Alumni Kudos

Lisa Hembry ‘68

Lisa Hembry, class of 1968, retired in 2017 as President/CEO from Literacy Instruction for Texas. After graduating from Southern Methodist University, she spent her career in nonprofit management, broadcast journalism and elected county office. She currently serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Trinity River Authority, pursuing her commitment to a healthy environment. Ms. Hembry says being an African American in a high school that, at the time, was primarily white students, prepared her to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Bishop Dunne gave her tools for college, but she says the most invaluable experience was learning, “When we open ourselves to understand and collaborate with others, then it’s possible to achieve anything.”

Angela Maverick ‘87

Angela Maverick, class of 1987, earned a BA from Loyola University, and a JD from Texas Tech University. She is a partner with Andrews & Barth, P.C., a commercial real estate law firm. She is an active member of Our Friends Place, the Dallas Bar Association, the BD 100 Dinner committee and Attorneys Serving the Community, a group that raises money for nonprofits serving families in need.

For Angela, one of the most important things about Bishop Dunne was getting to know people from diverse backgrounds. Those friendships have lasted, she says, as have the lessons she learned. “As a result of [my] years at Dunne, I feel compelled to promote more equitable access to resources to reduce disparities that negatively impact the well-being of a large portion of our community.”

Lydia Torrez ‘74

Lydia Torrez, class of 1974, has had a long career in education. After graduating Bishop Dunne, Lydia attended Dallas Baptist University, earning a degree and certification to teach first through eighth grades and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. Lydia worked as the director of advancement at Bishop Dunne for more than 18 years. She recently returned to St. Cecilia Catholic School to serve as principal. She also teaches yoga to children.

“Catholic education is my life. I am passionate about what I do because I believe in the value of a Catholic education.” She credits the teachers she had at Bishop Dunne with helping her find her vocation: “I have always been a teacher. Bishop Dunne helped me realize that it was my calling.”

Alum ni Kudos

Michael Alfers, better known as Mike or Coach Alfers by faculty and students alike, has a long and rich history with Bishop Dunne Catholic School. A class of 1997 alumnus, Michael is the second of his family to graduate from Bishop Dunne following his older brother, Andrew ‘91. Michael’s parents, Dr. Kenneth and Molly Alfers, have also supported and served in a plethora of roles, from working as Bishop Dunne Ambassadors to advancing the mission of the school through committee work. currently an upcoming senior at St. Mary’s University working toward earning her Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. Upon graduation, Amanda’s involvement in the school community and College Ready Academy helped Amanda and her parents in working through the transition

Generational Strength - Mike Alfers ‘97 and The Dads Club

In 2001, Michael returned to Bishop Dunne to begin teaching sophomores and seniors and coaching basketball. In 2016, Michael’s daughter, Isabelle, became an alum and went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas. Michael’s son, Lewis, attended Bishop Dunne as well. Now, Michael and his wife Christina, are raising their son, Gabriel, a future Falcon. Michael is also pursuing his Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame under the Remick Leadership Program, which fosters the development of school leaders in Catholic education.

In response to COVID-19, Michael and the Dads Club connected with local Bishop from high school to college.

Amanda entered college with the advantage of proper academic preparation, and it is her hope that many more students will benefit from the opportunities presented at Bishop Dunne. She has completed undergraduate biomedical research through two summer internships at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and one academic year of research at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in labs focused on neurodegenerative disease research. Dunne-affiliated restaurants to provide meals for Bishop Dunne families. Michael and the other dads began delivering meals in early April, providing food to more than 60 families. Businesses like Smokey John’s BBQ, owned by brothers Juan ’89 and Brent ’95 Reaves, generously offered to provide one free meal to each family for every meal the Dads Club purchased. The Dads Club has also supported restaurants with Bishop Dunne connections, such as El Taxequeno Taqueria, bbbop Seoul Kitchen, Taco y Vino and Odom’s BBQ. Bishop Dunne is proud to spotlight Michael, an alumnus, parent of

Amanda Garcia, class of 2017, is

CRA Graduate has Eye on PhD

alumni, teacher, coach and Falcon.

Amanda is currently conducting research at St. Mary’s in an immunology lab and plans on earning her PhD in biological sciences after graduating in spring 2021.

“With my PhD I hope to contribute to the successful prevention and/or treatment of diseases and essentially decrease the amount of individuals who are misdiagnosed or unable to receive proper health care.”

Amanda is a proud Falcon for life, and Bishop Dunne is honored to have such a driven alumna.