Ted Stanzel Honored as St. Rose of Lima Catholic School Distinguished Alumni

A Celebration of Catholic Education was hosted by the Diocese of Victoria at their first Class Education Awards on Monday, Oct. 14, at Club Westerner Victoria. The 2024 Distinguished Alumni honoree for St. Rose of Lima Catholic School is Mr. Theodore (Ted) Stanzel. He has done great things for our community and Catholic Education.

After high school in 1948, Mr. Stanzel joined the military and served in the United States Air Force until 1952 in Germany with occupation forces and Berlin Air Lift. He earned a Degree in Geology from The University of Texas in 1956 and began his career in the oil industry which spanned across Saudi Arabia, Texas, Oklahoma, and California. Mr. Stanzel earned a Masters Degree at Tulsa University in 1972.

After his successful military and business careers, Mr. Stanzel became active in local church, civic, and military organizations. He dedicated time and donations towards groups ensuring benefits for the youth of the community such as St. Rose School, the public library, the local museum, medical services, and foundation work for student scholarships towards formal education.

For the past two years Mr. Stanzel has been a big part of a St. Rose Building Renovation Committee to help save the old main building built in 1930 and the annex built in 1984 to continue the 135 years of Catholic Education through St. Rose School. His support and efforts along with the committee are moving the project forward to begin after the current school year. Mr. Stanzel served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Rose Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree, Schulenburg Museum Director, Library Steering Committee, Victor Stanzel Company General Manager 1990-1997, President 1997-2001, Stanzel Family Foundation Board of Directors, President 19972003, President Emeritus 2023, and Fayette County Outstanding Senior Citizen Award 2002. Mr. Stanzel was Tulsa Geological Society President 1975, Schulenburg Lion Club Director, VFW Life Member, University of Texas President’s Associates 2001, Community Builder Award, Lamar Medal Award 2005.

Mr. Ted Stanzel has used his God-given talents throughout his life to benefit others in daily living through his military service, geological services, community service, and philanthropic stewardship in St. Rose Church, St. Rose School, and local scholarships.