to highlight the inspirational life of Frances T. Schuster.

Growing up in Elyria, Kevin Krupelak was the youngest of five Panthers, “going to Elyria Catholic games on the weekend was just what we did so you kind of got raised into the culture there. EC was very much just part of our family. My mother actually worked in the kitchen at EC for several years and my father frequently said that one of the best things they ever did for us was sending us to EC.” Kevin participated in football and track while a student at EC and for many years he held on to the dream of gifting the school a new track if he was ever in the position to do so. “Our track at Elyria Catholic was not good. It was made out of cinder and clay and was always rutted up. It was a real ankle buster. After running on the rubberized surface at the Comet Relays, where I ran my best times, I said someday I am going to buy a new track for Elyria Catholic. Unfortunately, someone beat me to it, so I realized I’d have to find some other way to give back some day. The desire to give back was just always in the back of my mind. It’s part of our culture at EC.”

After graduating, Krupelak joined the Air Force and it was during that time that he realized what a stellar formation he received at Elyria Catholic. “In the Air Force I got to meet guys from all over the country from all sorts of backgrounds and I realized wow, I had it really good. My commanding officers said I stood out, in a good way. I credit that to my Elyria Catholic education.”

Krupelak stayed in the Air Force for four years. Upon leaving he entered Lorain County Community College, earned his associates degree in computer programming, and then entered the working world. Many years later he started to revisit the idea of giving something back to EC. While on Facebook one day he saw that Frances Schuster was receiving a Mother of the Year award at the Polish Club in Elyria. “Well, I knew the Schuster girls who were close to my age pretty well. There was Nancy ’76, Mary Ann ’77, and Jeannie ’78. I was surprised at the story in the video. I knew that their mom was a single mother and that they had brothers and sisters, but didn’t know any details. The details about their mother just really impressed me. This was an incredible lady. She had 8 children and they knew if she wasn’t home when they got home from school that she was either still at work or at the church volunteering. To raise 8 children on your own and then find time to volunteer is truly incredible.”

Frances T. Schuster's story touched Kevin deeply. He saw her unwavering dedication to her family, her community, and her faith as something remarkable. It was then that he realized that this incredible woman deserved to be recognized and honored for her selflessness. 

Krupelak continued, “After watching the video I just couldn’t get it out of my mind how incredible she was and that this should be the focus of my gift. If you’re going to establish a scholarship, well this is a person, this is a life, this is an example that people need to see. People need to see grace and faith and what it can bring you through in life and what it can do for the people around you. Eight children. Great people. She set a great example for them.”

“One Sunday I ran into one of the daughters at church and pulled her aside and presented the idea to her. I asked her to run it by her mom and siblings and to let me know. This was all about honoring her and her life. Its not about me,” Kevin explained.

The scholarship recognizes students demonstrating faith, grace, and service to the Catholic church - all qualities that Frances exhibited throughout her life. For Kevin, it was a way to pay tribute to the remarkable woman who had inspired his philanthropy.

The inaugural Frances T. Schuster scholarships were presented last spring during May Crowning. Kevin, Frances and several of her children were all in attendance for this celebration. 

Kevin Krupelak's dedication to giving back doesn't stop with the Frances T. Schuster scholarship. He continues to be actively involved in his community, supporting various charitable organizations and initiatives. He believes that education and community service are the cornerstones of a strong and thriving society. “I was reluctant to do this story, but after reflecting I realized that I really do want Frances’ story told as far and wide as possible. I hope she inspires others like she inspired me.”

As for Frances T. Schuster, Kevin's gesture of setting up a scholarship in her name has left a lasting impact on her as well. She explained, “I was overwhelmed to put it lightly. Just speechless as my daughter Jean read a letter to us at our family Easter brunch. It said that a scholarship in my name was being started at EC benefiting students from St. Jude, all thanks to the generosity of Kevin Krupelak.  I thought ‘this isn't happening to me!’ I never knew Kevin personally, only as an EC classmate of my daughter Mary Ann. I will never be able to thank Kevin enough for his generosity in honoring me in such a great way.  He is really an example of a loyal and faithful EC graduate. Thank you Kevin, may God bless you and grant you good health, peace of mind and wisdom of the Holy Spirit."