Duitsman Loschen excited to return to SJO

Kelly Duitsman Loschen is returning to St. Joseph-Ogden High School today.

Loschen will be the guest speaker at the Academic Awards Assembly at 10 a.m.

Loschen, who was the class salutatorian in 1996, said she was excited to speak at her former high school.

“When asked to speak, my reaction was excited to go back and be part of something from my past,” she said.

Loschen said she was planning to speak to students about having confidence.

“I hope the students come away knowing they can influence in big ways,” she said.

Loschen received an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Parkland College and a bachelor of science degree in Accountancy from the University of Illinois in 2000. She passed the CPA exam in 2000 and currently is a senior vice president and chief financial officer at Farm Credit Illinois.

She said she enjoys her job because it allows her to advocate for agriculture on a national scale.

Loschen looks back on her time at SJO with fond memories, especially the relationships she formed there.

“My fondest memory at SJO was becoming friends with people I am still close to today.,” she said “I learned that hard work and determination will pay off.”