The Winter 2025-2026 Creighton Prep Magazine

WINTER 2025-2026

Creighton Prep’s Five-Year Strategic Plan Accessibility & Belonging COVER STORY 04

ALUMNI EXPLORING RELIGIOUS LIFE 12

ONE DAY, ONE PREP 14

FALL SPORTS RECAP 16

IN MEMORIAM 26

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE At the start of each school year, I’m reminded how the traditions of Prep connect generation to generation. This month, our Operation Others core team will coordinate a service effort that has been a beacon of hope in our community for 58 years, Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ serving an estimated 1,300 families across Omaha.

Another group of students will soon prepare to lead freshmen through Prep’s 52nd annual Freshman Retreat, assisting the class of 2029 in a signature experience that awakens them to God’s love and deepens their sense of belonging at Prep.

These traditions and experiences that bridge the past and present are possible because our students are centered in faith, scholarship, leadership and service. They embrace the mission and carry it forward, becoming alumni who go out into the world as guiding lights, illuminating a hope-filled future and setting the world on fire with love, purpose and service.

Their ability to go forth in this way is rooted not only in their formation but in the generosity that makes a Prep education accessible to them. Fifty-nine percent of our students receive financial aid in order to attend Prep. That means three out of every five students walking our halls are able to be here because of generous financial support— scholars, artists, athletes, engineers, programmers, retreat leaders, service coordinators and more who have the chance to keep growing into Men for Others because alumni and friends of Prep have invested in their future.

In this edition of the magazine, you’ll learn more about what it takes for Prep to offer $6.4 million in financial support to make our mission possible for over 600 young men.

You’ll read about how we plan to deepen and extend that accessibility with a bold dream of reducing financial barriers even further in the years to come. And you’ll also discover our commitment to making sure that once a young man arrives at Prep, he encounters a deep sense of belonging.

For almost 150 years, alumni and friends of Prep have ensured that we can open our doors to talented young men from all over the Omaha area, regardless of their families’ means.

It’s a proud legacy and one that we’re eager to continue as we approach our next 150 years.

AMDG,

VOLUME 69 NO. 2 WINTER 2025-2026 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 Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ Assistant to the President for Mission Fr. Nick Albin, SJ Interim Head of School Jackie Schulte Chief Financial Officer Alex Zimmerman Chief Communications Officer Kellie Wostrel, APR Communications Specialist Pat Neary ‘78 Communications Specialist Elena Barker Marketing & Communications Coordinator Caitlyn Thomas Vice President of Advancement Sarah Schmitt Advancement Coordinator Brandis Adams Director of Major and Planned Gifts Brad Burks ‘00 Assistant Director of Annual Giving Sammie Emsick Becker Director of Advancement Operations Nick Osborn Director of Alumni Relations Mike Beacom ‘85

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Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ President Creighton Preparatory School

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Director of Events Amy Knight Events Coordinator Hannah Pray Director of Prospect Development and Database Management Niall Norney ‘91 Donor Relations Coordinator Jennifer Jones

IN THIS ISSUE Story: Creighton Past Presidents of Prep 04 Cover 10 and Prep’s Five-Year Strategic Jesuit Presence Plan - Accessibility & Belonging Exploring Prep’s future and our commitment to making a Prep education accessible and inclusive for every student.

For almost 150 years, Jesuit leadership and Catholic tradition have grounded Prep. Discover the school’s rich history and the path ahead for its Jesuit teachers.

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Update on the 07 An Creighton Prep 2029 Strategic Plan Learn about the progress and key initiatives driving Prep toward its 2029 goals.

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Designing Greatness: Alumni in Architecture and Engineering Four Prep graduates doing outstanding architectural and engineering work, from churches and museums to renewed spaces at Prep.

COVER STORY

Creighton Prep’s Five-Year Strategic Plan - Accessibility & Belonging

The AMDG Fund 15 Make a big impact on the

The 2025 Loyola Dinner 22 Celebrating five exceptional

Prep experience with your December gift.

individuals whose lives inspire us all.

Fall Sports 16 The latest accomplishments in cross country, football and tennis.

Mother-Son Mass & Breakfast For the first time in school history, Prep students and their mothers gathered on campus for the event.

Exploring 12 Alumni Religious Life Inspired by their Ignatian formation, some Prep alumni are discerning calls to religious life, seeking to serve with faith and purpose.

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One Day, One Prep The Prep community rallied for our first-ever day of giving, and we’re deeply grateful for the tremendous support from alumni, parents and friends.

Sports Night with 17 Creighton University Legends The 33rd Annual Creighton Prep Sports Night featured basketball coaches Greg McDermott and Dana Altman, with guest interviewer Nick Bahe.

Prep News 18 Check out a few of the highlights from the fall semester.

Here & There 20 Updates on alumni from the

Others 23 Operation in Action Prep’s annual service project made a great impact once again in 2025.

Weekend 2026 24 AReunion sneak peek at the celebrations planned for alumni from the ’1s and ’6s.

BASH 2026 25 Learn how you can be a part of the 56th BASH in April!

In Memoriam 26 Those we lost from June 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025.

1970s to the 2020s..

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026 Father-Son Mass and Breakfast The Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony The Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025 Advent Family Mass The Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026 Mom Prom CHI Health Center

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026 Scholarship Appreciation Breakfast The Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026 8th Grade Scholarship and Entrance Exam Register at CreightonPrep.org/Apply.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026 Registration Night for the Class of 2030

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 BASH 2026 The Heider Center at Creighton Prep

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026 6th and 7th Grade Pre-Entrance Exam Visit CreightonPrep.org/Apply to learn more.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 CP Trivia Night The Sullivan Center at Creighton Prep

SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026 Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026 and Jubilarian Reunion for the Class of 1976 The Heider Center at Creighton Prep

WINTER 2025-2026

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025 Operation Others Delivery Day Creighton Prep

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COVER STORY

ACCESSIBILITY & BELONGING

BUILDING ON FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESS In 1878, the family fortune of brothers Edward and John Creighton and their wives, sisters Mary Lucretia and Sarah Emily Wareham, was used to build and open a school for boys in which education was quality, Catholic-based, open to all young men of promise and, most of all, affordable.

Ever since the doors of Creighton College opened that fall—and Creighton Prep began receiving its first students—realizing the full promise of the mission to form men of faith, scholarship, leadership and service in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition has been the work of countless outstanding faculty, staff and supporters.

In advancing that mission over the past 147 years, they have lived, among others, the core Jesuit and Prep values of “magis” (doing what is being done more effectively for God’s greater glory), meeting people where they are and educating the whole person.

Of course, key to Prep’s success in meeting deserving young men and their families where they are has been and will continue to be keeping the school accessible and making sure that they feel a great sense of belonging as members of the Prep family.

Financial Accessibility: Making it Sustainable One of the four areas of focus in Prep’s 2029 Strategic Plan is accessibility & belonging, and more specifically, financial accessibility. As outlined in this framework, the goal is to “solidify the current model” by “reducing the percentage of the operating budget that is dependent on annual fundraising and simultaneously increasing sustainable funding sources.”

“Scholarship support is our greatest need,” said Vice President of Advancement Sarah Schmitt. “Whether it’s an annual scholarship used for near-term tuition assistance or an endowed scholarship that allows us to use a percentage each year for those needs in perpetuity, both are critical to the future of our mission.”

That is especially true when you look at how financial assistance at Prep has grown in just the past decade, from just over $2.0 million in distributions during the 2015-2016 school year to more than $6.7 million in the current 2025-2026 school year.

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Raising more money through annual and endowed scholarships is being driven, in part, by the success of Prep’s past efforts to increase financial accessibility. The most recent example of that is the Income-Based Tuition Model, which has attracted many new families to the school in recent years.

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Prep has always prided itself on flexibility where tuition and financial assistance are concerned. It’s just expressed now in a financial model that includes tuition adjustment possibilities and maximum tuition levels for families with incomes ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 or more.

“In concert with that, we continue to be very responsive to parents who have a major disruption that affects their circumstances and the ability to keep their sons at Prep,” said Chief Financial Officer Alex Zimmerman. “Maybe they experience the loss of a job or incur a significant medical expense. If that happens and we know about it, we want to help and will adjust on a dime in an effort to meet the family's need.”

“As parents of four children in Catholic schools, and both working in service-oriented careers, we are deeply grateful for the additional support provided through income-based tuition and the multiple high school grant.

These resources make our dream of giving our children a Catholic education—including at Creighton Prep— possible and within reach.”

— Michael & Jaclyn Maides

All of this goes back to a founding principle of Prep set forth in 1878 and a core goal of Jesuit education worldwide: offer a superior education that is accessible to everybody, regardless of their ability to pay.

“We are transparent in the way that we talk about tuition pricing, thanks to Alex’s leadership,” Sarah noted. “And we have a community that is helping us make that possible and embed it into our culture and who we are. Now we have to make it more sustainable.”

One of the families answering the call for more sustainability in Prep finances is that of Julie and Joe Warin ‘68, who established the Julie and F. Joseph Warin '68 Endowed Scholarship in 2024 to help meet the needs of Prep students and families in perpetuity.

“Our goal is continuing to make Prep affordable for boys from single-parent homes,” Joe said. “Prep provided me with life anchors in faith, values and curiosity, and we are confident that our gift will provide similar opportunities for boys to become men.”

Currently, 60% of the $6.7 million in yearly financial assistance offered by Prep is funded through annual fundraising, 40% supported by the endowment and Loyola Scholars funding.

The long-term goal is to reverse that ratio, while continuing to provide donors with the flexibility to give in ways that are most meaningful and convenient for them and to direct their support to the Prep priorities closest to their hearts.

Belonging: For Students and Parents With Prep seeing more families at all income levels attracted to the school because of its financial accessibility, there is a commensurate responsibility to make sure that the Prep experience for them and their sons is extraordinarily special and tailored as much as possible to their needs so the faculty and staff can fully meet them where they are.

Like financial accessibility, Prep has already made great strides in helping students and parents truly feel at home at Prep.

It shows in the Loyola Scholars program, where middle school males from a variety of different backgrounds enjoy Prep friendships that begin in 6th grade. They learn the rigors of Prep academics, how to navigate the building and what’s needed to pass the entrance exam. They also get used to the challenges presented by teachers who they’ll likely have again at Prep as high school students.

For others their age, that feeling of Prep as their home may begin at an admissions event like a football game, a shadow day at the school or at the annual Open House, where students, faculty and staff members answer questions that help visitors sense how valued, connected and purposeful they might feel as part of the Prep community.

Upperclassmen in the Jay Squad club take a break from onboarding new students at Freshman Orientation in July, a great introduction to the Prep culture and brotherhood.

Once here, if they have an identified learning difference, an accommodation plan customized by Cura Personalis program specialists makes that happen. A full-time mental health therapist is also there to assist along their way, as are guidance counselors, a director of college counseling, a student support specialist, a student activities director and outstanding teachers who become trusted allies in the journey by Prep students to discover and develop the interests and talents they’ll go on to share with the world.

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COVER STORY

With that said, the core value of magis calls us to deepen and expand the important work of belonging. Helping take Prep to that next level for students and parents is Director of Culture and Belonging Ericka Vaughan.

“Belonging is really about embracing an individual for who they are,” said Ericka. “As we do that, we want to help them understand Prep’s culture and mission then just honor the ways they show up to engage with it.”

Right now, that means creating opportunities for students in affinity spaces and encouraging their participation in a wealth of other Prep activities and clubs, as well as service through campus ministry. “The affinity space is really fun and engaging,” Ericka remarked. “And we have a lot of positive momentum right now.”

Recent examples include Black Student Alliance leaders meeting with younger club members to share thoughts on their Prep experience and offer advice before heading to the Heider Center for some basketball. The Latino Student Association (LSA) also hosted a recent Latino Family Night at Prep, bringing families together for a device-free meal and an opportunity for parents to learn more about the school and its resources while LSA students and their siblings played soccer and other games.

“I feel at home at Prep because I am given so much opportunity to be involved and make a difference.

Leading in the Black Student Alliance and being a part of freshman football and track has given me a stronger connection to the school and a community that feels like family.”

— Stephen Kouassi ‘27

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In addition, parents of students in the Hope Squad, which provides peer-to-peer support to foster human connection, community and hope, met at Prep in October with club moderators to learn about the mission, purpose and training of Hope Squad so they can better support their sons as they serve as peer advocates in their school communities.

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Mental Health Therapist Kevin Kaminski directs Hope Squad members at a November meeting.

“We’re looking at mentorship possibilities among parents and families, too,” said Ericka. “And it could be something as simple as this: there’s a new family at Prep, and mom wants to attend Mom Prom with her son. Who can she call or connect with for advice about an event that’s a really important and popular tradition at Prep?”

Ericka is also surveying parents and students periodically to get feedback on how they feel about Prep as their home. She is using the data to chart progress over time and to spark new ideas to further connect them to our school mission.

“At Prep, I am able to feel comfortable and at home in large part due to my participation in the Middle Eastern Student Association. MESA has allowed me to share my Middle Eastern culture that I have been proud of my whole life to everyone at Prep.”

— Daniel Ayoub ‘27

She added that a lot of parents are looking to engage socially, as volunteers at Prep and in service activities with their sons. To address those desires, Ericka is working closely with Prep Family Association Engagement Coordinator Barbara Jo Trent to see what those opportunities could look like, programmatically.

“It’s really exciting to be working at the center of something that is so aligned with Jesuit values, Catholic social teaching’s focus on the dignity of each person and the Prep mission,” she stated. “I can’t wait to see how what we’re doing to foster belonging grows in its impact over the next 4-5 years.”

AN UPDATE ON CREIGHTON PREP’S

2029 STRATEGIC PLAN

Creighton Prep’s five-year strategic plan, launched in the spring of 2024, continues to guide the school with clarity and focus. Built around four key pillars—Academic Excellence, Accessibility & Belonging, Whole Person Formation and Infrastructure for Mission— the 2029 Strategic Plan positions Prep to thrive well into its 150th anniversary and beyond.

Advancing the Campus Master Plan This fall, Creighton Prep took a significant step forward in the infrastructure pillar with the selection of RDG Planning & Design to lead the school’s new campus master plan. Selection followed a competitive process that included written proposals and in-person presentations reviewed by a committee composed of alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Prep. While each proposal offered a strong and thoughtful approach, RDG aligned most closely with Prep’s needs for this planning effort.

“What impressed the review team most was RDG’s exceptionally clear process, their commitment to generating high quality, actionable feedback and their skill in building consensus around institutional priorities,” said President of Creighton Prep Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ. Early planning work with RDG is already underway and will continue through the Christmas season.

The purpose of the campus master plan is to guide the future footprint of campus and positively enhance the learning environment and spaces at Prep, enabling the continuation and growth of an exceptional experience for the needs of present and future students while caring for our common home.

Strengthening Data and Technology Infrastructure

Momentum continues to build in the Accessibility & Belonging pillar, particularly in scholarships and financial support. Over the past three years, nearly $3 million has been raised to support scholarships at Prep. In that time, 25 new endowed scholarships and seven new annual scholarships have been created, expanding access for young men who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a Jesuit and collegepreparatory education.

How You Can Get Involved As the 2029 Strategic Plan continues to move into implementation, community engagement is critical to its success. Please consider joining us in shaping the future of Prep by engaging in our strategic plan and helping ensure a strong foundation for the years ahead.

Those passionate about accessibility & belonging can also support Prep’s progress by learning more about scholarship opportunities or by establishing a scholarship of their own.

Visit CreightonPrep.org/ StrategicPlan to view the full plan and more information on how to get involved.

WINTER 2025-2026

Also in alignment with the strategic plan’s infrastructure pillar, Creighton Prep is launching a comprehensive review of its data ecosystem and how data is managed and used across the school.

In January and February 2026, a dedicated committee will begin reviewing proposals and presentations to select a partner to help build a more unified, ethical and future-focused data architecture.

Accessibility & Belonging Making a Prep Education Possible

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DESIGNING GREATNESS:

Alumni in Architecture and Engineering At Creighton Prep, St. Ignatius’ call to “set the world on fire” is not just words on a page; it is a credo actively lived out among our students, even long after they graduate. Four Prep alumni— Joe Kotulak ’07, Jack Mowat ’18, Matt Neaderhiser ’07 and Tim Williams ’04 —are leaving their mark on some of today’s most important architectural and engineering projects.

From a new church in Elkhorn to Omaha's latest science museum, and from renovated learning environments at Prep to visiting one of the most iconic cathedrals in the world, their work is focused on creating beautiful spaces where people can gather, celebrate and learn.

For Joe Kotulak AIA (American Institute of Architects), early exposure to art, architecture and meaningful mentorship at Prep helped guide him toward his work designing worship spaces and parish campuses today.

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“I loved my time at Prep,” Joe said. “My best group of friends are still guys that I graduated with. I also really enjoyed both the art classes and architecture courses I took there.”

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After graduating from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Joe joined RDG Planning & Design in Omaha, where he is now a partner and serves as the firm’s worship market leader. In this

Photo courtesy of RDG Planning & Design.

role, he designs sacred spaces for diverse faith communities, builds relationships with new clients and mentors emerging professionals.

“Building people up, building teams up— when you do that, great architecture and great projects follow,” he remarked.

One of those standout projects is the new St. Patrick Catholic Church in Elkhorn. Starting in 2019, Joe and his team identified several guiding principles, including community, hospitality, liturgy and the Irish and parish heritage. Those principles shaped everything—from the rough-hewn stone and warm wood beams that echo the humility of early ecclesiastical architecture to the site’s cylindrical bell tower, inspired by the Irish round towers that once served as beacons and places of refuge.

As the project moved steadily through the design phase, the team homed in on fine-tuning everything from stained glass colors to how a parishioner would feel the moment they walked inside—efforts aimed at honoring the parish’s long history of faith and tradition.

When the new St. Pat opened its doors in June 2025, it marked a career-defining

moment for Joe, as he witnessed the sacraments performed in a space he designed.

“It’s very rewarding—not just professionally as an architect, but personally as someone rooted in the Catholic faith,” Joe said. “There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”

From Prep to Paris: An Alumnus Brings Jesuit Values to Notre Dame Restoration Work In 2023, Jack Mowat ’18, then a graduate student in structural engineering at the University of Notre Dame, joined a select group to tour the restoration of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. During this experience, he interviewed the professionals overseeing the project.

Photo by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame

“We visited artisan workshops and spoke with the people carving stone and restoring wood by hand,” Jack said. “It was incredible to meet the personalities behind the work. For them, this was their day job, but it was also deeply meaningful.”

As the only structural engineering student on the trip, Jack was struck not just by the scale of the project, but by how the cathedral’s legacy influenced the decision-making around its restoration.

“When I asked [the lead architect] about working with structural engineers, he told me, ‘I don’t need engineers.’ His point was that the building has stood for centuries—the structure Photo by Matt itself is proof of what works,” Cashore/University he said. of Notre Dame

“Notre Dame is a symbol of beauty and human achievement,” he noted. “People feel connected to it, whether they’re religious or not.”

The experience ultimately shaped how Jack views his field today. He now works as a structural engineer at Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers in Denver, Colorado, where he contributes to projects that balance innovation with respect for place and history. Yet for Jack, the roots of this mindset stretch back to his days at Prep.

Jack also recognizes that while Notre Dame is a sacred site, the significance of its restoration reaches far beyond “Prep didn’t just teach me subjects — it helped me understand the world,” Jack said.

Catholic identity.

Coming Full Circle: A Prep Graduate Helps Shape the Campus That Shaped Him While many individuals contributed to shaping Creighton Prep’s current campus, one alumnus stands out for his commitment to both his craft and his alma mater. Matt Neaderhiser, AIA, ’07, director of leading industries and senior associate at Holland Basham Architects, played a key role in designing the Lannon Learning Commons, the ToMorrow Labs and the new athletic track and field facility.

“One of the most memorable moments was during my class reunion, when my classmates asked me to give a tour of the Lannon Commons and ToMorrow Labs,” he said. “We all found ourselves wishing we had these spaces when we were in school. It was a full-circle moment.”

AIA and one of the World Architecture Festival’s 40 Under 40 for North America.

Tim has also garnered attention for notable projects such as the Kiewit Luminarium and the new Omaha Central Library. He holds a Master of Architecture degree from The University of Kansas and has gained international experience, having worked in cities like Paris, Hong Kong and New York before returning to Omaha. Tim credits a Prep architecture class with setting him on his career path.

Moreover, Creighton Prep alumni continue to gain recognition in the architectural “It brought together my curiosity, creativity world. Tim Williams, AIA, ’04, design and love of making things—a path I’m still principal at HDR, was recently named the following today.”

2025 Nebraska Young Architect by the

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“It was the ultimate way to give back using my core talents, and I was fortunate that several of my teachers and Jesuits were still around when I returned,” he shared. “The real bonus was realizing that I was helping them achieve their goals for the campus, just as they had helped me achieve my best as a student.”

He added that seeing students and alumni now actively use these spaces has been especially fulfilling.

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PREP THROUGH THE EYES OF A PRESIDENT

Four Jesuits. Four eras. One mission.

Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ Years of Service 2021 - Present

Fr. Thomas Neitzke, SJ Years of Service 2015 - 2020 Photo courtesy of Midwest Jesuits

Fr. Thomas Merkel, SJ Years of Service 2003 - 2012 Photo courtesy of Midwest Jesuits

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Fr. Timothy Lannon, SJ Years of Service 1988 - 1995 Photo courtesy of Midwest Jesuits

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When you walk through the halls of Creighton Prep, there is an energy that is hard to describe but impossible to miss. It is a sense of purpose that has carried the school through changing decades, new buildings, evolving generations and the leadership of four Jesuit presidents who each stepped in at exactly the moment Prep needed them. To understand Prep’s story, it helps to see it through theirs.

Each president—whether it was Fr. Timothy Lannon, SJ, Fr. Thomas Merkel, SJ, Fr. Thomas Neitzke, SJ, or now Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ—inherited a school shaped by the leader before him and handed forward something even stronger to the one who followed.

Their eras were different and their challenges unique, yet together their work forms one continuous narrative of a school rooted in mission and renewed every day by the young men who walk through its halls.

This mission has always been Prep’s anchor. As Fr. Spotts puts it, “The mission doesn’t change. The heart of it, helping souls through education, stays the same.” That belief isn’t just theological; it’s practical. It’s what guided Fr. Merkel as he helped craft the mission statement Prep still uses, one centered on faith, scholarship, leadership and service. For him, these weren’t high ideals but the goal of forming men the world needs. The words of the mission may have evolved, but its spirit has remained unchanged, carried forward differently by each president.

What has also remained constant is the heart of Prep: its people. The presidents point to them again and again, the faculty and staff, the parents, the alumni and of course the students. Father Lannon often joked that when he was a student himself at Creighton University, he “disliked the Prep boys because they were so smart,” a teasing nod to the academic excellence he would later help continue to form as a president. Father Neitzke watched belonging grow at Prep as programs like Loyola Scholars opened doors for students who may have never seen Prep as an option. The program created a pathway for talented boys from all backgrounds to access a Jesuit education. For Fr. Neitzke, it meant broadening who gets to be a part of the Prep community and making the student body look more like the city the school serves.

Of course, leadership also means facing the moments that test a community. Each president encountered his own. Father Lannon stepped into enrollment and

financial concerns in the '80s and saw opportunity where others saw risk. Father Merkel took on one of Prep’s most ambitious capital campaigns during the global financial crisis and still watched the community rally far beyond its goal. Father Neitzke guided Prep through a shift toward deeper student support, creating spaces that told boys, “Your needs matter here.” And Fr. Spotts arrived in a world changed by COVID, charged with rebuilding energy, enrollment and connection while also guiding Prep into a future shaped by new technologies and new expectations.

Different eras. Different challenges. A shared instinct to protect the mission and form young men.

When asked what they hope their leadership left behind, their answers are deeply personal. Father Lannon wants students to “leave Prep loving themselves even more.” Father Merkel envisions alumni who become good fathers, husbands and contributors to their communities. Father Neitzke prays that graduates know they are loved and go on to love generously. And Fr. Spotts wants Prep to remain a home for young men from every background who seek to grow and serve.

That’s why returning to campus affects each of them so strongly. Father Neitzke says stepping back onto the grounds “hits me in the heart every time.” Father Merkel calls Prep’s growth “unimaginable,” while Fr. Lannon laughs and admits he often asks himself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” What they built continues to evolve and what they loved continues to deepen with time.

Looking ahead, all of them see a bright future for Prep. They believe its mission is more relevant than ever, praising Fr. Spotts’ leadership and celebrating the unlimited potential of its students. They carry confidence in what Prep has been, but even more in what Prep will become. Because the story of Prep has never been about one president or one era; rather it’s about all of them and the thousands of young men who keep the mission alive long after they graduate.

As Fr. Merkel put it best, “Prep is a special place. It’s the most significant and amazing work I’ve ever been part of.”

These four voices represent only a portion of the leadership that has guided Prep. We remain deeply grateful for all who have carried the mission forward and helped form our young men—past, present and future.

A LONG-TIME TRADITION NOW HOSTED AT PREP

MOTHER-SON MASS & BREAKFAST

The program began with a warm welcome from Director of Alumni Relations Mike Beacom ’85.

Senior Shelden Golliday ‘26 followed Mike, offering a heartfelt reflection on the impact that his mother has had on his life.

He shared childhood memories, the lessons taught around the kitchen island and the unwavering support that carried him through busy schedules, tough days and the joyful moments that shaped his Prep journey.

Prep parent Wendy Squarcia, mother of senior Luke Squarcia ‘26, also Prep parent Matt Haynes and his sons, Noah Haynes ’28 and provided a reflection, Will Haynes ‘26, performed at the 2025 Mother-Son Mass & Breakfast. sharing stories of her family’s journey to Nebraska, the community Creighton Prep’s annual Mother-Son Mass & Breakfast they found at Prep and the profound ways the school has has been a cherished tradition for 45 years. This fall, the shaped her son. She spoke about perseverance, friendship and celebration marked an exciting milestone, as it was held the lived meaning of “a man for others,” offering a grateful on-site at Prep for the first time. More than 750 mothers and and heartfelt reflection to mothers and their sons. Her words their sons gathered on Sunday, October 19 for a morning of affirmed the lasting impact of a Prep education, not only on faith, community and gratitude in a familiar setting that felt students but on their families. At the end of the program, like home.

President Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ, walked to the podium to offer the closing prayer.

Mass began at 10 a.m. in the Heider Center, with Fr. Chris Williams, SJ, presiding. Before the liturgy, Prep father Matt This year’s shift to Prep’s campus marked more than a change Haynes and his sons, sophomore Noah Haynes ’28 and senior in venue. It allowed families to come together in a more Will Haynes ‘26, performed an acoustic version of “Simple accommodating space where students learn and grow each Man,” providing a quiet prelude that gathered the room. and every day. Seeing mothers and sons filling the Heider Center and Sullivan Center made the tradition feel both During the homily, Fr. Williams reflected on his mother, who renewed and deeply rooted. showed unconditional love to him and his brother and passed along her faith to them. He also offered a tribute to all the As the event concluded, the spirit of the morning lingered. It mothers and their continued love and care for the students was a reminder of the strength of the Prep community and seated beside them. It was a Mass rooted in gratitude for the the generations of families who have made this tradition role that mothers play in a young man’s life. what it is. After 45 years, the Mother-Son Mass & Breakfast continues to evolve while holding fast to what matters most— faith, connection and the shared experience of raising young men formed in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition.

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After Mass, guests made their way to the Sullivan Center for a buffet breakfast. Seating extended into the lower level of the Lannon Learning Commons, where large screens streamed a short program so everyone could participate comfortably.

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WHERE GOD MEETS US THE JOURNEY OF MATT, MAX AND JACK

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Jack Van Moorleghem ‘25 and his family at their home parish of St. Robert’s in Omaha after serving at Mass.

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Jack Van Moorleghem ‘25 at age 9, celebrating his own “church” in the attic: dressed in vestments sewn by his mother, with a handmade “tabernacle” built by his father.

At Creighton Prep, we often tell our His appreciation for the liturgy, the [of Jesus], but I also appreciate the young men that God meets each of church and the spirituality of availability of the Jesuits,” said Matt. us where we are and that the journey St. Ignatius of Loyola deepened when “Jesuits are called to go to the margins. of discovering one’s purpose is rarely he arrived at Prep. After graduation, he They are called to go where they are straightforward. For three recent studied history and political science at needed and serve God in many different alumni, that journey has led them into Columbia University and later spent a places and situations. They share their the earliest stages of religious life: two in year discerning with the Jesuit Volunteer life with others.” seminaries of the Archdiocese of Omaha Corps (JVC), working at a Cristo Rey Matt is looking forward to the and one in the Jesuit novitiate. None of school in Boston. experiences ahead in the novitiate, them speaks as if they have “arrived.”

“The life that you experience in the JVC, including a 30-day silent retreat in Instead, they describe themselves as in many ways, mirrors some aspects January and a pilgrimage in April. listening, learning and taking one of religious life,” Matt stated.

“You live He encourages young men who are discerning and thoughtful step at a time. in community, you live simply and you interested in religious life to reach out to Matt Lemar, nSJ ’20, dedicate your time to the Midwest Jesuits. grew up attending St. service. I was just in “When you’re going through this John’s Parish on the love with every part of discernment, you absolutely do not have Creighton University that life—the total gift to be sure,” he said. “It’s so important to campus, where he of self in service and be open and trust that God is working was an altar server the sharing of life and in your heart. Be willing to share the and sang in the community, all rooted roots of that spiritual movement in you Matt Lemar, nSJ '20 courtesy of choir. He remembers in prayer and the desire Midwest Jesuits with others.” being drawn to the to follow Christ.” community, the “The vocations team with the Midwest He credits Prep’s retreat program, liturgy and the Jesuits. “I really loved Jesuits is an amazing group who meet including Freshman Retreat and the way the Jesuits lived their lives— with guys who might be feeling this Junior Encounter, as well as learning their humor, creativity, how they threw call,” Matt added. “There’s absolutely no the Examen, as important events in themselves into Mass and teaching, and commitment. They’re there to talk and his spiritual growth. “I’ve always had just how much joy they seemed to have,” to listen and help you see where God is a deep love in my heart for the Society Matt said. calling you in your life.”

Max Brown ’19, attending St. Gregory the Great Seminary

in Seward, Neb., describes a path shaped by both struggle and grace. He first began discerning the priesthood at Prep, where Freshman Retreat and Junior Encounter helped him grow closer to God. After high school, he planned to study agronomy and began working in agriculture, but a serious farming accident shifted the course of his life.

“I was sick for about three years,” Max said. “I had to drop out of college, quit my job and focus on getting better.

Through that time, I grew closer to God … God calls us back in different ways.”

He credits his parents and grandfather for their example of Catholic values and says prayer has helped him continue listening for God’s call. “We recently did a five day silent retreat and just embraced the silence,” Max said.

“When you truly listen, God speaks to us in a loving voice.”

“I’m excited to embrace my classes and feel blessed that everything I’m learning revolves around God—whether it’s Latin, philosophy or the spiritual growth that comes through prayer and working with my spiritual director.

I’m also growing in friendships and as a man, hopefully becoming a good father, whether as a priest or a dad. I think just being honest and trusting in God’s will… and not fixing my mind on one path or another, but taking it one step at a time, helps me not get ahead of myself or behind myself.”

For anyone considering religious life, Max recommends prayer and adoration. “Take it to the Lord in prayer… Talk it through with close friends … and definitely with the vocation director of wherever you’re discerning. There are so many resources available.”

Jack Van Moorleghem ’25 is in formation at Saint

John Vianney College Seminary while taking courses at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. His discernment began at age 6, when he played Mass with his siblings. As he grew, the influence of priests, role models and a deepening understanding of the liturgy nurtured his love for the church and for Christ. “Early on, it was my family and their support and love for me that gave me the confidence to pursue it [religious life].”

Jack says Prep’s focus on service and leadership left a lasting impression. He was involved in student council

and Operation Others and appreciated Prep’s emphasis on social justice and theology. “‘Men for others’ is part of the slogan at my seminary,” Jack said. “It’s the idea that what I do is not my own … At Prep, ‘men for others’ for me was very concrete.”

He chose to discern with the Archdiocese of Omaha because he feels called to be a parish priest—one who walks with others in their faith. “When it came time to move to college, I had a firm conviction that this is where the Lord was calling me. I want to be present for others through the sacramental life of the Church.”

To support religious vocations, Jack says that a simple invitation can make a difference. “‘Have you ever considered being a priest?’ can actually plant a seed that blossoms in a young man’s life,” he said.

Please pray for Matt, Max and Jack as they continue to discern religious life.

WINTER 2025-2026

When Jack entered high school, he realized he didn’t yet have a personal relationship with Jesus. With the support of his family and the Jesuits he met at Prep, he began to grow in prayer. Through Ignatian spirituality—especially imaginative prayer—he discovered a more intimate way of encountering Christ. “God speaks in silence,” he said, describing time in Eucharistic adoration and praying with scripture.

Max Brown ‘19 (right) stands next to his father and brother.

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ONE DAY. ONE PREP.

CREIGHTON PREP’S FIRST ANNUAL DAY OF GIVING On September 9, 2025, the Creighton Prep community came together for the first-ever One Day. One Prep.—a 24-hour day of giving. From sunrise to sunset, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends showed what it means to be men and women for and with others, raising $516,728 from 1,684 gifts in a single day.

Throughout the day, supporters could make their gifts in honor of a current or past faculty or staff member and submit a prayer intention to be placed in the Skinner Chapel.

CREIGHTON PREP

Momentum grew quickly. At 1 p.m., the Advancement Office realized the community was about to surpass the original 1,000-donor goal hours ahead of schedule. Thanks to the generosity of two partners in mission, Prep raised the goal to 1,500 donors and unlocked an additional $50,000 in challenge dollars.

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A key factor in the event’s success was the dedication of One Day. One Prep. advocates, which included current and graduate parents, alumni, and faculty and staff who were responsible for more than 800 of the 1,684 gifts. Their outreach and enthusiasm helped drive participation across class years and generations.

Adding to the excitement, alumni classes competed throughout the day for the most donors. When the final numbers came

in, the class of 1995 rose to the occasion with the most donors participating that day.

During the campaign, supporters could follow real-time progress on the giving page, tracking donor counts, class leaderboards and milestone achievements.

The success of One Day. One Prep. highlighted the strength of the Creighton Prep community and the impact of collective giving.

With participation from every corner of the U.S. and beyond, the event set the foundation for a lasting tradition of generosity and connection.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

FALL

One Day. One Prep. will return in fall 2026, celebrating the shared commitment that keeps Creighton Prep grounded in hope and united in mission.

“Prep has given me all the tools I need to succeed and be the person I was meant to be. In my faith life and academically, they have prepared me for the best success I could have at the next level.”

— Vincent Sall ’26

MAKE A ONE-TIME OR MONTHLY RECURRING GIFT TODAY:

CREIGHTONPREP.ORG/GIVE

YOUR GIFT IN ACTION: A YEAR OF IMPACT • $6,469,626 total tuition assistance dollars awarded in 2024-2025.

• 59% of students received additional tuition assistance in 2024-2025.

• Students attended Prep from 60+ different ZIP codes and 70+ different sending schools.

• 74% of the class of 2025 received at least one college scholarship and 31% received a full-tuition scholarship.

FUELING BROTHERHOOD. INSPIRING MEN FOR OTHERS. At Creighton Prep, our students are the heart of our mission. Each of the 1,021 young men who enter our halls brings his own story, talents and perspective—shaping a community rooted in faith and brotherhood. The AMDG Fund opens the door for every eligible student who desires a Prep education, ensuring a diverse community where students learn from one another and are inspired to become their best selves.

Your generosity fuels this brotherhood and supports the full Prep experience—academics, faith, service, arts and athletics—forming Men for Others. With a gift to the AMDG Fund, you make this transformative experience possible for every Prep student.

Blessings,

• Students participated in 54 retreats, deepening faith and formation.

• Students contributed to 17,500 service hours, living as Men for Others.

Samantha Becker

Assistant Director of Annual Giving

WINTER 2025-2026

• 65 fine arts students earned 25% of all available Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in the state of Nebraska.

15

SPORTS RECAP

FALL SPORTS Photo courtesy of King Maxwell '27

VARSITY 1ST //CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONS 1ST //DISTRICT A-2 CHAMPIONS 1ST //METRO CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS 1ST //FR. BOB TILLMAN, SJ INVITATIONAL 2 ND//MILLARD WEST INVITATIONAL 4 TH of 44 //AUGUSTANA TWILIGHT MEET

JV 1ST //FR. BOB TILLMAN, SJ INVITATIONAL

CROSS COUNTRY

2 ND//MILLARD WEST INVITATIONAL

Photo courtesy of Jayce Hollenbach '27

VARSITY RECORD 10-2

DISTRICT RECORD 3-1 31 CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS A STATE QUALIFIER ST

REACHED THE STATE PLAYOFF SEMIFINALS REGULAR SEASON HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED A WIN OVER DE SMET JESUIT, THE LARGE SCHOOL DIVISION CHAMPIONS IN MISSOURI LAST YEAR

JV

7-1

SOPHOMORE

2-7

FRESHMAN A

7-1

FRESHMAN B

1-6

FOOTBALL Photo courtesy of Edward McGill '28

VARSITY RECORD 10-1 1ST //PAPILLION LA VISTA SOUTH INVITATIONAL 1ST //GRETNA INVITATIONAL 1ST //METRO CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT 2 ND //STATE TOURNAMENT

CREIGHTON PREP

JV RECORD 11-0 Undefeated season in duals

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1ST //MILLARD NORTH INVITATIONAL 2 ND //METRO CONFERENCE JV TOURNAMENT

TENNIS

SPORTS NIGHT HONORING THE PAST, INSPIRING THE FUTURE:

TWO CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY LEGENDS REFLECT ON THEIR COACHING JOURNEYS

The 33rd Annual Creighton Prep Sports Night on Monday, September 22, was an unforgettable event, featuring Creighton basketball coach Greg McDermott and Oregon basketball coach Dana Altman, with guest interviewer Nick Bahe.

A key fundraiser for Prep’s athletic department, the event drew 1,220 attendees, the largest Sports Night in school history. Both coaches reflected on their coaching journeys, their shared ties to Creighton and their appreciation for the passionate Omaha basketball community.

Altman, who led the Bluejays for 16 seasons before taking the reins at Oregon, spoke warmly about his time in Omaha and the relationships that made his Creighton years so meaningful.

“It’s an amazing place and a great university, and it was really hard to leave,” Altman said. “I loved 16 years here, and it was one of the highlights of my life. The people were great, and to watch it grow and work with the young guys, we had a lot of fun.”

Altman also praised McDermott’s continued success at Creighton and his efforts to strengthen the program’s connection with its fans. “Greg has done a fantastic job of keeping the basketball program going, and especially the fanbase with Bruce Rasmussen; they’ve elevated the team in the Big East,” Altman said. “The fan base here has been tremendous. Keep going to games, keep investing in the program and keep supporting them!”

Greg McDermott also reminisced about some of his favorite memories as head coach. “One of my favorite memories was

Both coaches emphasized the importance of community support for student-athletes, echoing the event’s purpose of raising funds for Creighton Prep Athletics.

Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, Sports Night raised $279,000 to benefit Prep Athletics. Proceeds from Sports Night support Prep’s overall investment in athletics by funding the purchase of new and updated athletic equipment for all athletes, especially in the weight training area. Coaches may also use proceeds to request “wish list” items, with all purchases approved by the athletic director.

Additionally, funds may help cover larger expenses such as new uniforms, football helmets and facility maintenance projects like turf replacement.

The near-sellout crowd in the Heider Center for Sports Night!

Dana Altman and Greg McDermott take a photo with Fr. Chris Williams, SJ and Mr. Greg Okumu, SJ.

(L-R) Jaime & Jennifer Jones and Amy & Wayne Knight pause for a photo at Sports Night.

Creighton Prep’s Sports Night once again showcased the strength of the Omaha basketball community and the lasting influence of two coaching legends. Altman and McDermott’s shared history, mutual respect and commitment to the game served as powerful reminders of how far Creighton basketball has come and how bright its future remains.

WINTER 2025-2026

Creighton head coach Greg McDermott spoke about why he and his family have remained so committed to Creighton despite opportunities elsewhere. “One of the reasons I never left Creighton after having job opportunities elsewhere was that I had such a great relationship with Bruce Rasmussen,” McDermott said. “The fanbase at Creighton is amazing, and people are pleasantly surprised with Omaha; it’s a great place to live and raise a family. Creighton is a special place, and it’s an easy choice for me.”

Doug’s senior night and the chance of hitting 3,000 points,” he said.

“All the NCAA Tournaments and especially the win over Oregon, so many moments like that make this place special.”

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HIGHLIGHTS from CAMPUS AUGUST 27, 2025

SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

PREP NEWS

Riley Mead Named a National Merit Commended Student

Black Student Alliance Members Participated in Inspiring Presentation On August 27, approximately 60 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade members of the Black Student Alliance participated in an inspiring presentation titled "Much Respect" with Jarell Roach.

More excellent National Merit news for our Jr. Jays!

Congratulations to Riley Mead ’26, who was named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program. Riley’s strong performance on the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT® earned him this recognition.

Prep Students Shine in Mountain Bike Races Creighton Prep riders Henry Rieck ‘29 and Rob Myers ‘28 delivered strong performances in two races in the Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League.

Five Jr. Jays Named National Merit ® Semifinalists

CREIGHTON PREP

Congratulations to the following five students who were named as semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program: Hamzah Alsaleem ’26, Jacob Feuerbach ’26, Leo McGill ’26, Lochlann Noble ’26 and John Paul Uptmor ’26

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Their excellent performances on the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT®) were key factors in their selection. Students who advance to finalist status will be named in February, and finalists will then be considered for National Merit Scholarships to be presented in the spring.

OCTOBER 21, 2025

OCTOBER 10, 2025

The engaging session encouraged students to reflect on and appreciate both the historical and present-day triumphs of Black society. Through powerful storytelling, students learned about pivotal movements that shaped not only their communities but the broader world.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

3D Printing and Training Center, where they explored how 3D modeling is transforming healthcare. They learned how patient-specific models and images help individuals better understand diagnoses while allowing surgeons to plan procedures with greater precision.

In late September at Cone Park in Sioux City, Iowa, Henry placed 2nd in varsity and Rob finished 5th in JV2, helping the Arch Omaha Composite team earn 4th overall. During the first weekend of October at Branched Oak in Raymond, Nebraska, Henry again placed 2nd in varsity and Rob earned 6th in JV2, contributing to another 4th place team finish.

Both courses challenged competitors with steep climbs, long laps and fast, technical terrain. Congratulations to Henry and Rob on two outstanding race weekends!

OCTOBER 17, 2025

Innovative Tech Classes Visited Clarkson College Students in the Innovative Technologies 2 and 3 classes visited Clarkson College’s

Juniors and Seniors Attended Career Day at Prep On October 21, Creighton Prep hosted Career Day for juniors and seniors. The event featured 39 professionals, including alumni, parents and guest speakers.

Students had opportunities to explore various professions and gain insights into educational backgrounds, skills and daily responsibilities.

Panels were organized by career clusters such as engineering, health sciences, business, computer technology, first response, communications, trades, military, aviation, law and art & design. Students chose sessions based on their interests, allowing them to expand their networks and learn about potential career paths.

OCTOBER 24, 2025

Student Musicians Named to All-State Band, Choir and Orchestra Congratulations to the Creighton Prep musicians who earned invitations to All-State! This year’s All-State members included Issac Bohlsen '27 as an alternate

Julian and Alexander were interviewed by Telemundo Nebraska as part of the event coverage, and shared their experiences and perspectives on the Summit’s impact.

NOVEMBER 7, 2025

for All-State Band; Caleb Anang ‘26, Leo Kelly ‘27 and Will Haynes ‘26 for AllState Choir; and Matthew French ‘28 and Maddox Meyer ‘26 for All-State Orchestra.

Our community is proud of their hard work and dedication.

OCTOBER 31, 2025

Creighton Prep Chamber Choir Joined the Choral Collaborative The Chamber Choir returned to the Holland Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m. on November 9 for the Omaha Symphony’s groundbreaking Choral Collaborative.

Performing alongside other selected metro schools, the choir sang Joseph Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass” and Elaine Hagenberg’s “Illuminare.”

OCTOBER 31, 2025

Congratulations to Our Five New Eagle Scouts Creighton Prep recognized a distinguished group of students who earned the rank of Eagle Scout: Jacob Feuerbach ‘26, Alexander Holzapfel ‘27, Porter Bryant ‘27, Joshua Ferro ‘27 and Matthew Renfro ‘26.

Achieving Eagle Scout is a rare honor attained by only about 4% of Scouts. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Prep parents who organized the celebration for these impressive young men!

NOVEMBER 12, 2025

Student-Athletes Signed National Letters of Intent Congratulations to the seven studentathletes who signed national letters of intent on November 12, to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level: Cal Anthony ‘26

Creighton Prep Students Featured at Nebraska Latino Youth Summit

Braden Caito ‘26

Creighton University, Baseball Hylan Caouette ‘26

Lees-McRae College, Cross Country/Track Tommy Kelley ‘26

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Golf Zaiyahn Ornelas ‘26

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Wrestling Liam Smithberg ‘26

Iowa Central Community College, Baseball Charlie Ziola ‘26

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Baseball

Caden Burton ’28 Selected for 2025–26 Youth Leadership Omaha Kudos to Caden Burton ’28, who was selected for Creighton University’s Youth Leadership Omaha class. Thirty-four sophomores from Omaha area schools began this leadership journey together. Great work, Caden!

NOVEMBER 21, 2025

Jr. Jays Represented at Stanford Model United Nations Conference Congratulations to the 16 Jr. Jays who represented Prep at the Stanford Model United Nations Conference in Palo Alto, California. They joined delegates from across the country to debate global issues, draft resolutions and practice realworld diplomacy. We are proud of their outstanding work on the national stage.

NOVEMBER 21, 2025

Prep Students Attended Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice A Creighton Prep student delegation spent a weekend in Washington, D.C., for the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, where they learned about faithdriven advocacy and raised their voices for justice on Capitol Hill. We appreciate their leadership and representation.

WINTER 2025-2026

Creighton Prep students Julian Mora ’27 and Alexander Suárez ’28 were among the 25 Prep students who attended the Nebraska Latino Youth Summit, joining hundreds of peers from across Nebraska and Iowa.

The event, organized by the Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans, provided students with opportunities to connect culturally and celebrate the strength and contributions of the Latino community. Students also explored future academic and career pathways.

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Baseball

NOVEMBER 21, 2025

19

ALUMNI UPDATES

HERE 1970s

1990s

On Friday, November 14, the Office of Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced the appointment of Jim Elworth ’74 of Nebraska City to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, representing the state’s 3rd Congressional District. The announcement noted Jim’s past experience as a state assistant attorney and a county prosecutor along with his work for the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Former Prep All-State football player and University of Nebraska Omaha standout Tom Sutko ’76 was inducted as part of the 2025 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame class during ceremonies on Friday, September 12. Pictured with Tom (second from right) after his induction are classmates John McLeay ’76, Mike McGlade ’76 and Bob Carlisle ’76.

1980s

St. Patrick Catholic Church Pastor Fr. Tom Fangman ’80 (at right) reported that he was honored to be named the 184th Face on the Barroom Floor by the Omaha Press Club, a longstanding tradition that, according to the organization’s website, recognizes “newsmakers impacting the community.”

Fr. Tom added that his classmate Joe Finocchiaro ’80, fellow Prep alumnus Greg Boulay ’79 and brother Denny Fangman ’84 roasted him “with great enthusiasm” at the event and that he was “touched to see so many Prep graduates who came to celebrate the occasion” with him.

Past Prep alumni recipients of the Omaha Press Club honor include John Cavanaugh III ‘63, C. Alexander Payne ‘79, John Heaston ‘88† and Othello Meadows III ‘94.

CREIGHTON PREP

20

THERE

†

Denotes Deceased

Photo courtesy of Governor’s Office

Congratulations to the Hon. Derek Vaughn ’92, whose appointment to the Nebraska Supreme Court was announced

by Governor Jim Pillen on Monday, November 10. In the announcement, Governor Pillen lauded Judge Vaughn for his “longstanding history of public service” and his “integrity and commitment to the law.”

In his new role, Justice Vaughn will represent the Nebraska Supreme Court Second Judicial District that covers Douglas County, the same area that he has served as a deputy county attorney, a county judge and a district court judge. Justice Vaughn has also served on the Creighton Prep Board of Trustees, and he and his wife Jacqueline are the proud parents of current Prep junior Darius Vaughn ‘27.

Photo courtesy of the Heart Ministry Center

In October, the Aksarben Foundation posthumously recognized Mark Dahir ’93† by naming him to its 2025 Aksarben Court of Honor. The award honored Mark’s efforts in transforming Omaha’s Heart Ministry Center into Nebraska’s largest food pantry and an essential hub for community support.

Under his leadership, the Center launched the 15-week “Fresh Start” program, opened the free Fresh Start Laundromat and established the Monen Health Clinic, which provided free medical and dental care to 6,000 individuals in 2024, as noted in the Aksarben Foundation’s biography of Mark.

Additionally, the Center partnered with over 50 local organizations to assist with job placement. Mark’s legacy of faith and compassion will endure.

RECENT UPDATES FROM CREIGHTON PREP ALUMNI

2000s

2020s

In June, Mark Foxall Jr. ’06 took on the role of deputy county attorney for Sarpy County while returning for his second year as a coach for Prep’s mock trial team. Mark has also been active in discussing law careers with Prep students during the biannual Career Day.

2010s Anthony Gullotta ’14 has spent the past decade volunteering at Prep as the head coach of the Little Jays football team. Thanks to Anthony’s continued leadership, the program now boasts of 160 players. Let’s go, Little Jays!

Hunter Parry ’17, a painter and draftsman who recently returned to Omaha after several years in Florence, Italy, opened his first solo show, “Self-Titled,” on Friday, September 5. Featuring more than 15 works at the BFF Gallery, the exhibition showcased portraits, still lifes and figurative pieces created both during his time abroad in Florence and in his hometown.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In May 2025, linebacker John Bullock ’19 signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. He joined the National Football League after four seasons at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) and, before that, a stellar career at Prep. In his final season at UNL in 2024, John earned Nebraska’s Cornhusker Award, presented to the walk-on who made the greatest contribution in his final year of eligibility.

Photo by Creighton Athletics

Josh Townley-Thomas, ’22 is in his third year as a forward on the Creighton University men’s basketball team, where he walked on in 2023 after beginning his collegiate playing career at North Platte Community College. Josh’s journey to realizing his goal of playing for Creighton was highlighted in an October 19 article on HurrdatSports.com.

Josh Townley-Thomas’ former Creighton Prep teammate, Casey O’Malley ‘22, is also in his third year of BIG EAST Conference basketball after walking on to the Marquette University men’s basketball team in 2023 and playing guard.

The Bluejays and Golden Eagles are scheduled to meet twice Photo courtesy of during the current season, first Marquette Athletics at CHI Health Center in Omaha on Saturday, December 20 then on Tuesday, January 27 in Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum.

Congratulations to Andrew Sauer ’24 and Michael Sauer ’24 on finishing as the third runners for Creighton University and Xavier University, respectively, at the 2025 BIG EAST Cross Country Championships, which took place on Friday, October 31 at Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Neb. In attendance at the meet and pictured with the guys is Fr. Bob Tillman, SJ, who coached them and their Prep teammates to the 2023 Class A state cross country title.

Also running collegiately now from that team are Dennis Chapman ‘24, who competes for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Jacob Finney ‘24, who does the same for the University of Dayton; and Aidan McGarry ‘24, who runs for Rockhurst University.

WINTER 2025-2026

Submit your own alumni updates at CREIGHTONPREP.ORG/MAGAZINE so we can consider them for publication in a future issue.

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THE 2025 LOYOLA DINNER Celebrating Those Who Serve Others SWORD OF ST. IGNATIUS Honors a person who demonstrates exemplary service for the Greater Glory of God (AMDG). The sword symbolizes the unique spiritual virtues associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola: courage, loyalty and service to the Catholic Church.

Awarded to Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. ’72

HALL OF FAME Commends individuals who have displayed distinguished service to Prep as teachers, staff, coaches, board members, alumni, parents or friends. The primary consideration is to honor individuals who have provided direct service to Prep and who are examples of living a life of faith and service.

Awarded to Mickey Anderson ’86 and Dave Potter ‘74

ANCILLA DOMINI Given 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. Awarded to Bettie Spethman

CREIGHTON PREP

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

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Recognizes an individual who embodies the values Prep aspires to instill in its graduates through a commitment to living a life devoted to serving others.

Awarded to Jeff Hausman ’83

At the 29th annual Loyola Dinner of Honor & Distinction, more than 400 attendees came together at Creighton Prep’s Sullivan Center to honor five individuals for their exceptional acts of service in the spirit of the Jesuit mission.

Creighton Prep President Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ, kicked off the October 29th event with welcoming remarks and introducing the 2025 award recipients.

“The extraordinary people we celebrate tonight have made our mission part of their very selves, each in their own way,” Fr. Spotts said in his speech. “By doing so, they have become beacons of hope to our Creighton Prep community, to Omaha and to the world.”

Following Fr. Spotts’ closing prayer, event attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner provided

by Abraham Catering. Later, the night’s honorees shared a few words of appreciation upon receiving their respective awards.

The Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. ’72 received the Sword of St. Ignatius for exemplary service for the Greater Glory of God (AMDG).

Fr. Jenkins served as the University of Notre Dame’s 17th president from 2005 to 2024.

During his tenure, the university broadened its global reach, fostered a more diverse campus community and deepened its investment in research and scholarship.

Additionally, the Creighton Prep Hall of Fame enrolled two new honorees for their

distinguished service to the school —

Mickey Anderson ’86 and Dave Potter ’74.

Mickey’s outstanding service to Prep has included his work on the BASH 2020 Executive Committee, his advocacy for Prep through his role on the Council of Regents, his counsel to school leadership team members and his support for many key Prep initiatives, from scholarships to the new athletic track and field facility.

Dave has supported a myriad of school events and alumni reunions for decades, including Sports Night, BASH and the Prep Alumni Council. He has also served as a class ambassador since its inception in 2017.

Bettie Spethman received the Ancilla Domini Award for her dedication to her family, faith and the Creighton Prep community. In addition to devoting countless volunteer hours at Creighton Prep events, Bettie served for 25 years as a crisis counselor for the Boys Town National Hotline.

To cap off the special night, Jeff Hausman ’83 accepted the Alumnus of the Year Award for embodying the values Prep aspires to instill in its graduates through a commitment to living a life devoted to serving others. Jeff served in Prep leadership for 12 years before founding the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute, which now connects hundreds of Jesuit and Catholic schools across North America.

Congrats to our 2025 Loyola honorees!

MEN AND WOMEN FOR OTHERS

A HOLIDAY TRADITION OF SERVICE AT CREIGHTON PREP As the holiday season approaches, Creighton Prep once again leans into its mission of service, staying united in hope and grounded in mission through the Operation Others initiative. This citywide effort, shared among Omaha’s Catholic high schools, motivates students like Jordan Mayer ’26 and Charlie Rasgorshek ’26, along with faculty member and moderator Jerry Kinney ’95, to step forward and support families throughout the community.

This year, the phone lines rang far more than anyone anticipated. After recent cuts to food aid benefits, more families began slipping through the cracks. Some lost their benefits entirely; others were already struggling before the changes took effect. For the students volunteering with Operation Others, that meant more calls, more stories and more worry in the voices they heard. “It’s been a lot,” Charlie admitted, “but it also means the thankyous hit differently. You can feel how much of a blessing it is for people to not have to worry about Christmas dinner.”

Though the program meets essential physical needs, volunteers say the true impact often comes through personal moments, such as the handwritten cards tucked into boxes, the knock at the door and the brief connection that tells someone, "You matter."

“One person gave me a card last year,” Charlie said. “I still look at it. That’s what makes this more than just delivering food.

It’s knowing someone sees you.”

Many of the volunteers are only 15 or 16, yet they speak with a maturity shaped by the stories they encounter. “I think it’s important to realize that even at our age, we can help,” Jordan said. “Being at a Jesuit school, our faith calls us to it.”

Their work with Operation Others has left them more grounded and empathetic, with a stronger awareness of what their community faces. “It makes you humble,” Charlie added.

“And it makes you want to do more.”

As Delivery Day approached, the team prepared to serve 1,400 families, more than the previous year’s 1,328 and well beyond their original goal of 1,000.

Despite the challenges, the generosity had only grown. For some of these volunteers, the commitment did not end after graduation. “Past high school,” both seniors said, “I’ll always come back.

This is part of me now. It makes other people’s Christmas better and, honestly, it makes me better, too.”

Creighton Prep welcomed the community on Saturday, December 20, for Delivery Day, starting with Mass at 8 a.m. and then continuing with deliveries—a beloved tradition rooted in Jesuit values.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OPERATION OTHERS OR TO GET INVOLVED, VISIT WWW.CREIGHTONPREP.ORG/OO.

WINTER 2025-2026

The team works intentionally to make sure no one feels ashamed for needing help. “It’s all empathy and compassion,” Jordan said.

“I’m just a high schooler, but even I can make sure someone feels cared for.”

For Jerry, who has supported Operation Others for years and is now a parent of a Marian student, the initiative’s beauty lies in its legacy.

“There have been so many families involved over the years,” he said.

“It’s not just about academics; it’s about becoming men and women for and with others. That’s the kind of thing you hope your kids carry with them.”

23

SUMMER 2026 ALUMNI REUNION PREVIEW Save the date in your calendars now for June 5-6, 2026 to enjoy a celebration of reunion classes, a homecoming experience that honors a continuing journey of camaraderie and friendship as Prep brothers.

Whether you attend to renew f riendships, share stories, enjoy laughs or strengthen professional networks among trusted classmates, the weekend will certainly offer something for everyone.

It doesn’t take long to go back i n t i me a nd apprec iate how your shared experiences as Prep students has shaped who you have become today. And how the halls, as crowded and daunting as they once were, still hold a special place in your heart as you recall teachers keeping an eye out for you, making your way to lunch with friends or never letting the crowded middle stairwell defeat you!

With new memories to make at events both on and off campus, the reunion weekend experience adds a chapter to your history with Prep that you do not want to miss.

CREIGHTON PREP

Friday, June 5 will give classes the chance to gather—whether on a golf course or at a local pub—to enjoy dedicated time together. Saturday, June 6 will offer a unique opportunity to “come back home” to enjoy a fun-filled morning campus

24

SAVE THE DAT E

JUN E 5

celebration featuring The Pancake Man, the Creighton Prep Car Show, school tours, kid-friendly fun zones and more.

Later that same day, the reunion classes commu nit y w i l l come together to celebrate Mass and remember classmates who have gone before them, followed by the President’s Dinner hosted

by Fr. Matthew Spotts, SJ, that welcomes a lu mni a nd t heir guests back home to celebrate their place in the storied history of Creighton Prep.

Special moments are in the works to make each event unforgettable, including a Saturday morning photo booth and a VIP guest list for the President’s Dinner that will include former faculty, staff, coaches and Jesuits. The Alumni Office welcomes suggestions to share with the reunion committees as well; we would love to hear from you!

So, round up your friends and classmates, post on your social media channels and help us get out the word to create plenty of “Bluejay Magic” that brings alumni together from near and far to celebrate what promises to be another epic reunion weekend! We can’t wait to see you! AMDG.

- 6 , 2 02 6

Reunion w for 1's aneekend d 6's!

JOIN US TO MAKE BASH 2026 A SUCCESS! SAVE THE DATE: MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE 56TH ANNUAL BASH ON SATURDAY, APRIL 25 IN THE HEIDER CENTER AT CREIGHTON PREP. BASH 2026 is right around the corner, and we need your help to make it a memorable night in support of Creighton Prep’s students!

This annual fundraiser not only brings the Prep community together for a spectacular evening in the Heider Center, but it also helps raise crucial funds for tuition assistance.

This year, Prep provided $6.4 million in financial assistance to support more than half of our young men, and a successful BASH each year is a key contributor to that total. Every contribution to BASH—whether that be time, talent or treasure—directly impacts our students and helps bridge the gap between tuition costs and the full cost of a Prep education.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS BASH is more than an evening of celebration. It’s a testament to Prep’s commitment to financial accessibility for more than 1,000 young men, helping to keep tuition affordable for families and supporting our mission of forming Men for Others. Every dollar raised through BASH goes toward financial assistance for our students, allowing us to continue building a community that embraces opportunity for all.

The BASH 2026 executive committee includes Megan and Sam Addy ‘94, Seana and Jason Cosgrove, Katie and Kevin Grosshans, Dana and Steve Patterson ‘91, Mindy and Tim Reed ‘89, Michelle and Jason Smithberg, and Beth and Tim Wilson.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO GET INVOLVED, CONTACT AMY KNIGHT AT AKNIGHT@CREIGHTONPREP.ORG OR VISIT CREIGHTONPREP.ORG/BASH.

VOLUNTEER Become part of the team that brings this event to life.

Volunteers are needed for decorations, setup, event-day tasks and post-event breakdown. We’re also seeking enthusiastic helpers to secure auction donations and sell raffle tickets.

Your involvement makes this event possible and directly supports our fundraising efforts.

DONATE AUCTION ITEMS Have a unique item, vacation home or experience? Auction items make a big difference! We’re seeking gift certificates, travel vouchers, vacation rentals, sporting event and concert tickets, themed gift baskets, collectibles and other memorable items. Every item donated is a step toward helping us reach our financial goals.

BUY A RAFFLE TICKET

Premier Partner sponsorships offer numerous benefits, including a table for 10 guests at the event and a full-page color ad in the front section of the BASH 2026 book, which will be printed and available at the event. In addition, the digital version of the book will be widely shared online, ensuring further visibility for sponsors. This sponsorship demonstrates your commitment to a Prep education while providing valuable exposure.

BID ON AUCTION PACKAGES Watch for the kickoff to our online auction on Monday, April 20, and bid on a wide range of great auction packages and individual items.

ATTEND THE 56TH ANNUAL BASH Your presence at BASH 2026 on Saturday, April 25 for the dinner, the raise-the-paddle-to-donate appeal, the live auction bidding and the drawing for raffle winners is another important way to support Prep’s mission!

WINTER 2025-2026

Buy a BASH 2026 raffle ticket from Creighton Prep for a chance to win cash prizes! Starting on Sunday, January 25 at CreightonPrep.org/BASHRaffle, you can purchase a raffle ticket for $100, three for $250, seven for $500 or 15 for $1,000.

BECOME A SPONSOR

25

PLEASE IN MEMORIAM

ALUMNI Ronald R. Allison ’57 father of Leo ’87

Connor M. Artz ’18 brother of Daniel ’12

Michael J. Blum ’86

June M. Schweiger

son of John '40†, brother of T. Michael '67, Timothy '69

widow of J.G. '46†, mother of Joseph '84

Peter A. Palmesano '50 brother of August '38

Anthony Prentis '64 brother of Joseph Preiksaitis '61

†

William J. Bruning '53

brother of Gerald '49†, Patrick '50†

(12/18/23)

David A. Christiansen '62

Michael C. Romeo '04

J. Michael Connolly '66

son of Robert '75, brother of Dominic '98, Robert '00

Timothy P. Rourke '04

brother of Paul '73

Lawrence J. Sawatzki ’66

Russell L. Davis ’56

Joseph J. Scarpello '63

father of Gregory '81

Michael R. Erftmier '86 brother of Donald '83

Thomas M. Fangman '51 brother of Terrance '55, Michael '65, father of Thomas '80, Dennis '84

George R. Fischer '60 brother of Daniel '61

John J. Fitzpatrick '53 father of Thomas '00

Edward J. Gilroy '57 brother of James '52†

Kevin P. Huston '98 brother of Michael '01†

Raymond G. Johnson ’76 brother of Christopher '85

David C. Kuehl '66 brother of Chris '63, Thomas '68†, Terrance '68, Stephen '69, Kevin '74†, John '77, father of Andrew '91, Brian '96, Christian '98, grandfather of Connor '26

Michael S. Langenfeld '72 father of Jason '95, Sean '98

father of Thomas '93

Robert K. Schumacher '69 brother of Trent '73, Howard '81

Keith M. Werner '59 (11/23/24)

brother of Robert '57†

WIVES Janice S. Bogard

Richard J. Lynch '61 (10/14/21)

Donald R. Miller Sr. '63

Scott E. Billings

(06/07/24)

Gerard T. Forget Jr. father of John '98

Robert F. Gibson father of Robert '85, Ryan '93, grandfather of Thatcher '25, Parker '28

David J. Goetzinger father of Shane '91, grandfather of Colin Wattonville '14

Daniel L. Gordon father of John '05, Michael '08

Melvin L. Masek

Barbara J. Costanzo

father of Kevin '92

widow of Leo '55†

Jerry D. McKay

Karen K. Crawford

father of Jerry '81, grandfather of Connor '09

wife of John '59

John J. Micek Jr.

Valera Fields

father of John '70, Gregory '73, Maurice '79, grandfather of Benjamin '06, Andrew '09, Jason Kwong '19

widow of Anthony '57†, mother of Anthony '81, Victor '82

Renee O’Brien

James M. O’Donnell '47

widow of Richard '45†, mother of Christopher '81, Guy '84

Barbara H. Bene

Ronda Bruursema

wife of Ronald '56

(08/26/24)

mother of John '78†, grandmother of John '09

father of Samuel '91

father of Matthew '08, Glennon '11

Sharon A. Lazzaretti

Dolores Bendon

Thomas L. Flickinger

Nancy A. Chapuran

wife of Charles '71

mother of Thomas Beck '84, grandmother of William Seaton '00

mother of William '97

Michael T. Manninger

Maria Kotlarz

Mary Beck Merica

Diane K. Betterman

wife of John '83

widow of R.V. '45 , mother of Thomas '78

mother of Bryan '89

father of Daniel '98

father of William '99

†

JoAnn M. Abboud

Thomas F. Flaherty

Kim M. Carpenter

Dorothy M. Knight

MOTHERS

mother of Richard '78, Thomas '80, grandmother of Anthony '18

Richard M. Jones

wife of Robert '67

OCT 31 2025

father of Nicholas '15, William '26

widow of Ralph '55†

brother of John '60 brother of Robert '52†, father of Timothy '76, Gregory '84

father of Robert '97

father of William '77, Michael '78

Michael E. Lanspa '71

brother of Fred '65†, Charles '68, father of Joseph '74

Robert J. Amend

Catherine A. Capazo

widow of John '59†

Joseph A. Longo Jr. '51

FATHERS

William S. Graves Sr.

Pam Hoesing

brother of Stephen '72, Thomas '77

(12/29/24)

wife of Edward '54

Mark S. Langer '69 (01/16/25)

Carole A. Scott wife of Robert '54

†

Michael J. Regan '55

Anthony D. Crnkovich '68

CREIGHTON PREP

John P. O’Hearn ’65

stepfather of Max Kinney ’13, Samuel Kinney ’15, Joseph Kinney '19†, Peter Kinney '20

son of Timothy 1923†

26

REMEMBER

JUNE 01 2025

Anthony Nocita stepfather of Anthony Beard '73, Gene Beard '79†

Dwain T. Pedersen father of Michael '90, Gregory '94, grandfather of Reid Kinnison '26, Jonah Kinnison '29

John T. Rogers father of Patrick '21, Andrew '24

Roland J. Santoni father of David '84

Mahmoud Sebghati (02/19/2025)

father of John '84

mother of Joshua '97

Christina M. Buresh mother of Matthew '14, Ryan '17

Sharen S. DeGeorge mother of Nicholas '92, grandmother of Matteo '20, Reece Howell '22, Giuseppe '25, Giacomo '28

Antoinette M. Flaherty (08/01/24)

mother of Daniel '98

Mary Grace Hansen mother of Peter '88

Charlotte A. Hazuka mother of Jeremy '89

Kathy A. Holm mother of Michael '92

Lenore J. Honke mother of Thomas '75, Jeffrey '87

Glenndean E. Jareske mother of Michael '66, Daniel '69, grandmother of Gregory Neppl '92, Mark Neppl '96, David '02

Marjorie A. Krawczyk mother of Kenneth '79, grandmother of Daniel '12, Andrew '14, David '15, Joseph '21

Mary Ann Manners mother of Ryan '02

Marilyn M. Manning mother of William '67†, R. Michael '68†, grandmother of John Owens '99, Tyler '09

Sheila J. McQueen mother of Michael '06

Shirley E. Mendenhall mother of Steven '75, grandmother of Quentin Hinman '06

Lila M. Moylan mother of James '79, Michael '82

Regina C. Otte mother of Jacob Rapier '09

Elizabeth J. Page mother of Eric '80

Cecelia V. Passo

Rosemary Verzani

mother of Andrew '90

mother of Christopher '88

Carol A. Pfannenstiel

Diane E. Vlasek

mother of Troy '89

mother of Scott '90

Mary Louise Sebghati

Mary Jane Worshek

(02/03/24)

mother of Robert '89

mother of John '84

CHILDREN

FACULTY & STAFF

Elizabeth A. Lanphier

Fr. J. Patrick Donnelly, SJ

daughter of Rouin Potter '46†, mother of Anthony '02

Fr. William F. Gerut, SJ

Sarah R. McGrath daughter of Mark '78†

Fr. Michael D. Kurimay, SJ Fr. Nicholas F. Pope, SJ

Beatrice A. Theel mother of Adam '92, grandmother of Taran '17

To notify Creighton Prep of the passing of a Prep community member, contact Brandis Adams at BAdams@CreightonPrep.org or (402) 548-3804.

Fr. J. Patrick Donnelly, SJ

September 23, 1934 - June 13, 2025

Fr. J. Patrick Donnelly, SJ, began his Jesuit journey at St. Stanislaus Seminary in 1952 and was ordained in 1965, according to his obituary from the Jesuits Midwest. During his regency at Creighton Prep (1959–1961), he taught English, history and speech, ran the school bookstore and led the Sophomore Sodality, leaving a lasting mark on the Prep community. A historian and scholar with multiple degrees from Saint Louis University and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, he later taught for decades at Marquette University. Known for his warmth, intellect and love of golf, Fr. Donnelly embodied the Jesuit mission in both his teaching and personal life. Photo courtesy of Midwest Jesuits

Fr. William F. Gerut, SJ

January 6, 1937 - July 17, 2025

Fr. William Gerut, SJ, was ordained on June 7, 1967, at the Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee and pronounced his final vows at Creighton Prep on April 22, 1976, per his obituary from the Jesuits Midwest. He first came to Prep as a young Jesuit in formation, teaching history from 1961 to 1964. After ordination, he served at St. Francis Mission on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota before returning to Prep in 1974, where he inspired many students with his passion for history until 1981.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Jesuits

Fr. Michael D. Kurimay, SJ

July 15, 1942 - August 25, 2025

Fr. Michael Kurimay, SJ, entered the Wisconsin Province in 1961 and was ordained in 1973, as reported in his Jesuits Midwest obituary. He taught French, English and theology at Creighton Prep during his regency and early ministry, and served as assistant prefect of studies, guiding students with dedication and care. Later, he shared his expertise in philosophy and education at several universities while remaining committed to pastoral ministry. Throughout his life, Fr. Kurimay inspired others through Ignatian pedagogy, reflection and faithful service to the Church and the Jesuit mission.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Jesuits

Fr. Nicholas F. Pope, SJ

June 8, 1943 - October 20, 2025

Fr. Nicholas Pope, SJ, entered the Wisconsin Province in 1961 and was ordained in 1972, as noted in his obituary from the Jesuits Midwest. He taught English at Creighton Prep during his regency and early ministry, where he discovered his gift for educating and inspiring students. Beyond the classroom, he served in administrative and leadership roles in the U.S. and Rome, including at the Wisconsin Province Office and the Institute of Jesuit Sources.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Jesuits

WINTER 2025-2026

27

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

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

SUPPORTING PREP YOUR GIFTS HELP CONTINUE OUR LEGACY, AND THE ENTIRE PREP COMMUNITY IS GRATEFUL FOR YOUR GENEROSITY.

HOW TO GIVE CHECK/ENVELOPE Make payable to Creighton Prep and use the enclosed envelope.

ONLINE Visit CreightonPrep.org/Give

EFT CREIGHTON PREP

Call Jennifer Jones, Donor Relations,

28

at (402) 548-6228.

VENMO Give through the Venmo app: @CreightonPrep

Omaha’s Jesuit College Preparatory School Since 1878 7400 Western Ave. Omaha, NE 68114-1878 | (402) 393-1190 CreightonPrep.org For more information on giving to Prep, contact Prep Advancement at (402) 548-6218 or Advancement@CreightonPrep.org.