Steve and Debbie Klug are the proud recipients of the prestigious 2024 Magis Award, an honor that recognizes extraordinary individuals and families dedicated to Saint Ignatius High School. Since its inception in 1985, the Magis Award has celebrated those who exemplify the Jesuit principle of magis, a Latin term meaning "more."
The Klugs’ commitment to Catholic education is deeply rooted in their family histories. Both Steve and Debbie grew up in Missouri, where their parents—each raising seven children—instilled in them the importance of a Catholic education. This legacy of faith and learning continues to resonate with the Klugs today.
Married for 51 years, Steve attended the Jesuit-led St. Louis University High School, while Debbie was a student at the all-girls Incarnate Word Academy. Together, they have raised three children: Kristin, Steve '96, and Timothy '01, with the boys attending Saint Ignatius and their daughter attending Beaumont. The Klugs are also proud grandparents to thirteen grandchildren.
Reflecting on their sons' time at Saint Ignatius, the Klugs cherish countless memories. One of Debbie’s favorites is the Mass of the Holy Spirit at St. John’s Cathedral, where she fondly recalls watching the young men in their blue blazers walk over the bridge together. Another poignant memory is the sight of their sons returning from their Kairos retreats, entering St. Mary’s Chapel for the closing Mass, stopping first to embrace their parents with kisses and heartfelt "I love yous." With a warm smile, Debbie says, “Saint Ignatius is just such a very special place.”
The Klugs’ support for Saint Ignatius has spanned decades, but their involvement took a new direction when they were approached to support The Welsh Academy, still in its feasibility study stages at the time. Fr. Dan Dixon, S.J., reached out to the Klugs at the request of Fr. Raymond P. Guiao, S.J. ’82, to gauge their interest in helping establish a middle school for Saint Ignatius. Steve enthusiastically agreed, seeing it as a vital opportunity to strengthen the community and support young families.
Fr. Dixon emphasized that The Welsh Academy is about more than just academic preparation; it fosters a sense of belonging and community. Steve believed this was essential, knowing that the values of Men for Others deeply permeate Saint Ignatius High School, ensuring that students from The Welsh Academy would be embraced as integral members of the community.
Fr. Dixon noted, “The Klugs are committed to social justice, which is a core part of our Grad at Grad philosophy. We encourage students to be open to growth, loving, and religious. The Klugs recognize the struggles many face in our world and are dedicated to leveling the playing field.”
For Steve and Debbie, the values taught through a Catholic education are paramount. “An education without values isn’t going to be very helpful in life,” Steve explains. “The Ignatian principle of Men for Others is simple yet powerful. If that’s the only lesson you take away from a Jesuit education, and you apply it in your life, you’re bound to succeed.”
When Fr. Guiao informed them of their selection for the Magis Award, the Klugs were initially hesitant. They expressed to Fr. Guiao that simply being nominated felt like a reward in itself and were unsure about accepting the honor due to their preference for staying out of the spotlight. However, after a weekend of reflection while fishing with five of their grandsons, they discerned their decision. “You just don’t turn down the number one guy at Saint Ignatius,” Steve says with a laugh. They also recognized that accepting the award would provide them a platform to advocate for the importance of Catholic education and share their vision of making it accessible to all.
When describing the Klugs, Fr. Guiao says, “As St. Paul reminds us, ‘God loves a cheerful giver.’ And if ever I have met cheerful givers, it is Steve and Debbie Klug. The tremendous generosity they show to Saint Ignatius High School and The Welsh Academy is only exceeded by the gracious manner in which they give. For in sharing what they have to help those who have less, they find great joy. And even as their joy in giving must delight the Lord, it is also so deserving of our recognition and celebration."
The Magis Award embodies the spirit of doing “more,” and the Klugs encourage others to rise to that challenge. “Every year, a Catholic education becomes less affordable for low- and middle-income families,” Steve points out. “It’s increasingly difficult for them to keep up.” During his time on the Advancement Committee at his alma mater, he learned that individuals from his and Debbie’s generation are expected to pass down approximately $68 trillion in wealth. They sought ways to direct some of that wealth toward supporting Jesuit education, adopting a model similar to the Giving Pledge, which encourages wealthy individuals to contribute a portion of their assets to philanthropic causes. This initiative at St. Louis University High School became known as the Ignatian Pledge.
Steve emphasizes that contributing to Saint Ignatius doesn’t require wealth; there are countless ways to ‘do more.’ “Each of us must reflect on how we can be a good friend to Saint Ignatius,” he says. Debbie adds with a smile, “It feels incredibly rewarding to help others and know that you’re making a difference in their lives.”
Through their unwavering commitment and shared values, the Klugs embody the spirit of the Magis Award, inspiring others to embrace the call to do more for the community and the future of Catholic education.