Alumni Spotlight: Diane Laake ’75 – A Life Shaped by Franciscan Values

Diane Laake, OLA Class of 1975, dedicated 43 years to Catholic secondary education before retiring. Her career began at Mother of Mercy High School, where she served as a Science Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal, and concluded as President of Oldenburg Academy. She describes her vocation as an incredible privilege—encouraging, empowering, and collaborating with generations of young women and men alongside dedicated faculty and staff.

Beyond her leadership in schools, Diane’s Franciscan spirit extended worldwide. For over 20 years, she worked with international justice and peace initiatives through Franciscans International and Franciscans Network. Since 2000, she has also organized and facilitated pilgrimages to Rome, Assisi, Switzerland, Brazil, and Ireland. She fondly recalls the joy of connecting Oldenburg Academy students with those from Roger Bacon on shared Franciscan pilgrimages.

Faith Roots at OLA

Diane credits OLA with providing a strong academic foundation that allowed her to explore many post-secondary opportunities. More importantly, her involvement with the New Jerusalem Community, which began during a Roger Bacon retreat and often met in OLA’s library, shaped her faith journey. It was here that Franciscan spirituality came alive for her and set the course for her life’s work.

Teachers Who Made an Impact

Her career came “full circle” when she returned to Oldenburg as President and reconnected with many Sisters who had once guided her at OLA. Among them was her former Principal, Sr. Jean Marie Cleveland, who delighted in sharing stories of Diane’s student days—sometimes confusing her with her twin sister Donna when it came to mischievous escapades. Diane laughs as she recalls crawling out of the third-floor windows of Mr. Ottke’s AP Biology class and hiding on the roof, only to be spotted by Sr. Tecla, who found little humor in the stunt.

Lasting Memories

One of Diane’s standout memories is winning the Carefree Gum Contest, which brought OLA a free concert with The Grassroots. That moment of courage and creativity inspired her later work in student activities, where she went on to secure early performances from artists like Rihanna and the Backstreet Boys. She also remembers the confidence the Sisters placed in students to plan and lead “In School Spiritual Days,” a trust that shaped her approach to empowering young people throughout her career.

Advice for Today’s Spartans

Diane encourages today’s students and recent graduates to explore and embrace Franciscan values in every aspect of life. She urges them to seek community for the journey and to always believe in their own goodness, even when challenges arise.

Living Franciscan Values

Throughout her career, Diane sought to embody the Franciscan values of service to the poor and marginalized, unconditional forgiveness, and care for creation. She hopes those who worked with her could see these values reflected in the way she taught, led, and served.

A Final Word

Looking back, Diane holds deep respect and admiration for those who continue to serve in Catholic schools today. “The challenges are great,” she shares, “but always believe you can make a powerful and life-affirming difference in their lives.”

Diane Laake’s journey from OLA to decades of Franciscan-rooted leadership reflects the transformative power of Catholic education—an enduring testament to the mission and spirit of the OLA and Roger Bacon community.