Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about Denny Fowler '70
Denny Fowler was practically enrolled at Trinity from birth. Trinity’s founding principal, Monsignor Alfred Steinhauser, baptized him and married his parents. He was principal when Denny started school at Trinity in 1966.
Denny started grade school at St. Margaret Mary. His family moved to Hikes Point when he was in the fourth grade and he finished school at St. Martha.
He immediately got involved at Trinity. Denny participated in football during its growing years. He also ran varsity track for four years. Additionally, he was a sports reporter Trinity’s ECHO student newspaper, as well as The Voice-Tribune newspaper in St. Matthews.
Denny recalls the liveliness of Trinity’s hallways.
“There was lots of hustle and bustle between classes,” he said. “There was no time for mischief with getting from one classroom to your locker to another building to get to the next class. I also remember the fun of lunchtime. One of the lunch staff, Catherine Fuchs, she didn’t put up with any nonsense."
Other teachers Denny remembers well are Sister Jane Hall, Father Harry Jansing and Maurice Brotzge. Maurice Woods also was a favorite, coming through for him in a time of need.
“I remember my mom was in the hospital,” Denny said. “Mr. Woods saw that I was upset. He said, ‘Mr. Fowler, you seem out of sorts.’ I told him I wanted to see my mom, but I didn’t know the way to get to St. Anthony Hopsital. He stopped what he was doing and drew a map to show me how to get to there.”
Pride. Discipline. Loyalty. Achievement.
Denny’s football coaches made a lasting impact on him. Head coach Jim Kennedy H’93 and assistant coaches Vince Semary and Dennis Schrecker had recently taken over the struggling program. Denny, who was an art student of Rev. Al Moore and a member of the Art Club, was present when Coach Semary, also an artist, designed the storied logo that adorns Trinity’s football helmets. At the time, the Art Department was in the basement of the Priest House (Flaget Hall).
“Coach Kennedy asked him to come up with a design representative of the team and its values,” Denny said. “The rest is history. The logo went on the helmets for the 1967 season.”
One year later, the Rocks won Trinity’s first football state championship.
Track coach Dick Bealmear ’59 also taught life lessons.
“I remember wanting to go on spring break my senior year,” Denny said. “Spring break had recently become a big thing. I asked Mom and Dad if I could go. I also remember asking Coach Bealmear. He reminded me that we had the big Trinity Invitational meet coming up. The look on his face told me he didn’t want me to go on spring break. I thought about him putting in the effort coaching. I stayed and competed in the invitational. He reminded me about doing what’s right and commitment. He influenced me and provided direction.”
Denny appreciates that he was at Trinity during a transformational time for the campus. Steinhauser Gymnasium was completed in 1968. It was the first new building constructed on Trinity’s campus since Old Trinity Hall (A Building) was built in 1938 when Holy Trinity Parish occupied the site. A much heralded and beloved senior lounge, though short-lived, was added in Sheehan Hall (C Building).
“As an alum, it’s been fun to watch the growth of campus from old to middle to new,” Denny said.
Return to the Rocks
After graduating from Trinity in 1970, Denny attended the University of Kentucky for several years. He dabbled in accounting and considered a teaching career. He also volunteered as a football and track coach at St. Martha.
“I learned that my friends who were teachers were also working summers,” Denny said. “I was always mechanically inclined, and I had a neighbor who was an electrician. He asked me about getting into the electrical trade. He talked about benefits, like steady work, the opportunity to make a good living and good retirement benefits.”
Deciding college was not his path, Denny was a union electrician for 50 years. He spent 25 years at the former Marine Electric Co. in Louisville. He retired in 2022 as vice president of operations and senior project engineer for Delta Services.
Denny also served as a paraprofessional football coach at Trinity for 27 years. Head coach Dennis Lampley H’92 had noticed Denny and his St. Martha teams’ five Toy Bowl appearances and asked him to come to Trinity.
Donna Brohm had an influence. The Brohms – Louisville’s First Family of Football – were Denny’s neighbors in Farm Gate subdivision. Donna and Denny’s late wife, Janice, were best friends in the neighborhood.
“Janice and I were hesitant,” Denny said. “Coaching football is a huge time commitment and a seven-day operation. Donna told Janice practice started at 4 p.m. and that I’d be home by 7. She talked Janice into it.”
Denny primarily coached freshman and JV defensive backs. He also spent Friday nights scouting at future opponents’ games. Denny served as a coach for 15 state championship teams under four different head coaches.
‘I give to give back’
Denny is active in retirement. He has served as treasurer for the Catholic Schools Athletic Association and his homeowners association. He and his wife, Bonnie, spend part of the year in Florida.
He also plays bass and provides backup vocals for Rear View Mirror, a local cover band.
“I grew up playing in bands in high school and college,” Denny said. “I love playing music. Danny Braun, Class of ’77, also plays in the band. We did 25 shows last year, including at church picnics, parties, the St. Joe’s Picnic and the Street Rod Nationals car show.”
Denny has dedicated countless hours of time, talent and treasure as an alumnus. He’s a Class Agent, class reunion committee member and Alumni Phonathon volunteer caller. He’s also a donor to the Trinity Annual Fund for financial aid. Over 43% of Trinity students receive financial aid so it’s crucial to many families.
“I give to give back some of what I received,” Denny said, a common refrain from alumni regarding giving. “I know what Trinity gave me, and I want as many young men as possible to have that experience. It changed my life as a student and continues to do so as an alum.”
Denny and Bonnie (Assumption, 1970) have been together for seven years. Denny has a son, Bryan (Trinity, 2004), a daughter, Marissa (Mercy, 1998) and six grandchildren. He and Bonnie split their time between Louisville and Newport Ritchie, Florida.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications Director, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
A History of Greatness
Since 1953, Trinity has benefitted from great teachers, resources, and activities to shape and guide promising boys into great men. The 106 students from our first graduating class have been followed by a legacy of academic, personal and cultural achievement. To learn more about our proud heritage, visit https://www.trinityrocks.com/o/trinityfoundation/page/about-us.
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