We are proud to announce the Mater Dei Hall of Honor Class of 2025: Fred Becker ’72, Gary Behrman, Ph.D. ’69, Ray Korte ’61 and Teresa Thole ’75.
The celebration on Friday, May 2, 2025, will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Mass, followed by dinner and the induction ceremony. Proceeds benefit the Mater Dei Memorial Grant Fund. For reservations, contact the office by April 25 (618-526-7216).
Established in 1997, the Hall of Honor recognizes alumni and friends of Mater Dei who have lived their lives as witnesses of our mission. To view all members, select the following link: Hall of Honor Members 1997-2025.
Fred Becker, Class of 1972
Following his graduation from Mater Dei in 1972, Fred earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from McKendree University. While employed at Glass & Shuffett, he then obtained his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. An eventual partner of the firm, Fred continued to serve as a CPA at Glass & Shuffett until his retirement.
In keeping with our calling to share our time and talent, Fred quietly served the Mater Dei Foundation by providing pro bono tax return preparation for many years. Additionally, he generously shared his expertise with numerous family members and friends by assisting them in the management of their finances.
In the community, Fred serves as a member of Knights of Columbus – Breese Council #2869 and Lions International – Breese Club #146, for which he serves as a board member.
As an active member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, Fred serves as an usher, funeral choir member, Men’s Sodality member, and volunteer for parish events; and previously served as a finance committee member.
A life-long resident of Breese, Fred is the son of the late Victor and Viola Becker.
Gary Behrman, Ph.D., Class of 1969
Following his graduation from Mater Dei in 1969, Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Divinity from St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. His desire to continue learning led Gary to earn a Master of Social Work from St. Louis University and a Ph.D. in Social Welfare from the University at Albany. He is also a licensed clinical social worker and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers.
In keeping with our calling to serve as our brother’s keeper, Gary has dedicated himself to sharing his knowledge of and passion for suicide prevention and trauma recovery. Throughout his thirty-year career in higher education, Gary taught courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, most extensively at St. Louis University, where he implemented the Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. He has also advised and trained educators and healthcare professionals, authored multiple publications related to his research, and served as the keynote speaker at conferences and on radio and television broadcasts. Currently, through his private clinical practice, he counsels adolescents and adults, while continuing to provide consultation and training services.
As an active member of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in St. Louis, where he resides, Gary serves as a member of the Men’s Fellowship Group.
A native of Albers, Gary is the son of the late Urban and Dorothy Behrman.
Ray Korte, Class of 1961
Following his graduation from Mater Dei in 1961, Ray served as an abstracter at Security Title. He then began his career in real estate development management at Shell Oil Company. Throughout his career, Ray served numerous well-known companies, including Kroger, 7-Eleven, and QuikTrip. Since 1998, he has served as the owner and president of Inland Marketing Services, which provides comprehensive site feasibility studies for a range of facilities. Additionally, since 2001, Ray and his partners have developed hundreds of stores, including Dollar General, Family Dollar, and CVS stores.
In keeping with our calling to serve the Catholic Church, Ray has dedicated his time and talents to St. Paul Catholic Church for over forty years. He serves as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and previously served as a hospitality minister. Additionally, as an active member of Knights of Columbus – Highland Council #1580, for which he previously served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator, Ray has played a key role in events held for the benefit of St. Paul Catholic Church and School, including the parish’s annual Kirchenfest, and the Diocese of Springfield.
In the community, Ray is an active supporter of Stewards of Hope International, which provides reliable assistance to the Missionaries of Charity in Venezuela.
A resident of Highland, Ray and his wife, Pat, are blessed with six children, fourteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Teresa Thole, Class of 1975
Following her graduation from Mater Dei in 1975, Terry earned a Bachelor of Arts from Webster University. She then began her finance career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (now AT&T), where she served in management until her retirement in 2012. Following her retirement, Terry enjoyed part-time employment as a seamstress at Quality Alterations at Scott Air Force Base from 2014-2020.
In keeping with our calling to serve the Catholic Church, Terry has dedicated her time and talents as the organist at St. George Catholic Church for over forty years. Additionally, she serves as a member of the Liturgy Committee and Gardening Angels and previously served as a member of the Parish Council and Picnic Committee.
Moreover, Terry’s willingness to serve extends beyond her parish. In the community, she serves as a volunteer for West Clinton County Senior Services and previously served as a member of the Belltones, an a cappella ensemble of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company employees who Christmas caroled at assisted living and nursing homes and the USO at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. For the Mater Dei community, she served as an active member of Band Parents, including as treasurer, and Mothers & Friends, including as co-chair of the dinner auction’s silent auction committee.
A resident of New Baden, Terry and her husband, Lavern, are blessed with two children, Stephen ’01 and Melissa ’04, and three grandchildren.
