Creighton Prep magazine - Winter 2020-2021

WINTER 2020-2021

FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS & FRIENDS

MAGAZINE

PREP NAMED A 2020 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL 04

REFLECTIONS ON PREP TEACHERS 05

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE As many of you know, our school received a great honor earlier this fall when the U.S. Department of Education named Creighton Prep a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School.

We were one of 367 schools selected from a wide spectrum of pre-k through high school candidates and one of only 50 non-public institutions to make the list.

The news lifted us here above the COVID clouds to a place of thanksgiving for our many colleagues who have worked so hard to get us here. We also realized what a blessing it has been to have you, our tremendous alumni, parents and friends, supporting us toward this achievement in countless important ways.

It is not easy to cross the National Blue Ribbon Schools threshold. For a non-public school to be considered in the Exemplary High Performing category, the students must, for example, score in the top 15% in reading and math tests on at least a state, if not national, level and the school must have a current graduation rate of 95% or better.

If you meet these performance marks and a number of other eligibility criteria, an enormous John Naatz amount of detail on curriculum, instruction, school culture and success strategy has to be included in the application. Here, my thanks go to Head of School Jim Bopp and theology teacher Mattie Olsen for getting it all put together in a way that reflects both the complexity and heart of what Prep is all about.

Of course, the daily heartbeat of our success is our superb faculty, present and past, so it’s fitting that this issue is dedicated to them. As you read through the cover story, I hope it brings back memories of the Prep teachers who were there for you at a critical moment or helped change the course of your life or the life of your son, grandson, nephew or friend.

Please join me in thanking God for these special people in the same way that Ignatius advises near the end of the Spiritual Exercises: “to ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.”

With the season of giving upon us, take a moment to celebrate their contributions by helping someone else with the generosity and care you remember about them.

God’s blessings,

CREIGHTON PREP

John Naatz President Creighton Preparatory School

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VOLUME 64 NO. 3 WINTER 2020-2021 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 John Naatz JNaatz@CreightonPrep.org Executive Assistant, President's Office Colleen Kirk CKirk@CreightonPrep.org Head of School Jim Bopp JBopp@CreightonPrep.org Chief Financial Officer Alex Zimmerman AZimmerman@CreightonPrep.org Vice President of Advancement Rick Berger ‘76 RBerger@CreightonPrep.org Principal Gifts Officer Brad Burks ‘00 BBurks@CreightonPrep.org Director of Annual Funds Max Huerter ‘09 MHuerter@CreightonPrep.org Director of Events Amy Knight AKnight@CreightonPrep.org Director of Communications Olivia Poggenpohl OPoggenpohl@CreightonPrep.org Donor Relations Grace Cominoli GCominoli@CreightonPrep.org Advancement Associate Terri Haller THaller@CreightonPrep.org Advancement Administrative Support Stephanie Kremla Heng SKremla@CreightonPrep.org Communications Specialist Pat Neary ‘78 PNeary@CreightonPrep.org

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COVER STORY

Reflections on Prep Teachers Fr. Bill O’Leary, SJ

IN THIS ISSUE Best of the Best 04 Prep is a 2020 National

in Teaching 14 Alumni Men for Others

Keeping Prep Special The Greatest 21 During 25 Comeback Fall Semester

C In hecking 18 With Teacher and

2020 Loyola 22 The Honorees

Leading Classrooms

Blue Ribbon School.

05 Reflections on

Cover Story

Critically-Acclaimed Author Ron Hansen '66.

Prep Teachers

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Faculty/Staff: New Arrivals The Latest in a History of Excellence

19

Give to the AMDG Fund Now More Than Ever, Prep Needs Your Help

and COVID-19.

Recognizing Greatness

& Climbing 23 Serving in Tanzania

By Thomas Nordquist ‘22

Prep Football Scores 29 Unanswered in a Game for the Ages.

Updates 26 Alumni Here & There In Memoriam 28 Please Remember

Fall Sports 24 Accomplishments in

Prep News 20 Highlights from Campus

Cross Country, Football and Tennis

MARK YOUR CALENDAR CHECK CREIGHTONPREP.ORG/EVENTS FOR UPDATES.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

8th Grade Scholarship & Entrance Exam Register at CreightonPrep.org/Exam

6th/7th Grade Pre-Entrance Exam Register at CreightonPrep.org/Pretest

BASH The Heider Center/virtual

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021

MAY 21-22, 2021

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony See CreightonPrep.org/Events for details.

Jubilarian Reunions for the Classes of 1970 and 1971

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021

MARCH 26 TO APRIL 16, 2021

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

Virtual CP Trivia Night See CreightonPrep.org/Events for details.

eBASH See CreightonPrep.org/Events for online location.

Graduation for the Class of 2021 The Heider Center

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021 Father-Son Mass See CreightonPrep.org/Events for details.

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2020 BLUE RIBBON

Prep Named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School A big thank you goes out to everyone in the Prep community for this honor, which was announced on September 24, 2020 by Betsy DeVos, U.S. Secretary of Education.

“This is exceptional recognition of the outstanding education we provide at Prep and the key role it plays in our formative process,” said Creighton Prep President John Naatz in a release to

he drive that our teachers “ Tand staff have always had

to keep Prep the premier secondary school in Omaha really made it possible.

"

RYAN ZABROWSKI ‘96 Board of Trustees Chair

CREIGHTON PREP

the media that day. “I congratulate our Head of School Jim Bopp, his faculty leadership team and our dedicated

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teachers, present and past, who have exceeded our expectations for delivering a compelling curriculum.”

In a message to alumni, parents and friends, John thanked them for their commitment that “makes Prep possible for so many in need and provides us with the opportunities to hire the best and the brightest.” He also noted the critical role their generosity plays in allowing the school to offer deserving young men “a four-year journey that is academically rigorous, spiritually rich and powerfully other-centered in preparing them for college and a life of servant leadership.”

“I wish everyone in our community could witness the devotion of our teachers that John and I see here at Prep,” said Jim Bopp. “They are exceptional in engaging students with learning, raising the expectations that the young men have of themselves and providing them with the support

needed to meet those expectations.

They model for students the commitment and compassion that are so important to their success as Men for Others now, in college and long after they leave their studies behind.”

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to congratulate everyone at Prep on this achievement,” said Board Chair Ryan Zabrowski ‘96. “The drive that our teachers and staff have always had to keep Prep the premier secondary school in Omaha really made it possible.

Today, we see it in the extra work the teachers do to make the in-person and online experience of the same class excellent for both student audiences.

It’s also apparent in the relentless focus by staff to keep everyone in the building safe and healthy and to manage operations, fundraising and communications effectively through COVID-19. Great job, CP!”

REFLECTIONS ON PREP TEACHERS

THINKING BACK ON YOUR PREP EXPERIENCE, WHO HELPED YOU? ALUMNI FROM DIFFERENT ERAS GIVE US THEIR ANSWERS. Is it the teacher who guided you deftly through a subject that was challenging? Is it the faculty member who coached you in a sport, club or activity where your interest and talent flourished?

Is it the one from a parent-teacher conference with an insight that helped you see your son in a

Greg Glenn '70

new way? Or is it the Prep teacher in your circle of friends or neighbors whose generosity of spirit made your first impression of the school a lasting and positive one?

On the heels of the 2020 National Blue Ribbon School announcement, we thought it fitting to take a look back at the impact of Prep teachers and coaches (plus two principals and an assistant principal) through the memories of some alumni from different eras, starting with the most recent and moving back in time. Together, those memories span approximately 70 years, nearly half of Prep’s incredible history.

John Geringer

They (Dr. Geringer and Mr. Glenn) came into the classroom and Prep environment every day with the idea that working at Prep is more than just a job, that shaping the future of their students is by far a much more important mission than clocking in and out to teach a subject.

Brandon Kreikemeier ‘16

been a part of, did feel like a family. I always felt like I had people who were rooting for me to do well.

That you were supported and they were cheering for your success.

"

Hank Jenkins ‘06

Jackie Schulte

By the end of the first week of school, It felt like she knew me better than I knew myself. She directed me on how to do things and how to carry myself in my daily life. She kept the same amount of pressure on my social and academic development from the time I walked in the doors at Prep until the day I left.

Tyson Smiley ‘16

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In short, they went beyond what was required of them and were more than just teachers for a lot of guys.

I think Prep, almost more “ than any other group I’ve

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COVER STORY

he Creighton Prep teachers and “ Tcoaches motivate the students to be

their best. To dedicate ourselves to lifelong learning through discipline and curiosity. To accept failure as part of life and learn from mistakes. And to celebrate success.

Barbara Hake

Mrs. Hake introduced me to my favorite book of all time — “The Great Gatsby” — and really gave me a new appreciation for reading. She found ways to make each student in her class feel like they were capable of more than they thought.

I am forever grateful for all the faculty that I was able to learn from and know during my time at Creighton Prep and who I continue to engage with today.

"

Kelly Zach ‘03

Hank Jenkins ‘06

Josh Luedtke ‘90

Brad Burks ‘00

CREIGHTON PREP

During sophomore year, I was going between the JV and varsity basketball teams.

So, Brad was only my coach for two or three games but he still remained close, like a mentor or a big brother, and you just never forget when someone really cares about you.

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Hank Jenkins ‘06

I had the opportunity to play basketball under Josh Luedtke throughout my high school career. After a poor game, he walked up to the chalkboard in the locker room and wrote "5:30 AM" on it and then walked away in silence.

We got the message and our team gathered for practice the next day before school. I recall it being one of the better practices we ever had.

Coach demanded our best. And disciplined us when we weren't.

Kelly Zach ‘03

REFLECTIONS ON PREP TEACHERS

Pat Mooney

As my JV, varsity, and Legion baseball coach, Coach Pat Mooney was a significant presence in my life. He taught us the value of thousands of hours of practice and taking your responsibility on the field and your commitment to your teammates seriously every single day.

Lynn Groff

He also instilled in his team a bit of an edge and a swagger. A confidence that tells the other team they’re going to get our best shot today.

Mr. Groff was big on accountability. Senior year, we had a track meet at Kearney High School. I was a few minutes late for the bus going there and he/the team departed without me. I was upset and ultimately had to still attend classes that day.

After further reflection and a debrief with Mr. Groff, it was a great learning opportunity about being prompt, accountable and having humility. Today, I coach track & field at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

James Gildon ‘01

Chad Kreikemeier ‘99

he entire experience has had a lasting “ Timpact on my life, and I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to attend Prep! " James Gildon ‘01

Bill Laird was both my teacher and my advisor as the leader of our volunteer organization, Operation Others. He pushed us to get outside of our comfort zones, to think beyond ourselves and to measure each of our individual impacts on our community around us.

Bill Laird ‘66

Chad Kreikemeier ‘99

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He taught us to focus on and remember the “others” that the rest of the world may have forgotten. But he went further than that. He showed us how to take the next step: to take action.

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COVER STORY

Dick Bayer ‘55 Tom Dineen ‘67 (left)

Tom Dineen was my wrestling coach my freshman year at Prep and also taught me geometry. Great instructor. Really knew how to teach and get true learning through to kids. After my sophomore year of football, I shattered my femur in an accident and was laid up in a hospital for almost three months. Tom wrote me a letter I received at sophomore retreat that was very uplifting to me. It centered around “keeping the faith” and “not giving up.” I’ll never forget that.

I struggled with the math portion of the entrance exam.

So, my weeks in summer school with Mr. Bayer were long, but he had a way of teaching me and encouraging me so that the time went fast and the days were a positive part of that summer.

James Naylon ‘85

Jeff Sauvageau ‘79

he instructors at Prep were all 'matter of fact' instructors. You always knew where you “ Tstood.

They cared for you. They were invested in your well-being. I am proud to say

that my son Brock is a junior at Prep, and it's an even better school today than it was when I attended. James Naylon ‘85

"

CREIGHTON PREP

Fr. D. really was a spiritual guide through my first few years at Prep.

He knew that my father had lost his job and was out of work, and he gave me the spiritual strength to believe I could make the Prep payments on my own by mowing lawns, working with Greg Boulay and his brothers installing sprinklers and even starting a music group with Greg that helped pay all the bills. I even had enough left over to buy my first car.

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Fr. Eugene Dutkiewicz, SJ, principal

I never felt defeated or despondent in those years, and I am quite sure it was because of Father Dutkiewicz and so many others who helped me gain spirit and strength.

Jeff Sauvageau ‘79

REFLECTIONS ON PREP TEACHERS

I was fortunate enough that I was in Fr. Bill O'Leary’s U.S. History class right away, first semester. He was the guy who collectively made us feel comfortable and really instilled confidence in us. I can remember him telling us, “Look, you can do this.”

He knew the guys who were struggling in class. So he would ask them questions that they could answer in front of everybody and build their confidence. To have that as my first encounter at Prep made a real impression on me.

Tim Riddle ‘74

Fr. Bill O’Leary, SJ

I had Fr. Hindelang for Latin my first and second years. When he opened the door to the classroom, he would say to us “Salvete, pueri.” (Hello, boys.) And, of course, our response was “Salve, Pater.” (Hello, Father.) He was strict in class but, outside of it, he was the gentlest human being you’d ever want to run into.

John Green ‘67 Fr. Charles T. Shinners, SJ, assistant principal

My memories sometimes turn toward some of the faculty who provided me with a foundation which allowed me to be who I am today. The Jesuits who come to mind most often are Fr. Shinners, Fr. Hindelang, Fr. Kanne and Fr. Niemann.

Frank Spenceri ‘61

Fr. Michael Hindelang, SJ '25

Tom Brosnihan '53

Frank Spenceri ‘61

Dudley Allen (left) with Don Leahy ‘47 and Bernie Berigan ‘48.

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If you look at the three mentors I met at Prep — Dudley Allen, Don Leahy and Tom Brosnihan — they were mentors in my life. They were the reasons I became a coach and the reasons I helped people with investments.

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COVER STORY

I so admired Don Leahy. Not only was he an outstanding coach but an outstanding individual. I struggled to try and make his baseball team, and he could see that I really wanted to play. So, he would let me hang on through the last cutoff.

Fr. Mark Niemann, SJ

Fr. Mark Niemann was a tremendous teacher. He taught me linguistics, not just English and Latin, and he made it fascinating.

Don Leahy ‘47

George Baca ‘59

As a history teacher, he showed much patience with me because it was not one of my better courses.

Jerry Smith ‘58

CREIGHTON PREP

Fr. Thomas Halley, SJ

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A remarkable priest. A great teacher. A great inspiration to all of us at Prep looking at the religious aspects of life. A very personable guy, very concerned about the students and always giving you good words of wisdom.

Jerry Smith ‘58

He walked into our class (we were freshmen), it was probably the first game (Prep vs. South), September 1951, and he said as everyone stood quiet, “There’s a football game tonight and, after the football game, if you’re stopped by the police and they ask, ‘Where do you go to high school?,’ your answer will be, ‘I used to go to Prep.’”

Peter DeMarco ‘55

Fr. Henry Sullivan, SJ '10, principal

REFLECTIONS ON PREP TEACHERS

I had Fr. Kanne for a religion class senior year. He was very intense but you just knew that he wanted to answer your questions and he wanted us to learn the subject.

I admired him. He also had the Apostleship of Prayer meeting in the morning before school once a month, and I was part of that.

Fr. Charles Kanne, SJ '13 Mr. Dennis McCarthy, SJ

A very brilliant fellow and spoke fluent Latin. So if you wanted to communicate with him in Latin, you could. I think he also taught Greek and he knew a great deal of Roman history. He helped with the debate team, too.

The debate topic in '53 or '54 had to do with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

So he took it upon himself to read the founding document of NATO and said, “You should cite this if you’re on the positive side of the argument because it cannot be refuted.”

So we brought the positive argument to a debate with Central and they were completely flummoxed.

What could they do? He was great and became one of the premier world scholars on the Dead Sea Scrolls.

He taught Spanish at Prep, and would go back and forth with questions from the book to get conversation going with the class. He was very down-toearth, practical and so cordial.

Gene Lilla ‘51

Fr. John G. Auer, SJ

We honor all the teachers, coaches and administrators mentioned here and the many others who built a foundation of excellence alongside them. That foundation stands firmly as a platform of success for all those leading Prep classrooms today and the ones who will follow in the years ahead forming men of faith, scholarship, leadership and service.

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Peter DeMarco ‘55

Gene Lilla ‘51

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FACULTY & STAFF NEWS

FACULTY AND STAFF: New Arrivals Here are the newest members of the Prep faculty and staff who are supporting the formative mission of the school and adding their own chapters to Prep’s history.

Madeline Braukmann works in the Dean’s Office and on improving classes in the math department.

She enjoys Prep and is grateful to be a part of it. “I love the people I work with. The students have also been great and I have enjoyed my time in the classroom.”

Haley Briggs studied mathematics, theology and education at Creighton University. She is teaching Algebra I, Advanced Algebra I and Geometry, and co-moderates Prep Students for Life. Haley hopes to assist on service immersion trips, and her favorite part of Prep is being a member of such an amazing community.

Director of Recruitment Aurora Driscoll Barker came to Prep after working at Creighton University. With colleagues Josh Luedtke and Olivia Poggenpohl, she communicates with students and their families about the admissions process. “Whether I'm working with prospective families, Prep students or faculty and staff, I'm enjoying every minute of it.”

Amber Emanuel teaches American Literature, Contemporary Literature and Composition, and she coaches the new bowling team. Amber described her Prep experience to date as “warm and welcoming” and also noted, “Everyone — staff and students — has been so helpful and made sure I feel like part of the community.”

Cody Everett works at the front desk

CREIGHTON PREP

Before teaching physics at Prep, Kurt Brueske served in the U.S. Air Force, taught at the United States Air Force Academy and helped develop weather satellites at Raytheon Technologies.

He looks forward to helping form “the next-generation of compassionate, outwardly-focused, multi-disciplinary thinkers” and to being a good role model.

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School nurse Katie Corrigan said her first few months at Prep has been excellent in the midst of the pandemic. “I am very fortunate that I can practice nursing and my faith together!,” she said. “I also love educating people on health issues and helping our community stay safe.”

as part of the High School Office team and said her Prep experience has been “very enjoyable and fun!” Working at Prep also allows her to see her sons Jack ‘22 and Davis ‘24, their friends and other Prep parents she knows.

“Absolutely amazing” is how counselor Rachael Gandossy described her first few months at Prep. “The community as a whole, between students, faculty, parents and the administration, has been nothing short of supportive and welcoming,” she said. “I am beyond excited to walk into the building and start my day.”

Max Huerter ‘09 works as the Director of Annual Funds, and his fundraising helps make a great Prep experience possible for all students. A favorite part of his job is hearing from donors about Prep’s impact on them.

“This truly is a special place that carries on a great tradition.”

John Jenkins came to CP from Loyola Blakefield in Baltimore and teaches Spanish I and II. His time at Prep has been “great” so far, and he plans to help with the trapshooting and/or lacrosse team. “The people are what I like best about being at Prep,” John said.

Erin Kast, SJ teaches sophomore chemistry and is moderating the Science Competitions and Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) clubs. He is especially grateful to have “a phenomenal mentor teacher” and to teach students who are “thoughtful, patient, and respectful despite my many mistakes.”

Alumni Volunteer Corps (AVC) member Brandon Kreikemeier ‘16 is prefecting five sections of calculus and a Community Period. He’s also moderating Prep Accepts, the Black Student Alliance and the CP Practical Leadership Club.

“I’m connecting with teachers on a different level than when I was a student.”

“My experience has been great so far,” recalled freshman and sophomore English teacher Christopher Saeli. He moved to Omaha from New York, and enjoys working with the students here. “Despite the challenges this year, everyone seems excited to be back in the classroom.”

Christopher is moderating the Chess Club.

Nate Schimonitz ‘16 is a member of the AVC and moderates classrooms for teachers that need to work from home because of COVID-19. He helps with three algebra and three Spanish classes. The relationships he has built with faculty, staff and students are the favorite aspects of his job.

Class of 2015 alumnus Tyson Smiley is another AVC member who covers classes for those who have to teach remotely because of the pandemic. He works as an assistant varsity basketball coach, too, and marvels at the work his co-workers put in to make Prep a special place.

Liz Vokal is an administrative assistant in the High School Office, helping with a variety of projects and tasks. She has had a wonderful experience at Prep thus far and noted the kindness and generosity of her colleagues and the people in the Prep Family Association as high points.

Wayne State College graduate Abigail McCaslin teaches integrated science and

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chemistry, and co-moderates the Science Competitions Club with fellow chemistry teacher Erin Kast, SJ. “I think the best thing about Prep is getting to interact with the students,” she said. “They always have a smile and an excitement to learn.”

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PREP ALUMNI

PREP ALUMNI MEN FOR OTHERS IN TEACHING Being part of a transformative high school experience as a student at Creighton Prep can be the catalyst that directs them as alumni into a variety of professions including teaching.

As a result, we were interested to find out from alumni teachers who their teaching or coaching inspirations were while they were at Prep. What was that person’s impact? Did they help them better understand a subject, decide on a college major or choose their career? Or was it the impact of the Prep teaching staff as a whole that was the biggest influence?

Here are some of their responses.

He was a true renaissance man: from his car collection to performing as a drummer in a local band, to playing a very mean game of tennis, to the morning strength conditioning regimen he followed.

DICK FLAGG

CREIGHTON PREP

Mr. Flagg nurtured my intellectual curiosity and drive for excellence and inspired me to become a teacher.

He knew the material exceptionally well, his explanations were crisp, and he was always welcoming to students.

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Years after he retired, I ran into him and his wife Jen at Mass.

He shared that he was tutoring a current Prep student, the son of a former student. His wife shared that he would prepare for five hours to tutor this student for one hour.

Amazing passion, commitment and excellence.

He was one great teacher among many I had the fortune of having at Prep. Other notables include Mr. Bruno, Miss Edwards and Fr. Kurimay.

Mike Higgins ‘75 Honors Physics Teacher Creighton Prep

LYNN GROFF Jimmy Hansen, Lynn Groff and Jim Hansen ‘81 at the 2012 Nebraska state high school track meet.

I was so excited when my sons reached the state track meet. I would take each of them and introduce them to Coach Groff and visit with him. It really meant a lot to me, and still does today. He was as instrumental and meant as much to me as my father, and I know he never knew that all of these years.

They always tell teachers and coaches that they will never see the impact they had on their players and students until much later in life, maybe until after they are gone. I was never the best student or athlete or the most popular, but I had a great experience in my years at Prep.

It helped make me the person I am today, and hopefully my students and players had as great of an experience in high school as I did, and I hope I worked for them as hard as the teachers and coaches I had worked for me.

Jim Hansen ‘81 Retired English Teacher, Varsity Assistant Football Coach Pius X Catholic High School Lincoln, Nebraska

My experience in athletics at Prep is what propelled me into a teaching and “ coaching career. I was not a talented athlete by any means, but I wasn't afraid to work hard and I learned so much by being around great coaches and teammates.

I learned about teamwork, sacrifice, being part of something bigger than myself, and that the team was THE most important thing.

"

It wasn’t until I actually started teaching that I could fully appreciate what a tremendous impact Mr. Naatz and CP had on my life. I found myself referring to the lessons I learned often, and I tried to share those life lessons with my students.

And, I found myself smiling fondly as I reminisced in my head about all the wonderful times I had at Prep.

FR. JIM MICHALSKI, SJ Fr. Michalski showed me that passion, creativity, and the humanities are legitimate and complementary components to a meaningful classroom experience, especially in theology.

Tom Hoover ‘81 Theology Teacher Creighton Prep

JOHN NAATZ Hands down, Mr. John Naatz was the teacher that has made a lasting impression on my whole life. Not only was he a phenomenal Man for Others, but I had the privilege of having him as a teacher multiple times throughout my years at CP, and each time was terrific.

Jay Lowndes ‘88 English Teacher, Department Chair, Building Coordinator, Loveland Integrated School for the Arts Program Mountain View High School Loveland, Colorado

He expected us to be our best and work to our potential. He always welcomed my requests for help but never once spoon-fed me. He made me think for myself and express those thoughts in decent writing.

Brother Peltz let everyone in the CLC (Christian Life Communities) group see the human side of a person in a religious order. He related to each one of us more as a friend than as an authority figure. This changed the way I saw and interacted with clergy for the rest of my life. I guess you could say my view matured through those interactions.

Tom Pacer ‘92 Design Technology Teacher Creighton Prep

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BR. JERRY PELTZ, SJ

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PREP ALUMNI

use their pencils and that they should get up and push their desks to the wall and sit on the floor for the quiz.

JIM SWANSON ‘82 I remember Swanny teaching us a lesson on the difficulty people living in third-world countries have in meeting their basic needs. He divided the class into three groups and said that we were all to take a quiz worth 50 points.

I remember the outrage that filled the room and so many of us complaining that this was just not fair. I can still see Swanny in my mind at the front of the room with a patient grin, allowing everyone to express their anger. He listened as we pled for him to reconsider.

I think this lesson was the first time I ever felt a fraction of the grief that others in our city and world must feel when they have to struggle.

Jerry Kinney ‘95 Honors Spanish Teacher Creighton Prep

He instructed the group of students he assigned to be from a "first world country" that they could use their notes, their textbook and their pencil to complete the quiz. He let the students "living" in a second world country know that they could only use their pencil to complete the quiz, and he told the students "living" in a third world country they could not

PAT BECKMANN

What was remarkable about Patti is that she helped me to understand and enjoy a subject matter in which I had always struggled.

She helped me to develop important study skills such as taking good notes when completing my homework, and she had a way of presenting material on one of the old overhead projectors that made it easy for people like me (who struggle with math and science) to understand.

Dave Lawler ‘95 Director of Campus Ministry, Service Coordinator and Theology Teacher Creighton Prep

Upon taking calculus, I developed a deep respect and love for math that I never had before, and I wanted to share that with others.

Jake Moore ‘06 Math Teacher, Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach, Reserve Basketball Coach Duchesne Academy

CREIGHTON PREP

CHRIS GOODRICH ‘98

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Taking calculus with Mr. Goodrich is what made me want to become a math teacher. I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but prior to calculus, I wanted to be a history teacher.

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Duchesne Academy)

One thing I think is really cool are “ the relationships that I still have with many of the teachers there. They have now become teaching colleagues and friends.

"

Ted Stessman ‘07 English Teacher Creighton Prep

MORGAN HELTON

JIM FISHER ‘85 The teacher that made the biggest impact on me was probably Mr. (Jim) Fisher. I was never great at math or really enjoyed it, but he made it so it was enjoyable. He was always happy to see the students, and I looked forward to his class every day.

Morgan Helton is the reason I became an English teacher. He’s a master at connecting students’ interests with course content. His sense of humor always kept me engaged.

The cool part about the “ teachers at Prep is that

James Justice ‘07 Social Studies Teacher Creighton Prep

everyone generally seemed like they loved their job and were passionate about their teaching.

"

DAN KENNEY ‘93

Prep teachers always made you “ feel appreciated. They did so

"

Ryan Wieczorek ‘09 Secondary Resource Special Education Teacher Westside Middle School

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much to help you grow into a better person, as well as a student.

You really knew they cared about you, and wanted you to succeed.

They were able to motivate you, and help you do or learn things you didn't think were possible.

Dan Kenney was my theology teacher during my freshman year in 2005-2006. He taught Hebrew Scripture, and I still credit him for my knowledge of the Old Testament because of the connections he was able to create for his students. Dan has an amazing ability of weaving in his life experiences that made every day enjoyable and hysterical.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

CHECKING IN

with teacher and critically-acclaimed author Ron Hansen '66.

Ron Hansen, Class of ‘66, is still writing about cowboys. “The stories are just so good,” he told me during a phone conversation from his home in California, where he serves as the Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ Professor in the Arts and Humanities at Santa Clara University. “That’s why I write about the Old West.”

CREIGHTON PREP

But it was never the working cowboys that interested him. No, he has always preferred the troublemakers, Jesse James and Bob Ford, Billy the Kid. “I’m more interested in cowboys in town. I’m interested in what cowboys do during their off time. You know, Jesse James never wore chaps. He only wanted to cultivate the look of a gentleman.”

18

In addition to his widely successful 1983 novel “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” which became an acclaimed 2007 film starring Brad Pitt, Ron has published two other novels about the Old West — “Desperadoes” and “The Kid” — and, more recently, edited Library of America’s “The Western,” a collection of four classic novels by different authors: “The Ox-Bow Incident” by Walter Van

Tilburg Clark, “The Searchers” by Alan Le May, “Shane” by Jack Schaefer and “Warlock” by Oakley Hall.

Each book contributes something essential to the genre in terms of character or moral conflict. Human stories that unfold against an austere and unforgiving frontier landscape, a landscape Ron remembers well from his own childhood.

and artists feel “ Wlikeriters outsiders. [Growing

up], I hungered to become a fiction writer but never talked about it because my stories were only slightly better than average, but I felt encouraged to go on inventing by my instructors.

"

“Nebraska is the western United States.

Land west of the Missouri River; that’s the West, and that was my experience growing up around Omaha. I never had to go far to find railroads and cornfields

and all the other remnants of the nineteenth century, the Old West.”

For all his interest in the outlaw culture of the Old West, Ron has never felt the urge to become anything like his subjects. “All these things that criminals had a yen for, action and risk, are much more interesting on paper,” he said, emphasizing that a writer’s excesses are better left on the page than allowed into his life, a practice he learned during his school years at Creighton Prep.

“Writers and artists feel like outsiders.

[Growing up], I hungered to become a fiction writer but never talked about it because my stories were only slightly better than average, but I felt encouraged to go on inventing by my instructors. It was my good fortune that, Deo gratias, I got into Prep.”

BY JOHN WATERS '05 John Waters is a deputy assistant secretary of homeland security, in the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.

Honor Someone Who Made a Difference in Your

PREP EXPERIENCE GIVE TO THE AMDG FUND DURING DECEMBER. Six generous alumni families have agreed to match all AMDG Fund donations up to a total of $250,000.

YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL HELP: › › › › ›

Provide over $3 million financial assistance to students in need.

Support the work of our counseling professionals.

Keep a range of programs and activities exceptional.

Maintain a healthy lunch program for students, faculty and staff.

Cover major health and safety expenses related to COVID-19.

THE NEED IS GREAT. THE TIME IS NOW.

WAYS TO GIVE CREIGHTONPREP.ORG/GIVE MAIL A CHECK IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE TO: CREIGHTON PREP 7400 WESTERN AVENUE OMAHA, NE 68114-1878 CALL 402-548-3830 VENMO @CREIGHTONPREPANNUALFUND WINTER 20-21

19

PREP NEWS

HIGHLIGHTS from CAMPUS SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

OCTOBER 4, 2020

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Eight Selected as National Merit Semifinalists

Spanish and French National Honor Societies Welcome 22 Students

Sophomores Learn About Futures in the Workplace During Career Day

Congratulations to the following seniors whose outstanding academic achievements led to their selection as Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program: Maximus Lauritsen, Michael Lukaszewicz, Benjamin Lyons, Colin Mahoney, Dominic Mendlik, Jackson Morris, Kevin Prososki and Patrick Rogers.

Program finalists will be named in February then a smaller group of those will be announced in the spring as scholarship recipients.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

21st Annual Men For Others Golf Classic a Success

Congratulations to the new members of the Spanish and French National Honor societies. Fourteen students from Prep were selected for the Spanish NHS and eight for the French NHS. To qualify, these students demonstrated excellence and proficiency during their studies of these languages. All were inducted during the October 4 ceremony.

OCTOBER 19, 2020

Musician and Singers Recognized With All-State Honors

CREIGHTON PREP

Over 100 Prep supporters hit the links at Omaha Country Club on a beautiful day to raise money for financial aid at Prep through the 21st annual Men for Others Golf Classic.

Congratulations to Tom Walker and his son Colin Walker ’08 on winning the overall tournament. Since the tradition of the Men for Others Golf Classic began, over $2 million has been raised in support of our students.

20

After months of practicing and rehearsal, 12 Prep students received recognition this fall for their excellence as musicians and singers. Selected to the All-State Band were Aidan Boone, Joe Buckley, Henry Davis, John Dickas, Liam Doyle, Will Ernatt, Ethan Noon, Sean Patterson and Jacob Quiros, and named to the All-State Choir were Isaac Kenney. Matt Kielian and Eddie Smith.

In addition, Tony Garret was the first Prep violinist ever to audition for the All-State Orchestra. While he was not selected, he helped set a precedent for future students looking to excel in the musical arts.

Second-year students had the opportunity on that day to hear from a range of alumni, parents and friends about different career possibilities, some of which they had expressed interest in beforehand. Speakers included those from the fields of medicine, law enforcement, civil engineering, accounting, technology, construction, aviation and more. Alumni in the law and entertainment industries even attended via videoconference from Minneapolis and Los Angeles.

Another Career Day is planned for spring 2021 for sophomores who were learning online from home on November 9 because of the hybrid learning schedule.

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Student Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent Congratulations to these seniors who will be continuing their academic and athletic careers at the next level, and thanks to their families and friends for supporting them toward this achievement.

Jake Boor, Creighton University, Golf Ryan Brakke, Creighton University, Soccer Tony Pray, Brown University, Wrestling Rex Soulliere, University of Dallas, Golf

KEEPING PREP SPECIAL

IN AN EXTRAORDINARY TIME

Football watch party

Student activities, Masses, retreats and club events helped maintain a sense of brotherhood and community for students during fall semester.

When students returned for the new school year after a spring of learning fully online then a break over the summer, there was no doubt that Prep would look different because of COVID-19.

Director of Student Activities Sara Smith organized an event schedule that contained four varsity football watch parties and Spirit Week in October.

At the watch parties, over 200 students cheered on the Junior Jays from the Sullivan Center as precautions were taken to ensure their safety such as having the food individually packaged.

During Spirit Week, they enjoyed Pajama Day, Jersey Day and College Shirt Day plus a performance by the CP Dance Team at halftime of a football game with Papillion-La Vista South.

College Shirt Day

Starting in August, everyone was in masks, the students ate lunch surrounded by plexiglass, and “Blue” and “White” cohorts of Prepsters attended school on a rotating schedule of in-person and online learning.

In addition, the Mass of the Holy Spirit that usually begins the school year in front of a packed Heider Center crowd went “high tech” as many watched the celebration led by Archbishop George Lucas over the internet.

Club events included Student Council meetings, a Latino Student Association gathering, a Bro-Ha-Ha gaming night and induction ceremonies for the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Members of Prep’s Habitat for Humanity chapter also led cleanup days in Elmwood Park and Benson Park.

To keep people more connected, ToMorrow Labs students even thought of organizing a meeting table where their peers could sign up to meet with friends over lunch. While it’s not certain this plan will be implemented, it’s clear that changes will continue and that faculty, staff and students will rise to meet them.

WINTER 20-21

Despite those changes, faculty, staff and students stepped up to ensure that the core of the Prep experience remained the same.

Other large gatherings, such as retreats and Masses, saw changes, too. Instead of the traditional off-campus location, the September Junior Encounter took place at Prep where the use of numerous classrooms and the Skinner Chapel helped retreatants keep socially distant while growing closer spiritually.

Faces of Christ retreat

21

LOYOLA HONOREES

Congratulations to the 2020 LOYOLA HONOREES The four Loyola honorees for 2020 have distinguished themselves in their outstanding service and commitment not only to Creighton Prep but to many people and organizations in the larger Omaha community. They are examples to us all of how to live in Christ’s image.

Due to COVID-19, the dinner and award ceremony to honor them has been moved to October 2021 at a date still to be determined.

SWORD OF ST. IGNATIUS

TOM BELFORD '71

The Sword of St. Ignatius award is given to honor a person who has striven to demonstrate exemplary service for the Greater Glory of God (AMDG).

This sword symbolizes the unique spiritual virtues associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola: courage, loyalty and service to the Catholic Church. Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, Ph.D. will be the recipient of the 2021 Sword of St. Ignatius award.

The Hall of Fame award is given each year to individuals who have displayed distinguished service to Prep as teachers, staff, coaches, alumni, parents or friends. The primary consideration is to honor individuals who have provided direct service to the school and who are good examples of living personal lives of faith and service. Tom Belford '71 will be inducted into the 2021 Creighton Prep Hall of Fame.

ANCILLA DOMINI

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

CREIGHTON PREP

GERRY LAURITZEN

22

HALL OF FAME

REV. DANIEL S. HENDRICKSON, SJ, PHD

The Ancilla Domini award is given each year to a woman characterized by her caring, nurturing and unselfish dedication to her faith, family and community. The celebrated life is an example of how to use to the fullest the gifts given to her by God. The 2021 Ancilla Domini award recipient will be Gerry Lauritzen.

DAVE HEFFLINGER '65

The Alumnus of the Year award is given each year to an individual who embodies the values Prep aspires to instill in its graduates through a commitment to living a life devoted to serving others. Dave Hefflinger '65 will be honored as Creighton Prep’s 2021 Alumnus of the Year.

Dr. Luke Nordquist (center left) and son Thomas Nordquist '22 (center right) meet with representatives of the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre.

When some doctors from Africa were visiting Omaha last year, my dad (Dr. Luke Nordquist) and I became interested in working with the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Moshi, Tanzania. It’s one of only three cancer centers in the entire country. Because cancer care isn’t readily available, patients sometimes have to walk more than six miles just to receive or continue treatments.

Because of that, some don’t go and get the help they need.

Although It’s partially named after my dad’s dad who died of cancer, the fact that they still wanted to name it after me was completely shocking. It’s been life-changing being involved in a whole other culture and having those connections to be able to help others. Once you visit there, it’s like you’re entering a family, and I am always getting texts from them asking how I’m doing and how everyone here is.

From there, my dad and I went on a trip with an amazing guide who is also a cancer survivor, Sean Swarner, to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s the highest peak on the continent at nearly 20,000 feet. On summit day (August 4), we started at midnight, and you could see forever in the sky and what seemed like a mile long trail of headlamps slowly heading up this enormous mountain.

Later on at the top, you could see Tanzania, all the cities there and also Kenya on the other side of the mountain.

We also visited the Serengeti, which was amazing with all the animals, and I will probably travel back to Tanzania again in the next 1-2 years. It was an amazing opportunity to increase my understanding of third world poverty, and it showed me a whole other side to life that not many people see.

BY THOMAS NORDQUIST '22

Showing Prep spirit at the top of Mount. Kilimanjaro.

WINTER 20-21

To address the problem, the K.C.M.C. doctors knew they needed a place on their property where families could stay and kids could go to school while siblings or parents received cancer treatment, So my dad and I committed to helping them raise $250,000 to fund construction of a new building and help pay for some of the schooling. In July, we traveled to Tanzania, and I presented a $100,000 check to the doctors toward that goal. In gratitude for our work, the medical board decided to name the facility the Thomas Nordquist Cancer Hostel.

Thomas presents the check to help with new building construction and schooling costs.

23

FALL SPORTS

VARSITY 1ST

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA KEARNEY INVITATIONAL

2 ND

DISTRICT A-4

3 RD

STATE (Henry Slagle 11th, Jack Schembari 14th)

16:34 MILLARD WEST INVITATIONAL Dennis Chapman, fastest time ever run by a Prep freshman.

CROSS COUNTRY

JV 1ST

MILLARD WEST INVITATIONAL (in division)

FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES

Dennis Chapman, John Burns, Henry Slagle and Alex Davis complete in the District A-4 meet in Lincoln on Saturday, October 15th.

1ST

BELLEVUE WEST CROSS COUNTRY FESTIVAL (in division)

VARSITY 6-3 RECORD STATE QUARTERFINALS 26TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS A STATE QUALIFIER WINNINGEST FOOTBALL PROGRAM IN NEBRASKA HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY AS TABULATED BY

JV

FRESHMAN A

6-1 RECORD

2-7 RECORD

SOPHOMORE

FRESHMAN B

5-4 RECORD

2-5 RECORD

FOOTBALL Keyshawn Pettis gets the team ready for the playoff game against Millard South.

VARSITY 8-1 DUAL RECORD 1ST

MILLARD WEST INVITATIONAL

1

METRO CONFERENCE

ST

JV CREIGHTON PREP

UNDEFEATED DUAL RECORD

24

TENNIS Shawn Ramachandran delivers a powerful serve, hoping for an ace.

1ST

MILLARD WEST INVITATIONAL

1

FREMONT INVITATIONAL

ST

THE GREATEST COMEBACK

Prep vs. Millard West In Creighton Prep’s storied football history, there have been plenty of outstanding moments, when grit, determination and sheer willpower were summoned by the Junior Jays to answer the call in a big game. When talent, mental toughness and the brotherhood between teammates carried the day in the face of adversity.

Jack Stessman runs for a second-half touchdown.

On Friday, September 25th, another of those moments took place when Prep reeled off a school-record 29 unanswered points in a fury of 4th quarter scoring to complete a 29-26 win over Millard West.

The turnaround began with a 28-yard touchdown run up the middle by junior Jack Stessman then the extra point by kicker Pat Foley that made it 26-7. “What made that play successful was having everyone involved,” noted Jack. “It really shows what kind of team we are.” Both he and quarterback Sam Meysenburg ‘21 were also quick to credit the offensive line. “They paved the way,” recalled Sam. Shortly thereafter, Prep drove to almost exactly the same position again and called this time on fullback Max Sanders who sprinted 31 yards to score.

“That was a trap play that happened to pop,” said Tim. “If we don’t get either of those in the end zone, you may not win because the clock is running."

Also crucial was a successful two-point conversion pass from Sam to senior receiver Alex Bullock, who Tim called “the most competitive kid I’ve ever coached” and whose recruiting profile has continued to rise with his play as a defensive back, too.

Scoring through the air continued on another drive when Sam found senior tight end and Husker recruit AJ Rollins for a 13-yard score.

“AJ is just a baller,” Sam remarked.

“We’ve worked so hard and we deserved to win that game,” commented AJ. “With it being Senior Night, it was ten times more exciting." A short time later, junior Ryan Kearney’s 65-yard fumble return for a TD and a two-point conversion run by Max iced the game for Prep.

Tim thinks the challenge of a 10-day quarantine from the coronavirus was a key turning point early in the season.

“Ever since then, our kids practiced at a higher level and played at a higher level.”

(Game statistics courtesy of the Omaha World-Herald. Photos courtesy of the Jay Journal.)

Alex Bullock makes a great catch to seal the win.

WINTER 20-21

“I’ve never been in a game like that.

Ever,” said Head Coach Tim Johnk.

“We had a couple of comeback-win situations last year but nothing down by that much with that little time left.” So what explains Prep’s success in those situations? “Our kids are resilient as heck. They just are. Their mental approach and their competitive edge in that last nine minutes was really pretty special.”

Sam Meysenburg delivers a pass late in the game.

25

ALUMNI UPDATES

HERE

THERE

1950s Tom Kutilek ‘57 and his wife Annette celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2020.

1960s 1 Fr. Frank Majka, SJ ‘63 lives in Milwaukee and has published a number of his reflections in the book, “God Isn’t the Hurricane: Quick Reads on Faith and Life.” Those interested in ordering copies can contact Frank at frank.majka@gmail.com. The book is a publication of Legacy Preservation in Omaha where one of the founding members is his classmate Jim Fogarty ‘63.

1970s 2

Mike Pirtle ‘71 is now the Chief Judge of the Nebraska Court of Appeals, a position to which he was appointed by the Nebraska Supreme Court. In his new role, Mike will work with Chief Justice Michael Heavican of the Nebraska Supreme Court to manage the operations between the two courts.

Mike May ’73 was promoted to Associate Editor of the Catholic Voice newspaper in Omaha. He has been with the paper since 2015.

Patrick Stibbs ‘78 sold his screenplay for “The Call” in 2019, and the movie was released on October 2, 2020 in over 250 theaters and drive-ins nationally.

He is also the owner of On the Spot Productions, an advertising and event marketing company.

Tim Kerrigan ‘86 is a commercial real estate broker at Investors Realty, Inc. and was named by the Midwest Real Estate News to their Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame.

Jim Mullen ‘87 is now the Chief Legal and Risk Officer at TuSimple, a company that is building a network of freight-moving vehicles that operate autonomously using advanced technology.

1990s

1980s Chris Kennedy ’83 is Manager of Network Development at ATNI in Castle Rock, Colorado. On June 20, 2020, he was ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Colorado Springs and is assigned to St. Mark’s Parish in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

The Greater Omaha Chamber recently announced the appointment of W. Todd Johnson '84 to the position of senior vice president of economic development.

Jim Hood ‘98 has been promoted to president of Home Instead Senior Care and reports to CEO and fellow current Prep parent Jeff Huber ‘87.

John McCann ‘98 is a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Methodist Hospital.

2000s Bank of the West Director and Credit Division Senior Manager Brandon Mason ‘01 was named by the Midlands Business Journal to its 2020 40 under 40 class.

2

1

CREIGHTON PREP

3

26

3

Jim Huerter ‘07 was promoted this year to Senior Vice President, business banking team lead at Security National Bank in Omaha. His work focuses on lending to businesses, from small organizations to larger industrial and commercial concerns.

4

Matt Neaderhiser ’07, Director of Innovation at Holland Basham Architects, was recently promoted to a senior associate position in the firm.

He was the lead architect of the Lannon Learning Commons and bell tower that opened on the Prep campus this past January. Matt and his wife Tara look forward to the birth of their first child in December.

2010s 5

Men for Others from the Class of 2011 came together in mid-August for the first annual Zach Beck Golf Tournament at Harborside International golf course in Chicago.

Zach was a classmate who passed on

February 28, 2020. Pictured are Joey Bartolomei ‘11, Max Geier ‘11, Aiden Hook ‘11, Flannery Balthazar, Patrick Jimerson ‘11 and Scott Bates ‘11.

6

Andrew Taylor ‘11 completed a master’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of Rochester in 2017 with an emphasis on signal processing and music acoustics.

He now works in Dresden, Germany for Klippel GmbH, a provider of audio measurement solutions that help companies develop and test speakers, headphones and other audio products.

Jonathan Latka ‘13 completed his law degree at Creighton University and is now practicing at Fraser Stryker PC LLO in Omaha. He is the son of Bill ‘76 and the grandson of Bill ‘49.

He now records audio versions of news stories for the blind through his work at Radio Talking News Service.

Among his favorite memories of Prep are his former co-workers. “My colleagues were the best,” he said. “They are incredibly dedicated people and will do anything to help the students get better.”

Current Parents President and CEO of Methodist Hospital and Creighton Prep Board of Trustees member Josie Abboud was honored by the Institute for Career Advancement Needs and Kiewit with the ICAN Leadership Award at the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference held virtually on August 19, 2020. She and her husband Jay '88 are the proud parents of Xavier, a Prep junior.

Faculty/Staff 7

Ron Suprenant recently retired from teaching for 15 years in the English department at Prep.

7 5

4 6

WINTER 20-21

27

IN MEMORIAM

PLEASE

REMEMBER

ALUMNI

Thomas J. Duffy ‘60

William J. Johnston ‘53

(04/20/20)

Jerome J. Adamek ‘56

brother of Robert ‘49

George R. Kohler, ‘64

Patrick “Pat” Broderick ‘58

Francis P. Fogarty Jr. ‘57

†

brother of Gregory ‘60, Mark ‘63

son of Francis ‘22†

Daniel J. de la Vega ‘49

John F. Gibbs Jr. ‘50

(01/18/20)

father of David ‘73, Don ‘76, Gregory ‘80

brother of Frank ‘36†

Gerard E. Glenn ‘50

Robert B. Duffy ‘49

(12/29/19)

brother of Thomas ‘60†

Michael L. Higgins ‘59 brother of John ‘50†, Daniel ‘55

brother of Fred ‘60†, James ‘65

John F. Krager Jr. ‘48 Charles E. Lanning ‘72 David J. Lanphier Jr. ‘82 son of David ‘63, brother of Dominic ‘84, grandson of Lawrence ‘31†

R. Gregory Lawler '66 (04/13/20)

brother of Richard ‘67†, Ronald ‘69, Randal ‘72

John F. Lubeley ‘51

Donald F. O’Leary ‘49

CREIGHTON PREP

widow of James ‘38, mother of James ‘65

Theresa F. Kohanek widow of Thomas ‘42

Kathryn A. McAndrews wife of Thomas ‘49, sister of Edward Degan ‘52 widow of Edward ‘46, mother of William ‘76

Judith A. Pistillo

wife of William ‘52

Rosemary K. Sledge wife of James ‘63, mother of James ‘90, Joseph ‘91, grandmother of Nicholas ‘23

Jean M. Targy

brother of Robert ‘42†, John ‘44†

widow of James ‘49, mother of James ‘74†, Stephen ‘77, John ‘78

Stephen J. O’Neill ‘77

Joanne K. Tusa (06/26/20)

(12/11/2019)

wife of Richard ‘65

Rev. Steven P. Ryan ‘70 brother of Kevin ‘70

Rev. James F. Schwertley ‘46

FATHERS

Anthony R. Seina ‘57

Donald D. Bienhoff

father of Anthony ‘82, brother of Ross ‘60, Sebastian ‘62

Robert L. Shomaker ‘58 brother of William ‘57, Thomas ‘65

Dennis E. Smith ‘62

28

Helen J. Hiykel

Esther K. Seipel

Msgr. Nelson A. Newman ‘46 (04/30/20)

“He was a joy, full of life and conversation, and much admired,” said former Prep president Fr. George Sullivan, SJ ‘62 . “Just awesome.”

widow of Thomas ‘60

Michael A. Milone ‘66 son of William ‘26†, brother of James ‘55

When he noticed an opening in the languages department at Prep, he applied. After a brief interview with a Jesuit at the school and a simple handshake, he was hired in 1969 and accepted the job not even quite sure what his salary would be. That was the beginning of a Prep career that included Teacher of the Year honors in 1983 and induction in the Hall of Fame in 1997. After retiring from Prep, he went on to teach part-time at the University of Nebraska Omaha until the fall of 2019.

Josephine A. Duffy

brother of James ‘47 , Claire ‘48 , Robert ‘61 †

William L. Monahan ‘51

One of the most beloved faculty members at Creighton Prep, teaching Spanish at the school for nearly three decades, Gerry and his family fled the Castro regime in Cuba, eventually settling in Miami in the early ‘60s before moving on to Nebraska, where he completed his college education and taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

WIVES

wife of John ‘61, mother of Matthew ‘90†, Thomas ‘94

†

September 25, 1931 — July 14, 2020

OCT. 31 2020

Joyce McKenna

brother of George '67†

Robert L. Limbeck ‘79

Gerardo H. Machado

JULY 01 2020

father of Shane ‘89, Ryan ‘93, Corey ‘95, grandfather of Brady ‘14

William J. Sternad ‘61 (02/24/20)

George M. Stryker ‘57 Harold “Hal” Stuben ‘54 son of Harold 1924†, brother of William ‘57†, John ‘60

Charles F. Usher Jr. ‘47 (01/10/20)

Michael H. Ward ‘62 brother of Aloysius “Joe” ‘54, J. Daniel ‘55, Thomas ‘56†

William W. West ‘70 brother of Robert ‘72†

father of Peter ‘91†

Herman Cain father of Vincent ‘97

Angelo Cappellano father of Luciano ‘77†, Dean ‘79

James E. Chamberlain father of James ‘89, grandfather of Luke Drelicharz ‘22

Ronald L. Christensen father of Scott ‘80, Todd ‘88, Kevin ‘90

Mac A. Johnson stepfather of Kevin Burnett ‘87

Duane S. Kanne father of Steven ‘91

Ronald A. Kohles father of Michael ‘75, Daniel ‘77

Michael D. Kozlik father of John ‘08

†

Rev. Steven P. Ryan ‘70 May 15, 1952 — July 20, 2020

Like many in the Society of Jesus, Steve Ryan was a gifted student and traveled far and wide in his work for the greater glory of God.

Steve joined the Jesuits after graduation from Prep then received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Saint Louis University and Loyola Marymount University, teaching at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee for a year in the interim. He also taught at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix and was ordained on the Creighton University campus at St. John’s Church in 1982.

From there, he earned a master’s in divinity at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley and worked in campus

ministry at the University of San Francisco. Other career highlights included a Ph.D. in American Literature at the University of Texas at Austin, pastoral duties in Austin and Temple, Texas churches, outreach ministry at Food for the Poor, service in Georgetown, Guyana and work for Cross Catholic Outreach. He was the chaplain for the Creighton University School of Dentistry from 2013-2020.

(Biography information courtesy of the Omaha World-Herald. Photo courtesy of Creighton University.)

George Kramer

Delores M. Bilek

Ruth McLeay

Cheryl A. Tomlinson

father of Joseph ‘88

mother of James ‘75

mother of Andrew “Oren” ‘97

Frank J. Kurtz

Linda Sue Blair

father of Scott ’86, Steven ‘88

mother of Daniel ‘86

James W. Maenner

Elizabeth K. Cooney

stepfather of John Delich ‘12

mother of Patrick ‘86

Donald A. Moray

Jane Dunn

mother of John ‘76, Mathew ‘77, Bartholomew ‘77, Peter ‘80, Paul ‘86, Thomas ‘90, grandmother of John ‘00, Ryan ‘02, James ‘04, Michael ‘05, Bryce ‘06, Peter ‘07, Scott ‘11, Matthew ‘11, Benjamin ‘15, Jack ‘15, great-grandmother of John ‘20, Zachary ‘24

Vivian E. Trumbauer mother of Brian ‘85, grandmother of Connor Kelley ‘08, Kyle Kelley ‘12, Brennan Kelley ‘16

Margaret M. Vencil mother of Daniel Clements ‘81, Michael Clements ‘83

mother of W. Patrick ‘85, Daniel ‘87, grandmother of William Wharton ‘22

Mary Jane Meehan mother of Daniel ‘85

Rose A. Weeks

Vincent G. Mueller Jr.

June “Irish” Gallagher

Anna Lou Micek

mother of John ‘65

father of Brian ‘88

mother of Mark ‘74

Oral “Jim” Olson

Pamela Garrett

father of Gregory ‘94, grandfather of Justin Lampe ‘99, Ryan Lampe ‘02, Adam Misek ‘16

mother of Ronald ‘97

stepfather of John Ryan ‘86†, Kevin Ryan ‘88

Sebastian J. Sequenzia father of Samuel ‘71, grandfather of Steve ‘04

Alfred Siragusa

Sandra L. Harding mother of Matthew ‘86, Andrew ‘92

Joann M. Hopp

father of Timothy ‘84, Daniel ‘85

mother of Russell ‘66, grandmother of Timothy ‘05

Raymond P. Sorys

Juanita Kerrigan

mother of John ‘70, Gregory ‘73, Maurice ‘79, grandmother of Benjamin ‘06, Andrew ‘09, Jason Kwong ‘19

Celeste M. Micek mother of Edward ‘63

Marian A. Pirruccello mother of Michael ‘86

father of Robert ‘00, Brett ‘04

Mary “Marcy” Kleber

Nancy A. Searl

James A. Taphorn

mother of William ‘98

father of John ‘86, Joseph ‘89

MOTHERS Ola M. Anderson Beverly J. Bianchi mother of Ronald ‘73

mother of Thomas ‘73, grandmother of Robert Howell ‘94, Scott Howell ‘96, Joseph Howell ‘99

Donna Jean Matz mother of Jay ‘86, grandmother of Michael ‘14, Andrew Heldt ‘07, Bradley Heldt ‘09

mother of Mark ‘80 mother of J. Scott ‘81, Christopher ‘83, Jeffrey ‘84, grandmother of Nolan ‘09, Colin ‘11, Nicholas ‘12, Jack ‘14, Benjamin ‘15, Joseph ‘17, Thomas ‘18

Mary Ann Staroski mother of Daniel ‘99

Stacia Stavneak mother of Raymond ‘67, great grandmother of Nathan ‘24

(Please Remember continued on page 30)

WINTER 20-21

mother of Marcus ‘89

Winifred R. Kouba

mother of Charles ‘79, Edward ‘80, grandmother of Patrick Hanlon ‘04, Joseph McMahon ‘07, John Woltemath ‘16, Elias Troshynski ‘22 (correction from the summer issue)

mother of Michael ‘74, Gary ‘79

Bernice L. Renken

Robert J. Stover

Mary Rae Wolf

Elizabeth “Bette” Moran

mother of Timothy ‘86 (correction from the summer issue)

father of Kurt ‘82

Denotes Deceased

29

IN MEMORIAM

CHILDREN Colleen M. Anderson daughter of Paula and Thomas ‘76

Matthew T. Bausch

Michelle A. Mundt daughter of Patricia and Robert ‘65

Suzanne C. Sullivan daughter of Ann and Raymond Peter ‘32†, sister of John ‘67, Joseph ‘69

son of Cindy and Thomas ‘65

Jonathan Cavanaugh

Rev. James F. Schwertley ‘46

son of Jaynee and Joseph ‘66, grandson of Joseph ‘43†

FACULTY OR STAFF

Constance E. Cofield

Gerardo H. Machado

(05/01/20)

January 29, 1929 — July 8, 2020

Fr. Jim Schwertley was a man of many talents.

After graduating from Prep, he went on to study journalism at Creighton University then to service in the U.S. Air Force before joining the seminary and being ordained in 1961. He also had a keen interest in bodybuilding and won championships at local, state and regional levels.

His career included work in seven Omaha parishes, as a chaplain at Archbishop Rummel High School (now Roncalli Catholic) and as a pastor at St. John the Baptist in Fort Calhoun. Jim retired from there in 1999 to the St. Mary Magdalene Parish back in Omaha.

daughter of Ernest Coad ‘32†

Charles J. McGinn

father of Gerardo ‘74, Jose ‘78, Robert ‘82, grandfather of Joseph ‘16

son of Ellen and Leo ’39†

Jill A. Rolf

Barbara Merrill

mother of Lynn Coghill 85, grandmother of Jack Coghill ‘19

daughter of David Manhart ‘46†

To notify Creighton Prep of the passing of a Prep community member, contact Terri Haller at THaller@CreightonPrep.org or 402.548.3845.

He was perhaps best known for his many years as an addictions counselor, helping countless people through Catholic Charities with their recoveries.

For a decade, Jim also wrote about addictions as a columnist for the Catholic Voice. In recognition for his service as a priest, the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton presented him with the Pope John Paul II Award in 2012.

(Photo and biography information courtesy of the Catholic Voice.)

LORD, AND RECEIVE ALL MY LIBERTY, MY MEMORY, MY “ TAKE, UNDERSTANDING, AND MY ENTIRE WILL. ALL I HAVE AND

CREIGHTON PREP

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CALL MY OWN. WHATEVER I HAVE OR HOLD, YOU HAVE GIVEN ME. I RESTORE IT ALL TO YOU AND SURRENDER IT WHOLLY TO BE GOVERNED BY YOUR WILL. — St. Ignatius of Loyola

"

PLAN TODAY TO LEAVE A LEGACY TOMORROW Since its founding in 1878, Creighton Prep has been supported in a significant way by planned gifts from generous donors. These gifts have left a lasting impact, helping Prep continue its commitment to form men of faith, scholarship, leadership and service in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition.

PLEASE JOIN THEM TODAY BY PLANNING A FUTURE GIFT TO PREP THROUGH ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

› A living trust. › Retirement funds. › Life insurance. › A will. › An IRA charitable rollover.

YOUR GIFT CAN BE MADE IN THE FORM OF:

› An operating or endowed scholarship. › A donation to the AMDG Fund. › A bequest in honor of a favorite teacher. › A contribution to an area of the school or program that is meaningful to you.

Members of the St. Ignatius Heritage Society are invited to special events and are recognized in the Creighton Prep annual report.

TO NOTIFY PREP OF YOUR GIFT PLANS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MAKING A PLANNED GIFT TO PREP, CONTACT BRAD BURKS ’00, PRINCIPAL GIFTS OFFICER, AT 402-548-3803 OR BY EMAIL AT BBURKS@CREIGHTONPREP.ORG.

“I remain grateful for the education and experience I received during my time as a Prep student,” said Tom Kelley ’94 , who along with his wife Kara are St. Ignatius Heritage Society members.

“My wife and I have chosen to include Prep in our planned giving for the impact that the school has made on our family and continues to make in our community. We look forward to having our sons experience all that Prep has to offer and the opportunity to help advance the mission for years to come.”

REUNIONS FOR THE ALUMNI CLASSES WITH YEARS ENDING IN 0 AND 5 HAVE BEEN POSTPONED TO 2021.

Reunion Weekend for alumni with class years ending in 1 and 6 is scheduled for September 24-25, 2021

Jubilarian reunions for the 50th anniversary classes of 1970 and 1971 are planned for May 21-22, 2021 WINTER 20-21

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON YOUR REUNION OR TO HELP WITH PLANNING, CONTACT THE PREP ADVANCEMENT OFFICE AT (402) 548-6218 OR ADVANCEMENT@CREIGHTONPREP.ORG.

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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT NO. 887

7400 Western Avenue Omaha, NE 68114-1878 CreightonPrep.org

E H T D A E V TE A S BASH 2021 PLANNING IS NOW UNDERWAY. STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM PREP IN THE MONTHS LEADING UP TO THE EVENT. WINTER 20-21

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