Collegiate Institute at Bishop Dunne

In spring of 2020, Bishop Dunne began offering students a dual diploma program through its newly established Collegiate Institute (CI), which allows students to earn 60 college credits during their high school years. CI students who successfully complete the program earn their high school diploma, while also earning an Associate’s degree from Dallas College at no additional cost. It’s an excellent way for students who plan to attend a state university in Texas to earn credits that will be accepted toward a bachelor’s degree, thus reducing college tuition and time in school by nearly half. CI is offered to freshman students as part of a four-year program. Bishop Dunne offers the majority of these classes on campus so students are able to continue their extracurricular activities and study on campus.

Incoming CI students are grouped each year in a separate cohort to receive academic and social development support in preparation for college. Our third cohort will be joining the program in fall 2022, bringing our total number of students enrolled in CI to more than 100!

Dr. Elizabeth Malveaux-Hudson leads the CI program. Current eighth grade students who are interested in applying to the program must complete an application along with an essay and pass the TSI by the end of ninth grade year.

Club Highlights

Medical Society Club

The Medical Society Club officers led members of this newly reformed group as they met regularly and were guided this year to explore topics related to the medical field. Students were able to hear some wonderful firsthand experiences by our very own athletic trainer, Coach Tye! They participated in fun medical Kahoot review games, and even wrote letters to themselves during COVID times so that they may reflect on them later in life. In addition, students collaborated with the STEM department in learning how to use the laser cutter with Mr. Sosa. Lastly, students worked hard by volunteering to restore prairie and protect wildlife with the Texas Conservation Alliance on two occasions: the Trinity River Audubon and the Buckeye Trail in Blair Park. Although students were made aware of programs including junior medical volunteering and medical career days, they are looking forward to an increase in guest speakers, field trips, and internships in the future, as well as becoming a more established group within the community and on campus in the years to come.

Campus Ministry

Julia Daniel ‘22, was the recipient of the Golden Falcon Award for both Theology and Campus Ministry.

Campus Ministry participated in our annual spiritual retreats for grades 6-10, assisted by our amazing group of Student Captains from grades 11 and 12. We were able to visit the Catholic Conference and Formation Center where we enjoyed playing ridiculous games and relays, crafted along with the retreat theme while spending valuable time building lifelong friendships and growing in faith.

Our seniors had a two-day retreat at the Mt. Lebanon Retreat Center and our juniors, a one-day retreat at Ascend Camp and Retreat Center. We participated in horseback riding, archery, Gaga ball, basketball, volleyball, futsal, crafts, dance parties and the quintessential campfire song sessions!

This year we installed the Stations of the Cross in the Chapel and met each Friday to pray together for Team Lent. We had an outstanding turnout, and many people prayed the Stations of the Cross for the first time in their lives. We practiced almsgiving through the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl program in our religion classes. Finally, we practiced fasting in unique ways (abstaining from social media and soft drinks) for a week at a time to focus on solidarity in prayer and spiritual growth.