Duchesne Today 2023

DUCHESNE TODAY

DUCHESNE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART — OMAHA | SPRING 2023

3601 Burt Street

Omaha, NE 68131

402-558-3800 duchesneacademy.org

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic college-preparatory independent high school for girls of all faiths and backgrounds, is a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States and Canada. The schools of the Sacred Heart Network share five goals which commit them to educate to:

· A personal and active faith in God

· A deep respect for intellectual values

· A social awareness which impels to action

· The building of community as a Christian value

· Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom

Editors

Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71

Kevin Boughton

Publication Designer

Josiah Hazel

Contributors

Amy Becker

Margo O'Connor Bieker A'71

Kevin Boughton

Meg Huerter Brudney A'83

Martha Heck

Laura McKee Hickman, Ed.D A'85

Becky Slater-Johnson

Eric Krakowski

Bella Loftus A'23

Trisha Clark Meehan A'04

Laura Quest Glueckert A'02

Katie Risch Bakhit A'94

Meghan Conway Rowen A'97

Sara Wachter A'79

Printer PrintCo

Front Cover

Ring Ceremony was celebrated on April 25. It was the first large event in the newly preserved chapel. The project will be completed in the fall when a new altar, made of imported Italian marble, arrives.

Come Holy Spirit and journey with us.

Teach our minds to recognize You in everyone we encounter.

Teach us to respect and seek equity for all.

Teach us to listen, especially to people on the margins.

Teach us patience as we face life's struggles.

Help us to hear Your call so we may better radiate the fire of God's Love.

Come Holy Spirit and journey with us.

Amen.

a Year of Grow T h

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of Duchesne Today where we celebrate the achievements of our students, faculty, and alumnae. I am excited to share the many wonderful things happening at our school.

Our theme for this school year, "Growing my gifts, cultivating our community" speaks to the core values of Duchesne Academy. Here, we believe that each student has unique talents and abilities, and it is our mission to nurture and develop those gifts to their fullest potential. We also understand that these gifts are best cultivated in a supportive and collaborative community.

Our students continue to impress us with their creativity and hard work. From award-winning art exhibits to championship athletic teams, we are constantly inspired by their dedication to their studies, passion for extracurricular activities, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

We see growth across our entire campus. We were blessed to celebrate Ring Ceremony, Baccalaureate Mass and Prize Day in the Chapel after it was closed for renovation and preservation work. Students will see a new state-of-the-art theater when they return from summer break. These spaces are possible because of our A Bold Step Forward campaign.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support of Duchesne Academy. Your commitment to our mission makes it possible for us to continue to provide our students with a Sacred Heart education that is unmatched. I hope you enjoy this edition of our magazine, and I look forward to sharing more updates with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Meg Huerter Brudney A'83 Head of School

The Class of 2023 celebrated graduation at Saint Cecilia Cathedral on May 25th, 2023.

Mr. Jake Moore named Archdiocese of Omaha Educator of the Year

Mr. Jake Moore has been named the 2023 Archdiocese of Omaha Secondary Educator of the Year. Moore is a mathematics teacher and department chair at Duchesne. He joined the faculty in 2012.

The Educator of the Year awards recognize the best teachers at Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Omaha.

“Jake is a shining example of what an Educator of the Sacred Heart is called to be. He is living the vision and values of our foundress, Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, to make known the love of the Heart of Jesus in our world,” said Head of School Meg Brudney.

Moore’s dedication to his students is evident in all he does. He is the assistant varsity soccer coach, has coached school basketball teams, and organized and led a conference for local math teachers with the goal of enhancing junior high curriculum to improve outcomes for students.

Moore is an Omaha native and attended Mary Our Queen School, Creighton Prep, and Creighton University. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and a Master of Science degree in education, both from Creighton.

“Duchesne’s small class sizes allow me to really get to know my students as individuals and those positive relationships lead to better outcomes in the classroom,” Moore said.

Prior to Duchesne, Moore worked for two years in Winnebago, Nebraska, teaching 6th-8th math, social studies, and religion at Saint Augustine Indian Mission School.

DASH Musicians Selected for 2023 UNO BOC Festival

Ten fine arts students participated in University of Nebraska-Omaha’s Band Orchestra and Choir (BOC) Music festival. The highly selective program includes the best musicians and artists from local high schools. Festival participants from left to right: Madeline Bean, Nora Barth, Grace Reyelts, Ellie Glenn, Kyra McWilliams, Janine-Kate Fell, Rosalyn Morales, Jensen Shomshor, Annie Heldridge and Grace Caskey (not pictured).

Champions Nest Here

Duchesne Academy has experienced an extraordinary year in athletics, marked by state championships, program firsts, and a string of broken school records. The dedication and hard work of the student-athletes, combined with the guidance of talented coaches, have propelled the school's athletic programs to new heights.

The year began with an outstanding performance by the golf team when it clinched its 9th state championship, placing Duchesne on par with Scottsbluff for the most Class B state championships in history.

The Duchesne/Marian Trap team, claimed the 1st Place Team Trophy at the state competition in April 2023.

Ina Satpathy A'23 continued to make her mark on the tennis court. She secured her second consecutive #1 singles tennis state championship, further solidifying her status as one of the top tennis players in the state. This victory added to her impressive record, which includes a doubles state championship during her sophomore year.

Softball also had a breakthrough season, achieving several historic milestones. The team clinched the River Cities Conference championship for the first time in school history. They also emerged as the sub-district B-1 champions and were the district runner-up.

The cross country team displayed their strength and endurance throughout the season. With a team comprising over 60 runners, they secured an impressive secondplace finish in the RCC meet, followed by a third-place finish in the district finals. Their hard work culminated in a commendable seventh-place finish at the state championship meet, underscoring their commitment to community and growth.

Volleyball also had a standout year, rallying for a secondplace conference finish and earning a coveted spot in the state tournament.

As the weather turned colder, Duchesne Academy's teams continued to shine. The bowling team, in only its second season, secured a district victory, thereby qualifying for the state tournament for the first time ever. Two bowlers, Maria Buechler A'25 and Sarah Schmaderer A'25, also earned individual spots at the state tournament.

The Swim and Dive team maintained their dominance in the RCC meet, securing its 12th consecutive victory. Two divers, Sydney McCoy A'25 and Jackie Johnson A'25, also showcased their talent at the state level, finishing 17th and 9th, respectively.

Under the guidance of a new coaching staff, the basketball program experienced a reinvigoration. The team finished with an impressive 16-9 record. Notably, several players set new school records, including Nicky Huss A'23, who set a new career points record with 851 points. June Mullen A'24 set a new school record with 226 career assists and 92 assists in a single season. The team as a whole set a new record for the lowest average points allowed per game in a season, demonstrating their defensive prowess.

Cardinal soccer kicked off the season with a remarkable 10-0 record, demonstrating their skill and determination. This impressive performance earned them the top seed at the state tournament, where they battled fiercely but ultimately fell to Norris High School in a dramatic shootout in the state semi-finals.

Lastly, Duchesne/Roncalli track continued its upward trajectory, with two runners, Ellie Shanahan A'24 and Maggie Lickteig A'25, qualifying for the state meet, further highlighting the growth and potential of the track program.

As the school looks ahead to future seasons, the bar has been set high, and there is no doubt that Duchesne Academy will continue to excel in the realm of athletics.

Cardinal Athletes Soar to Greater Heights by Becky Slater-Johnson

Duchesne Senior Earns National Art Award

Duchesne Academy senior Liz Gaytan has won a gold medal for her work Gold Embroidered Flower from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

More than 100,000 students submitted works of art to the 2023 Scholastic Awards. Less than 2,000 works received a national medal, which places Gaytan within the top 1% of all submissions.

One of her other works, Round We Go, received a silver medal, making her Duchesne’s first student to win multiple medals in this competition since 2005.

"I feel very honored to have won these awards. It makes me more confident in my work as well as my decision to pursue fine arts in college," Gaytan said.

She will attend New York University.

Gaytan created these pieces of art in Mr. Doug Schroder's art class. Schroder says he structures his classroom to be a safe space to develop technical skills and help each student find their own unique voice.

"I’m so proud of Liz! This national recognition acknowledges the tremendous effort and perseverance she has shown over her four years at Duchesne,” said Schroder.

"All my teachers, especially Mr. Schroder and Mrs. Berigan, have helped me develop my artistic voice in their own way. I’ve gained more confidence by having my art in the literary magazine and also by receiving encouragement from my art classes," Gaytan said.

"I’m very grateful to have such an amazing support system here at Duchesne."

All In

Senior Service Immersion program provides life-changing experiences

When you have something good, why not try to make it better? Last school year, students at Duchesne logged 7,500 hours of community service. Dr. Laura Hickman, considered the amount impressive but knew students were capable of more.

She asked theology teachers, Mrs. Sara McConnell and Mr. Drew Holtmann to begin planning a new program: Senior Service Immersion.

“As Pope Francis has written, ‘We have to progress toward this culture of encounter – in which heart speaks to heart.’ Full-time service immersion better fosters this idea,” said Holtmann, also Duchesne's service project coordinator.

Holtmann and McConnell worked with students to identify service goals and make arrangements with organizations for the twoweek immersion.

“I was excited for them to be able to use their gifts in order to serve others in our community, specifically the oppressed and the marginalized,” McConnell said.

Seniors completed their service from February 20 –March 3. They were off campus and out of class during this time – a first for Duchesne and among high schools in Omaha. When they returned to class after Spring Break students were bursting with excitement.

“It was an amazing experience and I loved it,” said Aderyn Lawse A’23. “We were able to clean and set up apartments, help find jobs for Ukrainian refugees, and sit in on cultural orientation classes. It was eye-opening and very fulfilling.”

Students learned the distinction between charity and justice and integrated their service experience with other areas of study, such as foreign language, economics and government, conflict engagement, earth science, and literature, McConnell said.

“Most importantly, students learned love of neighbor and to treat others, particularly the oppressed and marginalized, as they would treat Christ.”

Drew Holtmann Sara McConnell

Payton Vlcek A'23, Jane Manhart A'23, Gabby Freemont A'23

L: Adyern Lawse A'23

R: Payton Vlcek A'23

A Senior Service Reflection

by Bella Loftus A'23

Senior Service was, single-handedly, one of my best experiences at Duchesne Academy. I volunteered at the Heart Ministry Center, a choice food pantry with a free laundromat, a free health clinic, and other resources to uplift and improve the lives of those experiencing poverty in the North Omaha area.

A choice food pantry looks like a grocery store, providing people with a more “normal” experience. Visitors can choose items from the shelves and volunteers bag their groceries and place them in their cars when they leave.

The center serves 10,000 community members monthly, making it Nebraska’s largest food pantry. People are not defined by their struggle— as a plaque near the entrance says. “You are not defined by your choices, but how you grow from them.” This is part of Heart Ministry Center’s mission: Dignity for All. The center works to bring people ostracized— for whatever reason— back into our society by creating a welcoming, uplifting community.

I met people I will never forget, from criminals recently released from prison to people struggling with addiction to single parents working to feed their kids. Through this immersion, I learned more about myself, humanity, and people than possible in a classroom lecture. At times it was emotionally challenging but I am thankful for these days that collectively formed a life-changing experience.

Our school year theme is "Growing my gifts, Cultivating our community" and teachers encourage us to consider the gifts God has given us and how we can use them to help others. During the immersion, I was able to further discern the talents God has given me, and how I can use them to aid others. For example, I was able to draw a portrait of a man’s family to give him a keepsake he otherwise could not afford to commission— using my gifts to impact the lives of others.

Senior service allowed me to better understand the depth of struggle within Omaha— in particular, the area around the Heart Ministry Center, a neighborhood which has fallen victim to historical redlining. One of the first days my group was volunteering there, our supervisor told us that the leading reason children in North Omaha do not go to school is because they do not have clean clothes to wear. They fear getting bullied for their personal hygiene— usually due to not having a washing machine at home. Access to free laundry facilities removes a barrier to getting children the education they deserve.

I saw both the rawness of human struggle and the unconditional love we are all capable of giving and receiving. I met mothers exhausted from a long day of work, committed to providing their children a hot, complete meal. Two sisters were refugees from Ukraine, one had a guidebook to learning English in her purse. She shared her story with me— how her parents and brother were still stuck in Ukraine. One woman was mourning the death of her mother and as she picked up a pecan pie past the sell-by date off the dessert shelf, she told me about the pecan pies she used to make for her birthday every year. A recently divorced mother selected food for her six kids always noting how her sons or daughters would like the taste, or shape, or color. Another woman was getting food for her elderly parents. She described their declining health to me, saying she hoped to give them a gentle send off because they soon will enter hospice.

Service at Duchesne gives students the opportunity to build relationships with people working toward change in the Omaha area, and to better understand that struggle through direct interaction with it.

At a time when I’m making decisions about my future and what I want my life to be, the Senior Service Immersion gave me the opportunity to see the world from a new perspective and be of service to people who desperately need it. This experience is a part of my time at Duchesne I will never forget. I learned invaluable things about myself, about others, and about humanity— how we persevere, how we love, and how we need to address the wealth inequality in not only our nation, but also in Omaha and our own communities.

I am grateful for the experience and enthusiastically encourage every Duchesne student to throw themselves wholeheartedly into it.

Impelled to Action

Since 2017, Dr. Laura Hickman has served on the CUES Board of Governors to build capacity for the educational experience of children in Sacred Heart, All Saints and Holy Name schools. This board consists of education experts from area universities who brought their expertise and latest research to establish programs that will immediately affect the learning of every student.

In 2018-2019, with the tremendous support of the CUES fund, teacher salaries were raised significantly to ensure the best could be retained and new teachers enticed to the schools. Blended learning software and devices, along with intense summer professional development in their use, provided new tools to target individualized learning needs. Early childhood programs were both expanded and modernized. And expanded social services provided the wrap-around services that supported student attendance and preparation for learning.

“I believe that the zip code of one’s home should not predetermine a child’s prospects. In the city of Omaha, this is not the case. The neighborhoods of these schools and the students who attend there start life with barriers to success. Working to move the needle on those options has been very rewarding,” Dr. Hickman said.

After a whirlwind year of implementing new programs, the CUES Board set goals for learning improvement and hoped to watch the test scores rise. Covid derailed those plans. With a massive effort to get devices and connectivity into the hands of every family, education continued despite school closures, but the reality for many of the families struggling to function with children at home inevitably led to lost learning.

Today, CUES schools are rebounding in very exciting ways. The hopes for rising scores and students ready to enter and thrive at Duchesne and schools like us, are being realized. Every 7th and 8th grader is performing at grade level in math in the spring of 2023.

“I treasure my experience as a Duchesne student; I want every girl who wants this same experience to be academically prepared to be accepted and to thrive at Duchesne and the other Catholic high schools in Omaha,” Dr. Hickman said.

In the past two years, Dr. Hickman and Duchesne Dean of Students, Mrs. Amy Becker, went into each of the schools and offered a test prep class for all middle school students, and those classes have continued in the current school year with the CUES staff teaching the test prep.

Students responded to the prep classes from the first lesson and this placed them on a path to success. Six students tested at Duchesne; 88% of CUES 8th graders tested at a Catholic high school, and 12 CUES students are currently attending Duchesne with an average grade point average of 3.4.

“I loved watching the students grow. Even if the content growth was immediately evident, their understanding of the testing process and stamina for the long high school entrance test grew exponentially and I loved seeing that,” Becker said.

Duchesne administrators launch test prep course in CUES schools

Equipped to Lead

Snack bar provides students with business skills

Step into Duchesne's Couer de Café snack bar, and you'll find Eva Wentz A’23 and Leila Ayoub A’24 already hard at work, long before the day’s first bell rings. They're busy concocting the perfect drinks and snacks for the long line of hungry students forming in the hallway.

They open the doors and greet their first customer, who orders an iced coffee - one of the most-popular items. Each transaction is part of a lesson because the snack bar isn’t just a store- it is a classroom.

“The most interesting thing to me are the entrepreneurship skills that we learn in this class. I have always wanted to start my own business and this class gives a person the skill set to know what it takes to start a business,” said Wentz.

Before the start of the 2021-2022 school year, Principal Dr. Laura Hickman approached Mrs. Margy Ford about incorporating the snack bar into the business courses she teaches. Ford teaches three business classes and each one requires that students work some amount in the snack bar. She even visited Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans to observe their successful snack bar and business program.

Each semester brings a new snack bar staff, with its own personality. The shelves are stacked in new ways, and the menu evolves based on current trends. Ford requires students to research and pitch their ideas, applying concepts from class, before they can implement a new product.

“They are so used to being given directions in class that it takes them a bit to get comfortable with doing things on their own. The creativity I see is wonderful,” she said.

It’s unclear what came first: the popularity of the class or the popularity of the snack bar, but what is certain is that each is growing, and students are excited.

“I have learned how to keep inventory, stock items in the snack bar, how to make fun drinks and snacks and, most importantly, I have learned important tips for starting a business,” said Ayoub.

Ford says six students are enrolled in her management and business courses for next school year, a small number, but a 3-fold increase.

“I enjoy that it is a hands-on experience for the students that helps them develop their confidence and gets them comfortable with speaking up when they have an idea. It’s a skill that will carry them through college and their careers,” Ford said.

Mrs. Margy Ford

All eyes were on Gwen Corcoran A’24, Kate Gehring A’25, and Eleanor Horn A’23 as they strutted down the catwalk in their own designs during Omaha Fashion Week’s student showcase night.

This was an opportunity for students to bring their designs to a large audience for feedback from professionals in the design industry.

Gwen Corcoran, a mentee in Joslyn’s Kent Bellows Program, admits she was nervous modeling her own design. Omaha Fashion Week is the fourth largest event of its type in the country.

“I've never struggled with stage fright before, but the thought of showing off my own design to so many people and modeling with hired professionals was scary. I knew that if it was just my design on stage and not me modeling then I'd be less scared,” she said.

She modeled a white blouse with distinctive embellishments.

“The styles I go for are usually eyecatching with lots of ruffles and unique elements. I think my design lived up to this and I'm very proud of how it came out.” Corcoran credits Duchesne’s theater program with preparing her to be confident in front of a crowd.

FEATURING: DUCHESNE

“Theater at DASH helped me with my modeling in the show. With my performances in both theater and choir, I've become comfortable with being in front of a big crowd and that really helped me as I walked down the runway.”

Gering found inspiration in the television series "Stranger Things" and fashioned a dress with features that made it fashionable yet distinctive. She credits DREAM Lab teacher Susan Proux-Heron with helping her through the process.

“I would not have been able to participate in Omaha Fashion Week without Mrs. Proux-Heron so I am very appreciative of her and my class,” she said.

Unique creations and confidence on the runway reflect their hard work and the valuable support they received from their classmates and teachers.

"Theater at DASH helped me with my modeling in the show."

Gwen Corcoran A’24, Eleanor Horn A’23, and Kate Gehring A’25

Party at Our Place!

Congé Makes a Successful Return to Duchesne

Well, that was fun!

For the first time in 31 years, Duchesne hosted its annual fundraiser, Congé, at the school. This longawaited in-person event was a hit! After hosting virtual Congés in 2021 and 2022, it was time to get together and celebrate our community in our historic home.

The event was co-chaired by Kara and Tom Kelley, parents of Kate A'24, and Torey and John Reed, parents of Emily A'24 and Kate A'24. They chose the theme, "Fairmont Forever," to remind all of us that the bonds formed at Duchesne last a lifetime. These couples devoted fundraising and event expertise throughout the year to ensure the event was a success.

More than 300 guests attended the event, which began with Mass led by Fr. Jeff Sullivan SJ, in the Performing Arts Center, followed by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres served throughout the first floor. The Courtney Ann Emery Art Galley, the Fitzpatrick Grand Hall, the iconic Duchesne dance room, as well as the Parlor Dining Room were crowded and festive.

by Meghan Conway Rowen A’97

The entire first floor was decked out with balloon art and Fairmont plaid. Head of School, Meg Huerter Brudney A'83, hosted Brudney's Bubbly, a champagne bar for our guests to toast Duchesne, Hap Abraham, owned by past parents Jennifer and Brian Kobs, catered the event, and past parents Jill and Terry Petersen donated all event wine.

Congé 2023 raised $555,000 for Duchesne. A large part of this great success was due to the generosity of The Heider Family Foundation's match of every $1000 given toward tuition assistance, a vital program that helps all academically qualified students receive a Sacred Heart education, regardless of family income.

Sacred Heart education in Omaha is cherished. Thanks to our current families, alumnae, and friends it will continue for many years to come.

Tom and Kara Kelley, Meg Brudney, and Torey and John Reed

Duchesne is proud to be once again recognized as a leader in computer science education for girls.

Kate Gehring A’25

A student and an alumna each celebrate the publication of their first books.

Her Time To Shine

Duchesne freshman publishes her first novel.

n the summer of 2020 with little else to do, Nora Barth, then in seventh grade, began to write. Words poured from her mind on to page, forming the first draft of a story she had been dreaming of telling for a long time. This was the basis for what would become her first book, "The Time Warden," (Barnes & Noble Press, 2023) published in March. The story is set in an exciting fantasy world where a teen boy and teen girl must work together to find the Time Warden, the only person who can turn back time and help them succeed on their quests.

Barth sat down with Duchesne Today to chat about her creative process and how it feels to publish a book at just 15 years old.

What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve wanted to be an author for my entire life. Writing and storytelling have always been passions of mine, along with reading. Usually, my book ideas materialize and build from things I see during my day or elements from other novels, TV shows, etc. But "The Time Warden" was one of the few ideas that I actually sat down and created from scratch. It was a fun and different process that I really enjoyed.

Is there anything similar between the characters in The Time Warden and today’s world?

Themes in my stories develop as I’m writing, and one thing I noticed myself including in "The Time Warden" was the pressure I see a lot of parents put on their kids. Today, this would mostly be about grades and academics (and not sword fighting), but the feelings of false unworthiness that come from impossible expectations are the same.

Why did you want this story to “start at the end?”

I decided I wanted to “start at the end” and explore what would happen if the hero ended up failing, instead of succeeding and leading the story to happily ever after. This basic idea warped and changed from this point a lot, but I kept those fundamentals in mind while writing.

What were some of the challenges you encountered during the writing process?

The biggest one was just completing the first draft and staying focused on the story. The thought of writing a book and actually doing it are very different. Another challenge is the sheer amount of things to do besides writing. As a person who is a little shy around new people, I had to get into contact with mapmakers, cover artists, editors, reviewers, and friends and family who could be my beta readers. It took a lot of time and effort, but I learned a lot of important realworld skills.

What type of response have you received since publishing?

The response has been incredible! I was floored by the overwhelming excitement from my friends and family. The Duchesne community has been so supportive and I'm so grateful for all the kindness and excitement from my peers!

Why did you decide to attend Duchesne?

I loved the community and the building itself—there is something about historical buildings that I just love. I'm also very passionate about sustainability, and Duchesne has an amazing sustainability program. In addition, theater is an important aspect of my life, and I really like the DASH theater program. Most importantly, though, when I shadowed here, walking in just felt like I was home, a feeling that I still have every morning!

Thought Leader

Jennifer Reed-Bouley Ph.D. A’86, professor of theology at College of Saint Mary, has published her first book about Catholic Social Thought

“Catholic Higher Education and Catholic Social Thought,” (Paulist Press, 2023) explores how Catholic social thought can be applied to the business of running a Catholic college or university. Her co-editor is Dr. Bernard Prusak of Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The volume consists of ten chapters plus a preface by Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ. Its focus is the so-called hidden curriculum within Catholic higher education: what we teach students and employees alike by the ways our institutions conduct their operations, from admissions, to labor policies, to investment strategies, to DEI initiatives, to the cultivation of leaders, and more. The book proposes that Catholic social thought is one way that institutions can anchor themselves in their Catholic identity and mission.

“Leadership at Catholic colleges and universities is moving from ordained religious to lay people, so institutions are looking for resources for additional formation,” Reed-Bouley said.

She envisions the volume being used in board retreats, seminars for senior administration, and staff and faculty development workshops. The book has received a positive reception and ReedBouley and Prusak were invited to give a keynote presentation during a conference on the Catholic Tradition at Notre Dame in March and to facilitate a week-long seminar for administrators at Seattle University in June.

As a graduate of Duchesne Academy, the University of Notre Dame, and Loyola University-Chicago, Jennifer Reed-Bouley understands the power of Catholic education to transform individuals and communities. She credits a 1983 workshop in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Network of Sacred Heart Schools with awakening her passion for Catholic social thought. “As a sophomore, I joined two other Duchesne students and theology teacher Barb Vasiloff in an educational immersion with students from all U.S. Sacred Heart schools in learning about the implications of the U.S. Bishops’ pastoral letter, “The Challenge of Peace.”

She says she was surrounded by outstanding educators and great mentors at Duchesne; she cites former teacher Diane Wood as one of the women who inspired her to pursue a career in education. ReedBouley offers this advice to students:

“Trust your own questions and perceptions of the disciplines you study, especially when you identify perspectives that others have not yet addressed. The world needs your unique perspectives and insights.”

Caring For Our Common Home

Duchesne achieves one major sustainability goal, and sets another

Duchesne Academy has achieved its goal of being a zero-waste school almost eight years ahead of its target date of 2030. According to a waste audit in November of 2022, the school diverted 91% of waste away from landfills and to recycling or composting programs, surpassing the threshold of 90% diversion required to be considered "zero waste."

The school’s commitment to sustainability is rooted in its Goals and Criteria, which call for the teaching of respect for creation and the preparation of students to be good stewards of the earth's resources. The school's sustainability program was launched in the 2016-2017 school year, following the release of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment and human ecology.

“Our students have embraced this program and now are leaders when it comes to modeling sustainable practices for their classmates,” Duchesne's Assistant Principal Eric Krakowski, who serves as the Sustainability Program coordinator said.

Duchesne has set a goal of net-zero emissions by 2045 with an interim goal of a 15% reduction in emissions by 2035. The school received a “Mission Innovation Grant” in December 2022 to develop a net zero pathway. The Verdis Group is conducting an analysis of Duchesne’s energy use dating back to 2016, and the school has participated in workshops and presentations to develop strategies to help us pursue Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Duchesne's administration team, along with members of the Board of Trustees, recently attended an "Environmental Justice Community Orientation" presented by the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice at Creighton University. The event focused on climate change science, Catholic Social Teaching, and Laudato Si'.

The group also visited Omaha Public Power District’s North Omaha Power Station and heard a presentation from UNMC on the effects of climate change on children's health.

Administrators and Board of Trustees Members visit an OPPD power station.

Interior Life The

During a Children of Mary meeting a participant asked the speaker, Sister Shirley Miller, “What do you mean by devoting your love to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?” and “What does interior life mean?” While the RSCJ live by these deep beliefs, the philosophies are not always clear to all.

She explained that an interior life is a life which seeks God in everything, a life of prayer and the practice of living in the presence of God.

Duchesne Today asked Religious from the Oakwood Community to reflect on their interior life.

by Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71

How blessed we are in every way by this God who loves and cares for us.

Shirley Miller, RSCJ Graduated Duchesne College in 1963

First Vows taken 1968

Final Profession taken 1974

Sister Miller served at Duchesne from 1972-1989, four years as a classroom teacher and 11 years as principal. Then, she served on the Board of trustees on two separate occasions. She retired and moved to Oakwood in 2023.

“Oakwood is a contemplative place and nurtures all that we have learned and taken in over the years. Duchesne has always been one of my favorite places in the whole world, as a college student, alum, teacher and principal as well as serving on the Board of Trustees.

Everything at Duchesne fed my soul: the people, the chapel, the beauty. They taught me how to pray in a new way. As a child our parents gathered us each evening to say our prayers together. I spent a lot of time alone, wandering in the woods, being awed by beauty. It was my introduction to a deeper contemplative life.

My sisters Mary Dell Barkouras and Carolyn Smith are also Duchesne College alums and we often share our latest prayer resources and prayer requests. The Society’s life and mission are centered in the interior life handed down to us by Jesus, Sophie and Philippine.

I am surrounded by holy women at Oakwood, most of us in our older years. My final profession theme was "Continual Encounter With Christ," and those words remain a presence in my life.

Walking in beauty helps me sustain my interior life, both the beauty of people and the beauty of the place, and I find both in my life at Oakwood. I will always be grateful for being led to Duchesne and the Society of the Sacred Heart.”

Mary Dell Barkouras, Sister Miller, Carolyn Smith

Patricia Munch, RSCJ

Graduated Duchesne College in 1955

First Vows taken February 12, 1955

Final Vows taken July 21, 1960

Sister Munch taught at Duchesne Academy from September 1956 to end of the 1957 school year. She was a second grade teacher and was surveillant of the Lower School.

“One of the things that helps me to grow in my interior life is to enjoy seeing the beauty of nature as I walk around out of doors. I am immediately lifted out of myself and deeply moved by God’s overwhelming love.

My heart is filled with peace, praise, gratitude and the desire to respond to His love. At other times I like to just sit quietly in silence, my heart centered on the presence of God within.

Then, letting go of any thoughts or ideas, I am able to become aware of and listen to what He may be asking of me in order that I may better serve Him.

Just as we nourish our physical life with food, it is important to set aside time to read and reflect on the scriptures in order to nourish one’s inner life. How blessed we are in every way by this God who loves and cares for us.”

Patricia Munch, RSCJ Mary Munch, RSCJ Patricia Munch, RSCJ Mary Munch, RSCJ

Mary Pat Ryan, RSCJ

Graduated Duchesne College in 1956

First Vows taken 1957

Final Vows taken July 21, 1964

Sister Ryan served at Duchesne for 23 years, as an educator from 1974—1981, and again from 1990—2006 in administrative support and alumnae relations.

“Interior life for me is connections with God. Sometimes we have a bad connection but most often we have a good connection. Sometimes the static overwhelms me, those are the interruptions. But God has never hung-up on me.

And then my prayer life is centered around Psalm 139.

“Oh, my Beloved, you have searched me, and you know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up. You are concerned and know me. Search me my beloved and know that you may know my heart, try me and discern my thoughts. Help me to place the darkness within me. Enlighten me that I might radiate your love and light.”

Oakwood is a very beautiful place. It’s very peaceful, and the staff are very good to you. Our days are filled with activities and they make it as full or peaceful as we desire. We have movies and special treats on holidays. Oakwood is the right place for me. This is where I should be. It’s like Disneyland, “the happiest place on earth."

I still keep in touch with my Duchesne friends and I was so fortunate to be a member of the Duchesne community.”

A Special Birthday Dinner

To celebrate Sister Ryan's 89th birthday, her former colleagues at Duchesne wanted to do something memorable. They reached out to Omaha Steaks about sending a steak dinner to Oakwood for Sister Ryan and her fellow RSCJ. Omaha Steaks graciously donated the entire meal and we send them our deepest appreciation.

Sister Mary Pat Ryan (bottom center) with her sisters (clockwise) Marjorie Ryan Holzfeind C'70, Sara Jane Ryan O'Brien Murphy C'60, Julianne Ryan McConville C'57, and Susan Ryan. Their mother, Mary Caffrey Ryan, graduated from Duchesne College in 1927.

Duchesne’s most ambitious campaign ever delivers a beautifully restored and preserved chapel, stunning state-of-the-art theater, and dynamic new classrooms.

IN THIS SPECIAL SECTION:

• Kimball’s vision restored

• A modern theater in a historic space

• Alumnae gifts lead fundraising efforts

Chapel Reopens Following Preservation Effort

At Duchesne Academy, history and tradition are not just preserved, they are celebrated.

The chapel, the physical and spiritual center of the school, has recently undergone extensive restoration, and now stands as a testament to the vision of renowned architect Thomas Rogers Kimball.

Duchesne worked with BVH Architects and MCL Construction to design and complete the work which included expanding the seating capacity, repairing and restoring the stations of the cross, adding a new altar, ambo, and presiders’ chairs, as well as upgrading the lighting and sound systems. The sacristy and antechamber were remodeled, and a new restroom and storage space were added.

Brother William Woeger, a celebrated expert on liturgical design, served as the architectural and design consultant for the project. Woeger, who has spent a lifetime studying the work of Kimball, was determined to maintain the integrity of the original design. Kimball is considered the best architect from Nebraska and was added to the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 2019.

“As a devotee of Thomas Rogers Kimball, I’m always passionate that the spirit of his design intent always remains prominent if somebody is going to do any work on a Kimball building," Woeger said. "So, we were kind of asking ourselves this question, ‘What would TRK do if he was still working today?’"

Head of School Meg Brudney recognized the chapel's significance as the centerpiece of the campus where the past and the present come together.

“There was no question when we started this campaign that the chapel was going to be the first thing that we were going to preserve," Brudney said. "There is something about this chapel that when you come into it you feel safe, you feel loved, you feel a sense of community, and that has been a consistent experience over the years."

The restoration project paid homage to the original design, with Duchesne taking pains to ensure that the new elements matched the original style.

“What we tried to do was go back and consider what the Victorian schemes were. And we would never go back to that level of detail necessarily, but we wanted it to be evocative of that,” Woeger said.

The result is breathtaking. The new lighting and restored plaster work, along with gold leaf detailing, highlight the intricate details of the stained-glass windows, stations of the cross, and original architecture.

“All of a sudden you see these gorgeous stained-glass windows differently. You see them anew. Even some of the architecture that is not necessarily religious, is highlighted so you really begin to see the detail that went into making this such a stunning chapel,” Brudney said.

During construction the Blessed Sacrament was moved to a temporary chapel on campus. It will return when the new altar is consecrated by the Archbishop in September.

The restoration project was more than just an effort to preserve the past; it was a statement of Duchesne's commitment to its students, its community, and its history.

New paint and gold leaf accents were added to better align with Thomas Kimball's original designs. Photography of the stenciling from the 1930s expansion was used to create new patterns.

The updated color palette features hues found in the original marble altar and stained glass windows.

Expanded available seating by extending pews and adding chairs. Historic pew ends were salvaged and refinished, seats and backs replaced with new wood and stained to match the originals.

A new altar made of Italian marble to match the original is scheduled to arrive Summer 2023

The existing parquet wood floor was repaired and refinished.

Updated sound and lighting systems.

The Stations of the Cross underwent plaster repair and restoration.

New Theater Will Greet Returning Students

Duchesne will unveil the latest addition to campus with the re-opening of the Caffrey-Ryan Theater in August.

This newly transformed theater will have an array of modern features, elevating the overall experience for performers and audiences alike.

Tiered seating will enhance sightlines, while improved lighting and a stateof-the-art sound system ensure audiences can become fully immersed in each performance. The stage has been renovated and expanded to provide performers with more space to showcase their talents. Additionally, the backstage area has been given a makeover, complete with new restrooms, renovated dressing rooms, along with additional storage.

Shows in the theater now have the possibility to literally leap off the stage thanks to a flexible area between the stage and first row of seats which can be used as additional performance area or accommodate extra seats to increase capacity.

This level of versatility allows Drama Director Thomas Becker the ability to plan a variety of performances, from grand theatrical productions to intimate musical acts.

“Our new theater space is nearing completion and the excitement among our students is growing. The new lighting and sound systems, dressing rooms, bathrooms, and the backstage communication systems are going to offer our students a wide variety of learning opportunities in every aspect of the theater arts. I honestly can’t wait to get started with them down there,” Becker said.

The theater's name honors the Caffrey-Ryan family and their commitment to Duchesne Academy and College.

As the Caffrey-Ryan Theater prepares for its grand re-opening, it holds the promise of a powerful and transformative experience for students who will be equipped to embrace their creative potential and leave a lasting impact.

Enhanced lighting and audio systems will immerse audiences in each production.

New seating features fold out desks so the Theater can be used for lectures as well as performances

The area in front of the stage can be used as additional performance area or can accommodate additional seats to increase capacity.

A renovated and expanded backstage area will provide cast and crew with upgraded dressing rooms, more space to build sets, and additional storage.

Transformative Alumnae Gifts Propel Duchesne Forward

Philanthropy at Duchesne was here from the beginning. A small book in the archives notes every single donation to rebuild after the 1913 Easter tornado. Alumnae from all over the United States and Sacred Heart Schools across the world sent their $1.00 bills and $1,000 checks. These donors built a foundation for alumnae giving in the hearts of Duchesne’s faithful community which was passed down to the children of today’s benefactors.

In this groundwork we see these alumnae gifts matched with the enthusiastic participation of the parent population from each new graduating class.

In a profound testament to the unwavering commitment to excellence, the school gratefully acknowledges the exceptional individuals who have generously contributed to Duchesne Academy. These four distinct gifts are certainly not the only major gifts the school has received but, together they tell a story of alumnae recognizing the lasting impact of a Sacred Heart education.

These gifts will not only elevate our school to new heights but also inspire others to consider the profound impact they can make on the future of education. With deep appreciation, we shine a spotlight on these remarkable benefactors, celebrating their generosity while fostering a sense of collective purpose and encouragement.

A gift of $1.8 million from an alumna who wishes to remain anonymous provided the funds to renovate and preserve the chapel.

“I have many wonderful memories at Duchesne and especially in the chapel. I want it to be a place where students can have similar experiences for many years to come,” the donor said.

The Ryan Foundation, whose contributors are Dr. Wayne L. Ryan and Eileen Krebs Ryan, C’48, has made a gift that exceeds a million dollars, to be paid over four years to fund the need-based aid for the Class of 2026.

The Dr. Gerald and Mrs. Mary Monen Ries, A’49, Estate has made a gift of $276,000. Dr. and Mrs. Ries believed in the power of Catholic education to form students into well-rounded adults according to their daughter Maureen Ries A’74, who also taught and coached at Duchesne.

The Ries family supported many Catholic charities, but education was a priority because it provides a quality education with a strong foundation in liberal arts course work and a lasting network of friends and classmates.

"A Duchesne education withstands the test of time," Maureen said. “Students establish friendships and receive an education that puts them ahead of the game when they arrive at college," she said.

Sisters Jane March Brownlee A’69 and Paula March Romanovsky A’71 have each made a gift of $500,000 for a total of $1,000,000 to support the campaign.

Reflecting on her formative years at the academy, Romanovsky recalled how the school broadened her worldview by bringing together girls from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods in Omaha. The rigor of classes formed a strong academic base and a lifelong love of learning.

“Our Sacred Heart values taught me to be forward thinking, and not be afraid of challenges. I believe in Goal Two, a deep respect for intellectual values.” Romanovsky said.

Attending Duchesne was a life-changing experience for Brownlee. Teachers gave students the tools needed to not simply memorize facts, but to discern complex issues with poise, she said.

"I believe we received a remarkable education, particularly for women at that time. We were encouraged to be everything we could be. I took everything to heart. It’s one of the things I'm most grateful for in my life,” Brownlee said.

Her gift reflects her gratitude for her time at Duchesne and her wish that academically qualified girls from across the area have the opportunity to receive a Sacred Heart education.

A development professional, Romanovsky noted that alumnae need not wait to support the causes they believe in. Participation is much more important than the size of a gift she said.

We express our deep appreciation to these alumnae benefactors, and as we celebrate their gifts, we are reminded that alumnae can make a meaningful difference in supporting the causes they believe in with a gift of any size. Together, we continue to honor the legacy of Duchesne College and Academy and ensure a bright future for generations to come.

In 2020, Duchesne Academy embarked on a transformative journey with the most ambitious campaign in our history: A Bold Step Forward. As we approach the conclusion of Phase I, we take immense pride in the extraordinary accomplishments that have advanced the school’s mission to provide Sacred Heart education in Omaha.

Phase I of the campaign has become a testament to Duchesne Academy's unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional high school experience. By expanding and modernizing classrooms, remodeling student restrooms, completing the meticulous preservation of the cherished chapel, and transforming the auditorium into a state-of-the-art theater, Duchesne has begun a new era.

With great enthusiasm, we look forward to Phase II of A Bold Step Forward. Collaborating with designers and engineers, the Academy is set to reimagine its plans for an expanded campus. During this phase it is crucial to acknowledge the current reality of construction costs, which have experienced a significant surge since the initial master plan drawings were completed in 2019.

We invite you to track the latest updates on A Bold Step Forward at bold.duchesneacademy.org. Here, you will find behind the scenes photos and videos and have the opportunity to share how Sacred Heart education has impacted your life.

The remarkable achievements of A Bold Step Forward owe their existence to the support of the Duchesne Academy community. The unwavering dedication of alumnae, parents, and friends has not only ushered in tangible improvements but has also paved the way for future generations to experience the same transformative opportunities.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Katie Risch Bakhit Vice President of Advancement kbakhit@duchesneacademy.org

Celebrating Preschool

"The basic goodness of humanity is being shown to Danny every day. Duchesne Preschool is bringing out the best in him, challenging him, and holding him accountable for his choices and actions. Most of all, he is grasping a goal I hold dear: Love of Learning."

- Kate Hass Crane A'99

"Our daughter now reminds us to say, "thank you" and "you're welcome" when someone holds a door open! As parents, we appreciate the regular communication provided by the teachers and the friendships we see our daughter making."

- Ann Finlay

The love Rosie has received over the last year is unquantifiable. The teachers and administration feel like family. The teachers are extremely well qualified and engaged and that every child is receiving very special care.

"My son is so proud to come home each day and tell me what he learned, show me what he created, talk about the friends he's making all with a smile... Every child is valued as a child of God, and their unique gifts and talents are treasured."

- Miranda Kreulen

- John Ashford & Allison McGee Ashford A'99

Alumnae News

Dear Alumnae,

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share with you the incredible efforts of some remarkable alumnae who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes this year. As the Alumnae Relations Director, it brings me great joy to witness the dedication of alumnae who are eager to reconnect and give back to our beloved school.

Allow me to introduce a few outstanding women who have made a significant impact. Dorian Hill Stanfield A'90, our Alumnae Board President, returned to Duchesne in 2018, driven by the sudden loss of her dear friend, Lori Fickenscher Zacher A'90. In her journey of healing, Dori transformed her grief into an opportunity to engage with Duchesne once again by joining, and eventually leading, our alumnae board. Not only does she warmly connect with our alumnae, but she graciously spoke to the entire student body during Black History Month about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. Dori's commitment is truly inspiring.

In 2020, Dori brought another exceptional alumna, Stacia Kulas Hoover A'90 onto the Board. Stacia has been an invaluable member, even while living outside Omaha, ensuring her visits align with Alumnae Board events. Similarly, Sydney Pomykata A'07, who joined the Board in 2021, showcases unwavering dedication despite living in Los Angeles. Sydney spearheads a new committee on the Board, focusing on out-of-town engagement and fostering connections with Sacred Heart alums in her local AASH chapter.

Within our Omaha community, two alumnae have exceeded expectations in their support. Dr. Mary Finnegan A'90, a successful dermatologist, consistently makes time to mentor aspiring doctors from our student body. Camille Brown Hawk A'86, an accomplished attorney, graciously hosts student job shadows and offers career guidance to young alumnae venturing into the field of law. Camille's connection with Duchesne and her fellow Sacred Heart sisters remains strong.

The dedication and inspiration of these women, alongside all of you, never cease to amaze me. Your commitment to our Sacred Heart sisterhood is truly admirable. Thank you for embracing and nurturing this lifelong bond. I look forward to witnessing the continued impact of our alumnae and the flourishing connections within our community.

Warmest regards,

Trisha Meehan A’04

Alumnae Relations Director

Leading Ladies

Sara Zabrowski Gates A’99 Ph.D, is on a mission to break barriers in the education field. With her sights set on becoming a school district superintendent, Gates credits Duchesne’s faculty for igniting her passion to pursue a Ph.D. in education, which she earned in 2022.

Gates is an education consultant for Educational Service Unit Three. She specializes in curriculum development, instructional practices, and continuous improvement.

Disturbed by the glaring gender disparity she observed, with only three out of the 18 districts she serves having female superintendents, she embarked on a quest to uncover the underlying reasons. Gates relied on data analysis to shape her dissertation.

Amidst her investigation, Gates found that 29% of women possessing the necessary credentials for superintendent roles actually occupied them, while a staggering 83% of Nebraska superintendents were male. Gender bias, leadership dynamics, and relationships emerged as the central themes revealed through her interviews with women from diverse educational backgrounds.

Gates hopes that her research will inspire women to contemplate their aspirations and career paths.

"I hope that young women are able to see themselves in roles typically held by males," she said.

While her focus centers on the superintendent role, Gates emphasizes that leadership knows no boundaries. She advocates for fostering positive relationships, staying true to one's values, and embracing hard work, irrespective of job titles.

Reflecting on her time at Duchesne, Gates cherishes the Five Goals of a Sacred Heart education. She resides in Fremont with her husband Justin and their son, Ben.

Sara Zabrowski Gates A’99 earned her doctorate for her research in gender roles and bias in education administration.

Community Connect Day

By Trisha Clark Meehan A'04

On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, alumnae across the city hosted senior students for Community Connect Day (formerly Career Day). Seniors chose an alumna to shadow at their workplace, or to meet up with for a cup of coffee and conversation.

The senior students embraced this opportunity to connect with an alumna, inspired by words from Head of School Meg Brudney to “be curious”. It was an all-around wonderful day for both our students and alumnae participants.

Special thanks to the following alumnae:

Speakers

The freshmen students at Duchesne participated in a Community Connect Day at school, with a morning session led by UNL Engineering School students. The students participated in afternoon small group sessions where they had a chance to hear from alumnae in different professions. Sophomores spent the day at Creighton University, attending classes and touring the campus. At lunchtime, the girls ate with alumnae who attend Creighton. Juniors took the ACT at Duchesne during this day, a wonderful opportunity to take the test in a familiar environment.

Kelly Chase A’12, Digital Marketing Specialist, OBI Creative

Kiley Clemens Freeman A’05, General Director Transload & Supply Chain Solutions, Loup Logistics

Mary Mikuls A’09, Associate Attorney, Lamson Dugan & Murray’s

Teresa Ravenstahl Pallus A’04, Nurse in Pharmaceutical Sales at UCB

Dr. Meghan Dowd Schlattman A’97, Physical Therapist Professor, Creighton University

Delaney Sweet A’12, English Teacher, Duchesne Academy

Gina Tranisi A’13, Co-Executive Director, Nebraska Writer’s Collective

Kate Hunley

Senior Hosts

Emily Friel Barr A'05, Executive Director, NE Coalition for Patient Safety – UNMC

Caitlin Kolb Benton A'05, Historic Preservation Specialist/Marketing Assistant, Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture

Anne Burnett Boatright A'02, State Forensic Nursing Coordinator, Nebraska Attorney General

Janine Bogard A’14, ICU Nurse/Paramedic, Nebraska Medicine

Michelle Marron Brannen A'05, Urban Farmer, Benson Bounty LLC

Liz Burbridge A’17, Registered Behavior Technician, Autism Learning Center

Amy O’Connor Chisholm A’79, Senior Director of Development, Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center

Maria Clark A’13, Marketing Manager, Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District

Samantha Corey A’18, Water/Wastewater Engineer, Olsson

Therese Pogge Creswell A’96, Quality Control Technician II, City of Omaha Public Works, Environmental Quality Division

Brittany Dorner A'08, Associate Director of Digital Marketing, Omaha Performing Arts

Rebecca Duchman A’99, Director – Infusion/Treatment Services, Nebraska Medicine

Dr. Mary Finnegan A'90, Physician, Braddock Finnegan Helget Dermatology, PC

Abby Cheshier Goranson A’96, Director of Structural Engineering, Leo A Daly

Emily Kelley Gorden A’03, Kindergarten Teacher, St. Margaret Mary School

Sara Howard A'99, Policy Advisor, First Five Nebraska

Julie McGargill Gust A'02, Senior United States Probation and Pretrial Services Officer, United States District Court District of Nebraska

Frankie Hamburger A’13, Manager, Fulfillment Operations, Curriculum Associates

Kate O’Connor Hunley A'99, Nurse Practitioner, CHI Health

Megan Place McAfee A’04, Senior Interior Designer, Leo A Daly

Julia Robinson McCarville A'04, Executive Director, American Lung Association

Dr. Abigail Hasebroock Mousel A'04, Nurse Recruiter, CrossMed Healthcare

Julie Jensen Nielsen A’01, Assistant Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Jessica Perrigan A’05, Economics Instructor, University of Nebraska Omaha

Anna Becker Runnels A'16, Kindergarten teacher, St. Patrick's Elementary

Kaitlin Belitz VanOrmer A'13, Speech Language Pathologist, Omaha Public Schools

Dr. Sara Zabrowski-Gates A’99, Educational Consultant, ESU #3

If you are a local alumna interested in helping next school year on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, please reach out to Trisha Meehan (tmeehan@duchesneacademy.org)

Sara Zabrowski-Gates

Michelle Brannen

Maria Clark

Sara Howard and Annie Boatright

40 Under 40 Recognizes Duchesne Alumnae

The 40 Under 40 awards honor local business leaders under the age of 40 who have excelled in their careers and made an impact on the community. Judges select winners not only for their career achievements but also for their involvement in the Greater Omaha, Council Bluffs and Lincoln area. Past winners have come from all types of industries.

Emily Friel Barr A’05 Executive Director, Nebraska Coalition for Patient Safety

What is your advice for young professionals?

Stay open-minded about new opportunities, both professionally and personally. While it is important to align your professional aspirations with your core values, stepping outside your comfort zone to new experiences can provide unexpected opportunities, new connections, and help you find true fulfillment.

How did Duchesne influence you or prepare you for your career?

Duchesne prepared me to challenge myself academically and strive to be committed to life-long learning. My time at Duchesne was pivotal in building my sense of confidence, leadership capacity, and a desire to be involved in my community. I am proud to continue to live out the Sacred Heart goals in my personal and professional life, and grateful that my experience at Duchesne has continued to positively influence me.

Shannon Gilroy A’02 Vice President of Advancement, Brownell Talbot School

What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career?

In March of 2020, we made the decision to convert our in-person gala fundraiser to a virtual format. In addition to raising funds for BT, we made the decision to share a portion of proceeds with four community nonprofits who were on the frontlines of supporting our community through the pandemic.

How did Duchesne influence you or prepare you for your career?

It's been 21 years since my graduation and not a day goes by that I don't experience the positive impacts of time spent in my beloved Fairmont plaid. As I've navigated my career and life experiences, I've carried with me the many valuable classroom lessons I learned from wonderful faculty as well as the life lessons I learned from my classmates who remain my dearest friends. Duchesne fostered my understanding that I have both the opportunity and a responsibility to give back to my community. Present day, my career in nonprofit fundraising allows me to amplify Goal 3: A social awareness that impels to action while I work to make a positive impact on the world around me.

Brittany Dorner A’08 made her own wedding dress with sustainably sourced material and is pictured at her July wedding with two of her Duchesne classmates: L-R Maureen Irish A’08, Brittany Dorner A’08, Mara Anania Samudrala A’08.

Kiley Clemens Freeman A’05 visited family in Seattle while on maternity leave in February 2023. While there, Kiley had the chance to meet up with Mary O’Connor Austin, a 2005 graduate from Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich. Mary’s family hosted Kiley as an exchange student at Greenwich, and Mary then came to Omaha to attend Judy Quest’s Network Summer Service clown camp. Kiley and Mary had not seen each other in 20 years but gave birth two weeks apart and were thrilled to catch up with their babies Magnus and Charlie.

Madeline Sullivan Young A’13 is a manager of safety training and customer experience with an aviation safety software provider. In August, she graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Master of Engineering in Advanced Safety Management and Engineering. During her time at the university, she served as a twotime graduate teaching assistant while earning a 4.0. She donned her regalia during a private, at-home celebration just a few weeks before welcoming her first child, Camille, in September. She is looking forward to settling into 'parent life' with husband Taylor and furthering her thoughtleadership work in safety engineering.

Liz Beckwith A’11 has been a partner with an outdoor adventure camp in Aspen, CO, Ajax Adventure Camp, for the past five years, and has been in the education industry for the last decade. In November 2022, Liz and her business partners had the opportunity to open a year-round childcare facility in Aspen called Ajax Cubs. Ajax Cubs serves children ages 2 months to 5 years old. She is also assisting in restarting a sleepaway camp, Ajax Sleepaway, for the first time since 2019. Liz is so excited to be starting these new business ventures, putting her Master’s Degree in Adventure Education and certificates in Wilderness First Responder and PCIA climbing instructor to good use!

Maureen Millea Smith A’76 was recently honored for her 17-year effort with Edina Reads in Minnesota. Maureen helped launch Edina Reads, a community reading program that encourages active reading, lifelong learning, and thoughtful conversation. Maureen is the author of a novel and collection of short stories. She served as a librarian for more than 40 years, 26 as a Hennepin County librarian. Maureen retired in December 2022, and will continue to work as a volunteer coordinator for Edina Reads in her retirement.

Nicolette Green Kerns A’07 earned her Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) credential. Nicolette appreciates everyone who helped her reach this career milestone as a healthcare executive, including Duchesne alumna Heather Smith A’91. Nicolette currently serves as the Director of Surgical Specialty Divisions at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center and looks forward to continuing to develop her depth of knowledge, connecting with other Fellows, and becoming more involved in the community.

Katy Wolf Sykes A’77 has worked for the National Park Service at Rocky Mountain National Park for over 25 years. Katy is the Information Office Manager, managing staff and volunteers whose primary duty is to answer phone calls from park visitors around the world. Many visitors call for trip planning information, and Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the few National Parks to have a dedicated information office. Katy began her work in the National Parks after her junior year at Duchesne, as a Volunteer in Parks, and has enjoyed fulfilling her dream of working as a Park Ranger since that time.

Natalie Truscott A’18 is currently in Dublin, Ireland studying for an MA in Archives and Records Management at University College Dublin. In April 2022, Natalie’s senior year at University of Notre Dame, she was awarded the 2022 Riley Prize in Art History & Criticism from the University of Notre Dame’s Department of Art, Art History, and Design for a research paper she wrote on the medieval creation tapestry located in Girona, Spain.

Maggie Smith A’18 graduated from Loyola University Chicago in May 2022 and is currently a student in the Second City’s Conservatory Program. Maggie is a writer, actor, and comedian in Chicago, and credits Duchesne for helping her gain the confidence to pursue this field.

Heather Smith A’91 has been named as the new president of the College of Saint Mary. Smith will take office on July 1, 2023. She most recently served as vice president of ambulatory services at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center.

Shirley Miller RSCJ C’63 moved to the RSCJ Retirement Community at Oakwood. Sister Miller would love to hear from you: 140 Valparaiso Ave, Atherton, CA 94027 or smiller@rscj.org

Carolynn Chaput Fischer A’92 is living in Tanzania, Africa, and serves on the sustainability committee at United World College East Africa. She recently reached out to Duchesne Sustainability Coordinator Eric Krakowski for resources and information about how she can help her school become more sustainable. Carolynn and her family have lived in Tanzania for twelve years, and outside the US in Asia and Africa for 25 years. In addition to her work in Tanzania, Carolynn has taught primary grades in international schools in Beijing, Singapore, and Chennai, India.

Isabella “Bella” Kovar A’20 recently published a chapbook of poems via an independent publisher in LA, Bottlecap Press. Is It Over Yet? is Bella’s second chapbook, following her chapbook Baby Teeth, which was published in May 2022. Bella is currently studying Creative Writing and Film Production at DePaul University.

Anna Preston A’21 is attending Creighton University and writing an original play as a senior thesis project for a B.A. in Theatre Performance. Anna is also studying Computer Science, and visited Sydney, Australia this year. Anna has been attending Masses at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, enjoying a renewal in faith.

Mayah Delgado-Walker A’20 recently had the opportunity to work as a server in a hospitality suite at the 87th Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Mayah is majoring in Business Administration and Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM) at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and had this opportunity through the HRTM program. Mayah is currently interning at Embassy Suites in Lincoln, her second internship in college. Mayah embraced global learning throughout her college career, studying abroad twice, learning about global start-ups in Kigali, Rwanda, and attending a EuroCHRIE Hospitality Conference in the Netherlands. Mayah also serves as a Panhellenic Delegate for her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and continues to make the Dean’s List.

Reunions 2022

Row L

R: Casey McHugh-O’Brien, Mary Kenefick Connor, Connie Grier Pedersen, Barb Marchese, Mary Cannon Veed, Sue Grant Third Row L to R: Kathy Kizer Kerrigan, Ann Hasselbalch Thiessen, Mary Kevin Foley Rosenthal, Ellyn Hess Zaia

Susan Haller, Molly Boulay Tate, Jane O’Keefe Addy, Claire Smith Seybold

A’72

Left to Right side of table: Mary Ann Spielman McNally, Connie Johnson Pires, Julia Marcuzzo Romanin, Sheila Boler Keller, Jean Mergens O’Connor, Patrick Sechser and Ellen Sechser Belt A’00, son and daughter of Maureen Carver Sechser, Liz Green Crnkovich, Kitty De Mott Steel, Mary Mancuso Kenny (standing), Peggy Roach Anderson, Maureen Matt, Debbie Frank, Marian Kelly Monnig, Patty Ewing Grimes,Susan Swanson, Michelle Tanner Present but not pictured: Mary Lucien Tribulato Lynch and Susan Thurmond McMannama

A’97

R: Dallas Malhiwsky Jurisevic, Katie Shanahan, Megan Blackburn, Nancy Dwyer Skudlarek, Erica Brown Bryant Back Row, L to R: Meghan Dowd Schlattmann, Ashley Zeilinger McMahon, Jessie Hernandez, Katie Laurent Hall, Supriya Bhatia, Emily Knowles Codr, Angelyn Wollen

A’92:

Front row, left to right: Molly Frenking Leifeld and her son Luke, Karla Petersen Zeitz Middle row, left to right: Elissa Micek McCollor, Erin Moeschler, Stephanie Rozmarin Lerner, Patti Leavitt Schmitt, Caroline (Carrie) McKee Back row, left to right: Tami Gunia LeBlanc, Sarah Keene, Amy Beehner Roland, Shelly Cain Gaither, Sara McCarthy Backhus

Morrison A’02

Back Row L to R: Stephanie Stephens Kasparek, Lisa Kosloski Bilek, Kyle Guenther Flanagan, Anne Burnett Boatright, Shannon Gilroy, Megan Bieker Jeffrey, Mel Langdon Tepley, Stephanie Connolly VanKat, Jennifer Kirk Pichardo, Amber Hawley Jardine, Lisa Esposito Heaton, Megan Borer Shepherd, René Ervin Smith, Julie McGargill Gust

Front Row R

L: Jenna Georges Shandera, Kami Rief Todd, Andrea Bruckner Sorgeloos, Catherine Aron Grace, Kathleen Heck Winkelmann, Debra Jensen Hobson, Liz Evans Lehn, Elizabeth Potter, Jennifer Quinn McCray, Emily Kolb Bailey, Lindsay Lanoha Tettenborn, Annemarie Potter Burton, Spot the Service Dog

Back

to

Second Row L to R:

Front Row L to R: Emily Cunningham Kozlik, Dede Meyer Johnson, Michelle Circo

to

Front Row, L to

Alumnae Family Events

In addition to the Alumnae Holiday Mass sponsored by the Duchesne Alumnae Board, this school year the Alumnae Office hosted two new events for alumnae families, and held Blessing of the Babies for the first time since Covid. This event was held on a chilly but sunny Saturday morning, October 1, 2022. Head of School Meg Brudney gave a welcome, followed by readings, a brief homily, and blessing by Fr. Eric Immel SJ. Duchesne Preschool Director Sara Wachter led Duchesne Preschoolers in a song at the end. Families then had donuts and hot chocolate and enjoyed a play date in the courtyard.

A Mater Admirabilis “Pink Party” was held on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Alumnae brought their daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and friends to a sweet-pink-themed party at Duchesne. The girls heard the story of Mater from theology teacher TJ Mullaney, then had the chance to paint their own Mater portraits and decorate frames with Mater pictures inside. The all-pink food and drink buffet was a hit. Some children even dressed in pink to honor the day. It was such a fun way to introduce future Duchesne girls to one of our most treasured traditions!

A May Day basket making party was held on April 30th, 2023. Alumnae brought their children to Duchesne to make May Day baskets to deliver the next day to family and friends. Children decorated and assembled the baskets with help from freshmen Duchesne students while learning about Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ and making paper blue hyacinth flowers in honor of Stuart’s favorite flower. Blue Hyacinth Day is celebrated on May 6 to mark the occasion in which Mother Stuart was called to religious life.

Upcoming Events

Saturday September 9

All-School

Alumnae Reunion Mass

Wednesday November 1

Memorial Mass and Reception

Thursday September 28

Alumnae Networking Event

Sunday December 3

Alumnae Holiday Mass

Thursday August 3

Senior Send-off

Friday October 6

Children of Mary Sodality Begins

Monday December 18

College-aged Alumnae Gathering

Friday September 8

All-School

Alumnae Reunion

Sunday October 15

Mater Pink Party

Alumnae Weddings

1 Courtney Donahoe A’14 to Clay Blank

2 Brittany Dorner A’08 , to Mackenzie Howard

3 Olivia Kuester A’14 , to Anthony Jacobsen

4 Stephanie Sanford A’09 , to Tray Wood

5 Olivia Wilson A’16 , to Connor Strong

Alumnae Babies

1 Anne Guenther Akhmejanov A’08 a daughter, Daphne Margaret

2 Emily Schulte Berigan A’06 , a daughter, Joanie Mae

3 Hannah Benedix Cowan A’12 , a daughter, Margaret “Maisie” Louise

4 Lydia Buechler Cruz A’05 , a son, Antonio Enrique

5 Kiley Clemens Freeman A’05 , a son, Magnus Gregory

6 Molly Dineen Goedken A’09 , a daughter, Sophia “Pia” Rose

7 Kate Nelson Holthaus A’11 , a daughter, Isla Jean

8 Megan Place McAfee A’04 , a daughter, Palmer Elizabeth

9 Maureen Meyer Raynor A’04 , a daughter and son, Maeve Hinchey and William McCabe

10 Becky Slater-Johnson, Duchesne staff , a son, William “Liam” Mark

11 Anna Kokensparger Trimble A’09, a son, Malcolm Elliot

12 Joel Wallace, Duchesne staff, a son, Connor Randall

13 Ellen Gerber Waugh A’05, a son, Oliver Lawrence (with big brother Henry, 12)

14 Madeline Sullivan Young A’13, a daughter, Camille “Millie” Ann

Alumnae Deaths

Carol Campbell RSCJ C'62

Mary Dunlap Capadano A'73, mother of Liz Capadano Pierce A’04 and Katherine Capadano Nordhues A’09; daughter of Joan Mailliard Dunlap C’52; sister of Meg Dunlap D’Costa A’79, Suzanne Dunlap Carl A’81, Monica Dunlap Thiel A’83, Amy Dunlap Dickas A’86, and Jennifer Dunlap Livingston A’89; aunt of Theresa Thiel A’04, Emily Dickas A’13 and Grace Dickas A’16

Christine Cole C'70

Catherine Macklin Condon C'56

Mary Elizabeth Corbett A'65

Jeanne Mallon Crayton C'62

Linda Nelson Dekat C'67

Elizabeth "Betty" Jedlicka Drudik C'68

Patricia Corcoran Duda A’48/C’52, mother of Beverly Duda Higgins A’71, Jenny Duda Adams A’72, and Nancy Duda Daly A’81; sister of Kathy Corcoran Curnyn A’59

Marcella O’Neill Elston A’45/C’49, aunt of Jan Elston A’74, Shari Elston Tvrdik A’80, Cindi Elston Horning A’87, and Jen Elston Brondell A’95; great-aunt of Samantha Horning A’19 and Isabella Horning A’23

Mary Pat Gannon C'70

Maureen Horan C'64, sister of Virginia Horan Berney C’70 and Susan Horan Nave C’71

Judith Meves Kemptar C'62

JoAnne Frenking Klosner A’49/C’53, aunt of Ann Frenking Hergenrader A’81, Colleen Frenking Jacoby A’82, and Molly Frenking A’92; great-aunt of Megan Hergenrader A’11

Dorothy Hoffman Lanning C'58

Mary Louise Beno Lawrie A'61

Betty Donovan Levi C'63, sister of Kathy Donovan Sprague C’65

Sandra Jelinek Matthews A'54, mother of Amy Matthews A’86 and Hope Matthews A’88

Doloris Kowalewski McGowan C’56

Grace Herbert Meysenburg C’43

Kathleen Shanley Miles C'52

Carol Rerucha Montmorency C'50

Sandra Cimino Nabity C'63

Rosemarie Lite Prystai A'55/C'59

Judy Enenbach Quest A'66/C'70, mother of Laura Quest Glueckert A’02; great-aunt of Madeline Enenbach A’24

Linda Halloran Vap C'65

Kathleen (Kathy) Parachini Welsh A'56

Therese "Terry" Kealey Wolters A'49, mother of Dolly Wolters DeWald A’82

Friends and Family

Patricia Anthone, grandmother of Lauren Anthone Dedon A’07, Catherine Hasterlo A’12, and Emily Anthone A’18

Jackie Barnett, grandmother of Paige Miller A’23

Patrice Gilreath Cardwell, sister of LeClara Gilreath (Duchesne faculty)

November 1, 2022 – May 1, 2023 Alumnae

Walter Christensen, grandfather of Anne Cooper A’26

Jeffrey Colquhoun, husband of Micki Matthews Colquhoun A’69; brother-in-law of Anne Matthews Weitz A’66, Joanie Matthews Miller A’71, Eileen Matthews Hansen A’79, Madeleine Graz Matthews A’81, and Molly Matthews Multado A’83; uncle of Elizabeth Matthews A’15

Luke Coniglio, father of Mary Coniglio A’83 and Cheryl Coniglio Petty A’87; grandfather of Bailey Petty A’14, Hannah Petty A’16, Abigail Petty A’18, and Jayna Petty A’21

James “Jim” Diesing, Jr., brother of Diane Diesing A’72

Josephine Dieter, grandmother of Laura Foley Weingarten A’04 and Stephanie Foley A’07

Thomas Dineen, father of Julie Dineen Swartz A’91 and Peg Dineen Reall A’95; grandfather of Cat Swartz A’19 and Caroline Swartz A’23; brother-in-law of Corinne Duffy Dineen A’78; uncle of Mary Engel Yount A’95, Colleen Engel Johnson A’93, Kelly Dineen Koranda A’06, and Molly Dineen Goedken A’09; great-uncle to Isabelle Johnson A’22 and Jackie Johnson A’25

Jan Dunn RSCJ, former Head of School

Donna Dyksterhuis, mother of Amy Dyksterhuis Morrison A’94

Theresia Fink, grandmother of Amanda Fink Swim A’05

Dennis Fus, grandfather of Julia Gollobit A’16

John William “Bill” Gallup, husband of Paula Fortune Gallup A’59

We apologize if there are any omissions or misrepresentations in this memorial list. Please note we include relationships to living alumnae. Thank you for continuing to update and inform Duchesne. —The Alumnae Office

Phyllis Haller, mother of Susan Haller A’70, Patricia Haller Wells A’71, Peggy Haller Wagoner A’72, May Jo Haller Langdon A’73, and Betty Haller Harris A’82; grandmother of Emily Langdon Jung A’96, Jessica Langdon Jaksha A’96, Melissa Langdon Tepley A’02, Alison Langdon Dobleman A’03, Hannah Langdon Hayden A’05, and Charlie Langdon

Janet Haney, mother of Marge Haney Jenkins A’79

Rita Hermsen, mother of Leah Hermsen Olson A’90

Grant Howard, brother-in-law of Brittany Dorner A’08

Walter Hower, grandfather of Rachel Hower A’18

Bernard Kratochvil, husband of Kathy Watsabaugh Kratochvil C’56; father of Suzy Kratochvil A’76, Peggy Kratochvil Rowe A’78, and Jane Kratochvil A’84

Marion Kubitschek, grandmother of Annie Donahoe A’16 and Claire Donahoe A’19

Lance Lusch, father of Corrie Lusch A’06

Lou Marcuzzo, husband of Marie Hermsen Marcuzzo A’49/C’53; father of Julia Marcuzzo Romanin A’72

Philip Maschka, father of Ann Maschka Dorminy A’80

Antoinette Margules, mother of Marie-Claire Margules A’68 and Marie-Laurence Margules Fabian A’71

Lyle Moore, grandfather of Addison Moore A’22

Veronica Morehouse-Fink, sister-in-law of Amanda Fink Swim A’05

Nancee Neely, mother of Beth Neely Stanek A’80; grandmother of Kaitlin Neely A’20

Anne Nelson, mother of Kate Nelson A’89 and Molly Nelson Leonetti A’91

Joanna O'Keefe, grandmother of Erin O’Keefe A’04, Julianne O’Keefe Tullis A’06, Hannah O’Keefe A’10

Gerald Ries, father of Nancy Ries Beckwith A’73, Maureen Ries A’74, Joan Ries Chovanec A’76, Patty Ries McKinney A’87; grandfather of Sarah Beckwith Helsley A’02 and Elizabeth Beckwith A’11

Helen Rosenthal, RSCJ, cousin of Kate Wythers (Duchesne staff)

Dolores "Dee" Sambol, grandmother of Anna Sambol A’17 and Molly Sambol A’17

Ann Schmidt, aunt of Kate Wythers (Duchesne staff)

Elizabeth “Betty” Smith, grandmother of Anna Smith A’15, Katy Smith A’17, and Sara Smith A’19

Ardith Warner, grandmother of Abigail Reed A’19 and Margaret Reed A’23

Terrance Wear, brother of Julie Wear Cammarota A’76; cousin of Susan Wear A’76

Reflection

by Laura Quest Glueckert A'02

From my freshman year of college, I’d always hoped for my ‘airport moment’ of recognizing the Sacred Heart ring on someone’s finger and knowing that wherever I was, this stranger and I would have this special thing in common.

This November, I found myself at the Frankfurt, Germany airport with my 6-month old baby, flying home for what I knew would be the last few months with my mother, who had battled breast cancer for over 10 years. I had dropped a request in the Class of ’02 Facebook group for baby gear and was coordinating deliveries before take-off. I arrived in Omaha to a room full of play gyms and high chairs, all on loan indefinitely. There she was.

My mother was a teacher and counselor at Duchesne for over 15 years, so there was a fairly constant stream of teachers and staff members coming by to visit. The first afternoon I was home, two such friends sat talking with her after delivering dinner—part of a meal train that had been going on for over a year. There she was.

We were all feeling a little lost and grateful that the traditions of Christmas gave us something positive to concentrate on. We brought my little girl to Duchesne’s Mass and to meet Santa for the first time, and my mom got to not be a sick person, but a proud grandma, introducing her next generation to the Sacred Heart.

Mom’s life was filled with doctors’ appointments and struggling through the basics of the day. So the quarterly Zoom call with her Class of ’66 classmates was something that got her through her week. I helped her with her makeup, but they made her feel beautiful and brave.

We spent the holidays in the hospital and, as I cooked the most elegant picnic-style Christmas feast I could muster, the doorbell rang— every day over the holiday break, one of Duchesne’s teachers would show up to help us walk our dog. There she was.

Out of coincidence and grace, the palliative care physician for my mom was one of my classmates from ’02. She guided us with such honesty, compassion, and wisdom through the hardest decisions of our lives and helped us transition into hospice. There she was.

In the last days of my mother’s life, I would wake up every morning to a text message: “checking in…”. It was, of course, from one of my dearest Duchesne friends. Another sat with mom as we live-streamed my girls’ Baptism. Others whisked the babies away so we could make final arrangements. Others showed up from across the country to help me through the funeral.

I keep thinking how funny it was that I was searching for a stranger with a ring, but that all along, I had so much more. I had meals. I had dog walkers and baby rockers. I had people to give us hope and people to give us comfort. I may live very far away, but in Duchesne, I will always have a home.