WINTER 2021-2022
FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS & FRIENDS
MAGAZINE
FATHER SPOTTS REFLECTS 04
KEEPING THE PREP SPIRIT GOING AND GROWING 08
LOST AND FOUND 15
TOP STORIES 07
FORMING IGNATIAN EDUCATORS How Prep faculty and staff learn to walk in the path of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
VOLUME 65 NO. 1 WINTER 2021-2022 P U B L I S H E D BY Creighton Prep 7400 Western Avenue Omaha, NE 68114-1878 (402) 393-1190 CreightonPrep.org President Rev. Matthew Spotts, S.J. MSpotts@CreightonPrep.org Executive Assistant, President's Office Colleen Kirk CKirk@CreightonPrep.org Head of School Jim Bopp JBopp@CreightonPrep.org Chief Communications Officer Kellie Wostrel KWostrel@CreightonPrep.org Chief Financial Officer Alex Zimmerman AZimmerman@CreightonPrep.org Vice President of Advancement Rick Berger ‘76 RBerger@CreightonPrep.org
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KEEPING THE PREP SPIRIT GOING AND GROWING How Prep grads within classes and across them are staying in touch.
Advancement Support Assistant Elaine Buescher EBuescher@CreightonPrep.org Director of Alumni Relations Mike Beacom ‘85 MBeacom@CreightonPrep.org Principal Gifts Officer Brad Burks ‘00 BBurks@CreightonPrep.org Advancement Associate Terri Haller THaller@CreightonPrep.org Donor Relations Jennifer Jones JJones@CreightonPrep.org
CREIGHTON PREP
Director of Events Amy Knight AKnight@CreightonPrep.org
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PREP AND THE POWER OF THE SUN The Sustainability Club moves forward on a plan to power the Leahy Stadium press box with solar energy.
Communications Specialist Pat Neary ‘78 PNeary@CreightonPrep.org
04 COVER STORY
Fr. Spotts Reflects
Creighton Prep President Rev. Matthew Spotts, S.J. speaks with seniors Nate Sanchez, Hung-Yen Kim Hoang, Matthew Slattery and Bereket Steier in the Lannon Learning Commons.
IN THIS ISSUE 04 07 08 10
Cover Story Father Spotts Reflects on His First Few Months at Prep Forming Ignatian Educators How Faculty and Staff Walk in the Path of St. Ignatius Keeping the Prep Spirit Going and Growing Clubs and Activities Among Alumni
P rep Newsfrom Campus 12 Highlights
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Lost and Found Library Books and a Class Ring Find Their Way Back
Give to the 16 AMDG Fund Looking Back with Gratitude and Forward with Hope
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Faculty/Staff: New Arrivals Outstanding Individuals Join the Team
The 2021 Loyola Honorees A Spotlight on Character
and the Power of 18 Prep 22 the Sun A Solar Energy Project at Leahy Stadium
Labs Today 19 AToMorrow Cullture of Growth and Care Fall Sports 20 Accomplishments in
Alumni Updates Here & There
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Events Recap Reunions and Preptoberfest 2021
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In Memoriam Please Remember
Cross Country, Football and Tennis Simulator Room 21 Golf Dedicated to Golf Coaching Icons
MARK YOUR CALENDAR CHECK CREIGHTONPREP.ORG/EVENTS FOR UPDATES.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022
Operation Others Delivery Day Check @OperationOthers on Twitter for warehouse location and details.
Father-Son Mass and Breakfast Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha-La Vista Hotel & Conference Center
Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony The Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2022
Christmas in the Cage The Heider Center at Creighton Prep
Fine Arts Collaborative Night The Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep
BASH 2022 The Heider Center at Creighton Prep
SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2022
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022
7th & 8th Grade Scholarship & Entrance Exam Register at CreightonPrep.org/Exam
CP Trivia Night The Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022
The Heider Center at Creighton Prep
WINTER 21-22
Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2022 and Jubilarian Reunion for the Class of 1972
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COVER STORY
Photo courtesy of the Rev. Don Doll, S.J.
FATHER SPOTTS
CREIGHTON PREP
THOUGHTS ON HIS FIRST FEW MONTHS AND A DIRECTION FOR THE FUTURE
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It seems fitting in a year when we celebrated the 500th anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola and turned our focus to the Ignatian Year theme “To see all things new in Christ” that we also welcomed a new president, the Rev. Matthew C. Spotts, S.J. Father Spotts began his tenure on July 1 and was officially installed as Creighton Prep’s 34th president at the Mass of the Holy Spirit in September. He has been at full speed ever since, learning about Prep, working on key issues of the day,
and looking forward to building on the school’s long history of success. In his short time at CP, he has brought fresh perspectives on the Prep experience, shaped by meetings with many Prep constituents, his deep background as a student of Jesuit education, his time in ministry, and his work at two other Jesuit secondary schools: Brebeuf Jesuit in Indianapolis and Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois.
LISTENING AND LEARNING “My highest priority for my first 120 days has been listening and learning,” said Father Spotts. “To use an image that I’ve deployed often since arriving, schools are more like ecosystems than they are machines. It takes time to understand the intricate systems that make up a school and its wider community function. I've spent as much time as possible getting to know the school and the amazing community that supports it.” He also remarked that his leadership team is taking this opportunity of new beginnings “to see things new, both to appreciate Prep’s great strengths as well as to look for opportunities for growth.”
FIRST IMPRESSIONS The strong sense of mission and the culture of magis at the school are two things that have resonated with Father Spotts. “I’ve been incredibly impressed with the mission focus, of being invested in the formation of young men and constantly asking how we can do more to help that.” It’s clear to him that just “getting back to normal” after a year like no other is not enough for faculty, staff, students or alumni. “They aren’t content with normal,” said Father Spotts. “They know our mission is extraordinary, and they ask for the extraordinary. The question I hear most is ‘What’s next?’”
He’s been especially impressed with the teachers. “Our faculty are incredible,” he noted. “There is a great deal of subject matter and pedagogical expertise in that group, but what really sets them apart is their passionate care for our mission of forming young men. And that’s vital to Prep’s success. When our young men see the mission living in our faculty and staff, it flourishes.”
CURRENT WORK Among the items on his desk has been a plan for income-based tuition adjustments that was recently announced for the 2022-2023 school year. As an example, a family with annual income calculated to be $75,000 would pay a maximum tuition amount of $5,500. For a family with a $100,000 income, it would be $7,500.
MY HIGHEST PRIORITY FOR MY FIRST 120 DAYS HAS BEEN LISTENING AND LEARNING
WINTER 21-22
(L-R) Students Hung-Yen Kim Hoang, Matthew Slattery and Bereket Steier talk with Father Spotts, S.J. on the second floor of the Lannon Learning Commons.
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COVER STORY
“The goal and priority is always to make sure that every qualified young man has access to a Prep education.” He also stressed the importance of building “a culture of welcome” for the many prospective students and families who do not already have Prep connections. Also top of mind: the end of a five-year strategic planning process, where the leadership team has been reviewing the last plan, noting the successes and those initiatives that were less successful, and exploring what they learned in executing that plan.
TOWARD A VISION
ENJOYING THE JOURNEY
Beyond a welcoming culture, Father Spotts wants Prep to be known as a school that includes, honors and treasures every student as a unique, unrepeatable gift from God and where they glorify God by discovering and cultivating their God-given gifts, talents, dreams and desires. In turn, faculty and staff will glorify God by forming those students through an educational experience that prepares them to distinguish themselves from their peers through living lives as men for others.
Some of Father Spotts’ favorite moments so far have been the opportunities to hear about the impacts Prep has made on students, families and alumni. “Some of these moments are public, and others are private and deeply personal,” he said. “I wish everyone could hear these stories the same way that I do. It makes me so excited and proud to come to work.”
GOING FORWARD
ALMA MATER SWITCH
The next step will be to work with “crucial constituent groups” to decide what is needed for Prep to stay strong, thriving and able to continue offering “a transformative Ignatian college preparatory experience” for many years to come.
CREIGHTON PREP
Key to making those items a reality will be gifts that cover annual costs, and those that can be set aside for the long term health of the school. “We depend on and are very grateful for contributions to the AMDG Fund that supports student programming each year,” said Father Spotts. “We also need gifts to our educational trust for financial aid to ensure students will always have financial support. Others for endowing scholarships and programs will help us check the costs of a Prep education so we can keep transforming the lives of students.”
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He encouraged everyone in the Prep community to keep telling the Prep story, adding that “the recommendations of alumni, students, past parents and current parents are by far the most powerful tool we have” to get students and families who may be unfamiliar with the school to consider Prep.
Rev. Matthew Spotts, S.J.
We’re not sure of the odds but “slim to none” comes to mind for a coincidence where a St. Xavier High School alumnus from Cincinnati and a Creighton Prep graduate from Omaha are in leadership at the same time at the other’s alma mater. The similarities also don’t end there. Both Father Spotts and St. Xavier principal Dan Lynch ‘86 were inspired by their Jesuit high school experiences to work in Jesuit education, and they easily recalled the teachers and coaches that made that time exceptional. When asked what they missed most about their hometowns, the people and the relationships stood out. They even agreed the schools are very much alike. “They are interesting
Dan Lynch '86
mirrors of one another,” Father Spotts observed. “Each is characterized by strong traditions, deep community and family roots, and a legacy of excellence. They even share school colors!” In addition, Dan described St. Xavier as “a larger version of Prep” and knows they both “emphasize and find ways to animate some of the key Ignatian charisms.” Of course, where they took different paths was in response to a question about a favorite restaurant they missed from home. Father Spotts said, “Skyline. Definitely Skyline,” which is famous for its chili. For Dan, it was Big Fred’s. “My Prep friends and I were regular customers, and their pizza is a treat for my family when I’m back in town.”
FORMING IGNATIAN EDUCATORS How Prep Faculty and Staff Learn to Walk in the Path of St. Ignatius of Loyola
A New Ignatian Employee class in their second year of the program begins their November 2021 meeting with a prayer.
In years one and two, the employees come together each month for faith sharing, reflection and Ignatian forms of contemplative prayer. In the third year, they experience the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in a retreat format and meet individually with Father Schneider on a monthly basis.
Director of Adult Spirituality Rev. Kevin Schneider, S.J.
How does a faculty or staff member come to understand what it means to fully embrace their work at a Jesuit institution like Prep? It starts with the New Ignatian Employee program that all faculty and staff go through in their first three years at Prep. Director of Faculty Formation Jackie Schulte facilitates the program and is supported in those efforts by Director of Adult Spirituality Rev. Kevin Schneider, S.J.
Over the past three years, the selection of themes and books by Father Schneider has been aligned with three of the four Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAP) the Society of Jesus and BEING A JESUIT SCHOOL, all in its mission will focus on for IT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER the next decade. THAT ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA AND JESUIT SPIRITUALITY IS For example, last year the UAP OUR GUIDE." theme “Walk With The Excluded” led to the selection of “Be The Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Along the way, they explore topics such Reconciliation'' by Latasha Morrison. as the First Principle and Foundation This year, it’s “Journey with Youth” and and the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm the Jon M. Sweeney book “Peter Faber: while also learning about the Society A Saint for Turbulent Times.” of Jesus and discussing the book “The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life” by Rev. James Martin, S.J. From there, an annual series of Ignatian breakfasts takes place for all faculty and staff where discussion, reflection
“My role is to keep reminding us of the Jesuit-ness of our school," said Father Schneider. "Being a Jesuit school, it's important to remember that St. Ignatius of Loyola and Jesuit spirituality is our guide.”
WINTER 21-22
“It’s meant to develop their understanding of ‘our way of proceeding’ as it relates to the life of Ignatius, the Jesuit apostolate and their vocation,” Jackie remarked.
and prayer are centered on a particular theme chosen for the year and a book connected to that theme that they read along the way.
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ALUMNI CONNECT
KEEPING THE GOING AND GROWING Alumni Connections
If you are a Prep graduate reading this right now, you might have wondered over the years how alumni that were close at Prep stay in touch, and how others who weren’t close opened lines of communication later on that have strengthened with the passage of time and a greater frequency of contact. Here are just three examples of how alumni make those connection.
HOLLYWOOD PREP
CREIGHTON PREP
This group of now 50 or so Prep graduates started with an idea between two of them over lunch. “My classmate John Heaston ‘88 had let me know that Tommy Culhane ‘02 was looking to move to Los Angeles and wanted to connect with me,” said Bob Wiltfong ‘88. “So I met Tommy over lunch when he was visiting L.A., and when we were talking, we were saying it’s so sad that there are Prep alumni working in the entertainment industry and we don’t know each other.”
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From there, they started to contact those they did know. When Bob ran into Jim Connor’ 78 at a commercial audition, he said, ‘This absolutely has to happen now.’” After that, the Alumni Office at Prep helped with contact information for more Prep grads, including Nick D’Agosto ‘98 who has
Creighton Prep President Rev. Matthew Spotts, S.J. speaks to the Hollywood Prep group during their 10th anniversary Zoom call in early October.
starred in a number of television and film productions. In addition to social gatherings in L.A., the group has taken on service projects that included landscaping and painting at area schools and clearing garbage from Hollywood streets. Because of the pandemic and the fact that membership has stretched beyond those living in L.A., they have been using email to stay connected and meeting on Zoom 2-3 times per year. “One of our driving inspirations is to be a resource, a network that wasn’t there
Jim Connor '78 adds to the humorous exchange during the Hollywood Prep 10th anniversary Zoom call.
when most of us came out of Prep,” Bob said. “A network of people you can call up and say, ‘Hey, I’m really struggling with where to live (in L.A.). Where do I want to go, and what do I want to avoid?’” Any Prep alumni in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles or elsewhere who want to join the group can send a message to their Facebook page @hollywoodprep or email Bob directly at bobwiltfong37@gmail.com.
CLASS OF 1963 “I was gone from Omaha for a long time,” said Mike Spinharney ‘63. “But when I came back, I started to go to the reunions more, and after our 50th reunion (in 2013), I was talking with some guys and I said, ‘Why do we wait five years for this? I mean, we're at the age where we're starting to die. We need to do something.’ Everybody said, ‘Let's do it more.’” Since then, ‘63 classmates and their spouses have been getting together around Omaha for hor’s d'oeuvres and drinks at different locations, while smaller groups have gathered at other times, too. Mike noted that some classmates also play golf together or meet for coffee or lunch.
Jack Diesing '63 talks with classmate Mike Spinharney '63 at a class gathering at Prep on November 17, 2021.
For the larger quarterly meetups or the smaller group gatherings, email is the prevailing choice for communications in the class. “Not everyone always attends the events,” he said. “But I think they’re appreciative that we have them so that, if it works in their schedule, they’ll be there.” The pandemic put a pause in the schedule, but the class is back at it now. They met most recently in the Carta Hall of Fame Room on November 17.
John Cavanaugh '63 chats with classmates at his table during the November 17, 2021 class gathering.
As for what he likes most about their get-togethers, Mike said it’s building relationships with people who he wasn’t close to at Prep. In fact, when one of the classmates he didn’t know well started to decline, Mike took it as a chance to get to know him better. “The last three and a half years of his life I visited him every week for an hour and a half, and I’m glad I did.”
CLASS OF 1969 In advance of their 50th reunion two years ago, Indiana-based Larry Cimino ‘69 organized a meeting of “a half dozen” close friends from his class, ones that were part of different subgroups within it. “We sort of took it upon ourselves to write to the different groups we represented and encouraged them (to attend),” Larry said. “We shared photographs of us together, planning it and reminiscing, to get a big turnout.”
everyone for whom he had email addresses. From there, they started last year what Larry described as “Friday night playlists,” where a group of 20 or so classmates took turns producing and sharing a list of 6-12 songs each week that were important to them in their formative years and why. Links to YouTube versions and other music videos were shared, too. Larry started it off with a playlist that included a Louis Prima album given to him by his parents. The following week, Tom Bartel '69’s list included a song by
Bill Tiwald '69 and Larry Cimino '69 show off their 50th anniversary diplomas from Prep.
flamenco guitar master Paco de Lucia and another by renowned classical guitarist Andres Segovia. A few weeks later, Rick Whitman '69’s had “Tell Me” by the Rolling Stones. And so it went for 50 weeks of Fridays. “Then 10 of us from another subgroup started a virtual book club, which we still have going,” said Larry. Among their selections in 2021: “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller and “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead. Onward it goes to keep the Class of '69 connected!
WINTER 21-22
When the reunion did happen, the turnout was one of the largest in Prep reunion history. Afterward, Larry started a Class of ‘69 Facebook page and an email feed that turned into four or five feeds. There was one on politics and a separate feed on their experiences growing up in different Omaha neighborhoods and parishes. He started keeping track of the stories in a Microsoft Word document and would add photos and share it with
John Pecoraro, Joe Peter and Ray Metoyer enjoy Sunday breakfast in South Omaha at at Louie M's Burger Lust.
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FACULTY AND STAFF
FACULTY AND STAFF: New Arrivals WELCOME THESE OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS TO THE TEAM AT CREIGHTON PREP.
Tom Beck '84 is in his first year
as a full-time substitute teacher, and his 31st year as the head swim coach at Prep. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and split time as a club swim coach and engineer at HDR in Omaha before starting his own swim club, Greater Omaha Aquatics Leopardsharks (GOAL), in 2001.
Elaine Buescher works as an
administrative support assistant in the Advancement Office, and arrived at Prep from a career in arts administration and managing a home of five children with her husband Brian. She studied Russian and art history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and received a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Mr. Arturo Carillo, S.J. is a second year Jesuit regent working in the ToMorrow Labs.
He earned a criminal justice degree in Minnesota and worked at a semiconductor company prior to taking his first vows in 2017. From there, he was missioned to studies at Saint Louis University and also attended the Aquinas Institute of Theology, graduating from both in 2020. Prior to working at Prep, he was an admissions counselor and a member of the administrative team at The Welsh Academy at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio.
Roger Cimino '17 recently
graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and history. He's working this semester at Prep to help organize and digitize the content in the archives, after which he plans to attend graduate school for counseling at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Rich Cupich returned to Prep
after a brief retirement to once again bring his wealth of education and teaching experience to the World Language department as a Latin instructor. He holds two bachelor’s degrees (social work and education), a Master of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
CREIGHTON PREP
William Danze '16 returned to his high school alma mater this year as a member of the
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Alumni Volunteer Corps after completing his B.A. in philosophy with minors in psychology and ancient Mediterranean studies from the University of Nebraska Omaha. He is in the process of discerning the next step in his educational path, and is helping at Prep to facilitate the growth of students’ character in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition.
Riley Geier '08 is working in the science department as an integrated science and biology
teacher. After graduating from Prep in 2008, he continued his education at Saint Louis University and the University of Nebraska Omaha. Riley also earned his B.S. in education with an emphasis in natural science and a master’s degree from Concordia University in instruction and curriculum in science. This will be Riley’s ninth year in the classroom, with prior experience in Omaha Public Schools and at Boys Town High School.
Joseph Gerhardt '16 is
working this year in Student Support Services as a member of the Alumni Volunteer Corps while he discerns the next steps in his career. He comes to Prep with a Bachelor of Science degree in child, youth and family studies, concentrating in human development and family science with minors in education, psychology and educational psychology.
Jennifer Jones joined the
Advancement Team in donor relations on September 1st after 23 years with Methodist Physicians Clinic where she gained valuable experience in quality improvement, management and medical coding & reimbursement. Jen and her husband Jaime are the proud parents of Carson '24.
Tim Jones is a member of the English department for the 2021-2022 school year as a teacher resident (student teacher) in the Creighton University M.Ed. program. He graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado, earned a B.A. in English at Creighton, and an M.A. in English critical studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he also taught in the First-Year Writing Program.
Ryan Luther joined the
Rev. Matthew Spotts, S.J.
math department this year as a trigonometry and Algebra II teacher. He received his B.S. in education from the University of NebraskaLincoln. This is his 20th year of teaching in public and private high schools in Nebraska, Florida, Texas and Maryland. He also enjoys coaching and helping with the freshman football program.
is the 34th President of Creighton Prep. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, he attended St. Xavier High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and philosophy from Fordham University. He entered the Society of Jesus in 2008 and has master’s degrees from Saint Louis University, the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University and Teachers College, Columbia University. Father Spotts has worked in parishes, in prison ministry and at two other Jesuit high schools: Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois and Brebeuf Jesuit in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Julie Stange is teaching geometry at Prep and brings with her 17 years of teaching
WINTER 21-22
experience in public and private high schools. Prior to teaching, she worked for a retail company in Houston, Texas for 15 years. She attended Dana College and received a master’s degree from Wayne State College.
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PREP NEWS
HIGHLIGHTS from CAMPUS JULY 27, 2021
School Launches New Website
academically gifted seniors will be considered for a National Merit Scholarship that will be announced in the spring. This year, Prep had more Semifinalists than any other school in the state except one that is 2.5 times our size. This is also a wonderful testimony to the great work happening in our classrooms day in and day out.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
LSA Helps Prep Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
On July 27, Creighton Prep ushered in a new era of communications with Prep family members courtesy of a new website. Among the highlights: a new design with more imagery, less text and a compelling home page video about student life at Prep.
2021 Recipient of Neitzke Leadership Award and Scholarship Selected
Perhaps best of all, the site is “responsive,” which means it displays well on and is easily operable from different types of devices such as a desktop PC, smartphone or tablet. Give it a try today at CreightonPrep.org. SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
Nine Named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship
Congratulations to Ben Cooper '23 on being awarded the Fr. Thomas W. Neitzke, S.J. Leadership Award and Scholarship for 2021. This two-year scholarship is awarded annually to an incoming junior based on his contributions to the school, demonstrated engagement in cocurricular activities and excellence in all facets of the Creighton Prep mission during his freshman and sophomore years.
CREIGHTON PREP
Congratulations to our nine Semifinalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program: Bryce Frailey,
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Cole Mack, Daniel Meyer, Brendan Preisman, Nathan Ramachandran, Shawn Ramachandran, Tyler Reidy, Michael Rowe and Peter Voller. These
Thanks to everyone who applied, and best of luck to the current Prep sophomores who are looking to apply next spring. Ben is pictured with his parents, Patrick and Francis Cooper, along with Creighton Prep President Rev. Matthew Spotts, S.J. and Head of School Mr. Jim Bopp.
The Latino Student Association did a great job expanding awareness of Latino and Hispanic culture during National Hispanic Heritage Month, while raising money for the organization through the sale of a variety of food and beverage items. The group started their efforts on September 16, selling pastries to students, faculty and staff. Other days included selling paletas (popsicles), horchata (sweet, cinnamon milk) and chicharrones de harina (chips). On Friday, October 15, the group closed out National Hispanic Heritage Month by selling pan dulce, a popular sweet bread.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2021
PGA Golf Legend Sir Nick Faldo Entertains at Sports Night
A large Heider Center crowd was treated to great stories from former world number one golfer Sir Nick Faldo at the 29th Annual Sports Night on Monday, September 20. During his time on stage with his former caddie and Omaha resident Troy Martin as guest interviewer, Sir Nick recalled how Jack Nicklaus inspired him to take up the game and work hard to make it to the top echelon of the sport.
Congratulations to moderator Mike Higgins '75 and the student members of the Habitat for Humanity Club at Prep on all the service work they have performed in the first semester of the 2021-2022 school year.
music together at the retro-themed Fine Arts Collaborative Night on Thursday, February 17 when art and photography students will also be showcasing their work.
On Friday, September 24, the group traveled to 3912 N. 26th Street to construct a wall section for a house then, three weeks later on Saturday, October 16, club members spent the day at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha headquarters building 12 wall sections, which is a complete exterior set for a Habitat for Humanity home.
Students, Moderators Participate in Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice
A warehouse at 1352 N. 11th Street was the destination for the third build where students spent the morning building interior wall sections for a house and the afternoon sorting furniture donated by Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and loading it onto a truck bound for Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations in Omaha. NOVEMBER 2, 2021
Fall Band Concert a Hit
Thanks to all the attendees and the many sponsors who made the evening that benefited Creighton Prep athletics a memorable one. SEPTEMBER 24, 2021
Habitat for Humanity Club Completes Three Builds in First Semester
NOVEMBER 6-8, 2021
Be sure to catch the concert band and choir performing 1960’s and 1970’s
At the conference, issues of the day in social justice were discussed in depth, and students and faculty members took part in discernment, prayer, breakout sessions and other opportunities to network with their peers. “The IFTJ conference is not just a meeting in which we learn about social issues. It is a meeting of individuals across the United States who come together with the same desire: to see real change in our world today,” said senior Jacob Quiros. “We learned ways in which to become involved in our communities, to be the very change that we all yearn for.” WINTER 21-22
Thanks to the concert band and Director of Instrumental Music David May for a super performance on Tuesday, November 2. The repertoire of “The Cave You Fear” composed by Michael Markowski, “Hung Aloft the Night” by Anthony O’Toole and “The Raptor Rides the Whale” by Andrew David Perkins was chosen to align with what the students are focusing on in class right now.
Ten Prep students and Prep faculty members Martha Lemar, Karri Martin and Tom Murray traveled to Washington, D.C. the first week in November to join many other Catholic high school and college students at the annual Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice. This was the 24th event in the series that began in 1997.
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PREP NEWS
HIGHLIGHTS from CAMPUS, CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 8, 2021
Prep Announces Income-Based Tuition Adjustments for Next School Year To help meet the goal of keeping a Jesuit education accessible to deserving students and their families, the school announced incomebased tuition adjustments for the 2022-2023 school year. Interested families submit financial information to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment and work with the Business Office at Prep to create a tuition plans that works for them.
Class of 2026 are due Friday, January 21, 2022. For current students, the deadline is in March. For more information and to start the process, prospective and current Prep families can visit CreightonPrep.org/Tuition.
FAMILY INCOME UP TO
The financial aid application process began on Monday, November 8, and applications for the
MAXIMUM TUITION
$75,000
$5,500
$100,000
$7,500
$125,000
$8,500
$150,000
$9,500
NOVEMBER 10, 2021
Student-Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent Creighton Prep held a signing ceremony on Wednesday, November 10, where the following student-athletes signed letters of intent to take their academic and athletic careers to the next level.
Jack Everett, Baseball
Southeast Community College Luke Jungers, Basketball
CREIGHTON PREP
University of Nebraska Omaha
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Zachary Kuo, Tennis Creighton University
Robert O’Malley, Baseball Creighton University
Zach Ryan, Baseball
Parker Mooney, Baseball Augustana University
Elliott Peterson, Baseball Southeast Community College
Sam Ryberg, Baseball Augustana University
Luke Muse, Swimming
University of Nebraska Omaha
St. Cloud State University
The overdue library books back at Prep.
Prep Library Books Find Their Way Back Sometimes, you just never know what you’ll find when you go through old boxes. That certainly was the case for Joe Stone from the Class of 1980 when he and his wife of 36 years, Chris, discovered two books that he had checked out from the Creighton Prep library when he was a student: “The Dry and Lawless Years” by Judge John H. Lyle of Chicago about his time on the municipal bench dealing with gangsters of the 1920’s, and “Twenty-Five Best Plays of the Modern American Theatre” edited by John Gassman. In his May 18 letter to Prep that arrived with the books, he noted, “I am quite certain my late fees are exponential by now,” and included a gift that more than squared his account with the school “on behalf of the Class of 1980!!!” Joe, now an executive at Cargill, also remarked, “I am forever grateful for the friendships I made at Prep, the coaching from Brother Wilmot and Mr. Groff, and the Prep values that we carry with us today.”
LOST
FOUND
A Class Ring Returns Also in May, a woman from San Diego, California called Prep one day with the news that among the possessions she found after her 101-year-old mother-in-law died was a class ring with “Creighton Prep” etched on top, the numbers 19 and 43 on the side, and the letters “JFL” engraved. She wanted to return it to Prep or the family, and a quick scan of school records identified the ring’s owner as John F. Lund '43, who passed away in the early 70’s. After a couple of phone calls and a bit of time, John ‘43’s sons, John Lund '69 and Tom Lund '67 were excited to have the ring returned to them. They later stopped at Prep to talk about their father. John and Tom told the story of John ‘43 being fearless and always wanting to join the Armed Forces, and that he entered the Marine Corps after graduating from Prep so he could help defend the country during World War II. After fighting in the Pacific Theater, including in the Battle of Iwo Jima, their father returned to Omaha with a Purple Heart, and became a successful entrepreneur. “We've got the Purple Heart and we had his uniform for many, many years,” said John.
A close-up of John Lund ’43’s class ring.
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He went on to say, “My dad was a character. He was well-liked, he had a lot of charisma, and built great relationships with many, many people. He liked Prep a lot, and said it was a great way of meeting people, learning about life and doing the right thing.”
John Lund ’69 and Tom Lund ’67 stopped by Prep to talk about their father John '43.
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AMDG FUND
THE WORLD NEEDS MORE PREP GRADUATES. WE NEED YOUR HELP. GIVE TO THE AMDG FUND DURING DECEMBER
All of us here as Jesuit educators know that throughout their four crucial years at Prep, each young man will discover his God-given gifts. He will also learn to cultivate them through an educational and formative experience that is second to none. The world is a better place for the ways Creighton Prep graduates serve their communities. They can be found serving all over Omaha, but they can also be found across the country and around the world. And everywhere they go, they make an impact through their excellence and dedication to leaving the world a better place than they found it.
The world needs Prep graduates. Men for Others who are ready and able to use their exceptional talents to make Omaha and the world a better place. But, in order for us to form Prep graduates, we need your help to keep Prep affordable.
Fr. Matthew Spotts, S.J.
CREIGHTON PREP
President | Creighton Prep
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Five generous alumni families and the Jesuit Community have agreed to match all AMDG Fund donations up to a total of $250,000.
Some Ways Your Donation Makes a Difference:
Tuition and Fees for One Student $12,500 ($1,042/month) Cover the Gap Grant
$5,500 ($450/month)
Bus Program and Textbook Fee Lunch for a Year Technology Fee
$1,000 ($83/month) $600 ($50/month) $100 ($9/month)
DONATE TODAY AT: CREIGHTONPREP.ORG/GIVE
Rev. Matthew Spotts, S.J. and the Loyola honorees pause for a photo during the evening.
THE LOYOLA DINNER OF HONOR AND DISTINCTION
A Spotlight on Character AFTER A TWO-YEAR HIATUS BECAUSE OF COVID-19, PREP SUPPORTERS ONCE AGAIN JOINED TOGETHER IN THE HENRY L. SULLIVAN, S.J. CAMPUS CENTER ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 TO HELP HONOR FOUR OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS. A 6 p.m. cocktail reception was followed by a welcome, introductions and a prayer from Creighton Prep President Rev. Matthew Spotts, S.J. Then dinner and the awards program followed. During the program, the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, S.J., Ph.D. received the Sword of St. Ignatius as a person who has striven to demonstrate exemplary service for the greater glory of God. Thomas M. Belford '71 was honored for his distinguished service to Prep with the Hall of Fame Award, and Gerry Morrow Lauritzen was presented the Ancilla Domini Award in recognition of her caring, nurturing and unselfish dedication to her faith, family and community. In addition, Dave Hefflinger '65 was celebrated as the Alumnus of the Year for embodying the values Prep inspires to instill in its graduates through living a life devoted to serving others.
Thanks to everyone who attended to make it a great evening!
(L-R) Terry Macnamara '54 and wife Ruth chat with Board of Trustees member John Herdzina.
Advancement Associate Terri Haller and former Creighton Prep President Rev. Andy Alexander, S.J. pause their conversation for the photographer.
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In their remarks, each of the honorees spoke with the humility, sincerity and grace that also communicated the selfless character they possess which serves as an example to so many of those whose lives they’ve impacted. The Rev. Robert Tillman, S.J. then offered the closing prayer.
Prep supporters socialize before dinner and the evening program begin.
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CAMPUS UPDATE
PREP AND THE POWER OF THE SUN
A student-led proof-of-concept project will power the press box at Carmen & Don Leahy Stadium In response to Pope Francis' appeal for better care of "our common home" in his encyclical letter "Laudato Si," and to further educate the school community on sustainability issues and proper care of the environment, the Creighton Prep Sustainability Club is embarking on an exciting proof-of-concept project to help power the Leahy Stadium press box with solar energy.
CREIGHTON PREP
In the spring, a system of solar modules designed by Morrissey Engineering is expected to be installed on the roof of the press box by Boyd Jones Construction. When it’s up and running, it will generate 10.3 megawatts of solar energy per year and save on utility costs for Prep. A ChargePoint dual port electrical vehicle charger will also be added at that time.
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“I look forward to the awareness, education and dialogue this project will foster,” said junior Ryan Quinn who has helped lead the project for the
The Sustainability Club led by moderator and English teacher Trevor Herron ‘94 (at right, middle) begins a meeting on November 5, 2021.
Sustainability Club. “That’s why we designed the system in such a visible and prominent location. We plan on using software to display real-time analytics in the classroom, and we’ve had conversations about integrating this project into various classes.” The club has also prepared for this milestone event in other ways. “We have been tracking our gas, electric and water consumption here at Prep through the ENERGY STAR program, and we did an energy audit in cooperation with
Creighton University’s Energy Technology Program,” noted moderator and English teacher Trevor Herron ‘94. The group has commitments of $32,500, and needs to raise another $17,500 to meet the $50,000 fundraising goal. If you would like to participate with your support, visit CreightonPrep.org/Give, select “Other” from the Gift Designation menu and then “Leahy Stadium Solar Project” from the Other menu that appears.
Design Technology teacher Rich Mansfield leads students on a mission to investigate a problem with their FIRST Tech Challenge robot.
A Culture of Growth and Care Among Prep Students In the four years since the dream of ToMorrow Labs became a reality, a world of possibilities has opened to Prep students. A world where learning happens in an environment of collaboration, creativity and problem-solving. A place where work in robotic design, software development and fabrication combine to give young men a vision of how they can best serve others in our digital society and in the jobs and careers of the future.
like engineering. “So my interest was there,” he said. “But this helped a lot.” For Augie, the feeling was similar. “I’d say I always had an idea that I wanted to go into some sort of electrical engineering or programming, so this has helped me learn what I enjoy doing and confirmed that I’m definitely going into a form of engineering at least.”
What’s next for ToMorrow Labs? “We’re constantly exploring ways to take it to the next level,” noted Rich. “That means keeping THERE’S A SORT OF ‘TAKE CARE OF our technology and other THIS OTHER GUY. BE A MAN FOR equipment updated and OTHERS’ MENTALITY IN CLASS..." the classroom experience compelling so that the students have a great foundation they can take to Yes, the intake that collects plastic balls college and beyond as they grow further during competitions and the mechanism into men for others.” that fires them were working fine. But that was all. “Earlier in the semester, it was the intake and the shooter that wouldn’t work,” Rich said. Eventually, they figured out the problem, fixed it and learned a lot in the process.
“This has definitely made me want to be an engineer,” said Andrew. “I had a lot of fun in chemistry, so I might combine the two and become a chemical engineer.” Randy had a sense in grade school that he wanted to work in a technical field Augie Larsen, Randy Schochenmaier and teacher Rich Mansfield close in on a solution to the issue hindering the robot's operation.
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“It's really nice because the people in here are super open to growing, too,” said Prep student Andrew Schalley. As for why everyone seems to work so well together, Design Technology teacher Rich Mansfield thinks it’s largely because of the culture in the space. “There’s a sort of ‘Take care of this other guy. Be a man for others’ mentality in class, and it’s great when I have a senior or junior and a bunch of freshmen because the upperclassmen can direct them on how to get things done.”
Getting things done in a developing project can be a thought-provoking and rewarding process as Prep students have discovered. During a spring visit to the ToMorrow Labs, Andrew, Randy Schochenmaier and their classmate Augie Larsen were working hard with Rich Mansfield to figure out why their FIRST Tech Challenge robot wasn’t moving. They had tried new software code, switched out the battery and checked all the wiring.
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(Photo courtesy of Jay Slagle)
FALL SPORTS
(L-R) Sam Malick, Robert Nizzi, Cade Neubauer and John Burns compete at the state meet in Kearney on October 22, 2021.
VARSITY 2 ND
METRO CONFERENCE
1ST
DISTRICT A-4
3
STATE
RD
Dennis Chapman’s time of 16:21 tied for the fastest time ever run by a Prep sophomore in a 5K race.
JV
CROSS COUNTRY
1ST
MILLARD SOUTH JV INVITATIONAL
3 RD
RIM ROCK FARM HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY CLASSIC (JV race)
1ST
MILLARD WEST JV INVITATIONAL
1
METRO CONFERENCE (JV meet)
ST
FRESHMEN 3 RD
SOPHOMORES
BELLEVUE CROSS COUNTRY FESTIVAL
1ST
CLASS OF THE METRO MEET
Jack Stessman runs through the Lincoln East defense during Prep’s 52-7 victory on Friday, October 22. (Photo courtesy of the Jay Journal)
VARSITY 7-3 RECORD SIX-GAME REGULAR SEASON WINNING STREAK STATE PLAYOFFS 27 TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS A STATE QUALIFIER
JV
SOPHOMORE
7-1 RECORD
0-8 RECORD
Seven consecutive wins to finish the season
FRESHMAN A
FRESHMAN B
6-3 RECORD
2-5 RECORD
FOOTBALL
Five consecutive wins to finish the season
Senior Zach Kuo wins match point in the #1 singles finals at the 2021 state tournament. (Photo courtesy of Kristie Kuo Photography (KZM Studios))
VARSITY 7-1 DUAL RECORD 1ST
KEARNEY DOUBLES INVITATIONAL
1
MILLARD WEST INVITATIONAL
1ST
METRO CONFERENCE
2 ND
STATE
ST
Zach Kuo – State Champion, #1 singles, 38-0 record.
CREIGHTON PREP
Nathan and Shawn Ramachandran – State Runner-Up, #1 doubles, 26-3 record.
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TENNIS
JV 10-1-2 DUAL RECORD 2 ND
MILLARD NORTH INVITATIONAL
2
FREMONT INVITATIONAL
ND
Former Prep golf coaches Virgil Beckmann and Scott Sibbernsen '68 cut the ribbon to officially open the Golf Simulator Room
A
DRIVE TO
New Golf Simulator Room Named In Honor of Prep Golf Coaching Icons The Carta Hall of Fame Room was the setting on Sunday afternoon, November 14 when former Prep teachers and golf program coaches Virgil Beckmann and Scott Sibbernsen ‘68 cut a ceremonial ribbon to formally open the new Golf Simulator Room named in their honor.
Coach Beckmann accepts an award for another of Prep golf's many accomplishments.
The two taught at Prep for a combined 76 years and coached the golf team for a total of 32, leading the program to 11 Metro Conference championships, 13 district championships and three state titles. The Prep golf team won the 2021 state title to bring the total for the school to 14 Nebraska golf championships since 1932, and they are looking for more. “The new simulator will be a valuable tool for our team year-round,” said Head Coach Matt Rasgorshek. “Because our practice and competition times are so weather-dependent, with the simulator, our coaches can evaluate our studentathletes when weather conditions aren't favorable to going out on the course.”
“On behalf of the Creighton Prep Athletic Department, I would like to express my gratitude to Kyle and Tom for leading the way on this project,” noted Director of Athletics Dr. Dan Schinzel. “We have exceptional student-athletes representing Prep in our golf program, and we are grateful that we can continue to provide them with the resources they deserve. I know our coaches and players are anxious to put this technology to work.” Coach Sibbernsen at work on the golf course.
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The room renovation and new equipment on the school’s lower level were the result of a summer fundraising drive led by former Prep golfer Tom Kelley ‘94 and his classmate and fellow golfer Kyle Peterson ‘94. In their letter to supporters, they mentioned the impressive coaching accomplishments of Virgil and Scott while noting, “More importantly, they were leaders and mentors to countless young men, teaching and exemplifying how to live a life guided by Jesuit values.”
SUCCEED
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ALUMNI UPDATES
HERE
THERE
1940s Joe Caniglia ‘49 and his wife Loretta celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
1950s Bill Meyer ‘51 volunteers at the Durham Museum and was honored by the organization on May 13 with the Excellence in Customer Service Award for the superb way that he welcomes and treats guests during their visits.
band member Lou Bozak. The group has been playing great rock ‘n roll classics in local venues for about 40 years. Dan joins fellow Prep alumnus and rock musician Greg Fox ‘67 in the Hall of Fame. He was inducted as a band member of The Chevrons in 1998. St. Pius / St. Leo School (SPSL) and Creighton Prep alumnus Tim Sutherland ‘68 received the Distinguished Graduate Award from SPSL and the National Catholic Educational Association at the school’s Luminary Awards event held virtually in April. Also honored that evening were Tom Hoarty ‘66 and wife Margaret, who were inducted in the SPSL Hall of Fame, and Steve Monzu ‘92 and his wife Sarah who were presented with the Rev. George Kempker Volunteer of the Year Award.
other Nebraska high school students have performed. Omaha Fire Department Captain Dave Kirchofer ‘85 received the Firefighter of the Year Award from the Omaha West Rotary Club. He has been with the OFD for more than 20 years, and when he’s not working, serves at Prep in the Freshman Retreat program and as a coach of the Freshman B football team.
1970s
1960s
CREIGHTON PREP
Greg Schatz ‘65 retired on July 1 from his distinguished career as a Douglas County District Court judge for the 4th Judicial District. Just two months earlier, his brother Tom Schatz ‘66 retired from an impressive career of more than 40 years as a teacher in and chair of the Department of Radio-Television-Film at the University of Texas at Austin.
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On September 19, Dan Morrissey ‘68 of the popular Omaha band Bozak & Morrissey, was inducted in the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame alongside fellow
RISE, an organization dedicated to freeing individuals with criminal records from “cycles of incarceration” announced new board members on February 25, including Mark Foxall ’78 and W. Todd Johnson ’84. Mark teaches in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska Omaha, and Todd is the senior vice president for economic development at the Greater Omaha Chamber.
1980s Executive Director of the Nebraska Writers Collective Matt Mason ‘86 is also the Nebraska State Poet and will serve in that capacity until 2024. Matt is a highly accomplished and well-published poet who was also instrumental in developing the Louder Than A Bomb poetry festival where a number of Prep students and many
Architect Jeff Monzu ‘88 is vice president and healthcare market sector leader at Leo A Daly. Among the firm’s current projects is design work on the University of Nebraska Medical Center administration facility expansion on Saddle Creek Road that was announced in the Omaha World-Herald in October 28, 2021.
1990s Joe Daneff ‘90 is a detective in the Kansas City Police Department and was honored by the FBI on July 6 in Washington, D.C. with the Violent Crime Task Force Officer of the Year Award for 2020. He was also honored
by the organization in 2015 with the Guardian of Justice Award for his help in bringing to justice a group that was trafficking drugs in the Kansas City area. Former Creighton Prep and North Carolina State basketball standout Curtis Marshall ‘91 and fellow Prep alumnus and former Husker and professional football player Zach Potter ‘05 were inducted in the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame on September 26.
Mike Hilgers ‘97 was elected speaker of the Nebraska Legislature in January 2021. He is a state senator representing District 21, which is located in and around Lincoln. His brothers Paul Hilgers ‘93, Steve Hilgers ‘95 and Matthew Hilgers ‘06 are also Prep graduates. Justin Haynes ‘99 graduated from Harvard, went on to graduate studies at the University of Toronto and is now an assistant professor in the Department of Classics at Georgetown University. His book “The Medieval Classic: Twelfth-Century Latin Epic and the Virgilian Commentary Tradition” was published in 2021 by Oxford University Press. Justin’s father Mark teaches Latin at Prep and is the chair of the World Language department.
2000s Vince Struble '00 (at left in the photo below), is a Captain in the Minnesota Army National Guard, currently stationed in the Middle East. His unit serves as a Response Force for the region participating in events and operations in Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Kami (wife), Henry (8), Lily (6) and Charlotte (4) are back in Elk River, patiently awaiting his return. Vince works full time for the Minnesota Army National Guard as a Tactical Communication Branch Manager.
The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation announced in April that Associate Professor of Human Development and Social Policy Mesmin Destin ‘01 of Northwestern University was named a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow. The prestigious honor comes with a grant that will help Mesmin in his research to understand how communities can best support students from challenging backgrounds as they strive for success.
Phil Zadina ‘02 and his wife Rachel welcomed Nola Louise Zadina to their family on November 24, 2020. Among the Prep graduates in their lives are Phil’s brother Joe Zadina ‘99 and their father Joe Zadina Jr. ‘71. Mike Delisi ‘05 and his wife Sarah were blessed with the birth of their daughter Stevie SueAnne Delisi on September 22, 2020. Jack Begley ’07 graduated from Loyola Law School in 2020 and is now employed by Liebert Cassidy Whitmore as a labor and employment lawyer in their Los Angeles office. Gage Rensch ‘10 wed Frannie Hollinger in a ceremony at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elkhorn on November 27, 2020. His brother Micah Rensch ‘15 of Chicago served as best man. Gage attended medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is a resident in dermatology at the Tulane University School of Medicine. (Photo courtesy of Brett Brooner)
2010s Robert Gasnick ‘11 is financial advisor in Omaha at Wealth Partners, part of Ameriprise Financial LLC.
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John Cavanaugh ‘99 was elected in 2021 as a state senator in the Nebraska Legislature representing District 9, which includes a good portion of midtown Omaha south of Leavenworth Street. He is the son of former state senator and Nebraska Congressman
John Cavanaugh III ‘63 and serves in the Legislature alongside his sister Machaela who has represented District 6 for the past two years.
23
EVENTS RECAP
REUNION WEEKEND AND
Renewing Longtime Connections and Forging New Ones REUNION WEEKEND
Class of '61
September 23-26 was another fantastic gathering of Creighton Prep alumni, parents, past parents and friends brought together once again by fellowship and the prospect of great conversation and camaraderie. Leading the way were the jubilarian classes of 1970 and 1971 who celebrated their 50th reunions from Prep in 2021 after having them delayed by the pandemic. The alumni in both classes and others took the opportunity to renew connections and forge new ones. Even at 88 years old! That was the case for members of the Class of 1951 who gathered for their 70th reunion dinner at Spezia on Friday, September 24. Among those in attendance were Dolores and Bill Carlisle ‘51, Tom Fangman ‘51 and his wife Barbara, Terry Haney ‘51, who organized the event, and his wife Judy, and Jackie and Warren Youngstrom ‘51.
“It was a great walk down memory lane,” Frank Spenceri ‘61 noted. “The highlight was the tour of Prep during our Friday night stag!” Not to be outdone, a large group from the Class of 1966 showed up for their 55th reunion, which began with honoring the life of classmate Mike Siragusa ‘66 at a service held on Friday morning, September 24 at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church. Mike passed in late July. “Goose was the best,” said Bill Moeschler ‘66, who also remarked that the evening stag on Friday at Prep “lasted beyond the planned
CREIGHTON PREP
Director of Alumni Relations Mike Beacom '85
Alumni from the Class of 1961 started their 60th reunion activities with a
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IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE TESTAMENT TO THE STRENGTH OF PREP FRIENDSHIPS.
Vice President of Advancement Rick Berger '76 also stopped by with Creighton Prep President Rev. Matthew Spotts, S.J. to greet everyone and provide an update on Prep.
nd
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Class of '71
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Class of '66
meetup on Thursday evening September 23. On Friday, they hit the links at Eagle Run golf course for a round peppered with laughs then lunch at DJ’s Dugout and a stag at Prep. On Saturday they regrouped for brunch then again later on for dinner at Anthony’s Steakhouse.
Caption Needed
time as we told stories of past, present and future mostly true.” The guys capped their weekend on Sunday, September 26 much as it began two days earlier: with prayer and reflection, this time at a Mass in the Lloyd Skinner Student Chapel at Prep. The Class of 1971 kicked off their golden jubilee at the Miracle Hill golf course where they looked back on more than 50 years of esprit de corps amid friendly competition. They also met in the Smith Atrium that evening for beverages and pizza. The classmates then toured Prep on Saturday, September 25 before a dinner with spouses held poolside at the new Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel in the Blackstone District. “It was wonderful to share the weekend with old friends,” said Matthew Oberst ‘71.
PREPTOBERFEST What could be more appropriate for a reunion weekend that included decades of alumni classes than a headline event with superb tunes from the best 70’s cover band in Omaha, and one of the most popular musical acts in the area? After Saturday evening, September 25, there was only one answer: nothing! Guests paid $25 in advance or $30 at the door to hear one classic rock hit after another from Pet Rock, a super-talented ensemble that included Chris Sidles ‘85 on acoustic guitar, Brad Dienstbier ‘87 on bass guitar and Booking Manager David Dienstbier ‘86. The three were “thrilled to be back supporting the school that meant so much to all of us,” said David.
Chris Sidles '85 talks to CP President Rev. Matthew Spotts, S.J. and Vice President of Advancement Rick Berger '76
MEET DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS MIKE BEACOM ‘85 Throughout the reunions held in late September and earlier this summer, Mike Beacom ‘85 seemed to be everywhere and know most everyone. That could be partly because his new role as director of alumni relations is just the latest in a 30-year-career at Prep that so far has included time as athletic trainer and assistant dean of students. “Everyone’s story is different, but my personal affinity for Jesuit education - and Prep specifically - began during my years as a student here,” he said. “Prep came along when I needed it the most, and it ended up shaping both who I was at the time and who I’ve become in the years that followed.”
reunion or the organizer of a smaller get-together can contact Mike at 402) 548-3851 or MBeacom@CreightonPrep.org.
WINTER 21-22
Alumni interested in representing their classes as a Class Ambassador, a lead planner on an upcoming
25
IN MEMORIAM
PLEASE
REMEMBER William W. Becker ‘50
Louis A. Carnazzo ‘56
Edward L. Fuxa Jr. ‘94
Michael Acquazzino ‘71
Ryan M. Bodner ‘95
son of Louis ‘24†
John E. Chapuran ‘53
John R. Gahan ‘46
brother of Chad ‘94
David L. Bogatz ‘70
(05/02/20) son of John ‘23†
brother of Bruce ‘69
Carl Ancona ‘48 father of Charles ‘79†, grandfather of Benjamin Theisen ‘00, Andrew Gustafson ‘04, brother of Samuel ‘40†
Thomas J. Becker ‘74
son of Bernard ‘49
John P. Churchman ‘46
George S. Bosiljevac ‘53
brother of Michael ‘46†
David J. Boulay ‘81
Gerald P. Cogswell ‘58
Nitin K. Gambhir ‘95 brother of Vineet ‘89
Jeffrey T. Garvey ‘74 father of Thomas ‘03, James ‘10, Jeffrey ‘18, grandfather of Justice Mayfield ‘23, son of Charles ‘45†, grandson of Charles ‘24†, greatgrandson of Charles 1890†, brother of Michael ‘69
brother of Greg ‘79, Mark ‘84, James ‘85
Dennis M. Connolly ‘59
Paul K. Briardy ‘58
son of John '15†, brother of John ‘52, Thomas ‘56
Joel Gay ‘96
Robert E. Connor ‘51
John P. Grant ‘69
brother of William ‘78, John ‘82
brother of James ‘47, Thomas ‘58
G. Kevin Corcoran ‘72
James E. Greene ‘46
Michael J. Coughlin ‘57
Duane P. Greer ‘51
James M. Curran Jr. ‘54
John M. Grier ‘50
Michael E. Daeges ’57
Patrick J. Growney ‘60
Raoul “Jack” DeLier ‘37 Arthur F. Dethlefs ‘42
James A Edney ‘67 December 16, 1948 - August 7, 2021
Jim Edney arrived at Creighton Prep from Holy Name School in 1963 and was an honors student all four years before heading to Creighton University and rising later in the medical profession to a distinguished career as a surgeon at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. At UNMC, he became widely known for his work not only battling breast cancer but as a skilled trainer of many residents, a professor of surgery and the leader of the Division of Surgical Oncology. He passed all too soon in a plane crash in Minnesota in which his stepson Jacob Mertes and his wife Sarah also perished. Jim’s grandfather James graduated from Prep in 1903 as did his brothers John Edney ‘68 and Joseph Edney ‘74 (deceased) and his son Michael Edney ‘94. He will be greatly missed not only by close family and friends but also by the patients he cared for so well over the years and the medical students he helped shape into excellent surgeons.
father of Sean ‘97, Paul ‘99, son of John ‘38†, brother of Joseph ’74, Tim ‘79†
son of Gene ‘46†, father of Ryan ‘09, brother of Patrick ‘84
father of Mike ’87, Mark ‘90
CREIGHTON PREP
OCT. 31 2021
ALUMNI
John R. Atkins Jr. ‘56
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NOV 01 2020
father of Joseph ‘98, brother of Henry ‘48
Frank A. Distefano ‘56 Gerald T. Dolejs ‘50 father of Frank ‘82, grandfather of Ryan Corcoran ‘09, brother of Donald ‘48†
Alan W. Draney ‘58 brother of Cecil ‘52†
Robert W. Drelicharz ‘70 brother of Edward ‘68
Gerald C. Dugan ’53 son of Gerald ‘29†, brother of Michael ‘55†, Dennis ‘57, Patrick ‘60†
James A. Edney ‘67 father of Michael ‘94, brother of John ‘68, Joseph ‘74†
James H. Elston ‘51 brother of Harry ‘42†, Richard ‘44†, father of Gregory ‘75, Jeffrey ‘77, Michael ‘82, Brian ‘83, grandfather of Matthew ‘08, Charles Horning ‘17
Christopher J. Engelbert ‘89
brother of Roger ‘51†
brother of Michael ‘60, Lawrence ‘62, William ‘72 and Thomas ‘76
Michael J. Guerin ‘60 (8/24/20)
Gerald M. Harrington ‘57 Harold C. Harrison Jr. ‘57 grandfather of Andrew Fisher ‘08, Luke Fisher ‘10, Patrick Fisher ‘13, brother of Donald ‘62†, Michael ‘63
Richard S. Horn ‘64 brother of Michael ‘74†, Brian ‘75
James M. Houlton ‘50 father of Donald ‘79, brother of Thomas ‘44†
Robert C. Hyland ‘54 brother of Patrick ‘53†, father of Robert ‘83†
John F. Jackson ‘54 father of Thomas ‘78, Timothy ‘81, grandfather of Christopher Kestel ‘03, Timothy Kestel ‘05, brother of Michael ‘50, Larry ‘59†
Richard P. Jeffries ‘61 father of Richard ‘86
Mark P. Johnson ‘83 brother of Jeff ‘80
brother of Brian ‘91
D. Gary Kathol ‘60
Fred A. Fletcher Jr. ‘65
brother of Timothy ‘62, Gene ‘64
Thomas R. Fortune ‘53 father of Patrick ‘84, Timothy ‘92, grandfather of Christian Moritz ‘10, John Moritz ‘13, brother of Michael ‘61, Richard ‘63
Thomas D. Furlong ‘45 brother of Jack ‘43†, Jerry ‘52
Daniel J. Keenan ‘61 James C. Kielian ‘72 Theodore L. Kowalski ‘57 son of Theodore ‘32†
John P. Krejci ‘55
†
Lee F. McNamara Jr. ‘50
David L. Smith, S.J. ‘72
father of Lee ‘78, Michael ‘81, grandfather of Ryan ‘18, brother of Joseph ‘49†
Francis W. Sopinski ‘59
Francis J. McNeely ‘80 (06/26/20)
Ryan J. McNeil ‘13 brother of Connor ‘09, Shane ‘11
John F. “Jack” Jackson ‘54 August 7, 1936 - June 24, 2021
Jack Jackson stood tall in the swim coaching world for 46 years, starting in club swimming then as head coach of Creighton Prep’s program, beginning just six years after his high school graduation. His coaching expertise was on display at the Creighton University pool during early morning and after school workouts for the Junior Jays, and it translated into success for Prep almost immediately. After a relatively quiet few decades, Jack’s 1961 and 1962 teams swam to Intercity championships, and the 1963 team finished third at state. During both the 1961 and 1963 seasons, Prep swimmers broke nine of 11 school records. It was a feat that would also be equaled by his last team at the school, the 1969 squad that won the state title. Jack later went on to national and international stages to coach many swimmers who competed at Junior Nationals, Senior Nationals and achieved top-level national and world rankings. He also managed the U.S. men’s team at the 1996 Olympics, and he led and coached the U.S. Paralympics teams at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, respectively.
John M. Moragues ‘65 brother of Vincent ‘61†, Paul ‘72, James ‘74
Robert A. Murnan ‘69 son of Harold ‘26†, brother of Kenneth ‘61, Richard ‘63
Donald L. Nelson ‘65 Thomas M. O’Doherty ‘74
(09/22/20) son of David ‘63, brother of
father of Andrew ‘86, Nicholas ‘87, John ‘98, grandfather of Francis ‘21, brother of Paul ‘44†, David ‘46†, Mark ‘55, William ‘61†
Dominic ‘84, grandson of Lawrence ‘31†, Joseph J. Quinn ‘35† (corrected from the winter 20202021 Creighton Prep magazine)
R. Gregory Lawler ‘66 brother of George ‘67†
John N. Letter ‘64 brother of Stephen ‘61, Thomas ‘62
Scott M. Lindwall ‘82 brother of Eric ‘79† father of Frederick ‘72
Rev. John D. Mace, S.J. ‘55 Patrick J. Maly ‘94
W. Lee Maxey ‘70
Mark E. Stormberg ‘72 brother of Scott ‘73, Jeffrey ‘76, Kent ‘77, Gregory ‘81, Kurt ‘82, Paul ‘85, Donald ‘87
David A. Stramel ‘93 Thomas J. Subject ‘44 Joseph T. Sullivan Jr. ‘58 father of Joseph ‘95, John ‘05, brother of Edward ‘55†
Ryan S. Otterberg ‘91
J. Dennis Tracy ‘59
son of Frederick ‘64, brother of Sean ‘88
son of John ‘33†, brother of Terrence ‘64†
Jerome F. Otterson ‘68
Matthew R. VanMoorleghem ‘95
William J. Pazderka ‘52 father of Mike ‘75†, Joseph ‘79, grandfather of Matthew ‘07, Joshua ‘09, Timothy ‘12, Anthony Marx ’12, Justin Supeh ’20, Maximillian Murphy ’21, Leo Marx ‘24, Mirin Wieser ‘24
Martin S. Piotrowski Sr. ‘69 father of Martin ‘95, brother of William ‘67, Paul ‘75
brother of Daniel ‘97, Michael ‘01, John ‘05
Thomas R. Vondra ‘59 Robert M. Werner ‘57 brother of Keith ‘59
Jeff F. Wernimont ‘99 James R. Whitaker ‘85
Scott C. Pretti ‘72
son of Richard ‘59, brother of Michael ‘84, Robert ‘87
William S. Pritchard ‘49
F. Joseph Willy ‘54 (9/9/20)
son of J. Stanley ‘17†, father of John ‘81, James ‘82, Thomas ‘84, grandfather of Michael ‘10, Matthew ‘12, Jared ‘12, Ryan ‘13, Thomas ‘15, Frederick ‘17, John ’19, Thomas Grant ‘08, Daniel Grant ’09, James Walsh ‘13
John R. Willy ‘56 (5/12/19)
Timothy J. Pugh ‘63
WIVES
father of Thomas ‘95, Patrick ‘97
Gregory V. Ross ‘68 brother of Gary ‘65
son of Edwin ‘17†, father of Terry ‘69, Timothy ‘70†, Patrick ‘72, Daniel ‘75, grandfather of Alex ‘03
Thomas G. Salistean ‘68 father of Thomas '92, brother of Gates ‘70, grandfather of Thomas ‘20, Matthew Stone ‘21, Joshua Stone ‘24
brother of James ‘67†, Jon ‘71, grandson of John S. Pritchard‘17†
Michael L. Schuster ‘65
Mark O. McDermott ‘69
William F. Seipel Sr. ‘52
son of Paul “Rusty” ‘44†, brother of Michael ‘67, Dennis ‘71, Craig ‘76, Patrick ‘78, grandson of Paul ‘20†
Robert L. Shoemaker ‘58
Jude F. McGargill ‘54
Kenneth P. Shreves ‘68
father of Thomas ‘85
Joseph J. Sterba ‘60
step-grandfather of Cameron Raikes ‘15 brother of William ‘57, Thomas ‘65
J. Leonard McKinley ‘95
grandfather of Joshua O’Brien ‘13, brother of John ‘71, Daniel ’75, Jeffrey ‘76†
brother of Michael ‘91
Michael J. Siragusa ‘66
brother of John ‘56†, James ‘62†, Fred ‘65† brother of F. Joseph ‘54†, James ‘62†, Fred ‘65†
Rosalie Allison wife of Ronald ‘57, mother of Leo ‘87
Shirley Carter Andrews widow of Richard ‘49
Ardis E. Beeler wife of Fielding ‘51, grandmother of John Huerter ‘05
Elaine M. Bosilevac wife of Albert ‘53, grandmother of Patrick ‘25
Janice Cleary widow of John ‘41, mother of James ‘66, Dennis ‘70, Joseph ‘73, Thomas ‘81, grandmother of George ‘01, Benjamin ‘08, Kevin Burnett ‘87
Theresa A. Cole (9/9/20) wife of William ’60
Mary Ann Connor widow of Edmond ‘43, mother of Edmond ‘68, Paul ‘70, Thomas ‘73, John ‘74, James ‘78
WINTER 21-22
Sebastino J. Macca
George G. Mary ‘51 (8/4/20)
James Michael Sprague ‘59
Matthew M. Thomas ‘01
John E. Ryan ‘47 Hugh J. Manhart '50
brother of John ‘57
father of Jeffrey ‘15, Shawn ‘18
Ronald K. Roubal ‘52 David J. Lanphier Jr. ‘82
Denotes Deceased
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IN MEMORIAM
Patricia F. Cunningham
Ellen R. Neary
widow of James ‘48, grandmother of Michael ‘04, Peter ‘07, Christopher Horn ‘12, Michael Horn ‘18
widow of Charles ‘42, grandmother of Luke Hautzinger ‘11
Andrea Curran widow of James ‘54†
Kimberly J. Dolphin widow of Brian ‘76
Mary K. Drozda
Angela Park (08/09/18) wife of Eugene ‘97
Margaret A. Parks widow of Frank ‘47, mother of Gary ‘72, grandmother of Scott ‘98, Aaron ‘01†
Shirley Ann Eastman
Mary M. Pazderka
widow of James ‘42
wife of John ‘50, mother of Patrick ‘90, Philip ‘91
wife of Michael ’65
Annemarie Peter
Mary “Nonnie” Frenzer
widow of William ‘35, mother of William ‘65, Paul ‘68, grandmother of Matthew ‘92, Andrew ‘95, Michael ‘98, great-grandmother of Leo ‘22
wife of David ‘58, mother of Joel ‘94
Josephine A. Gaeta widow of Alfred ‘39, mother of Bob ‘62†, grandmother of Jordan Benson ‘02
Theresa Gleason wife of J. Timothy ‘66, mother of Timothy ‘92, grandmother of Tyler Rowe ‘24
Margaret J. Haller widow of Michael ‘48, mother of Michael ‘72, David ‘80, grandmother of Patrick ‘11
Mary Jane Harvey widow of Edward Sanders ‘43, William Harvey ‘45, mother of Edward Sanders ‘81
Barbara Heater
Donna Schatz widow of Albert ‘39, mother of James Kennedy III ‘71, stepmother of Gregory ‘65, Thomas ‘66, Philip ‘68
Catherine H. Severin widow of Matthew ‘51
Thelma H. Slattery widow of Timothy ‘48†, mother of Timothy ‘71, Daniel ‘72, David ‘74, grandmother of David ‘01, John Bendon ‘09
Laura E. Smith
widow of Henry ‘47
wife of James ‘84, mother of James ‘14, Nicholas ‘17
Joan A. Hill
Wilma Dugan Smith
widow of Richard ‘45, mother of Matthew ‘83, Jeffrey ‘90
widow of Dennis ‘62, mother of Shane ‘89, Ryan ‘93, Corey ‘95, grandmother of Brady ‘14
Lori Toren Hruska
Patricia L. Spenceri
wife of James ‘68
wife of Frank ‘61, grandmother of Spencer Moes ‘18
Beverly A. Hubenka widow of Lloyd ‘48, mother of Evan ‘78
Joyce E. Watsabaugh
Maureen Kessler
widow of William ‘44, mother of William ’77
wife of William ‘56
Lois J. Welch
Katherine A. Kotera
wife of John ‘51
Jane Coad O’Brien September 26, 1937 - January 4, 2021
Jane O'Brien quickly established herself as an invaluable resource for students.when she became the librarian at Creighton Prep in 1978, about the same time that the personal computer age was dawning. It was a position she would hold for the next 24 years. “Prep was the mission of her life,” said her son Jim O’Brien ‘78. “For her, being at Prep when information became more easily available was a real gift. She loved helping the boys see the library as a door to information everywhere, not just to the stacks on the second floor of Prep.” Former Creighton Prep President Rev. George Sullivan, S.J. recalled Jane as “absolutely dynamic” in her role and noted that she expanded the library and the interest in it, moving it to “a new level of competence and variety.” Jane was married to Jim O'Brien '55. She also had a keen understanding of history and the impact it could have across generations, having lost her father and Prep alumnus Pvt. Ernest Coad ‘32 during World War II when she was just seven years old.
Edward Fitzgerald Jr.
Donna C. Larkin
FATHERS
widow of Richard ‘47
of Richard ‘20, Aidan ‘21, Dennis ‘24, step-grandfather of Robert Novoa ‘03, Nicholas Novoa ‘08, Alexander Hook ‘09, Aiden Hook ‘11
Stephen P. Adley
Sheryl A. Lehnen
father of Stephen ‘80 Colin ‘03
Jack F. Chapman
widow of Larry ‘59
Edmund S. Bandur
Monnie M. Markel
father of Roderic ‘72, Scott ‘75
widow of John ’40, mother of Michael ‘65†
Sudershan “Shan” Batheja
Suzanne Mollner
father of Sonny ‘91, Ashish ‘92
wife of Laurence ‘65
Joseph F. Benkis
Elizabeth B. Morrison
father of Joseph ‘89
widow of Thomas ‘50 , mother of James ‘80, Kevin ‘82, grandmother of Eamon ‘17, Thomas John Burbridge ‘20
John M. Dockery
Paul A. Bogard
father of David ‘03
David Garcia
father of Quintin ‘77
Terrence A. Doukas
father of Jonatan Garcia De La Cruz ‘24
Dennis T. Chapman
father of Clark ‘88, grandfather of Bailey ‘15
Frederick F. Gargett
father of Thomas ‘94, Michael ‘98, James ‘03, stepfather of Thomas Emery ‘92, grandfather
Leonard P. Engler
father of Grant ‘03
widow of James ‘47
CREIGHTON PREP
wife of John ‘76
wife of William ‘66, mother of Pete ‘06
Alice V. Fleming
28
Barbara S. Palais
†
Dolores Jean Murnane widow of James ‘47
father of Todd ‘82, Tim ‘91, grandfather of Spencer Long ‘20
John A DeGeorge father of Nicholas ‘92, grandfather of Matteo ‘20, Reece Howell ‘22
father of James ‘67
father of Edward ‘83, John ‘87
Sam W. Franco father of Steven ‘63†, Terry ‘64, grandfather of David ‘89, Ted ‘94, Jeff ‘99, Kenneth Rose ‘87, Kevin Rose ‘92, great-grandfather of Zachary ‘12, Caleb ‘14, Benjamin ‘17, Nathaniel ‘20, Gabriel Lasher ‘15, Noah Lasher ‘17
Keith I. Frederick father of Keith ‘74, grandfather of Shawn ‘89†
Daniel P. Frost father of Jerod ‘01
Patrick S. Garland
Arthur F. McCarty
Brian K. Van Ormer
Helen M. Gonzales
father of Patrick ‘98
father of James ‘76
father of Matthew ‘13, James ‘15
mother of Keith ‘78
Ronald L. Garrett
Robert N. Mockler
Alvin W. VanWart
Darla Grow
father of Ronald ‘97
father of Richard ‘78, Thomas ‘80, James ‘91
father of Kevin ‘78
mother of Garrett Matuska ‘98
Joseph M. Guhin
Darrell E. Mohr
James P. Whitaker
Linda Daigre Herbert
father of Jeffrey ‘99, Christopher ‘01
father of Darren ‘94
father of Nash ‘03
mother of Brandon Daigre ‘89
Randy G. Hansen
Jack Moore
Robert J. White
Jean M. Igel
stepfather of Jeremy Poell ‘01
father of Gregory ‘71, Mark ‘81, Kurt ‘85
mother of Todd ‘74
Leo R. Harrington
Dale R. Noon
father of Thomas ‘70
father of Andrew ‘93, grandfather of Daniel ‘19, Ethan ‘22
father of, Daniel ‘77†, Timothy ‘82, Brian ‘87, grandfather of Benjamin ‘13, Thomas ‘16, Sean Kennedy ’05, Joseph Bost ‘05, Daniel Bost ‘11
Thomas M. Heser
Thomas A. Yager father of Trace ‘13
father of Thomas ‘86, Robert ‘88, grandfather of Jacob ‘15, Ryan ‘22
Daniel F. O’Byrne
Larry M. Holm
Michael P. Parks
father of Michael ‘92
father of Conon ‘81
Mansoor Jabro
George J. Pfeifer
father of Fabian ‘84, Andrew ‘85, John ‘90
father of Rodney ‘66
mother of Mark Selling ‘78, grandmother of Thomas Schuele ‘14
James M. Jirousek
Romayne T. Poeppe
father of Steven ‘77
father of Timothy Fonfara ‘02
Eileen M. Annin
Richard F. Johns
Jerry R. Preble
father of Thomas ‘70†, grandfather of Kevin Tracy ‘03
father of Jason ‘98
Warren T. Kable III father of Joseph ‘92, Matthew ‘96, Mark ‘01, Timothy ‘08
Larry C. Krell father of Matthew ‘90
Harold P. Kreski father of Phillip ‘77, Joseph ‘78, John ‘80, grandfather of Nicholas ‘13
George J. Kubat father of Kent ‘92, Kyle ‘95, grandfather of Danny Woodward ‘17
Lewis Kummer father of Joseph ‘90
Paul LaPuzza father of Mark ‘97
C. “Gene” Latch father of Steven ‘77†
Jack F. Latenser father of John ‘64†, David ‘65
James T. Leary father of John ‘89, James ‘92†, son of James ‘30†
Steven D. LeClair father of Jason ‘88
Gerald E. Luedtke father of Joshua ‘90, Jonas ‘99, grandfather of Kyle ‘18, David Phillips ‘14, Dylan Phillips ‘18, Kalen Piechota ‘21 father of Frederick ‘72
Thomas C. Mans father of Jeremiah ‘94, Jesse ‘98
Robert E. Ringo Sr. father of Robert ‘71
Jerry D. Sanders Sr. father of Jerry ‘97
Fred V. Scarpello father of Fred ‘83, Samuel ‘87, Anthony ‘89, grandfather of Maxwell ‘24
Frank J. Sesto father of Michael ‘02
Lyle G. Simmons father of Dustin ‘08
Edward “Rick” Sladovnik father of Bartholomew ‘87, grandfather of Maxwell ‘21
Richard W. Slovek
Kathleen R. Abel
Diane R. LaFever
mother of Gerald ‘89, Jeffrey ‘93
Claire “McCormick” Barnett
Patricia R. Laughlin
mother of Luke McCormick ‘72†, Keith McCormick ‘76, Francis McCormick ‘77, Timothy McCormick ‘78, Andrew McCormick ‘80†, grandmother of Patrick McCormick ‘04, Nicholas McCormick ‘05
mother of Edward ‘68, Michael ‘71, Thomas ‘75, grandmother of Thomas ‘05, John ‘07, Michael ‘10, Michael Sanley ‘01, Anthony Franco ‘01, Christopher Franco ‘03, Vincent Franco ‘08, Joseph Franco ‘13
Delores M. Bilek
Dorothy M. Lincoln
mother of James ‘75
Lois J. Bornhoft mother of Bradley ‘95
Phyllis J. Brusnahan mother of Thomas ‘69, Michael ‘73, Patrick ‘74
Patricia A. Cahow stepmother of Scott ‘90
Shirley A. Coniglio mother of Mark ‘79
Mary Clare Coufal
Joseph Stolze father of Thomas ‘19
mother of Keith ‘85, Douglas ‘90
James M. Sweetman
Frances T. Dowd
Robert F. Toth father of Robert ‘80, Stephen ‘86, grandfather of Michael ‘16
mother of Joseph ‘71†, Michael ‘72 mother of Robert Vacanti ‘76, grandmother of John McLeay ‘00, Ryan McLeay ‘02, Michael McLeay ‘05, Sebastiano Procopio ‘04, great-grandmother of John McLeay ‘20, Zachary McLeay ‘24
Karen M. Craven
father of Daniel ‘77, Ronald ‘86, grandfather of Richard Davis ‘12
mother of G. Nicholas ‘64, Gregory ‘68
Mary Ann Kurgan
father of Richard ‘68
John J. Synowicki
Marie Dennell Johnson
MOTHERS
mother of Terence ‘82, Raymond ‘83
father of John ‘91, Michael ‘93, Thomas ‘97, Patrick ’04
mother of David ‘75, John ‘76, Michael ‘77
mother of Matthew ‘90, grandmother of Patrick ‘19
Jeanne F. Effrein mother of Daniel ‘75, Timothy ‘77
Sharon K. Emery
mother of Mark ‘73
Ruthann Maschka mother of Peter ‘78, grandmother of Tanner ‘13, Benjamin ‘14
Margaret “Rita” Mayne mother of Ronald ‘81
Bernadette A. McCullough mother of Michael ‘68, Roger ‘69, Daniel ‘71
Ann G. McDonald mother of James ‘92
Berniece M. Morrissey mother of Daniel ‘68
Mildred “June” Mullen mother of J. Patrick ‘62, grandmother of Kyle ‘92, Michael ‘95
Sharon R. Munro mother of Mark ‘72, Steven ‘74†, Kevin ‘81, grandmother of Edward Powers ‘08, John Powers ‘12, Jacob Linden ‘11
mother of Robert ‘90
Patricia Kenny Newman
Donna L. Flint
mother of William ‘76
mother of Kevin ‘79, Robert ‘83, grandmother of Brandon ‘03, Brian ‘15
Linda I. Nigro
father of Thomas ‘99, Charles ‘08
Alice A. Forget
Marie K. Novotny
Yarmel “Tom” Troupe
mother of John ‘98
Mark E. Treinen
father of Robert ‘88
Marjorie A. Giesler
Robert F. Vacek
mother of Joseph ‘79†, James ‘84, grandmother of Mitchell Rhoades ‘16
father of Robert ‘07, brother of Edward ‘60
mother of Christopher ‘96 mother of Joseph ‘68
Agnes O’Connor mother of Robert ‘68, Mark ‘72
WINTER 21-22
Sebastino J. Macca
father of Daniel ‘06, Brendan ‘10, Shane ‘13
Delores A. Kofoed
29
IN MEMORIAM
Virginia A. Ostrand
Bilge Quinlan
Rita Schall
mother of Tom ‘72, grandmother of Luke Knowles ‘98, Daniel Knowles ‘00
mother of Vincent ‘82, Edward ‘84, Mark ‘88
mother of James ‘78, grandmother of Avery Wenck ‘12, Mayson Marus ‘16, Reid Stracke ‘20
Patricia A. Quinlan
Catherine M. Palinski
mother of John ‘78
mother of John ‘69
Georgia B. Ragole
Lisa M. Pane mother of Kyle ‘14
mother of Timothy ‘76 , grandmother of Corey ‘99
Dolores L. Pecha
Sandra M. Rayer
mother of Steven ‘74 grandmother of Richard Bouckaert ‘03
mother of Mark ‘94, grandmother of Cody Kanger ‘12, Blake Kanger ‘14
†
Madelyn S. Pettis
Norma L. Reh
mother of Glenn ‘61, John ‘63, Lawrence ‘64 , Michael ‘74, Shawn ‘76, grandmother of John ‘92, Timothy ‘07, Michael ‘09, Matthew ‘09, Juan Romero ‘13 †
Elizabeth M. Schultz mother of Michael ‘81
Marie E. Sempek mother of Louis ‘73, John ‘77, grandmother of John Boulay ‘11, Matthew Boulay ‘17, Joseph Boulay ‘20
Mary M. Sheil mother of Timothy ‘79, Michael ‘87, James ‘89
mother of Mead Goedert ‘02, James Goedert ‘04
Patricia A. Smith
Gayle M. Ross
mother of Timothy ‘71, grandmother of Brian ‘94, Taylor ‘09
mother of Erich ‘91
Mary E. Stankiewicz
CREIGHTON PREP
Like many learned men in the Society, Father Dutkiewicz collected a number of degrees during his formation studies, including bachelor’s and licentiate degrees from Saint Louis University and another from St. Mary’s College (Ks.). After chemistry studies at Marquette University, he went on to serve in teaching and administration twice at Campion High School in Prairie du Chien Wisconsin before becoming principal and a math teacher at Prep.
30
During his 11 years in the Principal’s Office, the faculty that started with the new Prep campus began to retire, and he responded by hiring two dozen new teachers. Father Dutkiewicz was perhaps best known for his leadership in the summer after the May 6, 1975 tornado severely damaged Prep. He worked long hours to help get the school back in order and, amazingly, ready for classes again in August.
Jacob Mertes stepson of Debbie Edney and James Edney ‘67†
Molly M. Rosenbohm daughter of Stephen F. Dwyer ‘62† and Nancy Davis, sister of Steve Dwyer ‘92, Matthew Dwyer ‘94
FACULTY OR STAFF
Stacia Stavneak
former faculty member and principal
mother of Raymond ’67, great-grandmother of Nathan ‘24
Charles Northcutt
Yvonne L. Sullivan
Jane O’Brien
mother of John ‘71, grandmother of John Treinen ‘06, Daniel Treinen ‘08, Kevin Treinen ‘10
Father Eugene Dutkiewicz, S.J. had an enormous impact in his 73 years in the Society of Jesus, including at Creighton Prep. He was born in Milwaukee and attended Marquette University High School before joining the Jesuits just a few months after his 1948 graduation.
daughter of Mary Jo and Robert Haller ‘65†, sister of Jeffrey ‘03
Rev. Eugene M. Dutkiewicz, S.J.
Elaine M. Tolan
June 4, 1931 - January 24, 2021
Jennifer M. Haller
mother of David ‘78†
mother of David ‘82
Rev. Eugene M. “Dutch” Dutkiewicz, S.J.
CHILDREN
Dolores M. Van Osdel mother of Mark ‘84
Jennifer L. Varner mother of Evan ‘13
Katherine C. Waring mother of J.P. ‘73, Thomas ‘80, grandmother of Mark ‘06, Thomas ‘20
Dolores E. Washington mother of Maliek ‘94
Arlis K. Wattier mother of Jeremy ‘93†
Bette L. Weekly mother of J. William ‘69†, Thomas ‘70, Michael ‘74†, Matthew ‘79, grandmother of Cian ‘21
Cecilia J. Wortmann mother of James ‘13, Ryan ‘17, daughter of James Klosner ‘52†
Rosemary P. Zukaitis mother of John ‘67, Mark ‘68, Raymond ‘69, Stephen ‘72, James ‘81, grandmother of Patrick Longo ‘00
former cook in the Jesuit Residence former librarian, wife of James ‘55, mother of James ‘78, grandmother of James Gerken ‘24, daughter of Ernest Coad ‘32†
To notify Creighton Prep of the passing of a Prep community member, contact Terri Haller at THaller@CreightonPrep.org or (402) 548-3845.
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(402) 399-6194 13625 California Street Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 EFT Call Jennifer Jones, donor relations, at (402) 548-6228. VENMO
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