Mr. Warnke challenged his students to think about innovative solutions to the climate crisis. He enjoyed teaching them about the advanced technology and positive climate impact of electric vehicles, including his own Tesla Model S, which he would display for students every spring at Loyola’s Earth Day Fair. 

“The addition of two ChargePoint CT4020 EV charging stations at Loyola is a wonderful way to honor Mr. Warnke’s legacy at Loyola and his commitment to teaching and sustainability,” explains Major Gifts Officer and Director of Planned Giving Bridget Snyders P ’23, ’25, ’27. “It also reduces our carbon footprint, and there’s joy in knowing that would make Mr. Warnke proud.” 

Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, who performed the blessing and dedication, was a colleague of Mr. Warnke in the Science Department. Coincidentally, both also served in the United States Navy. Fr. Ostdiek was an officer specializing in nuclear engineering, and Mr. Warnke was a surface warfare officer (nuclear). Prior to this, Mr. Warnke earned his PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Virginia and a bachelor of science in systems engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. He came to Loyola after a distinguished career as an engineer at Abbott Laboratories.   

Following the outdoor ceremony, during which current senior Hannah Beil '24 sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, a light reception took place in the lobby of Loyola’s Performing Arts Center. In attendance were Mrs. Anne Warnke, Kevin’s widow, his Science Department colleagues, and parents whose children were students of Mr. Warnke. 

To honor the impact Mr. Warnke had at Loyola, two endowment funds were established after his passing: The Kevin Warnke Endowed Scholarship and The Kevin Warnke Memorial Fund for Environmental Impact, both of which provide scholarship assistance for students who demonstrate financial need.