Community Awards Spotlight: Jane Metzger Von Haden ‘80 and John Conway ‘69
April 23, 2025
The annual Cretin-Derham Hall Community Awards celebrate several alumni and friends from Cretin, Derham Hall, and Cretin-Derham Hall, honoring their significant achievements and contributions.
Each month, we will spotlight one or two of these award recipients. The full list of 2024 Community Award winners can be found on our website. Please consider nominating members of our community for a 2025 Community Award. To learn more about the criteria for each award and the previous recipients, please visit our Awards page.
Jane Metzger Von Haden ‘80 (click for video)
After attending Derham Hall, Jane earned a degree in Elementary education from the College of Saint Catherine. After college, Jane spent time between working for the family business - Metzger Building Materials - and teaching afternoons at Webster Elementary School. Eventually, she transitioned to a full-time position at Metzger, working side-by-side with her parents as she took on more responsibility. After her father retired in 2011, Jane was named to her current role of President of Metzger Building Materials.
Jane reflects on her family’s commitment to Catholic education and their generosity toward supporting Catholic schools. The foundation of Christian ideals and education taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph continues to influence Jane in her work today. She felt empowered and encouraged by her friends, her teachers, and her parents to work hard, to be of service, and to love the dear neighbor.
The Hugh Derham Award
This award is presented annually to a distinguished woman who is reflective of the charisms of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Derham Hall. Women who receive this award have exemplified Derham Hall's ideals of excellence, service, and love of the dear neighbor.
John Conway ‘69 (click for video)
After graduating from Cretin in 1969, John attended Saint Mary’s College and transferred to Saint Thomas. He started his career servicing equipment at Northwest and Delta Airlines. During this time, John and his wife, Sandy, established a cleaning business and managed 25 commercial and residential cleaning contracts. They decided early on to prioritize the dignity of work and wages, including healthcare, for their cleaning staff. This commitment to equitable practice sustained their business and upheld the principles of social responsibility, allowing their employees to lead lives of dignity and security.
John and Sandy adopted five children and they are dedicated to providing a nurturing family life with opportunities for growth and love. Sandy was a swim coach and John coached Special Olympics basketball and softball teams.
John notes that his heroes are his mother and father, who, like St. John Baptist de la Salle, instilled in him the meaning of how to be a “man for others” from an early age, demonstrating through their actions the importance of compassion and service to those in need. Ultimately, they exemplified the principle of “paying it forward” and leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and service that continues to inspire him daily.
The Saint De La Salle Award
Presented annually in honor of the Christian Brothers to a distinguished alum in recognition of his outstanding service to his community and to Cretin and Cretin-Derham Hall. This award recognizes achievements in ministry exemplifying the highest and best traditions of Cretin High School.