A Farewell to Dr. Klug

After 14 years of service, Dr. Joseph Klug will not return to De Smet Jesuit for the 2015-2016 year. De Smet will miss his dedication to creating an environment where every student’s academic needs are met and voice is heard.

Dr. Klug graduated from Priory in 1996, where he sported long hair and participated in a few bands. He took his love for music with him to Truman State University, where he initially wanted to major in communications with an emphasis in radio broadcast.

While in college, he worked on the campus radio station as a personality, music director and advertisement director. He often found himself as the DJ for fraternity and sorority parties.

As he approached the end of his degree, he was unemployed and deciding between following his dreams of being in the music industry or going back to school for less than a semester and getting an education degree.

He chose education and was quickly offered a position as the yearbook and newspaper advisor by Dr. Greg Densberger on Valentine’s Day, 2001.

“I was very excited to be given the opportunity to work in such a faith-filled community. Within the first few weeks of being here, people were very supportive and wanted to help me in so many ways,” Dr. Klug said.

Although he chose teaching over a career in the music industry, Dr. Klug brought his love for music to De Smet. After bringing his turntables to school assemblies, he earned the nicknames “DJ Jazzy Klug” and “Klugy Klug” from his colleagues.

Although he came to De Smet as the advisor for the yearbook and newspaper, Dr. Klug has served in almost every aspect of the school community.

Throughout his tenure, he has led multiple Kairos retreats, conducted sophomore interviews, taught journalism (both during the school year and over the summer), accompanied students on a service trip to a reservation in New Mexico, moderated Magis Scholars and the Photo Club, taught a writing and design skills class, served as the Academic Assistant Principal, worked on the Diversity Committee, and for the past three years, served as the Curriculum Director.

As Curriculum Director, Dr. Klug challenged teachers to work on curriculum; however it was the students who challenged him with their schedules.

“Being in that role was challenging because I needed to balance student support with the needs of the school community as a whole. It was especially challenging trying to help students realize that they should stick with a tough class even though they may not have been getting the grade they wanted,” Dr. Klug said.

Although he has held many positions, moderating the Magis Scholars program and working with the diversity committee have been the highlights of his career. “It may seem small and insignificant to some, but I’ve seen these programs grow,” Dr. Klug said.

His involvement in clubs such as the Multicultural Awareness Club and the Magis Scholars allowed him to develop a special relationship with minority students. They worked side by side in the selection of the new diversity director, Mr. Armando Gilkes (see page 2 for full feature), and he has accompanied them on social outings such as dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings and a showing of “Selma.”

“It felt like we had someone that listened to our thoughts, and he found a way to make what we had to say happen. I’ll miss the humbleness that he brought to the De Smet Jesuit community,” sophomore Erik Shannon said.

Entering his last days as Curriculum Director, Dr. Klug reminisces over 14 years, 14 graduating classes and countless unforgettable events.

Although most vacated administrative positions have been filled, there is currently a national search for a new Curriculum Director.

“The Spartan Mirror” and “Spartan Olympiad” would like to thank Dr. Klug for all he has done for publications and wish him well in his next endeavor.

  Friendly Farewells:

“Dr. Klug was one of the first teachers I met when I started teaching here. Since then, we’ve attended each other’s wedding, shared Christmases together, ran races together, and developed a friendship I hope lasts a long, long time. Best to you, Doctor!” -Mr. Joshua Klein

“I spent many lunches around the table in the pub office talking and sharing life’s many adventures; it seemed that Dr. Klug and I went through many stages of life at the same time, and he was a comfort to share those with me. He is a great listener and a better friend. He will be missed on a daily basis.” -Mr. Rob Bergman

“Whether it was working on a spread, needing a laugh, or needing someone to talk confidentially with about life struggles, I always knew I could count on Klug. I can’t say enough about how he impacted my life. From seeing him at Mass before school to him pushing me to do my absolute best in everything, Dr. Klug was and still is one of my greatest role models.” -Andrew Ship ‘07

“Dr. Klug, thanks for three great years working on the Mirror and never letting me quit. It was a lot of work, but it was definitely one of the highlights of my De Smet career.” -Joe Barkofske ‘13

“Dr. Klug was great at planning events for the Magis Scholar/ MAC program to bring us all together as one community. I feel like the reason I had such a successful freshman year was because he provided me with an older fellow Spartan to help me through everything. The thing that I will miss the most about Dr. Klug is his welcoming spirit and the time he takes to help anyone that needs it.” -Kendall Fields ‘18

“Dr. Klug has helped me become a better teacher both in focusing on the content, as well as trying to remind me that teaching should be student centered and focused on the experience of our students.”- Dr. Michael Callahan

“God first, others second, I am third – Dr. Klug not only believed it but he lived it. A great teacher and a great friend. De Smet Jesuit will miss you! God bless as you begin your next journey.” -Mr. Michael Talken

“When he was our Yearbook teacher he was more of a mentor to all the guys.”-Conrad Dorn ’15