“Math is fun. Math is easy.”
Lenny Kuper’s mantra has been heard by Notre Dame students for nearly five decades. At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, Mr. Kuper will be retiring from teaching after 48 years.
“It has become exceedingly rare for me to be able to say, ‘yeh, he taught me,’” said Principal Tim Garner. “Mr. Kuper is someone that I can still say that about. Not only did he teach me, but I had the pleasure of working with him for all of these years. Mr. Kuper has aged like a fine wine. He has continued to get better as the years have rolled on. Not only has he been a master teacher in the classroom, but his contributions to our liturgies, to the musicals, the swimming program, and most especially our retreat programs, have been nothing short of fantastic. Whereas, he will no longer be found daily in the classroom, he will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds for the countless contributions that he has made to Notre Dame Regional High School.”
Involvement at Notre Dame
Kuper began his teaching career at Notre Dame in August of 1976. Over the span of 48 years, he says he has taught every course in the math curriculum, from Basic Math to Calculus.
His current slate of courses includes Honors Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus and Statistical Reasoning. He is the mathematics department chair, part of the Math Learning Center, and coordinates Notre Dame’s participation in Math Field Day.
Kuper is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and National Catholic Education Association. He was recognized as the Cape Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year in 2014.
Kuper also started the school’s swimming program during the 2000-2001 school year, and coached until 2012.
Kuper has been heavily involved in music at Notre Dame, highlighted by being inducted into the Notre Dame PAVA Hall of Fame in 2019. He has been the rehearsal pianist and orchestra pianist for the spring musical, and music department accompanist.
“When I think of Lenny, I have to smile,” said Notre Dame teacher and choral director, Ellen Seyer. “He has been such a gift to the choirs. His musical abilities and willingness to share them has enhanced many performances. For 40 years, he was the accompanist for all things choral. What a treasure!”
Kuper has also served as the liturgical music coordinator, and has attended many mission trips, Kairos, Emmaus and TEC retreats.
“Mr. Kuper has been such an asset to our retreat and service programs,” said Notre Dame’s Director of Campus Ministry Sarah Strohmeyer. “He frequently shares his faith through serving on teams for Emmaus and Kairos. In addition, he has been very involved with the summer mission trip. He leads his groups to really understand the importance of serving in whatever capacity they are called. I could always count on Mr. Kuper to give of himself every time I asked. He will be sorely missed. His faith has been an inspiration to me in my own faith life as well as the many students who have had the privilege of experiencing Christ through him.”
“What Lenny has meant to Notre Dame High School cannot be replaced,” said Notre Dame Assistant Principal Paul Unterreiner. “He has left his mark on the lives of so many students and coworkers over the years. We are forever grateful for his dedication to Catholic Education, but especially Notre Dame High School. We look forward to the challenge of replacing one of the best teachers, and people, God has ever gifted on this earth. It makes me smile to think back on the run that he had as an educator.”
Notre Dame – A Family Affair
Lenny Kuper and his wife, Pat Kearney Kuper, have been married for 44 years. Pat is a 1976 graduate of Notre Dame High School, and also taught English at Notre Dame during the 1987-1988 school year.
Together they have three children, all of whom graduated from Notre Dame. Lindsay is a 2002 graduate, Jordan is a 2003 graduate, and Jameson graduated in 2006. They have been blessed with nine grandchildren.
“A perfect square,” Kuper likes to brag.
Kuper added, “Each of my children had me as a teacher and as a coach. Notre Dame was a huge part of our lives for several years. Fun fact – Pat and I were the first married couple to teach at Notre Dame!”
Notre Dame Memories
Kuper says he’ll miss the people at Notre Dame the most.
“I have been truly blessed to have worked with so many wonderful people who have shaped who I am. However, I believe I will miss the students the most,” he said. “Literally thousands of young people have allowed me to be a part of their lives, and they a part of mine. The closeness I felt was not only in the classroom, but at retreats, during musicals, at swim team, music contests…I have often said that my students are my fountain of youth. They keep my mind young even though my body is old! I truly have been blessed.”
Retirement
Kuper has big plans for retirement, including a trip to Glacier National Park this summer.
“We want to travel. We want to see our children and grandchildren more often. We want to see the beautiful places in our country,” Kuper said.
He also hopes to continue his part time work at St. Vincent’s church as the music coordinator.
“Five years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I have worked to keep the symptoms at bay, and hope to keep active for a long time.”
Request
Kuper says he doesn’t want any fanfare or a big farewell to celebrate his retirement. His one request is to hear from the Notre Dame community he has loved over the years.
“I love you wonderful ND folks – teachers, students, parents and staff. I would absolutely love to hear from you. Send me an email or mail and include graduation year, memories, your families, your jobs, your pictures (now and then), and funny anecdotes. Thank you for sharing your life with me. Always remember, MATH IS FUN. MATH IS EASY.”
Kuper can be reached via email at lennykuper@notredamecape.org or by US mail at:
265 Notre Dame Drive,
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701