The sky's the limit in business and in life
An attitude of never giving up. To “do right” in all of your relationships. These values were passed to Brian Klutenkamper ’75 during his time at Duchesne, helping him become an experienced pilot, business owner, and a proud Pioneer Parent.
Brian started grade school at St. Joseph in Cottleville. His family briefly moved to Ohio, then returned to St. Charles, where he finished grade school at St. Peter School before attending Duchesne. From an early age, he had a keen interest in aviation, one he shared with his father.
“Dad wanted to be a pilot in the military,” he said. “Due to vision issues, he ended up serving as an aircraft mechanic between World War II and the Korean War. He would always take us to airshows and pay for airplane rides.”
Brian spent his years at Duchesne playing golf, football, and enjoying learning about chemistry and the other sciences. Today, aviation is a new addition to Duchene’s curriculum, and if it had been available during his high school years, it would undoubtedly have been on his radar.
“I would have jumped on it,” he said. “I’m really glad to see it will be a part of the curriculum this fall.”
It was 1985 before he would revisit his interest in flying. He took flying lessons and bought his first plane that December. The skill proved to be quite valuable. He began working for Engineered Lubricants in 1982 in a role where travel was crucial. His ability to fly would prove to be a key tool at his disposal from then on out.
“You could do what would take you two to three weeks in three or four days. It really helped me grow the business much faster than I could have any other way,” he said.
Forty-three years later, Brian is an owner at the same company, his children are all Duchesne graduates, and he is still a very active pilot. In fact, he’s one of five pilots in his graduating class.
Brian attributes his success in life to what he learned while a student at Duchesne and his parents: the importance of honesty in your relationships.
“Always do what’s right. Don’t ever take a shortcut. Always tell the truth,” Brian said. “It’s critical to your well-being that you are never lying to people, never trying to do something sly.”
Brian and fellow DHS classmates Theresa Thro and Geri Willbrand organized their 50th class reunion which was held at Duchesne on August 23. Holding reunions at the Duchesne’s campus is a growing trend among returning alumni.
“It was fantastic having the reunion here. The atmosphere was great. People who hadn’t been here for 50 years were able walk through the school,” said Brian. “[Director of Alumni Engagement and Donor Engagement] Nancy Kohl ’78 did a wonderful job helping us plan, preparing posters, and arranging DHS Students
to operate the sound system for us.”
At the reunion, Brian spoke briefly to visiting alumni from all over the US and overseas about Duchesne, campus and curriculum updates, and updates on a few alumni who could not attend the reunion. It was a busy evening filled with memories and shared appreciation of each other and their alma mater.
“It was wonderful seeing so many old friends. My only regret is I did not get enough time to speak with everybody,” he said.