Posted on Dec 15, 2011

STM Mourns the Loss of Pioneers Jean Somers and Thomas G. Shanahan

The High School of Saint Thomas More mourns the loss of two of its pioneers – Jean Somers who passed away on December 14th and Dr. Thomas G. Shanahan who passed away November 9th. When The High School of Saint Thomas More was just an idea, Jean quietly gave countless hours of her time, treasure and talent to ensure the high school became a reality. She understood and appreciated the value of a Catholic education and was committed to supporting the high school’s mission of academic excellence and commitment to the Catholic faith. Jean’s spirit will live in our halls forever and the memories we have of her popping in with a smile that lit up the world, a laugh that made you laugh, too, and a positive attitude that made your day a better one.

Though Dr. Shanahan and his wife, Gloria, resided in Springfield, his heart remained in Champaign at The High School of Saint Thomas More. Many have said, “Thom was the ‘voice’ in making a case for a Catholic high school in Champaign.” On behalf of the entire STM community, we remain grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Shanahan for staying the course so that their dream, and the dream of so many others in our community, would become a reality in The High School of Saint Thomas More.