DUCHESNE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART — OMAHA | FALL 2025
3601 Burt Street
Omaha, NE 68131
402-558-3800
duchesneacademy.org
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic collegepreparatory 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
Hannah Miller
Copy Editors
Julie Dineen Swartz A’91
Layout Designer
Josiah Hazel
Photography
Josiah Hazel
Hannah Miller
Student Photography
Adriana Olvera A’26
Ava Owen A’27
Contributors
Julie Dineen Swartz A’91
Meg Huerter Brudney A’83
Trisha Clark Meehan A’04
Hannah Miller
Printer Aradius
On the Cover
Student Body President Ella Rudorsdorf A’26 and Head of School Meg Huerter Brudney A’83 recreate a photo (below) taken in 1982 of Meg and Sister Shirley Miller, RSCJ
2025-2026
School Year Theme
DISCOVERING OUR SIGNIFICANCE
Dear Duchesne Community,
It is hard to believe it has been 10 years since my first day as Head of School for Duchesne Academy and Preschool of the Sacred Heart. It has been a wild ride of happy moments, historical turning points, and growth both spiritually and professionally. I am so blessed to be able to call Duchesne home.
As Head of School, I cherish being able to have a front row seat in watching our students discover their gifts and talents as our campus continues to grow in enrollment and through our A Bold Step Forward campaign. In this issue you will see how far we have come over the last decade and what we still hope to accomplish in the years to come.
Our school year theme is DiscoverYourSignificance,It Will Transform the World. I think the alumnae and students featured in this magazine exemplify the transformative power our spiritual gifts can have in our communities and the world. As you flip through the pages, I invite you to think about the impact you have made in your home, communities, and beyond. How did your Sacred Heart education make it possible for you to do good in the world? We invite you to join us, if you have not already, in this bold and transformative step forward, as we continue to raise the remaining $4.6 million to meet our capital campaign goal of $40 million.
I have come to recognize that one of my gifts is bringing the right people together to shape the future of Duchesne Academy and Preschool. It has been a joy to have served this community since 2015, and I look forward to seeing where the next 10 years takes us.
Sincerely,
O Jesus, through the intercession of Saint Madeleine Sophie,
Help me discover my gifts in Your love. Transform the world to embrace Your Sacred Heart.
Amen.
Meg Huerter Brudney A'83 Head of School
Pictured Right: Madison Thompson A’27, Sophie Goodland A’27, Adele Patch A’27, Isbella Soto Tighe A’27, Milo Schlattman A’27
On Burt Street
Reflecting ofon10Years Leadership
QWhat are the five things you are most proud of during your 10 years here?
Q&A
2025 marks a decade under the leadership of Meg Huerter Brudney A’83 at Duchesne Academy and Preschool. Since 2015, Brudney’s strength as a future-thinker has helped propel Duchesne into a new era through a historic capital campaign and Campus Master Plan while also staying true to the Academy’s traditions and Sacred Heart identity.
Since 2015, Duchesne has experienced a lot of changes both within its historic halls and out in the world.
QWhen you came to Duchesne 10 years ago, what did you hope to accomplish first?
A AMy previous role was in a school that was less than 10 years old, and at the time, I thought this 144-year-old school would be a well-oiled machine. I graduated in 1983, and I worked at Duchesne as the Admissions Director from 1987-90, so it had been 25 years since I had worked at the Academy. I understood how much it had changed.
Thanks to the strong leadership of Sheila Haggas, I had the luxury of taking the first six months to interview every employee in the Academy and Preschool to discover their hopes and dreams for the school.
It was from these conversations that we launched into our first 3-year strategic plan in 2016.
1. Strengthening our Sacred Heart identity and making it known. We have often heard that Duchesne’s Sacred Heart education is Omaha’s “best kept secret”. I believe we have made strides in letting the world know that we are Sacred Heart in all that we do.
2. Campus Master Plan and capital campaign. Recognizing the need to use the land on our campus efficiently, we launched the largest campaign in Duchesne’s history. So far, we have finished the restoration of the Chapel, renovated bathrooms, built the state-of-the-art Caffrey-Ryan Theater, and enhanced our classrooms with the best technology and furniture. The end is so close, I can see our vision of the new athletic facility coming to life!
3. Expanding access and inclusion. When I attended Duchesne, there was very little diversity both socioeconomically and racially. When I went to a big state university, I thought, ‘it is not fair to anybody to create a school that is lacking in what they will experience in their future.’ I am proud of the strides we have made to make Duchesne more diverse. We have students from 45 zip codes and have increased financial aid to $1 million.
4. Investing in faculty and staff. Through professional development, leadership opportunities, competitive salaries, and a culture of appreciation, we have supported the people who make Duchesne thrive in the Academy and Preschool.
5. Navigating challenges with grace and resilience. From a global pandemic to local transitions, our community has remained strong, adaptable, and mission-driven.
A QAWho do you lean on in times of uncertainty?
I lean on the Five Sacred Heart Goals andCriteria, an incredibly competent and supportive administrative team, and the Board of Trustees. In my most challenging moments, I have had extraordinary support from colleagues and the Board. I also receive amazing support from our Provincial, Sr. Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ.
On a personal note, Duchesne’s Chapel has been my saving grace. I remember sitting in there during my first year and Sister Joanne Fitzpatrick came to mind. There was a moment where I felt like she was right there with me. The RSCJ formed me as a woman and I have leaned into that my whole life.
Photo by Stacie Kinney
Pictured: Meg Huerter Brudney A’83, Grace Oberlies A’25
The world has changed a lot since 2015. How has Duchesne evolved over the last 10 years?
AI have always appreciated how the RSCJ live in the present with an eye toward the future. I think Duchesne Academy does this very well. I have partnered with Principal Dr. Laura McKee Hickman A’85 who embraces change while staying rooted in our mission. With Laura’s leadership, we have added a Design, Research, Engineering, Art, Media (DREAM) Lab, a robust computer curriculum, and a plan for AI. We have integrated technology understanding that we are not replacing the human connection.
We have responded to social and cultural shifts by fostering dialogue, empathy, and critical thinking. By doing so, we have prepared students to be courageous leaders in a complex world, grounded in Sacred Heart values and equipped with the skills to make a positive impact. This sounds cliché, but I see our girls grow into wonderful and amazing young women with loving hearts and a pulse on humanity.
Q Q
ALooking to the future, what can we expect by 2035?
I hope to continue nurturing a school culture where every student feels empowered to lead with compassion and purpose alongside their engaged teachers. I want to deepen our commitment to justice, equity, and sustainability, while ensuring Duchesne remains a beacon of Sacred Heart education in Omaha.
Personally, I hope to keep growing as a leader and as a person, staying curious, humble, and open to the Holy Spirit’s call.
2015
Meg Brudney started as Duchesne Academy Head of School.
2017
Constructed the DREAM lab.
Duchesne Academy became the first school in Omaha to launch a composting program.
2019
Solar panels installed.
Completed the Campus Master Plan.
Duchesne Academy kicked off the largest capital campaign in school history with A Bold Step Forward.
2021
Two-week Senior Service Immersion adopted into curriculum.
2016
Duchesne Academy and Preschool adopted sustainability initiatives in response to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’.
2018
Celebrated the 200th anniversary of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne’s arrival to America.
Installed HVAC system, airconditioning the entire school.
2020
U.S. Department of Education recognized Duchesne Academy as a Green Ribbon School.
COVID-19 pandemic disrupted academic environment.
Social distancing Graduation held in July.
Students returned to school with modified schedules.
2022
2023
Construction and restorations are completed on the Caffrey-Ryan Theater and Chapel.
Enhanced teaching pedagogy for all faculty through Harvard School of Education.
Duchesne Academy achieved goal of becoming a Zero Waste school.
2024
Duchesne Preschool celebrated 25 years!
Broke ground on 44,000 sq.ft. athletic complex, commons area, commercial kitchen, geothermal system, and turf soccer field.
Celebrated 50th anniversary of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools.
2025
Duchesne Academy ranked #1 Catholic High School in Nebraska by Niche.
Purchased the former Foxley building.
Implemented DASH Across the Country to engage national alumnae.
Sacred Heart Symposium
Ten Duchesne Academy and Preschool faculty attended the inaugural Sacred Heart Symposium in September. Hosted by the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, nearly 250 educators from the 25 Network schools in the US and Canada gathered in New Orleans to grow in their faith and professional skills.
Duchesne Math and Science teacher Jake Hervert served on the Network Symposium Planning Committee. He joined a small group of teachers, administrators, and RSCJ in making this event a success. The team met monthly via Zoom for about a year to plan for the event.
Hervert’s role focused on setting up vendors and sponsors for the symposium.
“I learned a lot about the sponsorship process, but it is easy to sell the Sacred Heart,” Hervert said.
Centered on the theme, “Seeking Truth & Understanding Humanity,” educators collaborated on best practices, discussed new educational trends, and celebrated the mission of Sacred Heart education.
The event featured 54 breakout sessions across multiple disciplines and were led by more than 80 Sacred Heart educators, RSCJ, and mission partners. Hervert said his favorite part of the symposium was meeting other members of the Network community.
“It was fun to share similar stories with people from different schools and education levels,” Hervert said. “There were 250 people, but it did not feel that big because everyone was so welcoming.”
Duchesne Academy recognized among 2026 Best Schools in America
Duchesne Academy has been nationally recognized as one of the Best Schools in America by Niche, the country’s leading college and school search platform. Niche ranked Duchesne as the #1 Catholic High School in Nebraska and #1 All-Girls High School in Nebraska for 2025! This is Duchesne’s second consecutive year at the top spot.
“This recognition is an example of how powerful and impactful Duchesne’s Sacred Heart values are to young women,” Head of School Meg Huerter Brudney A’83 said.
This prestigious ranking reflects Duchesne’s exceptional performance across numerous factors analyzed by Niche including academic performance, extracurricular activity opportunities, data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and user input from current students, alumni and parents.
According to Niche reviews, 100% of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.
“We have the best teachers,” Brudney said. “I am so proud of the work they do to prepare our students for college and beyond.”
Niche reviews provide tangible examples of why alumnae, parents, and students love Duchesne Academy and ultimately boosts Duchesne’s ranking. To leave a review, scan the QR code below.
dashomaha.org/niche
Pictured left: Mallory Logan A’26, Sara Henin A’26
HOW DUCHESNE ACADEMY
IS APPROACHING
NaviGatiNg A new frOnTiEr
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic making headlines in education. Duchesne Academy administrators and faculty developed a curriculum to teach students responsible and ethical use of this controversial tool.
“After seeing how quickly AI has evolved, we felt like it was something that needed to be discussed,” Tech Coordinator and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math (STEAM) teacher Susan Proulx-Herron said. “This will become a part of our students’ everyday lives, so we are doing them a disservice if we do not get them ready for a world with AI.”
With guidance from Principal Dr. Laura McKee Hickman A’85, Proulx-Herron developed an AI Task Force in 2025 with technology teacher Sarah Budha Stratman A’95, librarian MaryEllen Doyle, and a representative from each academic department. The group created content to educate Duchesne faculty, staff, and students on how to
responsibly use AI. They also developed policies for the student and faculty handbooks surrounding ethical usage of the platform.
Laura Quest A’02 works in AI Strategy for Microsoft. She said she battles with her feelings on AI. As a parent she said it can feel scary when she looks to her children’s futures and the ways technology will evolve over time. On the other hand, she said AI opens several opportunities for growth in our society.
“From a human standpoint, everyone is going to become more responsible for their own sense of morality and purpose in the world,” Quest explained. “It is a huge call to action for people to help the younger generation understand what their foundation is that isn’t going to get touched by this agentic matrix.”
Duchesne’s policy on AI usage applies to the entire community including students, faculty, and staff. As a Microsoft school, the proper AI tool for the community is Copilot.
There are two acceptable uses of AI for students:
Educational Enhancement: AI technology may be used to enhance the educational experience of students such as tutoring, further concept explanation, review, and quizzing.
Research and Innovation: AI technology may be employed for fostering innovation and encouraging exploration of emerging technologies within the high school curriculum.
Students are responsible for asking their instructors how much collaboration with AI is permitted on their projects and assignments. Proulx-Herron said the policy helps students and teachers understand how much AI to use in the classroom. She said it is important for students to learn how to brainstorm on their own, then use AI to enhance their learning experience.
“It’s okay if students are stuck on a thought and use AI to expand on their ideas,” she explained. “However, they need to note within the assignment that they used AI for assistance.”
Dr. Colleen Morrissey A’06 is a lecturer and academic program associate at the University of Kansas. She teaches all levels of English at the university and mentors students in various fields of the department. Morrissey said she has to reframe her role in the classroom to educate students on the shortcomings of AI.
“The key for me is really impressing on students that when I’m asking you to do the writing, it’s not because I’m trying to collect a beautiful journal of writing and keep it forever in my home,” she explained. “It’s a way for students to learn that writing is thinking, and if you’re outsourcing all of your thinking, you’re closing yourself down to the growth that can happen in the middle of the writing process.”
Morrissey said she has recently encountered a flood of AI usage in the classroom. She began assigning more inclass and experimental writing to limit students’ temptation to use AI. She said one of the biggest red flags for AI usage is when an assignment doesn’t sound ‘human’.
“I assigned a short one-to-twopage analysis of a poem, and as I was reading a student avnalysis, I thought ‘these lines aren’t in the poem I assigned’,” she said. “It became clear through my conversation with the student that the AI she used hallucinated an entire poem and analysis.”
An AI hallucination is when a generative AI model like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot perceives patterns or objects that are nonexistent. This can create nonsensical or inaccurate outputs such as a photo of a person with 7 fingers or a source for a fact that does not exist. ProulxHerron said recognizing hallucinations is part of Duchesne’s AI curriculum.
“We talk about how AI can sometimes pull quotes from a completely different book or make up research on its own,” she explained. “This is an excellent opportunity for our students to become critical thinkers as they navigate its challenges.”
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AI models can only source what it has been given. Quest said it is important for us as consumers to continue giving AI thoughtful and interesting information so tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can improve its accuracy.
“People are still going to have to be out in the world and seeing what is happening,” she explained. “If we give the AI models a view of what’s going on in the world, then the AI will be richer because of that human perspective.”
Sustainability is also top of mind as Duchesne educates its students on responsible AI usage. In a recent study by the University of Massachusetts, researchers found training AI data centers can produce 626-thousand pounds of carbon dioxide. This is the equivalent of 300 round-trip flights between New York and San Francisco. To combat the environmental consequences, Duchesne students learn how to limit the number of interactions they have with AI models by using effective prompts.
Proulx-Herron said statistics show from a sustainability level that one AI prompt gives the same emissions as 10 Google searches. However, if a student uses a well-written prompt, that may have saved 10 more Google searches.
“It’s a balance,” ProulxHerron said. “It’s critical that our students learn about all of the risks of AI and how they can use their communication and collaboration skills to become lifelong learners.”
Though AI presents several challenges in the classroom and the world, ProulxHerron believes it is important for Duchesne students to learn how to navigate this new frontier.
“As we figure out how AI works, we are learning through the lens of Sacred Heart values,” she said. “We can’t ignore it and pretend like it doesn’t exist, so it’s important to give our students a basis for how it should be used.”
2D art provided by Google DeepMind: an artist’s illustration of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring how multimodal models understand a users input and generate an output. Created by Bakken & Baeck as part of the Visualising AI project launched by Google DeepMind. 3D art provided by Ubaid E. Alyafizi on
USING GENERATIVE AI TO CRAFT
THAT RESULT IN MEANINGFUL
PROMPT ENGINEERING p
PROBLEM
What is the problem or challenge that needs to be solved?
AUDIENCE
Who is the intended audience?
KISMET
Do you have feelings or concerns that you wish to convey? What else you can add to make this prompt more meaningful?
SITUATION CONTEXT
What are the specific details of the situation or context that need to be addressed?
Who are you, and what is your role?
ASPIRATION
What is the desired action or goal you want the generative Al tool to achieve? Do you want to edit, evaluate, revise, brainstorm, etc.?
RESULTS
What is your desired result or outcome with this prompt? What is the format, output length, style, tone, etc.?
Preschool
A message from Rachel Bost
My name is Rachel Bost and I am the Duchesne Preschool Director. A North Dakota native, I moved to Omaha in 2009 to attend Creighton University and fell in love with the Omaha community. I have a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and an Endorsement in English as a Second Language. I spent the first 10 years of my career in the Omaha Public School system, and I joined The Duchesne Preschool five years ago.
I first came to Duchesne Preschool as a parent, and I witnessed the way the Preschool loved, educated, and nurtured my three children. I later returned as a teacher, blessed with the opportunity to guide children in the Sacred Heart tradition. I am honored to be serving as Director of Duchesne Preschool.
Duchesne Preschool receives Cognia accreditation
Duchesne Preschool continues to serve as a leader in the Omaha Early Childhood community after earning Cognia accreditation.
Cognia is a global accreditation network with a holistic approach to school improvement. The network encompasses accreditation and certification, professional learning, and customized improvement services. The process includes a lengthy self-evaluation with data collection, teacher evaluations, and a site visit from the Cognia team. Duchesne Preschool received positive feedback during their visit.
“This accreditation process helps us celebrate our strengths and find ways to continually improve as a school,” Duchesne Preschool Director Rachel Bost said. “It provides us with tools to self-evaluate and develop programs to best meet the needs of our students and families.”
This was Duchesne Preschool’s first time undergoing the Cognia process. The certification cycle will start again in 2028.
Together with our incredible team of dedicated educators, I look forward to continuing our 27year tradition of excellence, rooted in the mission of the Sacred Heart. While we remain true to what has always made us strong, we are also embracing exciting opportunities for the future.
We are currently conducting market research to understand how we can best serve our families in today’s world. As the needs of our community evolve, so do we. We are exploring opportunities to expand programming that supports working households, ensuring that Duchesne Preschool continues to grow in meaningful ways. The future is bright for our Preschool, and I am thrilled to lead us into this next chapter.
Thank you to our Preschool Congé Co-Chairs
Megan Knowles McKinzie A’06 and Margaret Schropp Schroeder A’06
Seventy ofYearsSisterhood
DUCHESNE CLASS OF 1970 CELEBRATES LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP
The Duchesne Academy 2025 Reunion weekend in September marked not only the 55th reunion, but also the extraordinary 70 years of friendship for five alumnae who began their journey at Duchesne in the preschool.
Janie O’Keefe Addy, Bridget Kinerk Carroll, Barb Marchese, Michelle Circo Morrison, and Mary Kevin Foley RosenthaI began preschool at Duchesne in 1955 and they have remained close friends ever since.
These five friends graduated from Duchesne grade school in 1966 and were part of a group of twelve women who continued on to graduate from the high school in 1970, which had a total of forty graduates.
The women recall fond memories of Duchesne traditions, many that continue today including May Crowning, Ring Ceremony, and Feast of Mater. They also remember the beautiful halls and parlors that greet guests arriving to Duchesne through the portry entrance.
They credit their time at Duchesne for building a foundation for the success they have achieved since graduating.
“We have all graduated from college, have master’s degrees and Barb has a PhD,” said Mary Kevin. “We have applied the concept of building a community as a Christian value, and the knowledge and skills we acquired at Duchesne into social interactions and experiences in our own lives.”
Janie recalls the cloister nuns living in the upper floors of the building, and has a special fondness for Mother Papan, who taught them French songs and prayers during preschool.
“She only spoke French, but she just beamed at us, she was lovely,” she said. “We referred to the nuns as Mother through all my years at Duchesne, and I always knew they had my very best interests at heart. I felt happy and secure at Duchesne, even as a young child, because we not only had our sisters, but we had those Mothers as well.”
“The Religious of the Sacred Heart order of nuns taught me to value intellect, and I believe that attending Duchesne from preschool through college taught me to be a forward thinker,” said Janie.
”Duchesne remains a major part of my life, I belong to the Sophie Society and Children of Mary, and I prioritize charitable giving to Duchesne because I am grateful for the wonderful life I have as a result of my years spent there.”
Cheers to the 70 years of friendship rooted in the Sacred Heart!
SPORTS
Introducing the 2025 Class B Golf State Champions! The Cardinals celebrated their fourth consecutive state title after winning by one stroke against Elkhorn North. Duchesne brought home a lot of hardware this season with several big tournament wins including the River Cities Conference Championship and District Championship.
The Cardinals finished their regular season 8-24. Duchesne celebrated a 3-0 first-round District win against Ralston. The season ultimately ended during their second District tournament game against Waverly.
Duchesne’s Lacrosse Club set a record-breaking season placing second in the Nebraska
Cece Kramper A’27 is the 2025 Class B State Girls Cross Country Champion! She ran the 2nd fastest all-class time in State Championship history with 17:55.65. Duchesne Academy ended the season with a 4th place finish at the State Championship, 2nd place at the district meet, and 1st in the River Cities Conference Championship.
GOLF CROSS COUNTRY LACROSSE VOLLEYBALL SOFtBALL
Duchesne/Roncalli Softball celebrated some big wins this season. In their season opener, Cardinal Pride defeated Buena Vista 21-1, then Lincoln Northwest 16-2. Cardinal Pride finished their season 10-17.
Pictured Left: Ludia Lazarus A’27
Pictured Right: Cecilia Kramper A’27, Eleanor Richard A’27
Legacy DAHIR WHITNEYCONTINUES
BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK
“I felt so relieved when I saw us pull ahead,” Dahir said. “I was counting down the seconds until we officially won.”
Dahir was the 2024 overall state champion. In 2025 she golfed a matching set of 86’s which put her at 11th place. Martha Mullen A’26 placed 7th and Lucy McDevitt A’28 finished 12th. Mullen played on three of the four title teams.
Duchesne Academy holds the NSAA record of most state titles with 12 in school history. This is their eighth championship win since 2015 and coach Jeff Nielsen’s 19 year at Duchesne.
aphne Schroen A’26 is the first Duchesne Academy Lacrosse player to commit to play at the collegiate level. She signed her letter of intent to play for Augustana College in Rock Island, IL this Fall.
Daphne began playing lacrosse in preschool while living in Maryland. Her family moved to Nebraska while she was in grade school, which put her lacrosse career on hold. She picked it back up again in 8th grade after finding the
“The Midwest has a close-knit lacrosse community,” Schroen explained. “Every team we play, I know at least three people on the other team and at the end of the game, there are always hugs no matter who won.”
Daphne started playing for the Cardinals as a freshman. Her mom, Jen Schroen, coaches the team, which is made up of Duchesne, Brownell-Talbot, and Marian students. This Fall the Cardinals played a winning season of 13-1, a first in school history.
“Over the past four years, I’ve watched the team transform into a close community,” Daphne said. “As younger girls join the program, more girls say lacrosse is their sport and not just an extra thing they do in the off-season.”
Daphne plans to study education to become a teacher and possibly a lacrosse coach at a higher level. She said she hopes her collegiate lacrosse career will help inspire her younger teammates to pursue the sport after high school.
“I want to be a reference point for them as they go through the recruiting process and help push them to go farther to bigger places,” she said.
A MESSAGE FROM THE Chair Board Trustees of the of
It is with heartfelt appreciation for the generosity of this community that we present Duchesne Academy and Preschool’s 2024-2025 Annual Report.
This report is, above all, a testament to you, our generous donors, families, and friends, whose belief in Duchesne makes our mission possible in Omaha. Charitable gifts have accounted for nearly 40 percent of operating revenue. Contributions to the Duchesne Annual Fund, annual scholarships, and Congé help make our school accessible to more families and foster socioeconomic diversity. One extraordinary gift from a group of donors enabled us to purchase the former Via Christe building and return the 3636 building to our campus: an important and strategic addition with tremendous future potential.
Thanks to your unwavering support, we have advanced the construction of our new athletic complex. The physical space looms large, much like the transition plan underway by the school’s administrative team to ensure a seamless integration in the fall of 2026, and the growing excitement among our families, friends, and supporters! We invite you to join us, if you haven’t already, in this bold and transformative step forward, as we continue efforts to raise the remaining $4.6 million to meet our capital campaign goal of $40 million. To each donor named in this list, and to those who give quietly, consistently, and wholeheartedly, thank you.
We are deeply grateful for your trust and belief in Sacred Heart education. It is rooted in faith, intellect, service, community, and growth and realized in the world by our graduates, who understand their significance, value those around them, and know how to express love fully as courageous and compassionate leaders.
St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, pray for us!
Kay Doyle, Chair, Duchesne Board of Trustees (2024-2026)
I give to Duchesne, because my experience while attending has helped to shape me into the woman I am today.I learned the power of sisterhood, tradition, and support. I want other youngwomen to have the opportunity to receive a highquality education in an environment that wants them to succeed. It makes me happy to give back.
DoriStanfield A’90
TheDuchesne Fund supports every aspect of student life.It closes the gap between the cost of tuition and the actual cost to educate each student. This year that gap is $7,000.Your gift will give a young woman the Sacred Heart education you love.
DONATE TODAY AT: dashomaha.org/donate
BEAM MAKES HISTORIC MARK ON DUCHESNE’S CAMPUS NEW
Construction crews placed a new piece of Duchesne Academy history between the Athletic complex and Preschool in a Topping Off Ceremony this fall.
Linked between the new space and the old, a white beam signifies this transformative moment in Duchesne’s history. The beam is decorated with signatures from Academy students, faculty, and staff. Preschoolers left their marks through tiny fingerprints along the bottom of the structure.
Addy Roland A’26 signed the beam during Field Day last spring. Though she will not be a student when the new facility opens, she said she feels like she is a part of the project.
“I see Duchesne as a place for me to leave my legacy,” Roland said. “My signature on that beam will live forever in my school and for future generations to see.”
Along with the signatures, the American flag and a Sacred Heart flag stood tall atop the beam. On the opposite side, crews placed a tree on the beam to emphasize MCL’s commitment to safety. A tree in a Topping Off Ceremony symbolizes no one was hurt during construction of the facility.
Alumnae had an up-close look at the Athletic Complex and Commons during All-School Reunion this Fall. The Fitz Patio looks directly into the facility, giving alumnae a chance to visualize Duchesne’s bold step toward the future.
Michaela
Betterman D’Arrigo A’85 remembers when the current gym opened at Duchesne. The facility opened at the end of her senior year, but she said she felt excited for the classes behind her at the time.
“I think the new facility will propel Duchesne to continue to be one of the best high schools in Omaha for educating young women,” she said.
Jean Spielman Housh A’75 celebrated her 50th reunion this year. She said she enjoyed the tour with Head of School Meg Huerter Brudney A’83. The class of 1975 walked through the updated classrooms, DREAM lab, and explored the technological updates A Bold Step Forward has provided students. Housh said she was most impressed with the beautiful restoration of the Chapel.
“There is a lovely nod to the past in the renovations to the campus,” Housh said. “The thought that went in to keeping the previous beauty in the woodwork is very obvious in the Chapel.”
Want live updates on the construction? Scan the code below to watch the live feed from MCL!
bold.duchesneacademy.org/watch-our-live-coverage/
Fine Arts
ASYOOU LIKEIT ASYOOU LIKEIT
Students took to the stage of the Caffrey-Ryan Theater for Duchesne Academy’s jazz-rendition of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”. This production featured special guests and instructors from the community to enrich the students’ experiences.
Alleyah Flint A’27 starred as Oliver in the production and played piano alongside professional jazz musicians from North Omaha Music and Arts (NOMA). One of her key songs was a duet with violinist Mad Bean A’26. Flint said she had to learn how to adjust from playing with sheet music to hearing where her part fit in the songs.
“It was really beautiful,” Flint explained. “NOMA would hear a song once and then everyone would add something to it to make the song sound magical.”
NOMA performed with the Duchesne Academy students for all three productions of the show, then came back for an allschool jazz concert the following Monday.
“Having the opportunity to work with NOMA made this one of the most fulfilling educational and artistic experiences I have had in 30 years,” Director Thomas Becker said.
On stage, the cast learned choreography from professional dancer Monica McSwain, daughter of former Duchesne dance teacher Sandra McSwain. Monica’s role was to enhance Becker’s vision by making the story come alive through dance.
“Through dance, gesture, and timing, the movements became another layer of the narrative,” Monica explained. “Our creative team ensured that what happens on stage compliments the music, story, and text of the production.”
Flint said this was the most dancing she’s had to do on stage for Duchesne. She said the cast became a team while learning the choreography.
“If mistakes were made, we did not shame each other. We learn and grow together,” she said.
Monica grew up as a performer in Omaha through several productions at the Omaha Junior Theater and the Omaha Community Playhouse. Professionally, she has danced and choreographed with notable names as well as productions on Broadway and feature films. She said she is glad to be home to share her passion and expertise with students.
“The young ladies from Duchesne demonstrate an impressive sense of determination, focus, and responsibility,” Monica said. “There is a beautiful culture at Duchesne that I’ve always seen and respected, and I see it through these students.”
Teresa Baker A’04 proves beauty can come from unexpected places. The abstract artist has been named a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow, one of 198 artists and scholars to receive this prestigious award. The Guggenheim Fellowship is a grant awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scholarly or creative ability in a wide range of fields including the arts, humanities, and sciences. Her goal is to continue expanding her practice through the addition of new materials to her work with AstroTurf.
“I’m looking forward to experimenting and exploring new things,” she said.
Baker began using artificial turf as a canvas after finding it at Home Depot. She said she searched for over a decade to find the right material that would push boundaries, ideas, and expectations.
“Coming from the world I grew up in, we didn’t use AstroTurf,” she explained. “It felt accessible, but foreign, it was ugly, but I like using materials to elevate them and push what they can do.”
Baker is a member of the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes located in North Dakota. Her father worked with the National Park Service as the first American Indian superintendent of a national park. She described her childhood as “culturally rich” and now incorporates materials from her personal and cultural histories.
“AstroTurf is the magic material I was looking for because suddenly after over 10 years of trying many materials, it brought all of my various materials together,” she explained. “I started incorporating willow, buffalo hide, and buck skin to represent my tribe.”
Baker said she hopes her work pushes the idea of “categories” in art. She hopes to conquer questions such as ‘What is a Native artist?’ or ‘What is a painting versus a sculpture?’.
“I like my work to live between all of these places and create something new,” she said. “The job of art is to ask questions and make us look deeper.”
Baker’s love for art began at Duchesne Academy where she performed in many theater productions under the direction of Thomas Becker and singing in the choir. However, she said she didn’t think her creativity would pivot to being a visual artist.
“If you would have told me in high school that I’d be an artist someday, I’d say ‘hmmm, I don’t know about that,” she laughed.
After graduating from Duchesne, Baker pursued a career in politics interning for North Dakota U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan. She had an opportunity to meet with Senator Hillary Clinton on the senate floor which led to an invitation to intern in her New York City office during Baker’s first semester at Fordham University.
While studying in New York, Baker said she was exposed to several mediums of art and abstraction. Curiosity led the way as she began drawing and educating herself within the art world outside of the classroom. She interned with several artists using different materials and practices such as paper making and woodworking. She also studied abroad in Amsterdam to immerse herself in European art culture.
It was through this love of learning that Baker discovered her significance. She said a professor encouraged to stay determined and never give up.
Headshot photographer: Airyka Rockefeller
make us look deeper. to ask questions and The job of art is “
“Sometimes you really need that one person to recognize that there’s something there to stay with it,” she said.
After receiving her M.F.A. from California College of Arts in San Francisco, Baker spent time experimenting with her practice in the Bay Area art scene before moving to Beaumont, TX to live closer to her husband’s family. That is where she found her AstroTurf canvas.
“Moving to Texas was a reminder that you can find things in unexpected places,” she said. “This material solidified unknowns on how I would continue my work as an artist.”
Baker and her family now live in Los Angeles, CA. As she continues to experiment with new materials through her Guggenheim Fellowship, she said she is practicing Sacred Heart Goal Five: A personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom. As a Guggenheim recipient, Baker is responsible for completing the project but does not have a deadline. She is given space to experiment, fail, and grow.
“Duchesne gave me a lot of tools to go out and get the job done,” she explained. “I was surrounded by very cool women who were not afraid to be leaders in whatever fields they are in.”
Solo Exhibitions: American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York; Broadway Gallery, New York; de boer, Los Angeles; The Arts Club of Chicago; St.. Louis Contemporary Art Museum, Missouri; COMA Gallery, Sydney, Australia; Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale, AZ; Halsey McKay Gallery, East Hampton, NY; Pied-à-terre, San Francisco
Group Exhibitions: The Prospect. 6 Triennial, New Orleans, LA; Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, CA; The Wattis Institute, San Francisco, CA; Ballroom Marfa, Marfa, TX; and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City.
Installation view, Teresa Baker,Twenty Minutes to Sunset, American Academy of Arts andLetters, 2025. Photo: Charles Benton
Re�i� 2025
Alumnae
Dear Alumnae,
This school year, we are joyfully embracing the theme: Discover Your Significance,ItWillTransformtheWorld! It is a beautiful reminder of the impact you continue to make. I am continually inspired by the ways our alumnae embody this message in their lives, careers, and communities. Whether you are leading with compassion, innovating in your field, nurturing families, or serving others, your significance is felt far and wide, as it truly transforms the world. I hope you enjoy the stories in this issue of Duchesne Today, including the incredible artwork of my classmate Teresa Baker A’04, our alumnae working in the AI world, College of St. Mary’s newest President from A’91, and the sweet bond of the women of A’70 who started their friendships in the Duchesne Preschool 70 years ago.
Across the country this year, Duchesne alumnae are stepping forward in their cities with incredible generosity and enthusiasm by opening their homes, organizing venues, and creating spaces where Sacred Heart women can reconnect, reflect, and celebrate. The events, whether in cozy living rooms or bustling restaurants, are filled with laughter, shared memories, and the unmistakable spirit of Duchesne. These hosts and the women who gather create community that spans ages, which is an incredible testament to the values instilled at Duchesne and the lifelong bond we share.
This fall, the Alumnae Board added to their already busy event schedule a student leadership & career connection program during senior class meetings. Alumnae share their education and career stories to help Duchesne seniors discover their own significance and envision how they will transform the world beyond these walls. We hope the students see these monthly activities as a powerful bridge between generations.
Thank you for being part of this vibrant network of women who uplift, inspire, and lead. You are significant, and together we are transforming the world.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Trisha Clark Meehan A’04
LEADING
is Heather Smith A’91 MERCY VISION �d
Heather Smith A’91 was installed as President of College of Saint Mary on September 12, 2025, the 102nd anniversary of the all-girls college’s founding. Smith is just the 8th president of the school that was founded in Omaha by Mother Mary Leo Gallagher R.S.M. and the Sisters of Mercy in 1923.
After being named president in July 2023, Smith chose to delay her installation to focus on settling into her role. A year later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer which she met with a quiet determination and grace. After an effective course of cancer treatment and an equally successful transition in the first year of her new role, Smith was installed as president at a ceremony attended by family, including daughter Madigan, friends, colleagues, and students.
WORLD of WOMEN COMMUNITY EACH
Smith succeeded President Emerita Dr. Maryanne Stevens, R.S.M. who served as president for 27 years. After graduating from Duchesne Academy in 1991, Smith received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Vanderbilt University and a second bachelor’s degree in nursing from Creighton University’s accelerated Nursing program. She then spent 25 years in multiple roles at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, completing her MBA, and serving in multiple executive positions during her tenure.
When asked about the expectations of filling the shoes vacated by Sister Stevens, Smith remarked “I have my own shoes to fill, and I am here for the future.”
Smith said she strongly believes that all girls can benefit from a single-sex education at some point in their lives.
“I was able to experience it in high school and the sisterhood I felt at Duchesne is what drew me to this position,” she said. “I felt empowered and never felt like I had to shrink and I loved the closeness and smallness and feeling like I knew everyone.”
Smith has a vision of further establishing CSM as an aspirational girls’ college, with a vibrant residential campus, and an institution of social mobility for young women.
“I want CSM to be a place of access and quality for young women, a place where women support each other and pull each other up – much like my experience at Duchesne,” she said.
Smith said she admires the college’s strong foundation, one that is rooted in Catholic social teaching. In her address at the inauguration ceremony, she referred to the lessons taught by the Sisters of Mercy. “This world offers no substitute for a community of women who walk with each other, who lift each other, who laugh, cry, work, play, and win with each other.”
Smith said she sees many parallels between Duchesne and College of Saint Mary. She is particularly interested in Duchesne’s Campus Master Plan, including the new gym and student commons slated to open in Fall 2026.
“At an all-women’s college like College of Saint Mary, academics and athletics work together to create a powerful sisterhood built on strength, confidence, and resilience that prepares women to lead boldly and succeed in every part of life,” she said. “I am excited to see that same commitment to the students at Duchesne.”
Smith directed special comments toward the CSM students in the audience at her inauguration: “This will be the place that changed the trajectory of your life. And it will always feel like your home.”
Heather Smith’s journey from a student at an all-girls high school to president of an all-girls college is a testament to the influence and strength of a single-sex education. Her story reminds us that empowered girls become bold women who change the world.
THE ACROSS COUNTRY
DASH Across the Country events were held this summer and fall in Denver, Colorado Springs, Kansas City, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Seattle.
Head of School Meg Huerter Brudney A’83 and Vice President of Advancement Katie Risch Bakhit A’94 met up with alumnae in Denver at the Edgewater Public Market Food Hall for happy hour. In Colorado Springs, Terry McConnell Rajendran A’85 hosted Meg, Katie, and alumnae at her business, Luxy Llama, with an easy hike near Garden of the Gods with her llama companions.
Julie Rohling Connor A’76, with assistance from Kathy Harvey Betterman A’73, hosted Kansas City alumnae at home. Alumnae enjoyed meeting one another in the picturesque setting of the Connor’s terrace, and hearing updates about Duchesne.
Ellen Hotz Muller A’79 welcomed Twin Cities alumnae to her home for a get-together. Several alumnae offered to join the DASH Across the Country committee after a wonderful update on the Academy.
Anne Hotz Moran A’83 hosted a delightful breakfast for alumnae in Seattle. Guests enjoyed sharing stories of their favorite teachers, reconnecting, and learning about the exciting ways in which Duchesne is growing yet staying very Sacred Heart.
More events are in the works for Dallas, Phoenix/ Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, and Washington D.C.!
ClassNotes
Catherine (Cate) De Mott Steel A’72 has a YouTube channel called “Stories Worth Telling” with over 100,000 followers, where she highlights important stories of CEO’s of nonprofits, entrepreneurs, veterans, and those with compelling stories trying to make a difference near her home in Connecticut.
Julianne Leszczynski Schmitt A’07 started the Omaha Playground Collective Instagram in 2023 after struggling to find a reliable list of area parks. Over the last two years she has reviewed more than 50 places for kids and has hosted meet-ups for her 7.6K followers. Many of her followers said they’ve discovered new areas of Omaha thanks to her account!
Kate Nelson Holthaus A’11 welcomed her son Leo James Holthaus in August 2025. At 20 weeks gestation, Leo was diagnosed with tricuspid atresia. Upon his birth, he had a very short NICU stay with no immediate cardiac intervention. The family would appreciate continued thoughts and prayers from the Duchesne community as Leo’s heart will require surgery soon. He is a strong little boy who is so loved!
Claire Sapone A’12 launched a virtual interior design business called Claire & Elizabeth. She offers residential and commercial design- small and large scale. She works with clients all over thanks to technological advancements, 3D software, and AI development.
Abigail Justice Turner A’14 welcomed daughter Sutton Agnes Mae Turner in August 2025. Abigail serves as the Assistant Director for Marketing, Student Housing at the University of Mississippi.
In Memoriam
May 9, 2025 – October 25, 2025
Alumnae Deaths
Ann Brannan Bell A'57, mother of Elizabeth Bell Reeves A’82
Virginia Tool Bennert C'60
Margaret Johnson Bowman A'47/C'51
Patricia Maureen Brady A'51, aunt of Rosemary Fitzgibbons
Saunders A’75, Dr. Patty Fitzgibbons Blakeney A’77, Margaret Fitzgibbons Ward A’78, Anne Marie Fitzgibbons Hood A’80; great-aunt of Nicole Huss A’23
Dorothy Eitzman Broghammer C’52
Sr. Maura Clark RSM C'51
Mary Ellen McCauley Cochran A’56/C’60
Mary Ellen Worth Cormier C'62
Vivienne Cuadrado C'64
Clare McManus Decker C'59
Rosemary Dobler RSCJ C'53
Rosemary Meehan Dunleavy C'51
Mary Anthony “Toni” Donohue Fangman C’60, mother of Molly Fangman Bingaman A’80; sister of Cathleen Donohue Danielson C’64; aunt of Sally Fangman Suder A’68, Kathleen Tighe Seidel A’69, Suzie Fangman Laughlin A’70, Michele Tighe Kalhorn A’71, Anne Stejskal Abdouch A’73, Julie Fangman Eaton A’73, and Shayla Fangman Edwards A’88; great-aunt of Katie Kalhorn Lauer A’98 and Madeline Clauff A’11
Sherry Reichardt Gardner C'53
Kathleen Cudahy Kregel C'60
Anne Von Dollen McAlister C’57
Florence Horak McCarville C'43
Marlene Opp Mersch C’59
Sharon Braun Muckey C'60
Marcia Stribling Patterson C'42
Mary Kay Walsh Peek A'61
Roseann Podlesak Peterson C’66
Anne Neville Puncochar C'59
Dorothy Renstrom A’63
Rosalee Ohlinger Roberts C’65
Trudy Waldmann Salvo C'71
Margaret Mahoney Samide C'66
Margaret Snooks Sanders C'62
Patricia Robertson Smith C'62
Friends and Family
Jane Green Alseth, sister of Alice Green Wright A’73
Rose Batenhorst, grandmother of Anna Smith A’15, Katy Smith A’17, and Sara Smith A’19
Diane Betterman, sister-in-law of Michaela Betterman D’Arrigo A’85; aunt of Kathryn Haas Crane A’99, Erin Haas Brown A’02, Genevieve Maliszewski Slocum A’04, Michaela Maliszewski Murphy A’07, and Mary Maliszewski A’10
Scott Billings, father of Elizabeth Billings A’18
Marianne Bonnemier, grandmother of Mara Anania Samudrala A’08
Karina Boyer, sister of Claire Von Osterheldt A’21
Edson Bridges, grandfather of Taylor Bridges A’09 and Molly Bridges A’14
Sally Bridges, grandmother of Taylor Bridges A’09 and Molly Bridges A’14
Mary Ann Clemens, mother of Mary Beth Clemens Jackson A’75 and Kathleen Clemens Martin A’85
Scott Di Lorenzo, father of Lauren Di Lorenzo A’14
Patricia Dorn, grandmother of Olivia Clayton A’28
Rick Fangman, brother of Sally Fangman Suder A’68, Suzie Fangman Laughlin A’70, Julie Fangman Eaton A’73; brotherin-law of Ann Louise Reins Fangman A’64; cousin of Kathy Tighe Seidel A’69, Michele Tighe Kalhorn A’71, Anne Stejskal Abdouch A’73, Molly Fangman Bingaman A’80, Shayla Fangman Edwards A’88
Terrance Fangman, father of Molly Fangman Bingaman A’80; brother-in-law of Cathleen Donohue Danielson C’64; uncle of Sally Fangman Suder A’68, Kathleen Tighe Seidel A’69, Suzie Fangman Laughlin A’70, Michele Tighe Kalhorn A’71, Anne Stejskal Abdouch A’73, Julie Fangman Eaton A’73, and Shayla Fangman Edwards A’88; great-uncle of Katie Kalhorn Lauer A’98 and Madeline Clauff A’11
Thomas Fangman, father of Shayla Fangman Edwards A’88; uncle of Sally Fangman Suder A’68, Suzie Fangman Laughlin A’70, Julie Fangman Eaton A’73, Kathy Tighe Seidel A’69, Michele Tighe Kalhorn A’71, Anne Stejskal Abdouch A’73, Molly Fangman Bingaman A’80; greatuncle of Katie Kalhorn Lauer A’98 and Madeline Clauff A’11
John Fitzpatrick, father of Mary Fitzpatrick Graft A’80, Jeanne Fitzpatrick Baker A’83, Ellen Fitzpatrick A’84, and Anne Fitzpatrick A’87; grandfather of Kate Krueger A’19 and Jane Krueger A’20
Thomas Flaherty, father of Katie Flaherty Murphy A’91 and Erin Flaherty Berwick A’96
Robert Furno, husband of Mary Elizabeth Stanosheck Furno C’62
Danielle Gallegos, aunt of Ava Larson Gallegos A’25
Maximus Keating Gascho, cousin of Jacqueline Barnes A’21 and Emily Barnes A’24
Gerald Geiger, husband of Kate Laux Geiger C’59
Robert Gibson, father of Amy Gibson Kirshenbaum A’89; father-in-law of Jennifer Greder A’89; grandfather of Elizabeth Gibson A’26, and MacKenzie Gibson A’29
Michael Heese, husband of Pat Hoffmann
Heese A’59/C’63
Gracia Hasebroock Henkle, mother-in-law of Jane Cimino Hasebroock A’78; grandmother of Abigail Hasebroock Mousel A’04, Ashley Hasebroock A’11, Louise Hasebroock A’16, and Samantha Hasebroock A’18
Thomas Jerardi, husband of Jean Litzen Jerardi C’58
Katy Jetter, sister-in-law of Emily Dixon Jetter A’06; aunt of Cecilia Jetter A’29
Dorothy Kazor, grandmother of Josephine Kazor A’21 and Stella Kazor A’24
Lois Kerschinske, grandmother of Claire Kerschinske A’17
Elizabeth Manfredi, grandmother of Mia Mariscal A’28
Pam Martin, grandmother of Jessica Mullin A’23
Edward McQuade, grandfather of Haley Stessman A’19 and Paige Stessman A’21
Philip Meeks, father of Rachel Meeks Cahill A’03 and Monica Meeks A’10
James Merriman, husband of Marilu Jesse Merriman A’49/ C’53; father of Teresa Merriman Stedman A’72
John Micek, father of Michelle Micek Audino A’77, Laura Micek Kwong A’81, and Elissa Micek McCollor A’92; grandfather of Anna Kwong A’21
Gerrylu Mikuls, mother-in-law of Janie Fitzgibbons Mikuls A’79; grandmother of Mary Mikuls A’09; great grandmother of Sloan Mikuls A’29
Benjamin Montgomery, uncle of Ella Reed Clark A’74 and Sharon Reed A’75
Renee O’Brien, mother-in-law of Shayla O’Brien (Duchesne staff)
Micheal Oder, father of Dana Oder Ratcliff A’99
John O’Hearn, brother of Maureen O’Hearn Pogge A’70; uncle of Therese Pogge Creswell A’96 and Melissa Pogge
Stanley A’98
Roger Peirce, Jr., husband of Mary Kay Mruk Peirce C’68
Tony Pflug, father of Melanie Pflug Anderson A’95; uncle of Cally Pflug Owens A’09, Hilary Pflug Engelkamp A’10, Hannah Pflug A’17, Sophia Pflug A’19, Wendy Pflug A’21, and Wren Pflug A’23
William Pinaire, husband of Janet Lucas Pinaire C’68 and brother-in-law of Kathleen Lucas Anstey C’65
James Piper, grandfather of Harper Haas A’28
Adam Raine, son of Maria Deeths Raine A’91
Robert Recker, grandfather of Rachel Recker A’15
Mildred Reed, mother of Ella Reed Clark A’74 and Sharon Reed A’75
Rose Vlcek Regner, great grandmother of Madison Dishaw A’22; great great aunt of Mara Anania Samudrala A’08 and Peyton Vlcek A’23
Steve Rodine, brother of Sandra Rodine Krush C’68
John Rogers, father of Mary Clare Rogers A’17
Dale Sempek, husband of Kathleen Kavanagh Sempek A’69 and brother-in-law of Mary Kavanagh White A’71
Carole Sesemann, grandmother of Courtney Heider A’19
Norman Lee Smith, grandfather of Maggie Smith A’18, Madison Smith A’21, Makenna Smith A’28
Michelle Spenner, aunt of Claire Niehaus A’24 and Zelie Niehaus A’28
Beatrice Theel, mother of Adam Theel (Duchesne faculty)
Jerry Trimble, father-in-law of Anna Kokensparger Trimble A’09
Wendy Wright, mother of Emily Bergman Shelstad A’96 and Elizabeth Bergman A’01
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
DuchesneAcademy.org
Upcoming Alumnae Events
Alumnae Holiday Mass
Sunday, December 8, 2025 at 11:30 am
Register: dashomaha.org/holidaymass25
Cardinals in College – Gingerbread Houses and Hot Cocoa
Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 pm ForA’22-A’25
