With the support of the Albuquerque community and champions like Gateway Insurance and Financial Services, the St. Pius X High School Foundation opens doors to a Catholic, college-preparatory education to students throughout the metro area. 

“Gateway supports the importance of not only education, but the opportunity to dream, believe, have faith and achieve,” Gateway President Shane Westhoelter said of the company’s support of SPX Foundation events. “By providing quality education and support to youth and young adults, we can help fuel the passion to build a better community and impact the world.”

Gateway has provided sponsorship for the Foundation’s Mardi Gras Gala and the Jamie Tinnin Memorial Sporting Clay Shootout, both of which raise funds for tuition assistance at St. Pius X High School.

Westhoelter founded Gateway in 1988 in St. Louis, Mo. What started as door-to-door life insurance sales and investments has grown to more than 200 offices nationally. 

The Albuquerque office is the company’s fifth corporate office location and is anchored by First Executive Vice President Aprilyn Chavez Geissler. Shortly after Gateway opened the Albuquerque office, Geissler introduced Westhoelter and Executive Vice President Evan Cole to the St. Pius X leadership. “I knew that Shane had a passion to help support Catholic education,” Geissler said. “I thought it might be a good fit for Gateway and our mission to help young adults learn about financial planning. We found it to be a great relationship.”

“The Foundation is instrumental in helping ensure the long-term success of quality education for not only St. Pius X High School but Albuquerque at large,” added Cole. “St. Pius supports our mission in helping educate people toward financial success, and in return we support their vision and mission to bring quality education to Albuquerque.”

Westhoelter attended Catholic grade school, growing up with discipline and motivation from teachers and coaches, and the faith and belief that all things can be possible if you believe and work toward your dreams. His experience drives his interest in supporting Catholic education.

“The St. Pius X High School Foundation provides many students the opportunity to get the education, support and confidence they need to be future leaders and successes in their communities and the world,” he said.