Mrs. Kim Balgenorth, the De La Salle Collegiate Counseling Department Administrator since 2008, is retiring this June. 

After her husband DLS alumnus Richard Balgenorth, Class of 1975, passed away suddenly in 2007, Kim left her job as a District Manager for a new baby photo company. Her son Paul was in his sophomore year, and she needed to curtail her travel to 40 hospitals with locations ranging from Kalamazoo, MI, to Toledo, OH.

Kim and her family established the Balgenorth Scholarship, beginning with the Class of 2009.

The Richard Balgenorth Memorial Scholarship was established as a tribute to the memory of Mr. Balgenorth, and his belief that De La Salle Collegiate plays a crucial role as a foundation for life-long learning. The Richard Balgenorth Lasallian Award for Higher Education aims to financially assist a graduating De La Salle senior to continue his education at a college or university. 

The Scholarship, set up as an Endowment, will continue indefinitely. 

Kim attended Warren Woods Tower High School, and her best friend was a cousin of Jerry Zaccardelli’s, also in the Class of 1975.

Kim and Richard married in 1980. 

Kim lives in Macomb Township, and her three children also live nearby. 

Her daughter Diana, a Sterling Heights High School graduate in 2000, is a competitive dance teacher for two studios and the head dance team coach for L’Anse Creuse High School and Chippewa Valley High School. 

Her daughter Lauren, a Sterling Heights Class of 2003 graduate, is a chiropractor with her own practice in Sterling Heights. Lauren is the mother of three children.

Son Paul attended Grand Valley State University (GVSU), and his wife is also a GVSU alumnus. They are the parents of a six-month-old daughter. 

She already has several European trips planned in 2023, and more in 2024. 

Principal Brother Ken Kalinowski, ‘84, has high praise for Kim.

“Kim is the consummate professional, wiling to help everyone and all is done perfectly,” said Brother Ken. “She loves to travel and her knowledge of that field has helped many of the faculty.”

Counselor Andrew Campbell said, “Kim will be sorely missed. Her experience is irreplaceable - she is irreplaceable.” 

Read about the 2023 winner George Gardey
 
Read about the plaque honoring Kim Balgenorth
 

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