Alumni Focus - Lori (Haberkorn) Kowitz ('86)

Lori (Haberkorn) Kowitz (‘86) has been back at her alma mater working as the Operations Manager since 2021. She plans to retire in December and has been training Rachel Collins to take over in a seamless transition. So it seems only fitting to ask Lori to reflect on her high school years and how SCLA has continued to be part of her family’s lives.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at St. Croix?

I loved the opportunities to participate in athletics and devote quality time to yearbook and the student newsletter.  

Chapel in the gym was always a special part of the day. 39 years later – daily chapels at SCLA are an awesome way to praise our Lord and grow in our faith.

How did your experiences at St. Croix influence the kind of work you wanted to do in adulthood?

Ms. Pauline Rupprecht taught me to type on a Selectric typewriter and then handed me an accounting packet which fueled my path in business and operations.  

How did your experience at St. Croix shape your understanding of leadership or service?

Whatever you do – do it all to God’s glory.  

What path did you take after graduating?

After graduation, I completed business degrees at Inver Hills Community College and the College of St. Catherine. I started my formal career a month after high school in an admin role and through many acquisitions completed 35 years with the same company as the Midwest Operations Manager before joining SCLA.

Tell us a little about your family and plans for retirement.

I have been married to Kevin for 34 years and blessed with 3 beautiful daughters - Kirsten (‘11), Katelyn (‘12) and Kelsey (‘15) - and 3 amazing sons-in-law. Five grandchildren round out our chaotic family time. It has been a rewarding experience to return to SCLA to complete my career. I am excited to devote more time to our family, our parents, volunteering, and travel to see the wonders of God’s creation.

What advice would you give to your high school self or to current students?

Love what you do and share life with those that you love!