Stephen Dengel ’98 recently accomplished something that only .01% of the world’s population has been able to achieve: He successfully completed the IRONMAN Mont-Tremblant in Canada on August 19th! Stephen, who holds degrees from both Sacred Heart University and Molloy College, currently serves as Director of Operations at Topix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. He and his wife, Rachel, have two children, Max and Maddie. In addition to being a proud Firebird alum, Stephen has recently joined the ranks of Firebird parents! His son, Max, is a sixth grader in the Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School.
How did your time at Kellenberg prepare you for your professional and personal successes?
Kellenberg put me in an environment where I was challenged daily, along with other students who worked as hard at being successful as I did. It laid the building blocks of leadership and gave me the confidence to constantly seek new challenges, however difficult or uncomfortable they may seem.
What made you want to compete in the IRONMAN competition, and how did you feel upon crossing the finishing line?
The Ironman was a beautiful culmination of eight months of dedication to a single goal. There were so many reasons why I competed. It was the next progression in my journey through the sport and life, and I wanted to set an example for my children. It was pure elation to cross that line and have my family there with me to celebrate the accomplishment.
Why did you and your family decide that the Latin School was the right place for your son, Max?
The sacrifices that my parents made to put six children through private Catholic education left an impression with me on just how highly they valued quality education and faith. My wife is an educator herself, and we both want the best for our children. Last year, we were so impressed at the open house that we decided then and there to enroll our son, Max.
Please share your favorite class/teacher, activity or sport from your time at Kellenberg.
It would be tough for me to pick favorites because my Kellenberg experience was all around great. I loved that the school seemed to come alive with an energy after that last bell, when the sports and clubs started. I tell Max to seize every opportunity to get involved and not to take home that early bus! We are so excited to see the first of our children experience the joy of being part of the Kellenberg family, and our daughter, Maddie, will be soon to follow!