Alumni Spotlight

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 in 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 of Bishop Dunne from high school to college.

Amanda entered college with the advantage of proper academic preparation, and it is her hope that many more students are able to 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. connected with local Bishop Dunneaffiliated 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 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,

Amanda Garcia, class of 2017, is

CRA Graduate has Eye on PhD

parent of 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.