Securing Our Future
A strong Foundation will ensure that we continue to forever carry out the mission of Billings Catholic Schools to educate students to become life-long learners and tomorrow's leaders.
Lowell and Elizabeth Duffner's decision to contribute $3 million dollars to the Billings Catholic Schools Foundation in November of 2000 was historic and given from the heart. Then in 2006, Lowell gave another 2.5 million in loving memory of his beloved "Tiz". These gifts were monumental and will leave a lasting imprint on Catholic education in Billings for generations to come. When the gifts were received they represented years of hard work, wise decisions and a dedication to simple living. It should be noted that the Duffners were flat broke when he quit his job in 1950 and struck out on his own as a CPA.
In addition to his family, Lowell Duffner has two major passions in life — his strong devotion to his Catholic faith and his belief in Catholic education. Lowell spent his early childhood years in Denver. At an early age he developed his strong moral compass and work ethic under the watchful eye of his parents. When the time came he didn't have to look far to find the woman who would become his wife for 60 years as Elizabeth lived on the same street. Lowell graduated from South High School and Tiz from St. Francis De Sales Catholic Schools. He soon enlisted in the Navy and served for three years. He and Tiz were married April 17, 1945.
Lowell and Elizabeth moved to Billings from Denver in 1946. He worked hard to establish himself in the local business community as a CPA. His honesty and integrity have left a lasting mark on his chosen profession in our city. While Lowell was working Tiz was working just as hard with their growing family. The Duffner family eventually grew to include three children Jan Kirk, Diane Boyett and Stan Duffner who all attended and graduated from Billings Catholic Schools. It was also during these years that Tiz served as the volunteer librarian at St. Francis Intermediate School. A position that she held without interruption for the next 32 years. In recognition of this devotion, the Catholic School Board changed the name to the "Elizabeth "Tiz" Duffner Library".
For Lowell it is important for people to realize that the Duffner gift was given from more than just he and his wife, but from their children as well. The decision for the Duffners to consider a gift to BCS was inspired by Ralph Nelles' decision to build an activity center at Central. After prayerful consideration Lowell and Tiz felt that they were in a position to give back to the schools that had become such an important part of their families' lives.
Lowell is always excited by the changes and advancements of the students, now so different from his own school experiences. Yet he sees that the core elements of Catholic education based on faith, family values and academic excellence remain strong. This hope runs deep in Lowell, carrying over into his daily life and fueling his desire to support high-quality education. The attendance at the early Mass by the students at Billings Central High reaffirms his commitment for what he is doing.
Because of their faith Lowell, Elizabeth and their children decided to make a positive impact with a portion of their wealth. As regular supporters of BCS, the Duffners' goal is simple: "to help great students get off to a great start in life." In keeping with that hope, Lowell and his family have ensured the ongoing success of the Billings Catholic Schools by creating a Charitable Remainder Trust.
A donation to the BCS Foundation is invested and the principal is never spent. The income from these gifts can be designated for a variety of purposes. Behind each of these funds is a strong commitment to the future of BCS's strong tradition of Catholic education. Funds may be created in honor of favorite teachers, a coach, in memory of a loved one or in response to a critical need of the school. By making a gift to the Foundation you are acknowledging that you believe in Billings Catholic Schools and its mission.
