Academics

dysseyOAcademics

3D Vision

At top: Jacob Lorimier ’22 checks on the print status of his model of Suntrup Field. The project required troubleshooting how to keep old filament from clogging the printer and the finished project took nine hours to print.

The only limit in the class was our creativity. When I was able to pull off an idea, it was really satisfying. ”

STUDENTS DESIGN MODELS OF CAMPUS LANDMARKS

“I didn’t have an outline, so I had to draw the curves of the track freehand,” said Jacob Lorimier ’22, explaining a challenge he faced while designing a model of Suntrup Field for Mr. Bender’s 3D Printing class. Determination, creative problem solving, and patience served students well as they learned to design and print three-dimensional objects.

Using Autodesk Fusion 360, professional-grade software created for engineers and machinists, students built everything from a working door hinge to a helicopter and even Thor’s hammer. They began with simple design projects, including a six-sided die, to learn the basics of the software and practice skills, such as identifying which modifications were necessary to print projects successfully. “The only limit in the class was our creativity. When I was able to pull off an idea, it was really satisfying,” Jacob said. His model of Suntrup Field was complete with field markings, goal posts, and windows in the press box. Jacob’s turf replica was one of the class’s final assignments. It required students to create 3D models of campus landmarks using Google Maps and photos as reference points for architectural detail. In the last week of classes, students were tackling the challenge of designing chess pieces branded with De Smet Jesuit logos.

This elective class, growing in popularity, provides “a fantastic creative outlet for students,” said Mr. Bender. “They enjoy the collaborative nature of the work.”

Above: The completed model of Suntrup Field.

PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS

Above: Caleb Dunbar ’22’s model of Boian Chapel includes details like replications of the window structures. Below: A screenshot of Caleb’s design in Autodesk Fusion 360.

theBIG picture

GROWTH

ACADEMICS

Senior Insignis presentations, given every spring, are as unique as the journey of each Spartan. Thomas Schuster ’21, a DURT Robotics team captain, constructed robots with increasingly complex designs to symbolize his growth from freshman to senior year. “The design of the senior year robot was the most sophisticated to represent increasing confidence in my goals for the future,” he explained. PHOTO: DEBBIE HIGGINS

Celebrating the Class of 2021 with graduation on the turf and LOOKForward Wonder

Smiles, hugs, wind-blown National Honor Society hoods, a weather delay, and fireworks were all part of the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021 on May 16, De Smet Jesuit’s 51st commencement exercises.

This was a class who gathered on the baseball field as freshmen to witness a rare solar eclipse and, four years later, processed onto Suntrup Field to conclude a senior year that was dramatically altered by a global pandemic. In between their uniquely memorable beginning and ending, the 172 members of the Class of 2021 modeled leadership, resilience, and brotherhood.

“Now we look forward and wonder about the beyond,” said Jack Jones, Class of 2021 valedictorian. “We try to fit the pieces together to join ourselves and service; our greatest joy meeting the world’s deepest need; what we are going to make of the life that is in front of us. It seems like a daunting challenge … but with this experience under our belt, I think we are equipped to handle anything.”

Thank you, Class of 2021, for proving time and again your ability to rise above challenges and emerge even stronger as a class and as individuals.

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At top: Connor Niebruegge in the Class of 2021’s graduation procession. Above: President Daniel Zepp presents Jeremiah Walker’s diploma. Right: Liam Weishaar greets his mom, Cynthia, with a hug.

DEBBIE HIGGINS

“The 172 members of the Class of 2021 modeled Class of 2021 modeled leadership, resilience, and leadership, resilience, and brotherhood.”

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KEVIN BERNS ’87 DEBBIE HIGGINS

Clockwise, from top: Confetti and fireworks mark the conclusion of the Class of 2021’s graduation. Valedictorian Jack Jones (at left) and salutatorian Ben Mueller Charlie Mathews (at left) and Kevin Jeffries with their digital media teacher, Kevin Berns ’87 (From left) Ian Quinn, Matt Kohm, and Drew Inso (From left) Jonathan Fales, Deveion Griffin, Nicholas Zak, Michael Appel, Ethan Becher, and Deandra Smith

DEBBIE HIGGINS

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