Bernie Beazley is a philanthropist, husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many who have come to know him as a generous and loving man who lives out his faith each and every day.Bernie was raised on Chicago’s South Side where he attended St. Theodore’s Grammar School. He married his childhood sweetheart Kathy in 1948, after serving his country in WWII. After being discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corps, he went to Loyola to see about getting into law school. Bernie had one challenge; he never graduated from high school. That challenge neither stopped him nor Dean Fitzgerald from coming up with a plan for Bernie to gain entry to the law school the following year. Bernie did what was asked of him, and he achieved his law degree in 1950. As a young lawyer, he was offered a job as General Counsel to an up and coming company called Dentsply International. Bernie’s accomplishments at Dentsply were numerous, and the company thrived under his leadership.The biblical text: ‘Faith without deeds is dead’, is what inspires both Bernie’s faith and his generosity. Over the years Bernie has been giving back to many organizations especially his, as he says “mother Loyola”, as well as Resurrection Health Care, the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities, Alzheimer’s Association, Hadley School for the Blind, St Agnes of Bohemia Parish and Amate House. 

Amate House is pleased to recognize one of Chicago’s most influential and respected Catholic leaders with this year’s Bernardin Medal. We are grateful to know him as a friend and partner in our mission.

Kathleen and Bill Lynch have been generous and active supporters of Amate House and it’s commitment to faith, service, and community.

Kathleen first became involved with Amate House in 1991. She and her family helped sponsor an Amate House Volunteer who taught at St. Agnes of Bohemia in Little Village.  Kathleen’s first visit to the school -- meeting the dedicated staff and witnessing their appreciation, enthusiasm, and respect for the Volunteers -- left a lasting impression. This was an organization she wanted to donate her time and energy to.   Kathleen was invited to become a member of the Amate House Board serving from 1992 through 1995. 

Her support and passion for Amate House was contagious. Kathleen introduced Bill to Amate House in 2000, and together they have served on the Amate Magic committee, attended service days, and helped plan the successful 25th Anniversary Food Drive. Bill’s marketing background has proven valuable as he has generously given of himself to consult on numerous marketing, development, and planning issues for Amate House.

Kathleen and Bill live in Prospect Heights, and are actively involved with civic and charitable organizations throughout the Chicago area.

Amate House presents the Mary Ellen Nolan Guardian Angel Award to Bill and Kathleen with tremendous gratitude for their generosity and continuing support to the organization they helped develop into what it is today.

Kathleen (Beck) Ruppert was part of the 2000-2001 St. William’s House community. During her Amate House year, Kathleen taught 2nd grade at St. Agnes of the Bohemia School in Little Village. She has worked for the last seven years as a speech language pathologist at Misericordia Home and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. In June, she will graduate from the Accelerated Nursing Program at Loyola University of Chicago. Kathleen is married to Amate House Alum Steve Ruppert ‘95-‘96.

Amate House has given Kathleen the courage to take risks to live out her faith, and the tools to discern where she is being called. She strongly believes the Amate House experience profoundly transforms Volunteers as they put their faith into action.

Amate House is pleased to recognize Kathleen Ruppert with the Founders Award for her continued example of love in action.