Nicholas Kapusniak is being remembered as someone with a big heart and who could get along with anyone.
"He was a wonderful young man and was always positive and was well-liked by all different groups of students," said the Rev. Paul Hartmann, president of Catholic Memorial.
Kapusniak, a 2011 Catholic Memorial High School graduate, was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting Saturday in St. Louis, where he was a student at St. Louis College of Pharmacy.
"The most important thing is our prayers are with the family and his older sister, Amanda, also a Catholic Memorial graduate," Hartmann said. "We want to support the family. I've spoken with his parents, and we will support them in whatever way possible.
"We'll work with present students and recent alum to offer our support."
Hartmann said Kapusniak, 20, was involved in volleyball and tennis while in high school. He was also involved in organizations and service opportunities that would assist and serve others.
These included International Outreach and Operation Michael. Hartmann said International Outreach takes on charities for third-world countries. As part of Operation Michael, Kapusniak was part of educational activities that raises awareness of homelessness in the community.
Hartmann also said Kapusniak flourished as a drummer in a band and was part of CMH's star search. At the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Kapusniak was active in his fraternity, Alpha Zeta Omega.
Hartmann said Kapusniak's family is in shock. "They're trying to learn the details and facts," Hartmann said. "They're going to depend on their parish and faith and family to help them."
Hartmann said the school would remember Kapusniak during the school's Ash Wednesday service. He added that a memorial service will be held at St. Anthony's on the Lake in Pewaukee, where the Kapusniaks are members.
According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Kapusniak was shot shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday during a backyard Mardi Gras party. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No one has been arrested.
St. Louis College of Pharmacy has contributed a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.