Message from the President

s I reflect on my tenure at Bishop Dunne, it is amazing how quickly time has passed. It seems like yesterday I first drove down Rugged and walked through the doors for the first time. I was told that Bishop Dunne was special; I quickly learned the truth of that statement.

Falcons are special and our community is unique. I have been blessed to serve as principal, president, teacher, and advisor during these last five years. The energy students bring to our halls always makes me laugh, bringing me immense joy and making my work at Bishop Dunne fulfilling.

AOur faculty works each day to make the Bishop Dunne experience complete for our students. They are committed to our mission and inspire our students. They remind me each day how educators can make a difference in the lives of our students.

The board of directors is deeply committed to the school and its future and I’m grateful to have had the good fortune to work with them. Their strategic work has helped shape the future of the school. As we have seen in the search for my successor, the board, under the leadership of Homero Gonzalez ‘92, continues to devote time and talent to helping shape the school’s future.

Since my conversation with leadership in the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Dallas, I immediately knew the diocese and the Bishop were committed to making Bishop Dunne a focus of their attention.

Dr. Alonzo and former superintendent Dr. Vereecke supported me and Bishop Dunne through challenging times, especially during the pandemic. They remain committed to our school and to ensuring our students can excel and reach full potential.

I leave Bishop Dunne with mixed emotions. I will miss the daily interactions with students and staff and the energy that comes as school opens at the start of a new year. I am also excited about my new adventures and having the flexibility to spend more time with my family, especially my young grandchildren. I am grateful to every member of the Bishop Dunne community. I am forever a Falcon!

Mary Beth Marchiony

Administration Changes Principal, Stephen Guerrero Assistant Principal, Michael Alfers ’97

Long time Bishop Dunne faculty and staff members Stephen Guerrero and Michael Alfers ‘97 assume principal and assistant principal roles

Mr. Guerrero came to Bishop Dunne in 1997 and has served as a teacher, coach, and administrator. As assistant principal, he worked with our faculty to ensure our students have a robust and well-rounded experience. He has coached cross country, wrestling and track and served as middle school athletic director. In 2009, Mr. Guerrero was awarded the Work of Heart Award and was named the Diocesan Distinguished Teacher of the Year in 2015. Mr. Guerrero trains diocesan educators and coaches in the Play Like a Champion program. He serves the St.

Elizabeth of Hungary parish as a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Guerrero earned a master’s degree in Kinesiology from East Texas State University and a master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Notre Dame as part of the Remick Leadership Program. Throughout his years at Bishop Dunne, Mr. Guerrero has been a leader who has directly impacted the student experience.

Serving with him as assistant principal is Bishop Dunne alumnus Michael Alfers, former assistant director of the Middle School. Mr. Alfers graduated from Bishop Dunne in 1997 and returned in 2001 to teach and coach. He earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the

University of Notre Dame as part of the Remick Leadership Program. Mr. Alfers earned a Work of Heart Award in 2006 and 2020. He was recognized as the Diocesan Teacher of the Year and the State Catholic school Teacher of the Year in 2021. He has coached basketball at both the middle school and varsity level and was the TAPPS Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2011. Mr. Alfers guides the Dads Club and leads the student mentorship program. Mr. Alfers will report to Mr. Guerrero and together they will oversee the daily operations of Bishop Dunne.