Creighton Prep magazine - Winter 2022-2023

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Creighton Prep Community,

This year at Prep, we borrowed a phrase from Pope Francis to challenge our community to pray, dream, and work toward “an ever greater we.”

Throughout our history, countless students, their families, and faculty and staff with no previous connection to our school have been inspired by the bold and beautiful mission of Creighton Prep to come and become a part of our ever wider “we.” And once someone is part of our community, our bonds grow ever deeper. It happens when Prep students find the courage to share deeply and authentically in a small group at Freshman Retreat or a Junior Encounter. It happens when a student forms a deep connection with a teacher and in the process finds a lifelong mentor and supporter. And it happens through teams and activities where students not only unlock gifts and talents they didn’t know they had but also form bonds that last a lifetime.

This mission of forming “an ever greater we” is a mission shared by every single person here at Creighton Prep. However, two relatively new programs at our school can help highlight the mission shared by so many here.

Our Student Support Service program has allowed our institution to make strides in our care for our students’ mental wellness, our meeting students’ learning needs, and our attention to students’ belonging at school. At a time in which many people are rightly recognizing the challenges our students face, it’s a joy to be able to serve in a school that has committed to providing an extraordinary level of care for our students. It’s the very best of Ignatian cura personalis, care for the whole person. We care for the whole person because we recognize that each student is a unique and unrepeatable gift from God, but we also care for the students knowing that when they graduate from Prep as Men for Others, they have the chance to go out into the world and pass along the same care that they have received.

This year is also a great occasion to celebrate the first graduating class of Loyola Scholars. The first cohort of Scholars arrived at Prep seven years ago as sixth grade students. As seniors, the Loyola Scholars are on the cusp of becoming Graduates at Graduation, enriching our building with their talents, personalities and leadership. Seven short years after the program’s foundation, it’s hard to imagine our building without our Loyola Scholars. Our “we” is greater for their presence.

This edition of our magazine hopes to tell the story of the “ever greater we” that both represents what Prep is and also what we hope to be. That “we” doesn’t stop at our doors or at the edge of our campus. The “we” that is Creighton Prep is broad and deep, and we’re so grateful that you’re a part of it.

In Christ’s Mission, Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ Creighton Preparatory School

VOLUME 66 NO. 2 WINTER 2022-2023

PUBLISHED BY Creighton Prep

7400 Western Avenue Omaha, NE 68114-1878 (402) 393-1190 CreightonPrep.org

President Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ MSpotts@CreightonPrep.org

Executive Assistant, President's Office Colleen Kirk CKirk@CreightonPrep.org

Principal Joe Ryberg JRyberg@CreightonPrep.org

Chief Communications Officer Kellie Wostrel, APR KWostrel@CreightonPrep.org

Comm unications Specialist Pat Neary ‘78 PNeary@CreightonPrep.org

Chief Financial Officer Alex Zimmerman AZimmerman@CreightonPrep.org

Vic e President of Advancement Rick Berger ‘76 RBerger@CreightonPrep.org

Advancement Operations Elaine Buescher EBuescher@CreightonPrep.org

Direc tor of Alumni Relations Mike Beacom ‘85 MBeacom@CreightonPrep.org

Dire ctor of Events

Amy Knight AKnight@CreightonPrep.org

Prin cipal Gifts Officer Brad Burks ‘00 BBurks@CreightonPrep.org

Gift Officer

Kevin Van Winkle '02 KVanWinkle@CreightonPrep.org

Advancement Associate Terri Haller THaller@CreightonPrep.org

Do nor Relations

Jennifer Jones JJones@CreightonPrep.org

Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ

Cover Story

Reflections on Prep’s campus development with past and current facilities directors Walt Flint and Kevin Flint ‘79

Greg Glenn ‘70 Retires from Prep

The longtime, beloved faculty member moves to a new challenge in the service of others

ToMorrow Labs Expands

Thanks to the generosity of the Morrow family, new spaces for software coding and robotic design strengthen an already compelling curriculum

Alumni Giving Back at Prep: Part Two More reflections from alumni on giving back with time and talent

Reunion Weekend 2022 Classes ending in 2 and 7 spent time in September sharing stories of the past, celebrating accomplishments and being thankful

AMDG Fund: Help Power the Prep Experience

It’s the sum of all parts that form Men for Others, and your gifts are the power behind it

Prep News Highlights from Campus

The Loyola Dinner of Honor & Distinction

Incredible people, inspiring lives of service

Create Opportunities

Today on PrepConnects Alumni, join now to build your network of fellow Prep graduates, post a job opportunity and promote your business

Sports Night with Jay Bilas Insights from the ESPN star an all things college basketball

Prep Reaches the American Legion World Series

The fifth trip in Head Coach Pat Mooney’s illustrious Prep career

Fall Sports

The latest achievements in cross country, football and tennis

Alumni Updates Here & There

Prep Coming to You in 2023 Watch for a regional gathering near you

In Memoriam Please Remember

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023

6th and 7th Grade Practice Test Visit CreightonPrep.org/Admissions to learn more.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023

Father-Son Mass and Breakfast Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023

CP Trivia Night

T he Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

Grandparents Day

The Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep Calling all Prep grandparents! Join us for the inaugural Grandparents Day from 3:15-5 p.m. for food, a short program and tours of the school with your Prep grandson.

MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2023

Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony

The Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep

SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023 BASH

The Heider Center at Creighton Prep and CreightonPrep.org/BASH

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023

Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2023 and Jubilarian Reunion for the Class of 1973 The Heider Center at Creighton Prep

THE NEW CREIGHTON PREP OPENS

Construction is completed on the “new” 105,000 sq. ft. Creighton Prep at 7400 Western Avenue, which was built debt-free for $1.7 million, thanks to money saved over the years by longtime principal Fr. Henry L. Sullivan, SJ ’10 and school president Fr. Carl Reinert, SJ.

THE JESUIT RESIDENCE IS ADDED

This 50,000 sq. ft. living space opens to house more than 30 Jesuits priests, brothers and scholastics on the south end of the school building. Prior to this, Jesuits were sleeping in empty classrooms, two homes near campus and one in a gym maintenance closet.

THE “TIN GYM” RISES

Built in 1970 by JUG students and volunteers under the direction of Br. Mike Wilmot, SJ, the Tin Gym is added at the north end of the school building, adjacent to the original gym, to provide new space for student and school activities. Even though it is a more primitive structure than the school building and Jesuit residence, it sustains relatively minor damage from the 1975 tornado.

THE HENRY L. SULLIVAN, SJ CAMPUS CENTER ARRIVES

The largest structural change to the school happens with the arrival of the 35,000 sq. ft. Henry L. Sullivan, SJ Campus center on the west side of the school building. It serves as a spacious hub for activities including lunch, Masses and dances. Also included is office space for counseling and campus ministry personnel, and fine arts classes on the second level.

THE JAMES B. AND JOAN C. PETER SCIENCE CENTER EXPANDS SCIENCE EDUCATION

Thanks to a lead gift from Joan and Dr. Jim Peter ’51, five nearly identical class/ laboratory rooms are added on the east side of the school building and four other rooms renovated. After completion, national science scores for Creighton Prep students increase substantially.

School president Fr. John Foley, SJ addresses a crowd at the new Prep

The Sullivan Center under construction in the early 1990's

Fr. Henry L. Sullivan, SJ applies mortar to the cornerstone of the Jesuit residence in 1961

Science Center construction

Walter and Kevin Flint '79 at Prep in November of 2022.

In November of 1963, Walt Flint pulled off to the shoulder of 72nd street to admire a building that he hadn’t noticed before. Creighton Preparatory School had been at that location for about five years. He had been working in construction since he got out of the service, and the jobs were starting to slow down. “I wondered if they needed a carpenter. New building and all,” said Walt. He went home to talk it over with his wife and then applied at Prep for the job.

Walt started as a plant engineer for the school on January 6, 1964, working on HVAC systems, electrical and maintenance under the Assistant Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds Br. James Becwar, SJ, but he didn’t plan on staying long. “I thought I’d just go there for the winter and then I’d go back to construction, but I ran into unbelievably great people,” said Walt. “At the time I started, there were about 40 Jesuits at Prep, so I had a lot of friends here.”

Walt ended up staying for 46 years, seeing the school through major facility updates and expansions, including the Tin Gym (1970), the Henry L. Sullivan SJ Campus Center (1992), the Dr. James B. and Joan C. Peter Science Center (1999), the Cassem Memorial Library remodel (2003) and the Heider Center (2009).

He also saw the school through a catastrophic blizzard and a damaging tornado, both hitting Omaha in 1975, as well as a number

of other weather-related and maintenance events throughout the years. The Flint family lived at the west end of the high school’s property. Walt’s son, Kevin Flint ’79, was walking the halls with his father as a young boy and recalls growing up on the high school’s campus.

“During the blizzard of ’75, I was in eighth grade. I got out of bed that morning, and I remember asking mom where dad was at,” Kevin recalled. “She told me that he had just taken off to walk over the hill to the school. I was like, okay, dad’s old. I need to get my boots on and follow him up the hill. Well … I didn’t follow him up the hill. I couldn’t keep up with him. By the time I finally caught up, he was already in the truck and moving snow along with his crew.”

“Fire drills, tornadoes, windstorms, snowstorms, power outages, there’s a lot of stuff going on,” added Walt. “And there were a thousand people in the building, so when you’re dealing with things, you need to think of the whole place. You can’t think about one room. You got to get into an encompassing mindset of the whole operation. It’s not a hard job, but it’s one that you have to stay on top of. I was on call from 1964 until the day I left – day and night.”

Article c ontinued on page 6

THE CASSEM MEMORIAL LIBRARY BECOMES STATEOF-THE-ART

The Cassem Library reopens to serve Prep students and is featured a few years later on the cover of the May 2007 issue of School Planning & Management magazine. The project also wins the Impact on Learning Award from the Council of Educational Facility Planners.

THE HEIDER CENTER HEADLINES THE LARGEST EXPANSION IN SCHOOL HISTORY

The dreams of a $37 million fundraising campaign are realized in the 78,000 sq, ft. Heider Center that seats 2,240 people. A multitude of other additions are also introduced, such as a new weight room, the Sal Carta ’62 Family Hall of Fame Room, the Hall of Fame lobby, the Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss Auditorium, Jurgensen Park for baseball, Carmen & Don Leahy Stadium for football, lacrosse and soccer, the Daniel J. Murphy Technology Center and the Annette & Paul Smith ’76 Atrium adjacent to the Heider Center that houses new space for the Jay Mart.

THE SULLIVAN CENTER IS UPGRADED FOR A NEW LEVEL OF STUDENT DINING

A full kitchen is added on the south side of the Sullivan Center to accommodate a healthy lunchtime dining service that begins in the fall. Students have a multitude of choices each day, from a hot meal or the sandwich and salad bars. Flavored waters, a row of panini sandwich makers and an ice cream machine are popular, too.

THE LLOYD SKINNER STUDENT CHAPEL IS UPDATED

A generous commitment from the estate of John F. Daly ’33, who centered his life with daily Mass, greatly expands seating capacity in the Skinner Chapel, which has been brightened with new paint and modern LED lighting that further showcases the amazing quality of religious art created by Prep students.

TOMORROW LABS VAULTS TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION TO THE FOREFRONT

The vision of and resources from the family of Thomas A. Morrow ’65 (dec.) helps realize an incredible “maker space” on the lower level of Prep that becomes home to education in software programming, robotic design and self-directed hardware product creation with tools such as 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, and Computer Numerical Control routers and mills.

THE LANNON LEARNING COMMONS FOR A NEW ERA OF STUDENT CARE

An $8 million gift from the Heider Family and fundraising campaign leadership by Cindy and Scott Heider ’81 help usher in a new era of student care in the 53,000 sq. ft. Lannon Learning Commons that opens at the northwest corner of the school building. Named in honor of Prep’s 28th president, Fr. Timothy Lannon, SJ, it is the new home for a comprehensive student support services program, new fine arts classrooms, spaces for students to student and socialize, and the Campus Ministry department. A beautiful glass exterior, plaza and bell tower accent an outstanding design.

Cassem Memorial Library Renovation

New Heider Center floor

Lannon Learning Commons Bell Tower

Updated Skinner Chapel

Walt remembers the day when Fr. Lannon proposed that Creighton Prep needed a campus center. At the time, no other Catholic school in Omaha had such an addition. Fr. Lannon started a fundraising campaign for what would become the Henry L. Sullivan SJ Campus Center. Shortly after, Walt hired an architect and reviewed architectural drawings for the Center that would eventually span 35,000 square feet. The renovated space was a multi-use venue for Prep students to study, eat, attend Mass, hold dances and socialize.

“We were just finishing construction, and we finally got our certificate of occupancy,” said Walt. “No students were allowed in there. I was standing with Fr. Lannon on the upper deck. He looked at me and said, ‘well, I think we’re going to have to let the kids come in here now.’ I said you know I don’t want them to. And he said, ‘well, that’s what we built it for. We have to get over it.’ I remember thinking that was my baby. I didn’t want to turn it loose. That was very memorable to me.”

Walt was inducted into the Creighton Prep Hall of Fame in 1993 for his ongoing commitment to facilities management over the years and for assisting with every step of the Henry L. Sullivan SJ Campus Center, from the early planning stages in 1989 to the ribbon cutting ceremony on January 19, 1993.

Watching his father work at Creighton Prep fostered Kevin’s interest in facility management.

“Dad was busy,” said Kevin. “I think that’s what attracted me to the facilities and maintenance field. There were so many things that dad was involved with, and I thought that was so cool and interesting.”

Kevin spent 28 years in the beverage industry before deciding to circle back to his roots, where it all began. “I started looking (at other jobs) and didn’t want to leave Omaha because our roots were very deep here, and my family was here,” said Kevin. “Dad had shared with me that he was looking to retire, and the position was coming open soon.”

Walt ended up retiring in June 2007 (the first time). Kevin applied for the position and was hired as Facilities Director in July 2007. However, Walt didn’t stay away long. He was rehired again in August 2007 as a contractor to oversee the construction of the Heider Center through November 2009. It was an opportunity for father and son to work closely together.

In December 2009, after Walt retired the second time, Creighton Prep held a ceremony for the people who were part of the Heider Center Campus project. “We were all invited up to the basketball game for this ceremony,” recalled Kevin. “Dad was given a letterman jacket – I thought that was the coolest thing that they could have done for him.”

“My dad had seen so many unusual and out of the ordinary things at the school, and I remember thinking that I wouldn’t ever be able to top that,” said Kevin. “And then the 100 mph straightline wind in 2008 from the storm that took out about 16 trees on campus and an electrical outage for 22 hours happened.”

Kevin also remembers the aggressive timeline of the Sullivan Center kitchen facilities.

“School was let out in May, and we had to be ready by August,” said Kevin. “That meant ordering all of the equipment and getting contractors lined up and drawings in place. I would say my hair was probably darker at the time than it is today. It was a fun project but one that took a lot of energy out of me.”

Kevin’s biggest project to date has been the addition of the Lannon Learning Commons (LLC). In 2020, the two-story LLC graced the northwest corner of the main campus building. It’s the home to Student Support Services, high school office staff, campus ministry, fine arts and has open spaces on both floors for student study and collaboration. The newest facility upgrade is part of an outdoor plaza with a 116-foot bell tower.

And just like his dad, he’ll be around to see the school through many more projects and renovations, with the care and tenacity that’s been part of the Flint legacy at Prep.

“I want to continue to take care of the facility as dad did for 46 years - keep that same level of dedication, commitment and care for the building,” said Kevin. “When I take care of the building, it’s taking care of everybody else inside of it.” He added, “The building is here, not for us, but for the students. It’s for them.”

Students at lunch in the Henry L. Sullivan, SJ Campus Center

MR. GREG GLENN ‘70 Moves on

a Storied Career at Creighton Prep

Longtime, beloved social studies teacher, football and track coach, Big Brothers program moderator and retreat facilitator Mr. Greg Glenn ’70, who has been an integral part of the Creighton Prep community for 45 years, retired from his storied career at Prep this past summer. He served the school as a true man for others, with compassion and integrity, while impacting the lives of students in the work of the school’s mission to form them as men of faith, scholarship, leadership and service.

Mr. Glenn said that he’s “grateful to have been part of so many lives that make up our Creighton Prep community.” He also noted that his work will go on through “a wonderful opportunity” at the Heart Ministry Center in north Omaha, where he now serves as the volunteer coordinator and works alongside fellow Prep alumnus and Heart Ministry Center CEO Mark Dahir ’93 and Development Specialist Bill Laird ’66

His impact has been truly remarkable on Prep and the many students he taught, coached, counseled and mentored. While leading the Freshman Retreat program, coaching the freshman football “B Team Bombers” and the long jumpers and triple jumpers on the track team, and teaching in the classroom, Mr. Glenn supported countless numbers of students with guidance, spiritual formation and an engaging style as an educator. The positive influence he had on the lives of Prep students during his career cannot be overstated.

In addition to coaching football and track, he also served as the varsity football team statistician and the scorekeeper for varsity basketball. In all, he was part of 15 state championship teams at Prep.

Mr. Glenn was inducted in the Creighton Prep Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. “I will always treasure the wonderful relationships that have been made throughout my career at Prep,” he said. “This has been an incredible and blessed journey.”

Photo courtesy of the Jay Journal Staff

From

“ I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE THE WONDERFUL RELATIONSHIPS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE THROUGHOUT MY CAREER AT PREP. "

ToMorrow Labs Expands

Thanks to the generosity of the Morrow family, new spaces for software coding and robotic design strengthen an already compelling curriculum.

After much reflection on how to update the ToMorrow Labs space, and with the vision and leadership provided by the family of Thomas Morrow ’65 †, construction over the summer resulted in much more space for the Innovative Technologies and

design courses taught by Rich Mansfield, and the software development and information security courses

These new developments emphasize the importance of the Design Technology department that also includes the work of Digital Media Adviser Matt Rasgorshek, whose students have taken communications to a new level of skill and refinement.

Read on to learn more about how these three instructors are raising the bar of excellence for high tech education at Prep.

BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

With the Innovative Technologies course series taught by Rich Mansfield, students get a strong foundation in a range of technologies.

He noted, “In Innovative Technologies I, students learn how to use 3D printers, the laser cutter (for high tech engraving), the wood shop and small microcontrollers.”

Think: semiconductor chips that can do one or more limited tasks, controlled by software code. “Currently, we are working on virtual reality, the vinyl cutter (for making graphics) and designing games (which develops a number of helpful skills).” In the second course in the series, students create “larger projects” and are “directed to think about how what they make can help to serve the greater good,” said Rich.

He and his colleagues constantly review new technology and practices in “STEAM teaching and learning” to keep pace. (“STEAM” is short for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.) For example, Rich spent this past summer learning Unity, a “game engine” for software development, and Tom Pacer took cybersecurity courses at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). Rich and Tom also both teach robotics design courses at Prep.

Rich’s overall goal for the students in his classes? “Graduate from Prep with the idea that they could do most anything in technology.” Dillon Reinders ‘23 might agree. “The wonderful thing about his class is that it teaches you how to work together and how to use your time wisely,” he said. “I plan on continuing learning at Iowa State next year, majoring in engineering. I know that what I have already learned in his class will strongly help in my future.”

robotic

taught by Tom Pacer ‘92.

Junior Caleb Luyando works the controls of the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality system to explore the environment he created.

Tom Pacer '92 teaches an Introduction to Coding class.

LEARNING INFORMATION SECURITY AND REFINING PROGRAMMING SKILLS

Fluency in information security requires thinking that can feel like the reflections a player has in a chess match, answering at each step: how would I repel an attack and, conversely, how would I exploit a weakness in the attacker’s system? Using a protected network segment at Prep that was developed with Lutz Tech, sophomores and upperclassmen practice with and against Linux- and Windows-based computer systems. Tom said, “They can even sign up for the cybersecurity course at UNO and get college credit for taking the course at Prep.”

In Introduction to Coding, his students work in small groups to create JavaScript-based games they can present to the class. If they’d like more experience in either information security or programming, they can take his AP Computer Science course, which

also has an option for dual enrollment through UNO.

“If they’ve taken courses like these at Prep, they can gain the confidence and the background to tackle future courses with success,” remarked Tom. “For those interested in an information technology career, we start them on their journey with a solid grasp of the basics, all while reminding them to use their new powers for good.”

Senior Luke Meyer ‘23 is grateful for the instruction he has received in Mr. Pacer’s classes. “I have a strong desire to major in computer science going into college, and perhaps have a strong focus in artificial intelligence," said Luke. "I want to utilize the creativity encouraged by Mr. Pacer during coding to create something completely different.”

COMMUNICATING WITH IMPACT IN A HIGH TECH WORLD

Whether or not Prep students go on to careers in high technology, they’ll likely be working with people who did. They’ll need to be able to understand what their co-worker is working on and even communicate effectively about it. Helping develop those skills is Matt Rasgorshek, who teaches a variety of media production/ broadcast courses.

With his guidance, Prepsters learn digital photography, video production, broadcasting and podcasting. Their work can be seen everywhere around Prep: on televised school announcements, in the stories on the Jay Journal newspaper website, in social media posts, the videos on the Creighton Prep TV YouTube channel and the content in Jay Junior yearbooks.

Matt also makes sure that the equipment used by professionals is available to his students, whether it’s mirrorless cameras from Canon, Adobe Premiere video

production software or the photo editing power in Adobe Photoshop.

“I don’t teach a lot of theory,” he said. “It’s a lot more hands-on, go-do-it. When they leave here, they should be ready to do print, photography, video, podcast and broadcast, because nobody in the business is just a photographer or just a videographer.” He’s also quick to credit the students for the exceptional quality of work produced.

“He is by far the best teacher I’ve had not just because he taught me how to go by the book, but also what to do when there was no book,” said Brendan Preisman ‘22 , now working in sports journalism at Northwestern University. “Most importantly, he taught me to always give 100% in every journalistic endeavor I did and that good research is the most important part of being a good journalist.”

Keep up the great work, guys!

Part Two

Nine more stories of graduates returning to serve

at 74th & Western Avenue

When we first sent out requests to alumni who we knew had been serving in various, mostly-volunteer service capacities at Creighton Prep, we had more responses than we had room for in our summer magazine. So here’s part two on alumni giving back!

We hope it inspires many others to help at the school when and where it’s possible for them to do so. As Mark Laughlin ‘84 put it so well in the summer issue, “You get more than you give when you volunteer at Prep.”

GENE KLOSNER ‘78

Sometimes, the best things in life happen by accident. That’s the case with career musician Gene Klosner '78’s introduction to volunteering at Freshman Retreat, a length of service that now spans over 40 years. He recalled it this way: “A Freshman Retreat bonfire got rained out, and they needed to keep the freshmen entertained for an hour so someone asked, ‘Gene, can you get out your guitar?’ And I’ve done it every year since. It’s evolved now to an 18-piece rock band with a horn section!”

The volunteer service that Larry Raynor ‘79 has provided Prep spans decades. His first stint was during the 1984-1985 school year, when he volunteered for a variety of tasks to help the school. He remembered, “A lot of discipline work, helping with study halls, filling in for teachers at times. It was a win-win situation, and I learned a lot.”

More recently, from approximately 2007 to 2020, he helped the swim team as an assistant coach. With his background as a state champion at Prep who went on to swim at Tennessee, Larry helped the team as often as he could when his career as a physician allowed for it. “Sometimes five days a week, sometimes one or two,” he noted.

As a swim coach, Larry prided himself on “supporting the good things that mom and dad were doing at home” for their Prep sons and the work of Head Coach Tom Beck and Assistant Coach Harlan Groff to develop the team. He added, “Tom may be the most successful coach of any sport in the state of Nebraska, and he and Harlan create a framework that is just so solid.”

In addition to providing music for portions of Freshman Retreat, Gene assisted with Senior Retreat for “about 18 years,” participated in Career Day for Sophomores and has helped Rob Chesire with his choir classes. “I am so much behind inspiring the musical young men who may not fit in elsewhere but shine in their music,” he added. For Gene, the best part of volunteering at Prep is “the appreciation of the boys for what I bring, and how much I can inspire them and give them permission to achieve things they never knew they could do.”

I CAN INSPIRE THEM AND GIVE THEM PERMISSION TO ACHIEVE THINGS THEY NEVER KNEW THEY COULD DO.

LARRY RAYNOR ‘79

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED AT PREP AS AN ALUMNI VOLUNTEER, CONTACT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS MIKE BEACOM '85 AT MBEACOM@CREIGHTONPREP.ORG OR (402) 548-3851.

TO INTERACT

STUDENTS

JOSEPH GERHARDT ‘16

If you’re looking for Alumni Volunteer Corps (AVC) member Joseph Gerhardt ‘16 during the workday at Prep, you might find him prefecting at lunch or during another activity in the building, working in a classroom or talking with a student who has asked for his advice. “Getting to interact with students on a daily basis is my favorite thing about volunteering at Prep,” he said. “It’s rewarding to work with them.”

Joseph was looking for a great place to work before he entered graduate school, and learned about the Alumni Volunteer Corps opportunity from some Prep teachers. It has given him the time he needs to discern more about his future and an opportunity to give back to the school that gave him so much.

“Prep gave me the foundation to build my own character and my own faith that I didn’t fully realize here as a student but fully realized after graduating.” He would also tell young alumni to consider the AVC, even if they don’t have plans to work in education or are unsure of their career path.

BRANDON KREIKEMEIER

‘16

As Brandon Kreikemeier ‘16 approached his graduation from Texas A&M University in 2020, he was looking for “meaningful ways” to spend time until his scheduled participation in the United States Army’s Military Police Basic Officer Leader Course. He decided on the Alumni Volunteer Corps (AVC) at Prep because he could be involved in coaching and teaching.

“I had great experiences as a student at Prep and strong influences among the teachers and coaches,” he said. “And I wanted to be that same influence for the current students.” During his time in the AVC, he acted primarily as a teacher’s assistant, a coach and worked in the Dean’s Office. His favorite part of the AVC experience? “Getting to know the teachers I had in a different light and more as peers,” Brandon noted. “It really helped me appreciate all the time, effort and work that the great faculty and staff at Prep put in on a daily basis.”

Brandon encourages every alumnus to consider volunteering at their alma mater. “It’s a wonderful opportunity. It brings back so many fond memories of being a student and creates new memories of being a formative influence in the lives of current students.”

GETTING

WITH

ON A DAILY BASIS IS MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AT PREP. IT’S REWARDING TO WORK WITH THEM.”

I HAD GREAT EXPERIENCES AS A STUDENT AT PREP AND STRONG INFLUENCES AMONG THE TEACHERS AND COACHES. AND I WANTED TO BE THAT SAME INFLUENCE FOR THE CURRENT STUDENTS."

DAVID HALLER ‘80

“It was an easy decision to make,” was the response from David Haller ‘80 when asked how he became involved as a volunteer at Prep. “(Vice President of Advancement) Rick Berger ‘76 made me aware of an opportunity with the Loyola Scholars program, and from there, I started engaging in Career Day for Sophomores.”

His passion for flying led him to a career in aviation and now as a pilot for Jet Linx, and he’s talked to a number of sophomores over the past few years about what’s involved in aviation careers and how to make those happen. About his volunteering, David said, “Prep has made me the man I am today, and for that I am truly grateful. So I see coming back to Prep as a small token of appreciation for all that I have gained from the experience.”

David is proud to see how Prep has continued the tradition of developing Men for Others and made it even more possible for students with the IncomeBased Tuition Model. “I really enjoy staying connected and seeing all the advancements that Prep continues to make and the impact they have on the community.”

William Danze ‘16 served in the Alumni Volunteer Corps during the 2021-2022 academic year in a number of different roles: assisting in the testing center for the Cura Personalis program, moderating the commons during lunch periods, helping with a few sections of advanced math classes and working as a guest lecturer for a senior philosophy course. Before he left,

he summarized his time at Prep as follows: “Truthfully, it’s fun. I see students that remind me of myself and my classmates every day, and the ability to share what I’ve learned through experience with them is rewarding. It also keeps me young.”

As have many in this article who have volunteered at Prep, William felt a strong desire to give back while reevaluating his vocation, and his gratitude to the school for what he received from it is considerable.

“There’s a plethora of things I could credit Prep for providing me, but I believe the most important has been its role in my character development. Prep has instantiated an expectation of striving for excellence in all endeavors, while simultaneously planting a desire to find God in all things.”

Like his classmate David Haller ‘80 (who first contacted him about volunteering at Prep), Jerome Howard ‘80 has spent decades building his career in aviation, and more recently, talking with Prep students about it during Career Day for Sophomores. He is currently the vice president of flight training & chief instructor for Revv Aviation, a company that offers a number of aircraft services to aviators and travelers in smaller airports across the Midwest.

When asked what he likes best about giving back at Prep, Jerome said, “Reconnecting with classmates, making new connections, seeing the changes on the campus, and imparting my knowledge and expertise to students who may be interested in the aviation industry.”

He values “the education and opportunity” that he received as a Prep student, and he recommends that other alumni get involved as he has in sharing their insights with the Junior Jays of today. “Absolutely, give it a try,” he stated. “You’ll never know who you may influence or whose life you may change just by talking to someone.”

JEROME HOWARD ‘80

WILLIAM DANZE ‘16

DIEZEAS CALBERT ‘02

A former standout football player at Prep and Northwest Missouri State University, Diezeas Calbert ‘02 received a call about six years ago from classmate Kevin Van Winkle ‘02 who was coaching freshman football at Prep and asked him if he would coach the defensive backs.

He said yes, and today, he’s the defensive backs coach on the varsity team. “So I do

get paid for helping out,” Diezeas said. “But that’s not the main reason at all why I’m helping.” He likes talking to Prep student-athletes about the Prep tradition, being a student first and representing themselves well in the community, at home, in school and in life.

“I tell the boys as we’re going through the seasons the goal is obviously to graduate, and when you graduate, you’re in an elite group, a fraternity of men who have been taught the same values that Prep has taught all of its students.”

Diezeas also encourages other alumni to find a place to serve at the school. “Prep gave all of us an opportunity. So why not turn around and try to give that opportunity back to someone else?”

GRANDY ‘93

When former principal Jim Bopp invited renowned healthcare design professional and Kaiser Permanente Vice President of Innovation David Grandy '93 to speak with with his Vocations in Leadership class where he could share his perspectives on personal and professional growth with Prep students, he came away with more confidence in “our future as a society / community.” He was also impressed with the“thoughtful

and quite insightful” questions posed by the students and the “raw possibility of their generation.” It was also a great way to give back.

David remarked, “Working and leading in healthcare is a vocation for me and a direct expression of the core values I learned at Prep.” His experience in Jeannie Brayman’s English seminar class, where she understood the unique way he approached a writing assignment, made a big impact, too. “In retrospect, that was one of the formative moments in my life and taught me an important lesson about getting comfortable with (and supporting) a different perspective. That form of risk-taking is still a big part of who I am as a leader.”

As for how Prep could engage more alumni to serve at Prep, he suggested “microvolunteering opportunities that are specific and time-bound.”

PREP GAVE ALL OF US AN OPPORTUNITY.

SO WHY NOT TURN AROUND AND TRY TO GIVE THAT OPPORTUNITY BACK TO SOMEONE ELSE?”

YOU MAY INFLUENCE OR WHOSE LIFE YOU MAY CHANGE..."

DAVID

REUNION WEEKEND

2022 RECAP

THAT’S A WRAP ON THE SEPTEMBER REUNION WEEKEND!

Classes ending in 2 and 7 spent time sharing stories of the past, celebrating personal and professional accomplishments, and simply taking time to be thankful for lives well-lived whose foundation, for many, began at Creighton Prep.

A number of events were spread across town while others were hosted at Prep using new and existing venues designed for on-campus gatherings.

On Friday, some classes enjoyed golf, while others enjoyed being together in stag form. Saturday featured an open invitation to all reunion classes and their guests to visit campus for student-led or self-guided tours, followed by an all-class Mass that also honored the memory of classmates who have passed away. Sunday was open to each class to have a send-off as they saw fit.

All-in-all, the weekend was a reminder of how so many lives that intersected at Prep all those years ago continue to be a blessing from God that is just as meaningful to the school as it is to classmates.

It was a weekend that made being together to remember the past, the friendships and the value of a Jesuit education the kind of experience that was well worth celebrating. On behalf of the Advancement and Alumni Offices, thank you for participating. We can’t wait to have your class back in five years to celebrate the enduring Prep #brotherhood once again!

Alumni are always welcome to visit Prep. When planning to do so, please be sure to schedule an appointment with the person you are planning to visit so you know they will be available.

On the day and time of your visit, they will be called (or waiting) to greet you at the reception desk just inside the west entrance. From there, you will be able to continue into the building to enjoy your visit.

Thank you!

AMDG, Mike Beacom ‘85 Director of Alumni Relations

MBeacom@CreightonPrep.org (402) 548-3851

It's the sum of all parts that form MEN FOR OTHERS.

The Creighton Prep experience transforms the lives of the young men in our care. This formation occurs through their participation in academics, athletics, campus ministry, student support services and student activities, making up the sum of all parts that form Men for Others.

The AMDG Fund helps bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and the actual cost of education, helping to make Prep accessible to any deserving student. It also supports the sum of all parts that form the full Creighton Prep experience.

help power the Prep experience with a gift to the AMDG Fund, and know that your generosity will move us that much closer to fulfilling our mission to form Men for Others.

HIGHLIGHTS from CAMPUS

AUGUST 26, 2022

Fr.

Amit D’Souza, SJ is Welcomed to the Prep Community

Fr. Amit D’Souza arrived at Prep in late August from the state of Goa in India. He has been a Jesuit priest since 2016. His experience in the Society of Jesus includes teaching, school administration and caring for elderly Jesuits. His responsibilities at Prep involve a combination of sacramental and pastoral ministry, coaching and administration.

Fr. D’Souza’s educational background includes bachelor’s degrees in English and history, education and theology plus a master’s degree in philosophy. He also credits his Jesuit formation for refining and transforming him into the person he is today.

Among the highlights of his journey at Prep to date was seeing snow for the first time on Wednesday, November 16!

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

The five Prep students excelled on the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT), and less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors were named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2022

Three Named Commended Students in National Merit Scholarship Program

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Seamus Sully '24 Awarded

C ongratulations to seniors Caleb Hans , Riley Mahoney and Peter Sullivan on being named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Fr. Thomas W. Neitzke,

SJ Leadership Award and Scholarship

C ongratulations to Seamus Sully '24 ,

who is the recipient of the Fr. Thomas W. Neitzke, SJ Leadership Award and Scholarship for 2022.

Students Announced as National Merit Semifinalists

Five Prep

Congratulations to Creighton Prep’s five semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program: John (Jack) Bonebrake, Trevor Gregg , Luke Meyer, Samuel Mullin and Tristan Trotter.

These academically gifted seniors will be considered for a National Merit Scholarship that will be announced in the spring. Once again, Prep has more semifinalists than any other private school in the state.

These three scholars distinguished themselves by scoring in approximately the top 3 percent of all high school students participating in the program through the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT).

SEPTEMBER 28, 2022

Fr. Kevin Schneider, SJ Celebrated for His Years of Service

Creighton Prep hosted a celebration for Fr. Schneider in late September to honor his 25 years of distinguished service to the school. The Smith Atrium was packed with friends and colleagues who attended to thank him for his incredible contributions to the school and wish him well in his new assignment at The Cloisters on the Platte. In particular, his extensive work in adult faith formation has become a model for many organizations.

Thank you for everything, Fr. Schneider!

This two-year scholarship is awarded annually to an incoming junior based on his contributions to the school, demonstrated engagement in cocurricular activities and excellence in all facets of the Creighton Prep mission during his freshman and sophomore years.

Seamus is pictured with his parents, Louis and Sheila, along with Creighton Prep President Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ, Assistant Principal for Student Support Services Chris Searl '83 and Principal Joe Ryberg '84.

NOVEMBER 6,

2022

Annual Open House Draws Hundreds to Creighton Prep

A large number of prospective 5th through 8th grade families took the opportunity to attend Creighton Prep to learn more about the school and get their questions answered by Prep representatives and scores of student ambassadors.

Popular tour stops included the ToMorrow Labs, Dr. John Geringer’s zoology classroom and chemistry teacher Mike Clark’s classroom, where attendees were entertained with engaging demonstrations.

If you know families who may benefit from a Jesuit and Catholic education, please ask them to visit CreightonPrep.org/Admissions or contact Director of Recruitment Aurora Driscoll Barker or Director of Admissions

Josh Luedtke '90 at (402) 393-1190.

NOVEMBER 9, 2022

Student-Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent

Congratulations to the following studentathletes who signed national letters of intent on Wednesday, November 9 to take their academic and athletic careers to the next level.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Eagle Scouts and Their Parents Honored at Breakfast

Congratulations to the 17 Eagle Scouts and their parents who were celebrated at an early morning breakfast in the Smith Atrium prior to the start of classes on Wednesday, November 16.

DECEMBER 2, 2022

Our Lady of Guadalupe Portrait by Seven Student Artists Now on Display

Angelo Badami

Rockhurst University, Lacrosse

Coby Hatcher

Iowa Western, Baseball

Paul Mathews

The University of Alabama, Diving

Grant Sommers

University of Nebraska Omaha , Baseball

Grant Wagner

University of Nebraska Omaha , Baseball

John Watson

University of Missouri, Swimming

Highlights of the event included remarks by Eagle Scout and former Prep principal Jim Bopp who flew in from Phoenix and talked to scouts about how to live going forward in ways that don’t allow their Eagle Scout medals to be tarnished.

NOVEMBER 18, 2022

Students Perform at All-State Concerts Event

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to participate in the Nebraska Music Educators Association All-State concerts held in Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday, November 18. Tony Garrett was selected for his second year as a violinist; Nolan Murray was selected for his second year as a vocalist; Isaac Heng was named an alternate for the choir; and Patrick McFall was named an alternate for the band. Our community celebrates your talent!

in the Lloyd Skinner Student Chapel at Prep. It was painted by Michael Bope ’22 , Jacob Dasher ’22 , Broc Evitch ’22 , Benjamin Forbes ’22 , Mobai “James” Jiang ’22 , Grant Kearney ’22 and Jacob Ortner ’22 with guidance from Fine Arts Teacher Jeremy Caniglia ’88

“Fr. Spotts was the real driving force behind this project, which my students and I were so honored to be part of,” Jeremy said. Planning and discussion for the project started last fall with reflections on the story of this saint.

He also noted, “In the case of Guadalupe, we talked about the appearance of Mary Our Mother to a peasant named Juan Diego on December 9, 1531 as he was walking the hill country in Tepeyac, Mexico on his way to Mass.” The application of oil paint and gold leaf along with “a detailed buildup of the painted surface” were then key to creating what Jeremy deemed a “timeless piece for the chapel.”

A fantastic new portrait of Our Lady of Guadalupe has joined the impressive group of eight others on display

THE LOYOLA DINNER OF HONOR & DISTINCTION

Incredible people, inspiring lives of service

A crowd of more than 350 attended the 26th annual Loyola Dinner of Honor & Distinction on Wednesday, October 19, where guests enjoyed cocktails, a sumptuous dinner, and most importantly, the celebration of five outstanding individuals whose lives are defined by service and shaped by their exceptional commitment to it.

John C. Naatz was honored with the Sword of St. Ignatius for his exemplary service for the Greater Glory of God (AMDG) during a phenomenal Prep career as teacher, coach, principal, assistant to the president and interim president.

The

Hall of Fame

initiatives at Prep and in the development of Jesuit Academy, and Fr. Schneider’s 25-year service to Prep, have been marked by selflessness in these and many other endeavors.

Former Creighton University coach and athletic administrator, Marian High School president and Prep parent Mary Higgins was then presented with the Ancilla Domini Award in recognition of her dedication to faith, family and community that serves as an example of how to use the gifts given to each of us by God.

The presentations ended with Alumnus of the Year recognition for Dr. Daniel W. Johnson ‘96 , whose guidance of Nebraska Medicine’s critical care response to COVID-19 and service on Prep’s back-toschool team were nothing short of amazing.

Congratulations to all the honorees and thanks to their many supporters for being at Prep that night to celebrate them.

inductions occurred for longtime Jesuit education supporter Thomas F. McGowan ‘54 and former faculty and staff member Fr. Kevin Schneider, SJ who were celebrated for their distinguished service to Prep. Tom’s support of many school

The honorees and their supporters enjoy some social time at the start of the event.

Creighton Prep Jazz Band entertained the crowd during cocktail hour prior to dinner and the program.

NETWORK WITH PREP ALUMNI

Effortlessly search for classmates, or use a filter to find alums by business, location, industry, or degree. Build your professional network locally or online.

POST JOB OPENINGS OR YOUR RÉSUMÉ

PROMOTE

SPORTS NIGHT with JAY BILAS

A lively discussion of all things college basketball

One of the most recognized figures in college basketball today, former Duke University basketball star and ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas was welcomed by more than 900 attendees to the Heider Center on Monday, September 26. It was the 30th annual edition of Creighton Prep Sports Night, a key fundraiser for the athletic department.

Serving as interviewer for the evening was current Prep parent and longtime college basketball referee John Higgins, who has officiated a number of Final Four contests and many in-season matchups involving the most successful programs in the sport.

Among the thoughts that Jay shared in his remarks was his belief that the Creighton University Bluejays were an Elite Eight-level squad in the 2022 NCAA men’s tournament and that they are a “Final Four-ready” contender for the 2023 tournament to be held next March.

When asked about the future of the NCAA and the athletic conferences dealing with enormous changes in amateur athletics, he said, “I think we’re headed toward the conferences running everything.” Jay also noted, “I think we’re slowly inching toward players having full economic rights, and I think we’re going to get there relatively quickly. And I think it’s going to be neater and cleaner.”

Jay also praised the teachers, coaches and mentors who helped him advance in his playing and broadcasting careers, and his wife and family for their support of all he does.

Creighton Prep would like to thank everyone for attending and extend a special thanks to Dr. Michael Morrison for his sponsorship of Sports Night, an event that would not be possible without his continued support.

Jay Bilas and Creighton Prep President Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ stop for a picture at a gathering of event sponsors prior to Sports Night

REACHING THE AMERICAN LEGION WORLD SERIES ONCE AGAIN

For the fifth time in 21 years, Head Coach Pat Mooney led a summer squad of Creighton Prep baseball players to the ALWS.

If you had asked Pat Mooney just after the start of the summer 2022 season if he was certain that his senior Five Points Bank baseball team would make it to Shelby, North Carolina for another American Legion World Series (ALWS), “yes” may not have been the answer.

Though they won the Perfect Game Invitational in Kansas City in early June and finished in the semifinals soon thereafter at a tournament in Murray, Kentucky, their tournament results immediately after that were a bit more uneven than Coach Mooney would have preferred. “But then we got hot,” said Pat. “We hosted the area tournament (before the state tournament in Nebraska) and won every game.”

From there, the guys went on to win the National Division of the state tournament before falling in a close 4-3 state final game to the 52’s Patriots team from Millard South, a club they would later defeat in a thrilling 7-4 Central Plains Regional final to earn their spot in the ALWS. One of the highlights early on in the regional was a key hit by Pat’s son, Parker Mooney ‘22 .

In the World Series, Five Points Bank continued its great run, defeating two-time defending national champion Idaho Falls, Idaho Post 56 before exiting the tournament three days later after an extra innings loss to the Cheseapeake, Va. Post 280 team.

In looking back on the season, Pat credited the 11 seniors on the team for the squad’s turnaround and the consistently outstanding play that followed. “They kind of took over, so we were really led by them. We had really good players who played hard and played well.”

Pat and his coaching staff also excel at preparing players for the situations they’ll face in big games. “It’s all about who can master the little things and do those well. And I think they (the players) just have the Prep mindset. They have to work their tails off in school and it carries over," he said.

“I knew how much it meant to Coach Mooney to make it back to Shelby

Grant Sommers ‘23. “I was super happy to be able to be a part of such a

wouldn’t have been nearly as successful, and I would not be where I am as a player.”

in his son Parker’s last

year at Prep,” said shortstop

big thing

for him. Without Coach Mooney, the team

Third baseman Coby Hatcher looks for a hit in the American Legion World Series. Photo courtesy of Jane Stessman

“ I THINK THEY JUST HAVE THE PREP MINDSET. THEY HAVE TO WORK THEIR TAILS OFF IN SCHOOL AND IT CARRIES OVER. ”

Pitcher Grant Wagner focuses on delivering a strike in the American Legion World Series. Photo courtesy of Jane Stessman

Photo courtesy of Jane Stessman

Photo courtesy of Nolan Erspamer

Photo courtesy of Cameron Newton

Photo courtesy of John McGill

1940's

HERE THERE

1970's

Carr Heaney ‘46 is an attorney in the Business Department at Lamson Dugan & Murray, LLP, and his career has included work for a number of healthcare organizations across a four-state area that stretches from Iowa to New Mexico.

On September 25th, Chief Judge of the Nebraska Court of Appeals, Hon. Mike Pirtle ’71, was presented with Midland University’s 2022 Alumni Achievement Award at the Alumni & Legacy Banquet in Fremont, Nebraska.

1960's

Creighton Prep football standout and Athletic Hall of Fame member Sandy Buda ’63 has chronicled his exceptional career as a player and football coach in the book, “The Riverboat Gambler: Still Dealing After All These Years,” with the help of John Fey, former sports journalist for the Omaha World-Herald.

Ed Connors ‘63 helped build Gold’s Gym into a worldwide fitness business and authored a book about his journey and those of his two business partners called “The Three Muscleteers." The book was released in April 2022. The foreword is written by professional wrestling champion and movie star John Cena.

1980's

Former Prep basketball great Joe Abts ‘76 was inducted in the Bellevue University Athletics Hall of Fame on August 6, 2022. Joe started all four years for BU and was named Bellevue University Athlete of the Year during his final season there.

Fr. John Fitzgibbons, SJ ‘73 retired after 10 years of service as President of Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

Father is one of the co-chairs of the jubilarian reunion being planned for the Class of 1973.

Shirley and Larry Good ‘69 were awarded the Spirit of St. Francis Award at the New Cassel Foundation’s Octoberfest-themed “Wurst Party Ever!” dinner on Thursday, October 6. The award is given to those whose support for and commitment to aging people exemplify the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

John Lund ’69 is the chairman of Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company and was inducted in the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in August 2022 at an event in the Holland Performing Arts Center.

Congratulations to all the members of the 1980 soccer team who were honored with induction in the Nebraska State Soccer Association (NSSA) Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 12. They are the first team to receive this honor from the NSSA. The squad finished the 1980 season with a 21-1 record that included Metro Conference and state titles plus 17 shutouts.

Tom McCarthy ‘80 lives in the Twin Cities, teaches university courses in English and liberal studies, and co-authored the recently released book “Dark Sonnet,” a thriller about a former Jesuit and a university librarian of Muslim faith who search for their missing friend while unlocking the mysteries in a 19th-century manuscript that may be connected to multiple murders.

Photo courtesy of Bellevue University Athletic Department

ALUMNI UPDATES

James Chohrach ‘84 lives in Denver and enjoys multi-day backpacking trips, repelling and learned to ski at 50. He started a new career in IT network consulting in 2019, and works as the network engineer for HealthSmart Holdings, a firm based in Irving Texas.

For the last 20 years Marty Bierman ‘88 has been an audio engineer, traveling the world for festivals, symphony performances and film shows. He is pictured here while working on an event closer to home: the 2022 Hinterland Music Festival that took place in St. Charles, Iowa from August 4-7.

Bob Wiltfong ’88 ran the New York City Marathon this year as a fundraiser for the ALS Association Greater New York Chapter in honor of his friend, Chris Pendergast, who died from ALS in 2020. He has also co-authored the book, “The BS Dictionary: Discovering the Origins and True Meaning of Business Speak” and presented on the topic at the TEDxVienna conference in October.

1990’s

Othello Meadows III ‘94 is a managing director at Blue Meridian Partners, a firm that helps direct capital toward solving critical issues that impact youth and families stricken by poverty. On Thursday, November 3, The Omaha Press Club bestowed their “Face on the Barroom Floor” honor on Othello. According to the club’s website, selected honorees are “newsmakers who have had an impact on the community.”

Rob Woodling ‘95 is a member of the Creighton Prep Board of Trustees and was profiled in a June 2022 KETV news story about his work to develop affordable housing through his compa ny, Foundations Development LLC. The story highlighted his development of the Bethlehem House Apartments for single mothers who are moving on from the Bethlehem House program.

Mike Misterak ‘98 is the Associate Director of Communications for Policy a nd Advocacy for the National Education Association.

Creighton University School of Law graduate Pat Ortman ’99 has an extensive background in insurance law, construction matters and civil litigation that he brings to his role as Assistant General Counsel for Kiewit Corporation.

2000’s

Josh Prenosil ’00 received his master’s degree from The University of Notre Dame in 2006, his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 2012, and earned tenure from the Department of English at Creighton University in 2020, where he instructs students of all levels in medical humanities, psychoanalytical theory, and material-semiotics. He and his wife Bianca also celebrated the birth of their daughter Soleil in 2022.

Mike Rensch ‘01 interrupted a carjacking that was happening to a woman and her daughter on Saturday morning , September 24 at a CVS Pharmacy in west Omaha. Mike tackled the suspect and threw his car keys in the parking lot so the suspect would take his car instead. Mike’s car was recovered later that day by Omaha Police.

Mike McMahon ’03 recently married Megan Parilla in Evanston, Illinois, where they both reside.

Nebraska Governor-elect Jim Pillen named former Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Solicitor General and Husch Blackwell partner Dave Lopez ‘04 to the position of chief of staff for his administration that begins in early January. Dave is also directing Governor-elect Pillen’s transition team and is a member of the Creighton Prep Board of Trustees.

Craig Gable ‘05 has worked more than a decade for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, and he was appointed last year by the organization to the position of warden at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution near Tecumseh, Nebraska.

2010’s

Creighton Prep and United States Naval Academy alumnus

Lt. Kyle Briggs ’12 was selected to fly one of two F-18’s over Memorial Stadium prior to the October 1 football game between Nebraska and Indiana. Kyle (at right) is pictured at the game with his brother Ryan Briggs ’09.

Lt. Kieran Kelly ‘14 (at right in photo) was promoted to full lieutenant in the United States Navy by his brother Lt. Joseph (Henry) Kelly ‘11 of the United States Coast Guard in a ceremony outside Charles Schwab Field prior to the June 19 College World Series game between Notre Dame and Oklahoma, where Kieran also sang the national anthem. Their brothers Maj. Rory Kelly ‘07 of the United States Marine Corps and Brian Kelly ‘16 also attended as did their parents, Joseph and Catherine, and many Prep friends.

Kyle Niemann ’14 graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Ft. Lauderd ale, Florida in May of 2022. Dr. Kyle is currently the owner of Visual Eyes Optical, a bilingual, optometric practice in Omaha.

Sam Moritz ‘17 was honored in July by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha for planting a food garden as an Eagle Scout project in 2013 that has blossomed into a key part of the food pantry service provided by the organization. Assisting him in planting the original garden were Prep classmates TJ Brueggemann ‘17 and Nate Larson ‘17

Matt Keating ‘18 attended the University of Southern California, where he shined as a pitcher for the Trojans. He wa s selected by the New York Yankees in the 9th round of the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft.

Dylan Phillips ‘18 attended Kansas State University, where he set the school record for home runs and was named Academic All-Big 12 and to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll. He was selected by the California Angels in the 8th round of the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft.

Former Creighton Prep basketball standout and cu rrent University of Nebraska Omaha player Akol Arop ’19 was featured in an October 2022 Catholic Voice article that focused on the huge role that his Catholic faith plays in his life. A key influence in his faith life, Thaddeus Kowal ’89, his coach at Prep Josh Luedtke ’90 and his former Prep and current UNO teammate Kyle Luedtke ’18 were also quoted in the article.

Duncan McGuire ‘19 attends and plays soccer for Creighton University. He was recently named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year and helped lead the Bluejays to the BIG EAST Tournament title and a spot in the College Cup of the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament.

2020’s

Class valedictorian Daniel Meyer ’22 attends Stanford University and co-authored the recently published paper “Effect of Combined Methamphetamine and Oxycodone Use on the Synaptic Proteome in an In Vitro Model of Polysubstance Use.”

Chicago (Naperville) / Wednesday, March 29

Photo courtesy of Corey Solotorovsky and Creighton University Athletics

PLEASE REMEMBER

ALUMNI

Gerald L. Abts, ‘62

Charley A. Bacon, ‘64

Conrad R. Bayerl ‘57 brother of Thomas ‘61†

Ronald J. Bianchi ‘73

Vincent P. Byrne ‘59 brother of John ‘60

Irving C. Carrig ’51

William “Billy” Cronin ‘12 brother of Raymond ‘18

Thomas G. Diesing ‘66 father of Scott ‘93, grandfather of Liam ‘17, Tyler ‘22, brother of William ‘54†, Robert Diesing ‘56†, Jack ‘59†

D. Paul Hartnett ‘45

Daniel T. Haske ‘93 father of Louis ‘26, brother of Anthony ‘82, John ‘85, Perry ‘91

Bernard J. Hazuka ’51 (04/07/22) brother of Thomas ‘56, David ‘62

Blair “Rich” Higgins ‘72 brother of Jeffrey ‘81

John V. Horton ‘62 (06/14/2014)

Robert J. Hrupek ‘65 brother of John ‘58†

John P. Jacobsen ‘72 brother of James ‘69

William H. Jackson ‘69

John P. Kanouff ‘61 son of George ‘32†, brother of J. Michael ‘71†

Thomas F. Kawa ‘57 brother of John ‘59

James A. Komarek ’62 (08/09/2021), brother of Thomas ‘58

John E. Krettek ‘66 son of John ‘36†, brother of G. Thomas ‘68, Daniel ‘70

James J. Kros ‘58

Daniel H. LaLone ‘72 brother of Raymond ‘64

Thomas E. Laughlin ‘58

grandfather of Adam Kaftan ‘10, David Kaftan ‘12, Timothy Kaftan ‘17

Howard L. Le Clair ‘53

Thomas D. Mahoney ’64 brother of P. Michael ‘62

Gerald P. Mancuso ‘50 brother of Francis ‘42†

R. “Nick” McDermott ‘51

John V. McGraw Jr. ‘49

Donald L. McGuire ’53 (02/18/22)

Raymond J. McMahon Jr. ‘48 father of Daniel ‘78†

Thomas J. Militti ‘66 brother of Anthony ‘65†

Kevin M. Morrissey ‘63 father of Christopher ‘89, brother of Thomas ‘67

John M. Mountjoy ‘86 brother of Patrick ‘79†

Dennis Mulqueen ’59 (05/13/22)

son of James ‘34†, brother of Robert ‘65

Joseph C. Nemec ‘45 father of Joseph ‘96

Joseph C. O’Malley ‘78

John Parker ‘62 (02/22/22)

brother of Stephen ‘72, Thomas ‘75

John A. Pazderka ’50 (05/04/22)

father of Patrick ‘90, Philip ‘91

Joseph N. Pershe ‘52

Thomas G. Pesek ‘56 brother of Joseph ‘55†

James D. Quinn ‘55 father of James ‘80, Sean ‘81, Kevin ‘86, grandfather of James ‘22, Ryan ‘23, Talton ‘23, Joseph ’24, Peter ‘24, John ‘25, Johnathan Weber ’12, brother of Edward ‘46†, John ‘49†

James C. Rauth ‘78

brother of Joseph ‘73, John ‘74, Robert ‘76, William ‘80, Jack Narzisi ‘76

Bernard D. Reeder ‘64 brother of Theodore ‘51, Lance ‘56

Dennis P. Reifert ‘79 (03/23/22)

Bryan P. Riley ‘86 (12/30/21)

son of John ‘58, brother of Gregory ‘82

Michael F. Rogers ‘70 brother of Joseph ‘74

John M. Rosenthal ‘58 brother of James '60

Daniel J. Rosenthal ‘53 (06/25/21)

Timothy J. Salisbury ‘81 brother of Brian ‘77, Kevin ‘78, Tracy ‘84

John W. Schmit ‘57 father of Robert ‘82, brother of Patrick ‘60 Paul F. Schneider II ‘64 brother of Thomas ‘67

James H. Sealey ‘84 brother of John ‘80

William E. Seidler ‘48

Ambrose J. Seitz ‘51 (09/27/21) brother of Robert ‘42†, Joseph ‘47†

David S. Sellers ‘02 (01/26/22)

Timothy L. Slattery Jr. ‘71 son of Timothy ‘48†, brother of Daniel ‘72, David ‘74, grandson of Eugene 1918†

James B. Spencer ‘45

Mark Sundermeier ‘78 father of Michael ‘01, Daniel ‘03

Raymond C. Tangney ‘51 Edward F. Teshack ‘67 Lawrence E. Timmins ‘46 (07/29/22)

Terence P. Veleba ‘71 (09/12/2021)

J. Daniel Ward ‘55 brother of Thomas ‘56†, Michael ‘62† Timothy M. Whalen ‘82

Robert J. Williams ‘58 (03/12/20) son of Henry ‘28†, brother of Henry ‘57† Dennis J. Wurtz ‘77

WIVES

Constance J. Dunn wife of Daniel ‘65

Mary Ann Hartley (07/25/2022) wife of John ‘54

Mary Kristi Kaminski wife of Bob ‘65

Mary G. McArdle widow of William ‘47†, mother of William ‘72, Michael ‘78

Mary Ann McGrath widow of Bernard ‘51

Patricia A. Nastase wife of Richard ‘65, mother of Patrick ‘98, grandmother of Mason ‘25

Cynthia L. Pignotti wife of Antonio ’77, step-grandmother of Christopher Quinn ‘15

Patricia Rosenthal widow of Daniel ‘53†

Anne Marie Seidler widow of William ‘48

Mary Seina widow of Anthony ‘57†, mother of Anthony ‘82

Katherine C. Troia

widow of Carl ‘41†, mother of Sebastian ‘68, Carl ‘70, Robert ‘72, Richard ‘83, grandmother of Carl ‘02, Andrew ‘04, Paul ‘04, Wyatt ‘10, Thomas ‘16, Christian ‘18, Samuel Wilson ’10, Joseph Wilson ‘12, John Wilson ‘13, Thomas Wilson ‘16

FATHERS

Paul B. Anderson father of Alan ‘86

John J. Bognich (09/15/22)

father of Danial ‘92, Michael ‘97

David L. Bolam father of David ‘87

Marvin Borer father of Jacob ‘06

John T. Carpenter father of John ‘83, grandfather of James Garriott ‘15

Terry L. Clauff father of John ‘10

Dennis Egr

father of Bernard Kanger ‘65, grandfather of Bernard Kanger ‘87, Kenneth Kanger ‘88, Ryan Kanger ‘92, Joshua Armatis '01, Jeffrey Kanger ‘04, great-grandfather of Cody Kanger ‘12, Matthew Kanger ‘12, Blake Kanger ‘14

John R. Fischer father of John ‘84, grandfather of Michel Matz ‘14

Mack E. Greder father of Mack ’87

Edward W. Hasenjager father of Erik ‘94, Jeffrey ‘97, Paul ‘01, Matthew ‘02

James V. Huerter father of Timothy ‘72, James ’73, Kevin ‘74, Christopher ‘76, Robert ‘78, John ‘80, grandfather of Colin ‘97, Dylan ‘04, John ‘05, James ‘07, Maxwell ‘09, Michael ‘11

David G. Ihrig father of Tim ‘87, Scott ‘90

Joseph F. Jaunty father of Mark ‘73

Lawrence E. Kozeny father of Lawrence ‘79, Lee ‘90

Roger W. Kuhl father of Vincent ‘88

Thomas A. Kuhlman father of John ‘86

Louis C. Liebentritt father of Thomas ‘76, grandfather of John ‘14, Paul ‘15

Patrick E. Marr father of Michael ‘82

Byron B. Oberst

father of Byron '67, Matthew '71, grandfather of Matthew '92†, Justin '97, Conor '98

William G. O’Brien father of Christopher ‘88

J. Emmet Root father of Michael ‘77, Timothy ‘80, Daniel ‘89, grandfather of James ‘05, Wynn ‘15

Robert M. Sledge father of Daniel ‘90, grandfather of Mark Ramsey ’17, brother of James ‘63

Donald W. Spielman father of Joseph ‘73†, grandfather of Luke ‘07, Nicholas ‘09

Eugene J. Staroska father of Robert ‘68

Thomas P. Vincentini (09/17/22) father of Dominic ‘01

Patrick J. Wingate father of Jacob ‘11, brother of Douglas ‘62, Lyle ‘64

MOTHERS

Virginia M. Budka mother of Peter ‘85, Michael ‘86, David ‘92

Beverly E. Chapman mother of Jason ‘89

Suzanne Condon mother of William ‘91, grandmother of William ‘20

Christine M. Cronstrom mother of William ‘73

Clare Davlin mother or Michael ‘73, Tim ‘75, David ‘77, Christopher ‘85, grandmother of Conor ‘12, Patrick ‘13, Christopher ‘15

Alice M. Fisicaro mother of Michael ‘65, James ‘67†

Pamela J. Gallagher mother of Liam ‘02, Conor ‘03

Vivian Gast mother of William ‘66, grandmother of Jeffrey ‘91

Shirley Goodro mother of William ‘73, Terry ‘75, grandmother of Jonathan ‘04, Philip “Tyler” ‘05, Brian Glenn ‘02, Patrick Glenn ‘11

Dolores Haniszewski mother of Mark ‘74, Martin ‘77

Nancy J. Haske mother of Anthony ‘82, John ‘85, Perry ‘91, Daniel ‘93†, grandmother of Henry ‘18, Louis ‘26, Joseph Oberlies ‘20

Susan Haxton mother of John ‘97

Mary C. Heider

mother of Mark ‘73, Scott ‘81, grandmother of Grant ‘17

Carol L. Italia mother of Nicholas ‘98, Michael ‘02

Victoria L. Kearney mother of Michael ‘90, Sean ‘94, grandmother of Ryan ‘22, Joshua ‘25

Elizabeth Levi mother of Gerald ‘91

Mary M. Maher mother of Robert ‘77, Chris ‘81, grandmother of Luke ‘10

Cynthia A. Matthies mother of Maximilian ‘23

Mary L. McFadden mother of Michael ‘83, Matthew ‘84, Mark ‘85, Thomas ‘96, grandmother of Blake ‘23

Yolanda M. Mejia mother of Daniel ‘90, daughter of John Mason ‘58

Mary Jo Schulte mother of William ‘73, Robert ‘76

Teresa Stanley-Braun mother of Jacob Braun ‘94, Michael Braun ‘99

Shirley A. Stohlman mother of Clifford ‘69, James ‘72†

Trudy Stratman mother of Mark ‘79†, Gregg ‘81, James ‘83

Rosemary Baines Turner mother of Daniel ‘65, Patrick ‘68, Joseph ‘69, Mike ‘72

Correction: Beverly Gewecke Venditte mother of Bernie ‘99

Mary Yost mother of H. Joseph ‘77

CHILDREN

Damian A. Beisner (12/11/21)

son of Dawn and Christopher ‘86

Patricia J. Cavanaugh daughter of Frank Moran ‘42†, sister of Michael Moran ‘67, Kevin Moran ‘68

Christopher Klosner

son of JoAnne Klosner and James Klosner ‘52†, brother of Gene ‘78, Joseph ‘80

James “Jimmy” Moran son of Pamela and Nicholas ‘97, grandson of Kay and James Martin ‘57

Mark A. Novak son of Leonard ‘45†

Daniel J. Potter son of Mary and Rouin ‘46†

Joseph J. Sodoro son of Christine and John ‘71†

THE ALUMNI MEMORIAL MASS

Remembering Former Students and Loved Ones Who Have Passed

On Sunday, November 13, members of the Creighton Prep community gathered at 10 a.m. in the Henry L. Sullivan, SJ Campus Center to honor our former students and other deceased loved ones at the annual Alumni Memorial Mass.

Highlights of the event included beautiful music by the Creighton Prep choir and a reading of the names of former students who passed between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Bob Tillman, SJ, who was assisted by Creighton Prep President Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ. Refreshment and pastries were served following the service.

To notify Creighton Prep of the passing of a Prep community member, contact Terri Haller at THaller@CreightonPrep.org or (402) 548-3845.

Creighton Prep President Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ reads the names of former Prep students who passed during the preceding year.

Fr. Bob Tillman, SJ greets attendees following the Mass.

The Prep choir led in song by Director of Vocal Music Rob Chesire.

CreightonPrep.org