Making a Career of Giving Back
Sometimes a community captures a young person’s heart and leads to a lifetime of giving back. That’s the core of the Cathie Utz Albert ’70 story.
While at SHS Cathie was a member of the Choir, Whippet Band, and Drama Club. She also was active with the Girls Athletic Association, serving as an officer and member of the basketball and volleyball teams.
After graduating, Cathie earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Ohio State University and a master’s in curriculum at Ashland University.
In her hometown she has coached volleyball players for 24 years and is currently serving as treasurer of the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters and is a member of the Shelby Park Board. She also helps with the Shelby flower girls.
Cathie was among early supporters of the Shelby Foundation, and she and her husband donated two Main Street buildings to the Community Improvement Corporation.
Along the way, Cathie also has made her mark in education. For more than 50 years she has taught full time and as a substitute in Shelby Middle School and at St. Mary’s School with mathematics and science specialties. She also has taught GED, some courses at North Central State College and tutored individual students.
She enjoys organizing events to keep strong bonds among members of the class of ‘70. Says a fellow alum, “I have known Cathie for 60 years. She always has been someone who gives so much of herself to help others in the community.”