Longtime executive secretary an active member of community
Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School has been blessed by countless individuals and families who have affected exciting and positive changes for the school. As the school’s “Growing in Excellence” campaign continues on in Phase II, many gathered to celebrate the special people who help make LuHi the wonderful educational ministry it is today.
Long Island Lutheran gave tribute to important LuHi community members with the school’s highest honor, the Pro Deo et Schola Award, meaning “for God and school.”
This year’s recipients were Loretta Ruff and family of Hicksville and Dr. David and Janet Hahn of Brookville.
Ruff served as executive secretary at LuHi from 1979 to 2005, and both she and husband Fred have been invaluable volunteers at the LuHi Open, Bid-for-Kids Dinner Auction Dinner and, most recently, the Haiti Meal Packing Event. She has served on a number of councils and boards at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plainview where she and Fred are active members. In addition, daughters Karen (Klose), Allison (Sweeney) and son Frederick and their families have served LuHi in various volunteer and staff roles.
Dr. Hahn began his career in Lutheran administration 35 years ago. Since 1987, Hahn has been head of school at Long Island Lutheran. During his tenure, the school has grown from 375 to 600 students, developed a top-quality faculty and staff, and acquired ownership of a Lutheran N-5 grade school, Long Island Lutheran Day School at St. Paul’s in East Northport. Under his leadership LuHi has raised over $20 million in a series of successful fundraising campaigns, including the current $8 million “Growing in Excellence” capital campaign.
In addition to his work at LuHi, Dr. Hahn serves on the faculty of the Van Lunen Center and the Executive Education program for emerging leaders of Christian Schools worldwide. He continues to be actively involved with a variety of Lutheran organizations, including the Atlantic District – LCMS (Board).
Janet Hahn has been on staff at Long Island Lutheran since 2000, teaching primarily middle school science. She advises the Middle School Science Club and National Junior Honor Society and most recently served on the team organizing the 2011 and 2012 Haiti Meal Packing Events. Dave and Janet Hahn are parents to three LuHi grads, Julie (‘00), Kristin (‘03) and Allison (‘05).
The excitement of the evening continued with the presentation of a $1,000,000 gift from the estate of the late Marilyn Treiber. In attendance to make the gift were Treiber’s niece, Katherine McNally, and nephew, Bruce Treiber. This gift will allow LuHi to offer additional scholarship opportunities each year.
The evening included special student musical performances, a cheer routine by the LuHi Competition Cheerleading Squad, and a presentation by former NY Jet, Marty Lyons of Landtek who offered updates on LuHi’s artificial turf field project. Other goals of the “Growing in Excellence” campaign include an updated field building with restrooms and concessions, science laboratories, library media center revitalization, student scholarships, academic enhancements and Christian service experiences.
Located on a 32-acre campus in Brookville, Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School is a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school whose mission is to educate its students in body, mind and spirit. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a “School of Excellence,” LuHi serves students in grades six through 12. For more information, call the admissions office at 626-1700, ext. 545 or visit www.luhi.org.
