Happy 90th, Fr. Dick Rieman

Father Richard Rieman has served Montrose students since the school opened its doors over thirty-five years ago. He has never forgotten a Montrose birthday - students and alumnae alike can count on Father Dick’s warm wishes when their special day rolls around each year.

The Montrose community recently had a chance to return the favor. On November 15, 2015, students, alumnae, faculty, family and friends gathered to mark Father Dick’s 90th birthday.

The day began with a lovely Mass at St. Margaret Mary Church in Westwood, where Father Dick has been celebrating daily Mass for many years. Many priest friends of Father Dick came together to concelebrate this momentous occasion. Montrose students participated in the Mass as lectors, singers and gift bearers. Following Mass, more than three hundred well-wishes celebrated at a festive birthday reception in Montrose’s new Arts & Athletics Center. The Montrose Treblemakers performed, delighting Father Dick with a beautiful rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Parent of alumna Paul Noble P ’99 gave a heartfelt tribute to Father Dick. “Everyone at Montrose has a relationship with Father Dick,” he noted. “He’s the guy who knows you and is always glad to see you, even if he only met you once.” Mr. Noble shared stories from Father Dick’s life, describing his years as a Navy bombardier, an actor, a horseback rider and a driver for St. Josemaria Escriva.

“Today, we have grandchildren of founders and children of alumnae attending Montrose,” said Mr. Noble. “We have a top-notch faculty and administration that, true to the founding principles of the school, is educating young women of faith, character and vision. We have this beautiful location and we’re standing in a great new building, the Arts & Athletics Center. But in my opinion, the best thing about Montrose is that it has Fr. Dick.”

Crowds of friends from Montrose past and present lined up to greet Father Dick at the reception and wish him well.