Ruda Photo

[Hays, KS, June 29, 2022]  Advancement Director, Troy Ruda has announced that he will be leaving Hays Catholic Schools (HCS) for a position in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

“It is with great excitement that I announce that our family has accepted a wonderful opportunity for our future. We will be relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to embark on our next journey. I have accepted a position with a funeral service corporation as the Director of Operations for the State of New Mexico which operates funeral homes and cemeteries all over the United States and Canada,” announced Ruda.

Prior to joining Hays Catholic Schools in 2017, Ruda served as a Funeral Director and Location Manager with Horan & McConaty Funeral Services in Denver, Colo.  “Funeral service, to me, has always been a tremendous calling. I am blessed to be called back to this career, to utilize my skills and abilities in one of our corporal works of mercy, and to do God's merciful work on earth,” said Ruda.

The Superintendent of the Salina Diocese Catholic Schools, Geoff Andrews, is working with Bishop Jerry Vincke and the administration of HCS to fill the role of development and fundraising according to the recently completed strategic plan for Catholic schools. 

 “I greatly appreciate Troy’s commitment to the Hays Catholic Schools and his engagement with furthering the mission of Catholic education in Ellis County and across the Diocese. While he will be missed, I look forward to working with stakeholders to explore the next steps in the growth of stewardship in our Heartland Parishes.”

In his time with Hays Catholic Schools, Ruda strived to continue the development of the St. Thomas More Society, the Auction for Christian Education (ACE), organizational fundraising, and the growth of the Endowment Foundation. In addition, he worked to unify the Catholic school mission of the Heartland Parishes through his work with marketing, donor relations, and strategic planning.

In a note to coworkers, Ruda wrote, “I have tremendous pride in the work that we have accomplished together over the last 5 years. We have come a very long way, and I can't wait to see what you do next. As a Hays native and proud 1993 alum of St. Joseph's Elementary (Holy Family Elementary) and TMP-Marian, you will always have my sincere support.”

Located in Hays, Kan., the Hays Catholic Schools, Thomas More Prep-Marian and Holy Family Elementary is a Catholic school system serving grades PK-12.  Students come from Hays, the surrounding region, and from countries around the world.  Under the direction of the Diocese of Salina, the Hays Catholic Schools are supported by the Catholic churches of Hays, Catharine, Antonino, Schoenchen, and Munjor. At Holy Family Elementary, we are Christ to one another. For over a century, Thomas More Prep-Marian has served young people in the traditions of spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation.