DUCHESNE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART — OMAHA | SPRING 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
Editor
Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71
Hannah Miller
Copy Editors
Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71
Julie Dineen Swartz A’91
Layout Designer
Josiah Hazel
Photography
Josiah Hazel
Student Photography
Olivia Macias A’27
Adriana Olvera A’26
Ava Owen A’27
Contributors
Katie Risch Bakhit A’94
Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71
Meg Huerter Brudney A’83
Laura McKee Hickman, Ed.D. A’85
Trisha Clark Meehan A’04
Hannah Miller
Julie Dineen Swartz A’91
Printer Aradius
On the Cover
Addy Kula A’25 looks toward her future and the construction progress on Duchesne’s historic campus.
Inside Cover
Cybela Vargas A’28
Sage Starks A’28
A FUTURE OF HOPE AND EXCITEMENT
As I reflect on my 10 years as Head of School, my heart is full of gratitude and awe. It is a rare gift to witness the beautiful and transformative power of a Sacred Heart education; to see the ways in which it shapes lives, strengthens spirits, and prepares students to go forth into the world with courage, compassion, and grace.
Over the past 10 years, together, we have celebrated remarkable milestones including boldly embarking on the largest campaign in Duchesne’s history— A Bold Step Forward. This has resulted in the renovation of Duchesne’s historic chapel, the creation of a state-of-the-art theater, the design of classrooms to better meet the needs of our students, and the groundbreaking of an athletic complex designed exclusively for female athletes that will strengthen a robust athletic program in which 77% of our students compete. We have witnessed steady growth in enrollment and continue to develop rigorous academic and relevant extracurricular programs. I am proud of Duchesne’s exemplary faculty and stay who consistently nurture a culture of love—the hallmark of a Sacred Heart education. As with any journey, there have been challenges along the way. Together, we navigated a global pandemic and embraced the demands of a growing and evolving school.
Yet, when I think back, it is neither the accomplishments nor the challenges that come to mind. Rather, it is the young women who walk our halls with curiosity, spirit, and resilience, and who lift up their Sacred Heart sisters. It is the preschoolers who sit across the hall from me learning to sing Coeur de Jesus. It is the united strength of our 25 “sister” Sacred Heart Schools which oyer ample opportunities to experience a shared mission in the spirit of Saint Madeleine Sophie and Saint Philippine Duchesne across the country.
The Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education are our constant guide, and I see them reflected daily. Our Five Goals speak of faith, intellectual values, social awareness, building community, and wise freedom, but I think our preschoolers say it best:
Love God
Love to Learn
Help the Needy
Share and Cooperate
Learn Right from Wrong
In their simplicity, they capture our aspirations.
Looking ahead, I feel immense hope and excitement. Duchesne’s future is bright, and its foundation is strong as it is built on the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in the enduring power of Sacred Heart education.
With Gratitude and Joy,
Meg Huerter Brudney A'83 Head of School
2024-2025
School Year Theme
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Give me a heart like Yours: Humble, gentle, loving, and pure. Help me to lead with your love.
Amen.
By:
On Burt Street
Photo
Stacie Kinney
RING CEREMONY CLASS OF 2025
DUCHESNE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART CLASS OF 2025
Photo By: Stacie Kinney
Duchesne Academy Class of 2025 will be attending:
Demianna Abou Seif
Celia Becker
Grace Becker
Kierra Bradley
Emily Brester
Maria Buechler
Grace Caskey
Allison Chipps
Anna Codr
Emma Combs
Margaret Cordes
Evelyn deMayo
Mayat Elezai
Hannah Fernandes
Sophia Finney
Leah Font-Gabel
Clara Galvan
Katherine Gering
Lauren Gilner
Noelle Haberman
Anne Heldridge
Anne Holtze
Samantha Horak
Natalie Jarosik
Claire Jeeries
Jacqueline Johnson
Natalya Jones
Elianna Kakish
Claire Kinney
Addison Kula
Cecilia Kwiatek
Emma LaCrosse
Imaya Larson
Ava Larson-Gallegos
Elizabeth Layson
Grace Leininger
Margaret Lickteig
Lauren Lookabill
Aidan Lund
Creighton University
University of Michigan
Tulane University of Louisiana
Creighton University
Creighton University
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Queens University of Charlotte
University of Kansas
Clemson University
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Creighton University
Brown University
Re University of Alabama
Saint Louis University
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Nebraska
Wesleyan University
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Wisconsin at Madison
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Florida Gulf Coast University
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Chicago
Pepperdine University
Kansas City Art Institute
Creighton University
University of Kansas
University of Iowa
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Iowa State University
Long Island University
Queens University of Charlotte
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Marquette University
University of Mississippi
University of Kansas
Corinne Mansour
Ava McCarthy
Sydney McCoy
Drew McMahon
Caroline Michonski
Alyssa Moheiser
Susan Morgan-Girgis
Gianna Mullin
Bobbi Munoz
Delaney Murphy
Addison Neesen
Aubrey Nguyen
Grace Oberlies
Nissi Paul
Ava Pearson
Natalie Peterson
Sophia Pisarik
Annalise Plewa
Caroline Pogranicy
Claire Quattrocchi
Lena Richard
Sarah Romero
Bridget Russell
Elisabeth Schaben
Sarah Schmaderer
Jensen Shomshor
Virginia Skybo
Sadie Snyder
Summer Stidham
Katie Strehle
Grace aayer
Lillian aayer
Sophia Tinley
Grace Uptmor
Mila Van Belle
Clara Welch
Josephine Wentz
Sasha Willson
Susan Wood
Gwendolyn Zeger
University of Notre Dame
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Denver
Gonzaga University
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Creighton University
Iowa State University
Minerva University
University of Nebraska at Omaha
University of Missouri at Kansas City
University of Nebraska at Omaha
University of Notre Dame
Saint Mary's College
Creighton University
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Creighton University
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Montana State University
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Nebraska at Omaha
University of Delaware
Coastal Carolina University
Saint Louis University
Baylor University
United States Naval Academy
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Iowa
University of San Diego
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Penn State University
Eckerd College
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Villanova University
Saint Louis University
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Fordham University
University of Colorado Boulder
University of New Hampshire
Winners Prize 2025
Emily Brester SpiritofKindnessAward
E
mily will be attending Creighton University to study nursing.
Maggie Lickteig AliTupper SportsmanshipAward
M
aggie will attend Marquette University. She accepted her award early at Baccalaureate Mass due to State Track.
elaney will be attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.
Elizabeth Layson OutstandingAthleteAward
E
lizabeth will play volleyball for Queens University of Charlotte where she plans to study business.
Caroline Michonski StuartCreativityAward
C
aroline will pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film.
Sophia Pisarik AliTupper SportsmanshipAward
S
ophia plans to study political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Volunteer Appreciation
by Julie Dineen Swartz A’91
AVolunteer Appreciation event was held in the Fitzpatrick Grand Hall on April 24, during National Volunteer Week. It provided an opportunity to thank the incredible volunteers who have given their time and energy to Duchesne in the last year.
Volunteers have helped in a variety of capacities ranging from lunch servers and event helpers to members of the Parent Association, Congé, Booster Club, Alumnae Board, and the Board of Trustees. Their gift of time and talent have enhanced our events, furthered our mission, and brought excitement and joy to our community.
Head of School Meg Huerter Brudney A’83 opened the event with a prayer and heartfelt words of gratitude to the many volunteers in attendance. “Volunteering is often described as the ultimate act of selflessness,” she said. “But we know it’s also an act of passion, dedication, and love for our community. Whether you’ve served for many years, or recently just joined us, your impact has been deeply felt, and today we want to celebrate you.”
“You have all given generously of your time, and we cannot put a price on the value of your dedication to Duchesne,” Brudney shared.
Two awards were presented at the event.
The Très Bien Award, an honor given to an alumna of Duchesne, was presented to Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71. Margo has served as the Archivist and co-editor of Duchesne Today since 2020. She has consistently volunteered at Duchesne since 1997 in numerous capacities including Congé organizer, video production, Alumnae and Board of Trustees member, and so much more.
“Margo was a trailblazer for women throughout her career at Union Pacific,” Meg said of Margo. “She has shared her incredible talents to make each member of the Duchesne community look good through her videos and photography, event planning, and commitment to the mission of Duchesne and the Sacred Heart.”
The Merci Beaucoup Award recognizes a member(s) of the Duchesne community who has gone above and beyond to help the school and students. The 2025 recipients were the Mock Trial coaches, including Judge Stefanie Martinez, and attorneys Jerry Laughlin, Rick Jeyries, and Mark Laughlin. This incredible group of volunteers coached the Mock Trial team to win the Nebraska State Championship in 2024 and 14th at the National Championship in May 2025.
These coaches have spent countless hours training the team, and have instilled knowledge and skills needed to compete on a national stage, as well as courage, professionalism, and confidence.
“These remarkable coaches have not only cultivated competitive excellence, they are committed to educating and empowering our future female leaders,” said Katie Risch Bakhit A’94, Vice President of Advancement and former Mock Trial parent.
You have all given generously of your time, and we cannot put a price on the value of your dedication to Duchesne.
—Meg Brudney A’83 “
Olivia Stanek A’17 was a member of the Duchesne Mock Trial teams from 2013 – 2017, and spoke at the event. She credited her coaches for her direction and success as a young attorney.
“The Duchesne Mock Trial coaches have opened doors that may not have otherwise been open to us, ensuring that young women have a place in every courtroom to learn, to make mistakes, and to succeed,” Stanek said. “Through their dedicated time, eyort, and experience, they have ensured that the Duchesne Mock Trial name means a legacy of grit, determination, excellence, and teamwork.”
Congratulations to the recipients of the Merci Beaucoupand TrèsBienawards, and we extend a huge thank you to all our volunteers. We are grateful for each one of you!
Bottom Right: Mark Laughlin, Judge Stefanie Martinez, Jerry Laughlin, and Rick Jedries
Top Left: Margo Bieker A’71, Meg Brudney A’83
Discovering a love for reading
by Hannah Miller
Voices carry through the second floor of Duchesne Academy as English Department Chair Ben Mihovk leads his freshman literature class in a lively discussion of “Purple Hibiscus” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Seated in a halfcircle, students share their emotional connections to the story of a 15-year-old Nigerian girl raised under the control of her strict father.
“‘Purple Hibiscus’ is about becoming a real person and discovering what you need to actually grow,” Mihovk reflected. “I think a lot of what we read resonates with students because it’s just about being people.”
Mihovk said this represents the core of Duchesne Academy’s English Department: How do you feel, make connections, and think about the world?
“I always tell students that literature is a handbook for life.” he said. “It lets you have access to feelings that you wouldn’t necessarily have otherwise.”
Mihovk finished his 10th year teaching English to freshmen at Duchesne. He said this discussionbased approach helps students understand what they are reading as opposed to reciting a story’s plot.
The English department’s curriculum focuses on three pillars:
1. Reading deeper and more critically
2. Discussing ideas about what we have read
3. Writing analytically about what we have read and discussed
Above: Jensen Shomshor A’25
Top Right: Kailey Hennessey A’27, Angel Lugang A’27
Throughout the course of their education, students learn the fundamentals in reading literature and composing essays. As they get older, their courses become more advanced and by the time they graduate, students are able to articulate their ideas fluently through thoughtful discussions and polished essays.
“Alumnae come back from college and tell us how well they’re doing with their writing,” Mihovk said proudly. “Their professors specifically call them out and ask ‘where did you go to school?’.”
Anne Clark A’03 remembered feeling confident after graduating from Duchesne and attending Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
“I came in ahead of the curve when it came to writing,” she said. “I was getting A’s in my freshman English writing classes and felt good about myself.”
She recalled Kate Sommer having an incredible impact on her educational journey. Sommer taught creative writing, journalism, and senior honors English classes for 19 years at Duchesne. She passed away in 2015 after battling breast cancer for 28 years.
After graduating college, Clark moved to New York City and began a career as a comedian and writer. She is now a journalist and producer for Vulture, a digital entertainment and culture magazine.
“The thing you don’t always realize when you go into journalism or writing of any kind is how often you have to pitch yourself and your ideas,” she explained.
“The discussion-based environment I had at Duchesne helped me learn how to do that in a way that was productive and safe.”
As students today navigate communication in the classroom, teachers have found innovative ways to encourage the love of reading.
Emily Schulte Berigan A’06 began teaching at Duchesne in 2012.
“I loved being a student at Duchesne,” she said. “I knew when I decided to teach, I wanted to come back.”
Berigan, alongside English Teachers Madison Misek A’15 and Molly Sambol A’17, implemented Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) into the curriculum. The evidence-based practice was discontinued in Duchesne classrooms during the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, English teachers brought it back by encouraging students to read a book of their choice for 20 minutes at the start of class once a week.
“The data is so clear over many diyerent studies that students who identify as readers and read more frequently are better readers,” Berigan said. “They have higher comprehension and vocabulary, and they test better.” Story Continues On Next Page…
…Story Continued From Page 13
There are three components to SSR:
Autonomy: Students get to choose what book they want to read in addition to their assigned reading.
Connection or Community: In-class discussions and activities excite students and promote community.
Competency: Participants can choose a book that is at the appropriate reading level for them.
The 2023 and 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress report found that student reading scores and time spent reading continue to decline. The national average reading scores for 4th and 8th graders were lower in 2024 than in 2022 and 2019.
On Burt Street, the English department surveyed A’26 students on their reading habits before and after implementing SSR.
67% of A’26 said they never or rarely ever talked about books or personal reading with others before SSR started at Duchesne.
After about six months of SSR in the classroom, that number dropped to 21%.
“When you read a book, it’s kind of like a movie playing, and you feel lost in it,” Sarvi Gullapalli A’26 said. “After you’re done you feel like ‘Wow I really enjoy this, I should do this more often.’”
Mihovk said he believes that passion for reading is just a piece of the puzzle in a quality Sacred Heart education that will serve students beyond the walls of Duchesne Academy.
“When you run into someone in the real world, you can tell they went to a Sacred Heart school,” he said.
“They have a way of being vibrant, outspoken, caring, wonderful people, and I think some of that comes from what we read, how we talk to each other, and how we deal with being humans.”
Photo: Elizabeth Grenier A’27
Beyond Burt Street
by Julie Dineen Swartz A’91
Maggie Smith A’18, recipient of the 2018 Stuart Creativity Award, was recently named the Best Playwright of 2024 as part of the Chicago Reader’s annual “Best of Chicago” list. Smith was nominated for her work with Two Chairs Theatre Co. on their production of her original play, “The Courtship of Winifred Edwards”.
Smith attended Loyola University Chicago where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Theater Studies with minors in English and Shakespeare Studies. She studied at Chicago’s Second City Conservatory Program and has worked with several Chicago Theaters. In addition to starring in several plays, her areas of emphasis include comedy sketch writing, fundamentals of comedy, and play production.
Smith said her experience at Duchesne played a big role in shaping the course of her life. She described her involvement with Duchesne Theater as foundational for her.
“My favorite show was ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’, which was the final play of my senior year,” Smith said. “I felt confident about my entire performance for the first time, and it was dark comedy, which is right up my alley.”
Smith’s love for writing also developed at Duchesne, particularly in AP English junior year. “Mrs. Berigan probably doesn’t know this, but she is the real reason I started in playwriting,” Smith said. “We were discussing a creative writing assignment, and I commented that I would be happy if I could write short stories primarily of dialogue, and she said, ‘You should become a playwright!’. That really inspired me!”
Smith plans to continue writing plays and working with local theaters. “My goal is to create work that makes me proud, and best represents my sense of humor and voice,” she said.
“Duchesne taught me to be proud of my voice, and I am very excited about the direction my career is going.”
In addition to her work with local theaters, Smith does freelance work as a closed-captioning transcriptionist with Echo Labs, an organization dedicated to providing accessibility services. She said she feels inspired to make the main stage more accessible to everyone.
The Network of Sacred Heart Schools celebrated its 50th Anniversary across the U.S. and Canada (USC) during the 2024-25 academic year. The year-long celebration cultivated a deep sense of joy and honor in the Sacred Heart’s shared mission.
In 1975, the first version of the Goals and Criteria were created after several Religious of the Sacred Heart recognized the need to articulate their charism to be lived by future lay educators. Since then, the Network has grown to inspire 25 schools in the USC, united under one mission set forth by the Founding Mothers.
To celebrate this historic occasion, the Network of Sacred Heart Schools hosted several events and opportunities for educators, stay members, and
students throughout the year. Some of the events Duchesne Academy participated in:
Opening Virtual Prayer Service for all Schools and community members
“Hearts Rooted in Change” Sacred Heart Summit for more than 500 students, educators, and RSCJ
Closing Virtual Prayer Service for all Schools and community members
Sacred Heart Symposium for Network Educators in New Orleans, LA
Pictured: Provincial Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ visits campus for A Bold Step Forward groundbreaking ceremony.
Network Praises Duchesne for Living Out Sacred Heart Goals
by Laura McKee Hickman, Ed.D. A’85
Ateam of Sacred Heart colleagues traveled to Omaha to determine Duchesne’s adherence to the Goals and Criteria last fall.
In the mid-1970s the Religious of the Sacred Heart began to envision a future when their schools would no longer be run and stayed by nuns. Shortly after the first publication of the Five Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, a process by which each Sacred Heart school assessed its fidelity to those Goals was also introduced. The process today has been named the Sacred Heart Commission on Goals (SHCOG), and takes place every five years. It is a cyclical and reflective process designed to keep us true to Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s spirituality.
Head of School Meg Huerter Brudney A'83 formed a committee led by English teacher, Ben Mihovk. The committee conducted a self-study that collected feedback from every constituency (alumnae, parents, stay, administration, Board of Trustees, preschool and academy) then analyzed that feedback for common voices. The committee also included math and science Teacher Jake Hervert, Preschool Teacher Rachel Bost, Alumnae Director Trisha Clark Meehan A’04, Assistant Principal Eric Krakowski, and Board of Trustees Chair Kay Doyle. Their report was then shared with a Visiting Team comprised of five Sacred Heart colleagues representing an administrator, teacher, and Board member from other Sacred Heart Schools. During their visit, the visiting team acted as a mirror to ensure the accuracy of the selfstudy. Their report was then shared to the Provincial Team of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
The result of this process is to call our school to its Sacred Heart mission. It is the single most important thing we do to define our charism. During the 2024 process, Duchesne celebrated our success in adhering to the Sacred Heart vision and with help from the Visiting Team, identified areas where we feel we can improve.
Sports
Photo: Amelia Dolan
Basketball:
In the River Cities Conference District Tournament, the Cardinals won against Mercy in the first round 46-29. The season came to an end with a loss against Gross Catholic High School in the District Final.
Bowling:
Maria Buechler A’25 and Sarah Schmaderer A’25 earned their tickets to the Singles State Bowling Championship. They bowled four games in the qualifying round. Schmaderer moved on to the second round as No. 2 in the seed bracket. She tied against her opponent and eventually lost after three bowl-oys.
Dance:
The DASH Dazzlers traveled to Orlando, FL to compete in the Universal Dance Association National Competition in the Jazz and Pom categories. At the State Competition, the Dazzlers placed 4th in Jazz and 9th in Pom. They also received special recognition for academic excellence.
Swim/Dive:
The Cardinals earned some hardware at the Nebraska State Championship Meet. Four students competed in the Diving competition. Jackie Johnson A’25 earned 2nd place, and Sydney McCoy A’25 earned 4th. Several swimmers competed in relays at the State Championship. Mila Van Belle A’25 swam in two individual events.
Left Page: Jada James A’27 Right Page: Cece Kramper A’27
Soccer:
The Cardinals played a strong season with a 10-7 record. Josie Quattrocchi A’28 was the lead scorer for Duchesne with 23 goals. Their season ended after the Sub-District match against Mercy.
Tennis:
Introducing your 2025 State Championship RunnerUps! DASH Tennis brought home four invitational wins as well as some hardware from the River Cities Conference Championship and State Championship meets. Anne Holtze A’25 and Maggie Sauer A’27 were crowned #2 Doubles Class B State Champions. Tvisha Rohatgi A’27 and Meg Cordes A’25 competed at State in the singles division, while Sarah Schmaderer A’25 and Sophia Finney A’25 competed in the #1 Doubles division.
Track:
Cece Kramper A’27 is the 1600m and 3200m Class B State Champion! She broke her personal record by running the 1600m in 4:58. Nine Duchesne athletes competed at the State Championship this year. The Roncalli/Duchesne Track Team took home several awards throughout the season and were crowned the 2025 River Cities Conference Champions!
Four athletes from the Duchesne Lacrosse Club competed at the USA Lacrosse Nationals in Massachusetts in May. Olu Chvala A’28, Daphne Schroen A’26, and two teammates from Brownell Talbot played for the IA/NE National Team. Schroen is also the first Duchesne Lacrosse athlete to commit to playing at the collegiate level. She will attend Augustana College in the Fall of 2026.
Trapshooting:
Marielle Eliza Chua Macapinlac A’28, Annie McGill A’28, Libby Saal A’26, and Virginia Skybo A’25 participated in the State Trap Meet in Doniphan, Nebraska. Skybo got her first 25 straight, which is a whole box of shells without missing the target.
ANNA KWONG A’21
A’21
Texas Christian University
Dive
Kwong won the 1M Dive at the USA Diving Nationals in May, earning a spot at this summer’s World Championships. She also took gold at the USA Diving Winter Nationals (Dec 2024) and placed 7th in the Diving World Cup Series in Guadalajara and Windsor. A finalist at last summer’s Olympic Trials, she concludes a standout TCU career with school records in the 1M, 3M, and team events, ten Big 12 Diver of the Week awards, and the program’s first female gold at the Big 12 Championships (Feb 2025). Kwong earned a BS in Biology with a Minor in Spanish and plans to take the MCAT, apply to medical school, and pursue her diving career.
Nebraska Wesleyan University Volleyball
Patten played and started in all 30 matches and 115 sets during the Fall 2024 season. She recorded 325 kills, averaging 2.83 kills per set. This season, Patten was recognized in the American Rivers Conference (ARC) All-Conference Honorable Mention, ARC All-Academic Team, and UW-LaCrosse All-Tournament Team.
KATHERINE STRATMAN A’22
University of Sioux Falls
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference named Stratman in their list for All-Academic honors for the 2024 fall athletic season. To be eligible, student-athletes must have a 3.60 cumulative GPA or higher. Additionally, the student-athlete must be a member of the varsity traveling team, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at their institution, and must have completed at least one full academic year at that institution.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics named Miller as one of the 2024 Daktronics Scholar-Athletes for Fall sports. The honor recognizes student-athletes in each fall sport who have excelled academically. Additionally, Miller received honorable mention status in the Great Plains Athletic Conference postseason conference awards. She started 18 matches and led the defenders in minutes played from the center-back position.
Gustavus Adolphus
Soccer
The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) recognized Moore on its list of Academic All-Conference selections for the 2024 fall season. To qualify, studentathletes must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors by academic standards with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Moore is studying Exercise Physiology.
LIBBY MOORE A’23
TEXAS CHRISTIAN
ANNA KWONG
NEBRASKA WESLEYAN
KOBIE PATTEN A’22
KOBIE PATTEN A’22
PAIGE MILLER A’23
KATHERINE STRATMAN A’22
JOSIE MOORE A’23
Gustavus Adolphus Soccer
The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) recognized Moore on its list of Academic All-Conference selections for the 2024 fall season. To qualify, studentathletes must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors by academic standards with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Moore is studying Political Science and English.
JUNE MULLEN A’24
Western Michigan University Soccer
Mullen was named to the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team.
She played 21 games, making 17 starts. Mullen's work in the midfield helped her team win the MAC Conference and the MAC Tournament Championship which advanced them to the first round of the NCAA Division 1 Soccer Tournament Championship.
BELLA RAMSGARD A’24
Mount Marty University Cross Country
Ramsgard competed in the 2024 Great Plains Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship in November, finishing in a top performance of 25:15.20 in the 6K race. She placed 28th, leading the team to a 9th place finish.
A’25 Divers Jackie Johnson and Sydney
McCoy are NCAA Division I bound!
Johnson signed her National Letter of Intent with Pepperdine University. She plans to study business and Spanish.
McCoy signed her National Letter of Intent with the University of Denver. She plans to study Environmental Science.
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
JUNE MULLEN A’24
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS
JOSIE MOORE A’23
From The Archives
Pictured: Duchesne Academy Glee Club perform Christmas Concert at Joslyn Museum in 1955.
Re Foxley Building Returns to Duchesne
by Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71
The priority of the Religious of the Sacred Heart is to educate young women— a precedent set by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat. They believed a thorough education captured the spirited intellect of Duchesne College students through the Humanities program which gave the students an inclusive and integrated study of civilization. The College’s purpose was not merely to inform, but to bring out the development of thought and expression, and the interrelationships with science, history, art forms, and literature. Humanities, a required course for Duchesne College freshmen and sophomores, gave the students a broad view of all possible major fields. It was a new course at Duchesne in 1962 and provided its worth to undergraduates and alumnae alike.
Via Christe closed in the Fall of 2024, and Duchesne Academy repurchased the Foxley Building in November 2024. “We were sorry to see Via Christie close”, said Meg Huerter Brudney A'83, Head of School, “They were wonderful neighbors, and we appreciated their presence in our community. When the building became available for sale, our Board saw a unique opportunity to bring all the properties on campus under Duchesne’s ownership.”
William J. Foxley and his wife, Eileen Foxley believed deeply in education of the Sacred Heart, as evidenced by sending their six daughters to Duchesne. Reverend Mother Helen Sheahan commented at the building dedication in 1964, “The inscription will read, ‘Dedicated to the advancement of liberal arts in memory of William J. Foxley.’”
With the closure of Duchesne College in 1968, the Foxley Building was turned over to the Academy until 1978. Despite eyorts to create an income base through rentals, the Board of Trustees with the Duchesne administration decided in November, 2003, to sell the property to Via Christe to be used as an independent living facility for the elderly. The Board of Trustees believed the proximity of Via Christe residents would provide community service opportunities for students and adults.
Acquiring the building has already proven beneficial. The additional space will allow for the soccer field to extend to regulation size. A generous donor group supported this purchase, recognizing it as an investment in the future of Duchesne’s campus.
The building currently serves as an o1ce space for employees of MCL Construction company employees during construction of Duchesne’s new state-of-theart athletic complex and commons. This is a cost saving measure for Duchesne as it eliminates the need for temporary trailers to be used by contractors and sub-contractors.
“As for the long-term use of the space, we don’t have a definitive plan yet,” said Brudney, “We are currently engaged in strategic planning conversations to determine how the building can best serve our mission. There are great ideas on the table, and we will share the ideas when the strategic plan is fully developed.”
At 91, Sister Mary Pat Ryan remains spirited, ready to revisit a lifetime of memories.
by Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71
Sister Mary Pat Ryan, known for her engaging smile and passionate welcome, honored DuchesneToday with this interview.
Mary Pat Ryan was born in Davenport, Iowa, the oldest of five girls. She attended Catholic schools and then followed her mother, Mary Helen Cayrey Ryan, C’27, to Duchesne College. Her three sisters, Sara Jane C’60, Julie C’57, RIP, and Margie C’70, RIP, all attended Duchesne College, and sister Susan attended Barat College in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Mary Pat Ryan entered the Society of the Sacred Heart immediately after graduation in 1956. Upon completion of her initial vows, Sister Ryan served in several Sacred Heart Schools, including Woodlands Academy in Lake Forest, Illinois where she taught English and drama. She went on to serve as superior at Clifton Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio and English
Teacher at Glen Oak School in Gates Mills, Ohio. Finally, Sister Ryan returned to her beloved Omaha Duchesne, where she was Dean of Students from 1974 –1982. From 1983 to 1990, she was the Director of Admissions and College Counseling at Newton Country Day in Massachusetts, before returning to Omaha where she served as the Administrative Assistant to the head of school and then Alumnae Director until 2006. She describes these as her happiest years. After a total of 28 years as a Duchesne student, English teacher, Dean of Students and Alumnae Director, Sister Ryan was named Alumnae Director Emerita by the Duchesne Board of Trustees in 2006 before moving to the Oakwood Community in Atherton, California.
Today at age 91, Sister Mary Pat Ryan is still spry and eager to head down memory lane.
DT: What activities were you involved in when you were a student at Duchesne College?
I was always on student council, and I loved it. We had such fun planning Masses, dances, and dinners.
Serving as president of the Children of Mary Sodality my senior year was a great honor. Earning your Children of Mary medal was an important step in a Duchesne College student’s life. Many of the graduates still wear their medals when they attend the sodality and days of retreat meetings.
The Duchesne Players was an exciting group of students. I was thrilled to play the lead, Anne Sullivan, in “The Miracle Worker”. My mom and dad attended all of my plays. They understood what made me tick. Drama was a fun release in college.
DT: How did your family influence and/or support your vocation?
My family was thrilled when I told them I wanted to enter the Society of the Sacred Heart. I came from a family who was respectful of one another. It was hard when I entered because I missed my family, and I couldn’t visit them. I made it work because I didn’t want to leave the community.
God made it possible for me to stay in the order. I never doubted my vocation but there was always a pull toward family. We had a great role model in mom, who was the perfect lady.
I had the grace to put myself in charge of my future and I received support from other RSCJ and the Administrative team.
I renew my vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience every year on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.
DT: What was the community of the RSCJ like?
As Religious we were comfortable with one another; respectful, supportive and caring. We understood the promises of silence, humility, and poverty, and we oyered support to the other nuns. There was an air of unselfishness among us.
DT: You lived as a cloister while at Duchesne. Explain cloister life.
We devoted ourselves to contemplative prayer, and practiced the vow of silence most of the time.
I respected the leaders of our retreats; typically Jesuits, who were excellent homilists. One of my favorite retreats was called “Great Grace.” I was inspired by this knowledge and vision and I always trusted that my God would follow me daily.
I entered the novitiate in 1956 and there were 100 novices studying to profess their vows. In today’s world we might have two novices enter per year.
Pictured: Mary Pat playing Anne Sullivan in “The Miracle Worker”
DT: Where did you live at Duchesne?
When I first came home to Duchesne as a Religious, I lived on the first floor. We had small chambers in the room next to the old academy library (which is currently used as the dance room). We didn’t have much room for clothes, but we only had two habits, one for daily, and one for Sundays and Holy Days. Our laundry was taken care of for us by the sisters.
I eventually spent many years in the third-floor community. That was a smaller group. We would pray together, eat together, and perhaps enjoy television on the weekends.
DT: Which employment position at Duchesne was your favorite and why?
I loved the years I spent as the Alumnae Director. This position included many opportunities to explore the world and meet fascinating people every day. I also really enjoyed teaching freshman English.
DT: What was your best travel experience representing the Society?
Attending the Association of Alumnae of the Sacred Heart Conferences (AASH) was a wonderful experience. The national conference was held once every two years and the local conferences were held each year in alternating locations.
Listening to the national RSCJ presenters helped me recognize their remarkable intelligence and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This experience was simply inspiring. Keynote Speaker Cokie Roberts, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart ‘60, spoke about the history and importance of women’s vote.
I especially loved attending the Detroit AASH Conference in 1997, because all of my sisters came with me, along with our dear friend Jan Schaefer Kilbride, C’61.
DT: How is the Church today diNerent than when you entered the order?
More positions are now covered by lay people. For example, everyone who helps me at Oakwood are certified nurse assistants (CNA). Early on at Duchesne, every role was covered by a Religious.
DT: How is the Society of the Sacred Heart diNerent today than when you entered?
The nuns gathered more often. Whether it was night prayers, daily Mass, or planning a Congè for the students, we spent time together.
We were a larger community so that made a diyerence. Our communities are now comprised of diyerent-styled housing, instead of one large cloister.
After Vatican II, we became much more involved in things other than teaching, such as counseling, psychiatry, and nursing.
Left (Pictured Front Row 4th from L): Mary Helen Cadrey (Ryan) C’27, SisterMaryPat’smother
Above: The Ryan Sisters
Left to Right: Margie, Sara Jane, Julie, and Susan
Seated: Sister Mary Pat
DT: You have a knack for remembering names, faces, and families. How do you do it?
I loved my job, I love people, and I love Omaha. I committed myself to listening to people and taking a true interest in their lives, be it sickness, tragedy, or successes. I saw each person I interacted with, and I respected them.
DT: What brought you the most joy in life: What inspires you?
I am grateful for my vocation.
Sharing moments with family brings me joy. I am so proud of my sisters and what they have accomplished.
DT: What was the most diRcult vow to follow? Easiest vow to follow?
Most di1cult – Silence.
The Easiest vow - Obedience.
DT: What spiritual practice is most important to you and why?
Daily prayer. It gives meaning to who I am.
Above: Sister and Oakwood nuns enjoy Omaha Steaks from Duchesne Academy on her birthday.
In Progress
by Katie Risch Bakhit A’94
Crews are hard at work on Duchesne’s campus. Progress on the construction of the new 44,000 square-foot athletic facility and commons will continue through the summer and into the fall of 2025. We expect the nearly $31 million dollar facility, including a new turf playing field, to be completed in late spring of 2026.
This project has engaged new and old friends, foundations, local and national alumnae, current parents, and past parents.We’ve been fortunate to secure many transformational gifts, making this the largest capital campaign in Duchesne’s history.
At the time of this publication, we have approximately $5 million to raise in order to meet our capital goal. We expect that securing these final dollars may be the toughest leg of our journey. Our plan is to continue holding meetings locally, and meet with prospective donors outside of the Omaha area.
If you are interested in learning more about the A Bold Step Forward campaign or would like to learn about how this new facility will impact Duchesne’s athletic programs, please reach out. We’d love to give you a tour of the construction in progress. Please contact Katie Risch Bakhit A’94 at kbakhit@duchesneacademy.org.
bold.duchesneacademy.org
Watch our livestream of construction progress!
I In the Classroom
n late fall 2024, a classroom was dedicated in honor of Dr. Bernard and Kathleen Watsabaugh Kratochvil and their family as part of a gift they made to the A Bold Step Forward campaign. Kathleen was a member of the Duchesne College class of 1956. She shares a long history with Duchesne including two sisters,Mary Watsabaugh Bishop and Judy Watsabaugh McKay,who also attended the College. She and Bernard had three daughters who attended the Academy:Susan Kratochvil A’76, Margaret Kratochvil Rowe A’78, and Jane Kratochvil A’84.
As part of the campaign, classrooms are being updated to reflect state-of-the-art technology, smart screens, adaptivelighting tailored for diyerent activities including testing, group work, and presentations, and flexible seating to create a classroom environment that is both technologically advanced and more conducive to today’s learners. Please reach out to Katie Risch Bakhit at kbakhit@duchesneacademy.org if you are interested in learning more about dedicating a classroom or another naming opportunity.
Clockwise from Top: Margaret Kratochvil Rowe A’78, Susan Kratochvil A’76, Kathleen Watsabaugh Kratochvil C’56, Jane Kratochvil A’84
Pictured: Kathleen Watsabaugh Kratochvil C’56, with honorary plaque inside of the classroom.
Congé Builds Strong Hearts
Congé is an annual bright spot at the end of January, and this rang true for Congé 2025, when nearly 400 guests gathered at Duchesne with laughter, spirit, and love!
This year’s event was chaired by Jason and Kelly Jeyreys, parents of Evelyn A’26, and Larry and Amy Beehner Roland A’92, parents of Dorothy “Dottie” A’22, Adeline “Addy” A’26, and preschooler Beatrice “B” P’25. The theme for Congé 2025 – Building Strong Hearts – was a nod to Duchesne’s commitment to educating young women in the Sacred Heart traditions of fostering courage and confidence, and building a strong heart in each student so she is prepared for what lies beyond her high school years. It also acknowledged and celebrated the current construction of the brand-new complex on Duchesne’s campus that will house a state-of-theart competition gym, weight room, cafeteria, and much more.
Guests dined on a variety of delicious food station oyerings from Abraham Catering, and treated themselves to the Congé Crusher, a signature cocktail served in a keepsake glass, while bidding on silent auction items.
Science teacher Kim Kreis and her husband, Andy, once again hosted educational beer tastings, with the help of Technology-STEAM teacher Susan Proulx-Herron and her husband, Tim Herron. Participants sampled eight beers and took home a wooden flight board, etched with a Sacred Heart.
by Julie Dineen Swartz A’91
Duchesne’s Nebraska 2024 State Champion golf team entertained guests who bought a chance –and sometimes a mulligan – to hit closest to the pin on the golf simulator. Golf coaches Jey Nielsen and Maggie Vazquez A’17 oyered advice on swings, and the women’s and men’s winners received a prize in this fun addition to Congé.
Congé emcee Travis Justice, father of Abigail A’14 and Mary A’20, invited guests to make their way down to the Cayrey-Ryan Theater for the event’s program and Live Auction. Led by auctioneer Trevor Moravec, the Live Auction raised $98,000. One featured item was an opportunity for a lucky foursome to hit golf balls oy Duchesne’s roof into the construction site before the new building takes shape. This unique, once-in-a lifetime experience generated a lot of excitement in the room leading into a successful Raise the Paddle, which was fueled by a matching gift opportunity from the Heider Family Foundation to fund tuition assistance. Their generosity, and that of all who donated, helps academically qualified students receive a Sacred Heart education.
A huge THANK YOU to the many volunteers and students who assisted guests at Congé 2025! Thank you to all who attended and supported this event – thank you for helping us continue to Build Strong Hearts!
Far Left: Addy Roland A’26, Evelyn Jederys A’26
Middle Left: Jason Jedreys takes a swing on the Duchesne golf simulator.
Far Right: Jason and Kelly Jedreys, Meg and Jim Brudney, Amy and Larry Roland
Sara ThankyouWachter
for 26 years with Duchesne Preschool.
Photo: Sara Wachter A’79 crowns Ava Flohr P’26 during Preschool Prize Day.
7ne Arts
Behind the Scenes: SEU ICAl
Tה MUsICAl
by Hannah Miller
Mby Julie Dineen Swartz A’91
usic fades, spotlight appears, Caroline Michonski A’25 races on stage dressed as the Cat in the Hat— backstage, the crew whispers “move, move, move!”, and Co-Stage Manager Maggie Kizer A’26 takes her first deep breath as “Seussical: The Musical” begins in the CayreyRyan Theater.
Duchesne Academy students performed the spring musical March 27-29. Led by Director Thomas Becker and Music Director Katrina Margraf, thespians transformed the Cayrey-Ryan Theater into the works of Dr. Seuss. As the actors and actresses gave stellar performances, the students behind the scenes made the production come alive.
Kate Gering A’25 served as Lead Costumer for the show. She worked with two other students to curate the clothing each “Seuss” character wore. This is accomplished through hours of research, sifting through storage, thrifting, and sewing. Gering began sewing at age 8, and has been a costumer for Duchesne since her freshman year.
“My job was to look at something and make it ‘Seussified’,” she laughed. “I’d find ways to add feathers or color to make the piece part of that fictional universe.”
After the cast received their costumes, they would move to the mirror where Make-Up Artist Hope Hertzel A’26 would give them a Dr. Seuss-inspired makeover. She used her artistic talents to transform the characters so they could come alive on stage. Though the art can be challenging, she said her greatest feat was keeping everyone organized.
“I had to learn how to be a good communicator,” Hertzel said. “Each person needed to have their makeup finished by their call-time, so it was important for me to schedule and organize everyone so they would appear on stage at the right time.”
Maggie Kizer was the organizational guru of the team. In addition to her duties as cast hairstylist, Kizer also served as co-stage manager. Her job was to organize the production so it ran smoothly for everyone.
“I had to make sure things got to where they needed to be on time without any big hassles,” she said.
According to Gering, Hertzel, and Kizer, there is always some kind of hassle. On opening night of “Seussical: The Musical”, Michonski’s prop piano broke a leg.
“You have to keep going and hope the actors fix it,” Kizer said.
Michonski gave a theatrical shrug, as the Cat in the Hat would do, and continued her comedic performance.
“Something always goes wrong, but afterward, you feel powerful like ‘yeah! I really did that!’” she said.
Communication, organization, and problem-solving are just a few of the crew’s major skills behind the scenes. Kizer said the real magic of Duchesne Academy’s theater program is everyone who makes it possible.
“I will never complain that I spend more time at school than at home during tech week and show nights,” she said. “I love the people in our community.”
Creativity In Tech
Duchesne Academy
senior Aubrey Nguyen
A’25 created a new form of social media for Duchesne artists to share their work in a supportive way.
DASH-Art is an app that allows users to create profiles, post artwork, categorize their art, and view other artists’ work. The platform creates a safe space for artists to test out their work before sharing it with the broader community. Nguyen created the app while working on Duchesne Academy’s Omaha Summer Arts Festival mural in 2024.
“As an artist, I identified obstacles that beginner artists face when trying to gain exposure,” she explained. “It is intimidating to jump from sharing with friends to sharing across social media.”
To create DASH-Art, Nguyen researched several app-building resources and planned the pages and features. Teachers, friends, and family provided feedback though multiple test stages. Nguyen published DASH-Art in 2024, and now 30 artists are sharing their work on the platform.
“I didn’t realize how much work actually goes into creating a user-friendly design,” she said. “While the app design is fairly basic, I still had to come up with a color scheme and decide on page layouts that would make sense to the user.
Nguyen will be attending the University of Notre Dame in the Fall to study computer science and art. She said she hopes to find (or create) a career that combines both subjects.
Left: Caroline Michonski A’25
Right: Anyah Samuels A’26
Left: Alleyah Flint A’27 Middle: Anna Mlnarik A’27
Left: Lena Richard A’25, Ava Larson A’25
Dear Alumnae,
As I reflect on the academic year, I think of how our school year theme of “Lead with Love” is shining bright through the many interactions I have had with our alumnae community – our newest alumnae included.
This semester, Eva deMayo A’25 and Delaney Murphy A’25 partnered with me through the Design Academy class in our STEAM lab to make new nametags for Alumnae Board members. The girls were delightful to work with, and I was amazed by their positive attitudes and how well they worked through the trial-and-error process. When they presented me with their final product, they made sure to let me know they made nametags for themselves for when they return some day to serve on the Alumnae Board. The girls also surprised me with a Sacred Heart cookie cutter; this was something I have requested for a few years but has been especially challenging to create. I was touched by the kindness. They led with love through the course, and I am thrilled to welcome these bright young women and their classmates as our newest group of alumnae.
Molly Nelson Leonetti A’91 took time out of her very busy life as President of ClareV.to network with our alumnae virtually on Zoom this spring. Molly told her story, oyered advice, answered fun questions, and kindly oyered to help a younger alumna prepare for her move to Los Angeles. Molly highlighted how women have given her a hand up in her career, and it was clear she does the same in her role now. Molly was inspiring and truly a delight.
Mary Ann Stittle Beckman C’60 was featured in an article in the Flatwater Free Press this fall about she and her husband’s lifelong work in social justice. Mary Ann is a dedicated Children of Mary member, always attending with her best Duchesne friend Loretta Ferron Kumpf C’60. Both attended Duchesne College’s Nursing School and it is always fun to hear their memories. Mary Ann went on to work for Catholic Charities for many years. Mary Ann is kind and has lived a lifetime of incredible advocacy for people in the criminal justice system and otherwise marginalized communities. She leads with love in a beautiful way, and is an excellent example of a Duchesne girl making a diyerence in the community around her.
I am looking forward to a wonderful new school year ahead this fall and hope to see you at our upcoming events this year!
Warmly,
Trisha Clark Meehan A’04 Alumnae Relations Director
Pictured: Eva deMayo A’25, Trisha Clark Meehan A’04, Delaney Murphy A’25 on Senior Class’ last day
Community Connect Day
by Trisha Clark Meehan A’04
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 students participated in Community Connect Day. At the Academy, 9th grade students heard from a panel of women working in construction. Students had an opportunity to tour the new facility through VR technology. The Seniors traveled around Omaha to spend time with an alumna, either shadowing at her place of work or meeting at a local coyee shop. The alumnae hosts reported our students “were super sweet, very eager to learn and had great questions about the field and our company” and said “It was so nice to meet them! They are each inspiring and very talented young women. I am excited for the adventures and promising futures they have ahead of them!”. Another alumna commented, “I loved getting to hear about the latest class bonding activities, their future plans, and the newest updates to Duchesne.” It was a fun day all-around, and impactful for both students and alumnae.
We are so thankful for our alumnae who oyer this opportunity to our students each year. This year’s hosts include:
Front row L to R: Anne Fuchs Tremmel, Heather Russell-Schroeder, Kate Nelson, Amy Gibson Kirschenbaum, Carrie Lauritsen Krambeck Middle row L to R: Christy Grandsaert Sullivan, Cindy Pospishil Maher, Abbie Skochdopole McKnight, Christie Gleason Oberto, Robbi Long Knudsen
Back row L to R: Theresa Minton Nasi, Jenny Dunlap Livingston, Jenny Greder, Erin Fogarty Owen, Willow Head, Heather Hubbard
A’94
Middle row L-R: Dana Oder Ratclid, Leigh Bothe Shea, Mudy Kawa Heman, Allison McGee Ashford, Kathleen Tinley, Kate O’Connor Hunley, Sara Zabrowski-Gates, Stephanie Klich Collura
Front row L-R: Julie Garner Gartrell, Lynn Kearney, Mary Ellen Flaherty Pospishil, Bonnie Schroer Roeder, Mary Jo Miller Pedersen, Kathleen Halleron Knapp, Kelly Smith Posiviata, Ellen Thompson Kehoe
Back row L-R: Maria Verstraete Ortman, Diane Brym Guerriere, Susan Corkrean Case, Judy Murphy Brown, Therese Mahoney Preusser, Nancy Moran Kahm
Members of C’66 gathered to celebrate their 80th birthdays, inspired by C’64 doing the same thing two years prior!
L-R: Nancy Moran Kahm, Maria Verstraete Ortman, Kelly Smith Posiviata, Julie Garner Gartrell, Kathleen Halleron Knapp, Mary Ellen Flaherty Pospishil
A’99 remembered their deceased classmates in several ways this Reunion, including these candles in honor of Kate Codey Olechoski, Lindsey Jochim DeGeorge and Eddie Garry.
by Trisha Clark Meehan A’04
ClassNotes
A’73
Jeanne Parks Ball A’73 hosted two gatherings at her home on Kiawah Island, South Carolina to celebrate the year she and her A’73 classmates turn 70!
Photo 1
(L-R) Jeanne’s daughter Haley Ball, Alice Wright Green, Ann Higgins Batchelder, DeeDee Neary Cooper, Jeanne Parks Ball
Photo 2
(L-R) Irene Pratkelis Smittkamp, Jeanne Parks Ball, Mary Peartree Shebl, Joan Boulay, Mary Butkus Bednar, Rose Barta Ragole, Trish Rosness
A’80
Maria Vaughn Sullivan A’80 opened Bloom Herbals Botanical Boutique in Omaha. She crafts herbal tea blends, essential oil fragrances, and floralinspired gifts, and leads creative workshops.
A’04
Bridget Wilwerding
Flaherty A’04 welcomed her second daughter, Beatrice Bridget, in September 2024. Bridget works as a Studio and Marketing Coordinator at RDG Planning and Design. In April 2025, she was recognized by the YMCA of Greater Omaha as a Community Champion for her work advocating for the Downtown Y.
Erin Leick A’05 recently earned her Certified Sommelier credential through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Her accomplishment reflects both her passion for the craft and her commitment to providing exceptional wine experiences, including hosting alumnae events at Corkscrew Wine & Cheese in Rockbrook Village, where she is a manager. Erin is an incoming Alumnae Board member. A’05
Kate Reynolds McGuire A’05 lives in Chicago with children Francesca “Frankie” (2), and Thomas “Tommy” born in January 2025. Kate is a nurse at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and was featured in the Omaha World-Herald in September 2024 for her lifesaving eyorts on a flight between Chicago and Phoenix, which made an emergency stop at Eppley.
A’07
Alli Pane Guiney A’07 welcomed son, Kieran Joseph, in May 2024. Alli and her family moved back to the Omaha area after spending 5 years in Seattle. She is now working remotely for a fleet management software as their lead content designer and recently joined the Alumnae Board.
A’17
Catie Koraleski-Elliot A’12 opened a luxury spa, Mantis Spa, in March in Omaha. Catie has been an esthetician since 2019 and finds fulfillment in helping people find moments for themselves throughout their busy lives. She has created a space where “skin care meets soul care”.
Tara Webster A’17 is a contractor for the Department of Energy in the Energy E1ciency and Renewable Energy (EERE) subprogram. In her role, she contributes to ensuring research, technology, and economic security for federally funded projects. Tara’s favorite part of working remotely is the time she gets to spend with her animals: a dog, cat, two horses, and an axolotl.
Sarah Madsen A’17 moved back to Omaha and is working as a Financial Advisor. She is also an incoming member of Duchesne’s Alumnae Board. She was inspired to join the Board to give back to Duchesne after reflecting on her experience as a student; Sarah experienced a health crisis and felt the support, kindness, and grace of the faculty and stay helped lead her on her current path to success.
A’21
Anne Marie Krings Emmerling A’08 welcomed baby Eila Ann Emmerling. She currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA and works as a middle school Language Arts Teacher.
Jackie Barnes A’21 was honored with the Spirit of Billiken award at Saint Louis University. The Spirit of the Billiken Award honors students who exemplify what it means to live out the mission of Saint Louis University in leadership, service, scholarship, and extracurricular involvement. Jackie will be attending the University of Denver to pursue a Masters in Social Work with concentrations in Mental Health and Family Systems Practice.
We are proud of our Duchesne Alumnae. We want to hear about your life after graduation! The Class Notes section is a great place to update your Sacred Heart sisters on the good you’re doing in the world. Send us an update, and we’ll share your story in three sentences. Send us your news today!
dashomaha.org/alumnaenews Trisha Clark Meehan A04 Alumnae Relations Director tmeehan@duchesneacademy.org
THE ACROSS COUNTRY
by Trisha Clark Meehan A’04
DASH Across the Country events were held this spring in New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Stephanie Bruckner A’00 hosted a lunch in New York City on April 5. Head of School Meg Huerter Brudney A’83 and Vice President of Advancement Katie Risch Bakhit A’94 gave alumnae an update on the school and A Bold Step Forward campaign. Maria Selde A’08 serves as the DASH Across the Country representative in New York, and created a beautiful invitation for the event.
Alumna Calli Carson A’14 serves as the DASH Across the Country representative in San Francisco. She and Paula March Romanovsky A’71 hosted an event on April 26. Guests enjoyed an afternoon of Duchesne bingo and trivia at Paula’s home. They shared laughs and stories of the fire escape, bats, and pranks from their days at Duchesne. While their ages spanned a handful of decades, the connection and Sacred Heart sisterhood was strong.
Clare Bieker Liston A’04 and Pamela McNamara A’75 hosted a party for Chicago alumnae on May 3. The Chicago alumnae had the highest participation outside of Omaha for donations on Duchesne Day this past fall, earning them a celebratory event. Clare hosted the event at her home with husband Tim Liston preparing gourmet hors d’oeurves and wearing custom-made Fairmont Plaid cummerbund (thanks to Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71). The Chicago alumnae group remains connected through the leadership of Anna Knuth A’14, Alumnae Board member and chair of the DASH Across the Country committee. This active group is already planning their next event!
Future events are in the works for more cities, including Minneapolis/St. Paul, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Denver, and San Diego. Alumnae, please update your contact information with the Alumnae ORce so we can include you in our invitations for these events!
San Francisco
New York
Chicago
Chicago
Chicago
$17,000
AVERAGE TUITION + FEES
$26,000 Your gift to helps us continue to provide a Sacred Heart Education
ACTUAL COST TO EDUCATE EACH STUDENT
THE DUCHESNE FUND
$9,000
In Memoriam
October 18, 2024 – May 8, 2025
Alumnae Deaths
Cecilia Giannini Bagenski C'62
Eileen Bamber C'61
Sally Green Boedeker C'61
Patricia Maureen Brady A'51, aunt of Rosemary Fitzgibbons Kolbo A’72, Maureen Fitzgibbons A’74, Kathi Fitzgibbons Saunders A’75, Dr. Patty Fitzgibbons Blakeney A’77, Margaret Fitzgibbons Ward A’78, great-aunt of Nicole Huss A’23
Jean Kezeor Cederquist C'66
Helen Regas Charbonneau C'65
Mary Alice Kilnoski Daly A'63
Sally Skutt Desmond A'53
Florence Zeleny DuNek C'52
Judith McBride Essex C'58, sister of Jane McBride Morrill A’58/C’62
Beverly Polito Finnigan C'59
Marie Masters Given C'57
Darlene Cording Hanson C'55, sister of Janet Cording Thede C’67
Marjorie Ryan Holzfeind C'70, sister of Mary Pat Ryan RSCJ C’56 and Sara Jane Ryan O’Brien Murphy C’60; cousin of Ilene Ravlin Bittle C’58
Sharon Lunnis Horgan C'64
Carole McPherson Hotz C'61
Barbara McGowan McRoberts A'58, sister of Mary Jo McGowan Luby A’60
Peggy Olsen C’71
Mary Elizabeth "Zibby" Oneal A'42
Patricia Waris Rashid C'55
Maree “Ree” Riley C’69
Patricia Peterson Rissler C'64
Marjorie "Sue" Rieth Shaddy C'49, mother of Carol Shaddy A’68, Mary Beth Shaddy A’69, and Martha Shaddy A’71
Grace Hopkins Smith A'48/C'52, aunt of Susan Wear A’76 and Alice Wear White A’80
Margaret "Lucy" McCarthy Spielman C'51, mother of Mary Ann Spielman McNally A’72 and Jean Spielman Housh A’75
Kathleen Kelly Van Doeren A'55
Dolores "Doe" Pritchard WolN C'50, great aunt of Caitlin Walsh Hanley A’06 and Kelly Walsh Wills A’08
Friends and Family
Javier Tellez Avila, nephew of Angeles Avila (Duchesne stay)
John Francis "Jack" Bartek, father of Cece Bartek A’87; grandfather of Evelyn Bartek-Miller A’22 and Mary Rose Bartek-Miller A’24; uncle of Shayla O’Brien (Duchesne stay)
Don Barth, father-in-law of Carly Bennett Barth A’01; grandfather of Nora Barth A’26
John Conway, brother-in-law of Dede Prince Conway A’59/C’63; uncle of Meghan Conway Rowen A’97 and Kiki Conway A’02; great-uncle of Alex Kula A’22 and Addy Kula A’25
Mariellen Costello, grandmother of Rosemary Costello Pflug A’09 and Mary Costello A’14
John (Jack) Douglas, grandfather of Cate Douglas A’27 and Ann McGill A’28
Linda Egger, mother of Alyssa Egger A’02
David Flynn, uncle of Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71 and Anne Marie Tierney A’75; great-uncle of Maureen O’Connor Ord A’96, Kate O’Connor Hunley A’99, Megan Bieker Jeyrey A’02, Clare Bieker Liston A’04, Brenna O’Malley A’05, Brigid O’Malley A’07, Molly O’Malley A’10, Grace O’Malley A’14, Therese O’Malley A’16
Nancy Friedland, grandmother of Anna Boggust A’17, Jane Boggust A’22, and Emma Boggust A’24
Judith Gammel, mother of Katherine Gammel A’90
Russell Gurciullo, brother-in-law of Dede Prince Conway A’59/C’63; uncle of Meghan Conway Rowen A’97 and Kiki Conway A’02; great-uncle of Alex Kula A’22 and Addy Kula A’25
Paul Halbur, father of Megan Halbur A’13
Larry Hefling, great-grandfather of Alyssa Moheiser A’25
Robert Heller, father of Stephanie Heller-Durr A’85 and Lisa Heller Hobday A’89
David Hoppe, father of Jess Hoppe Fisher A’08
Darrell Huss, father of Tami Huss Kock A’93; grandfather of Macey Kock A’27
Walter Husten, father of Teresa Husten-Morse A’84 and Kathy Husten Sullivan A’85
Nita Kay, grandmother of Camille Kane A’27
Michael Kelly, father of Joanna Kelly Meysenburg A’91
Clyde Knoblauch, father of Gina Knoblauch Flynn A’94
Clair Leise, husband of Judy Fox Leise C’65, father of Kelly Leise Boor A’85, grandfather of Anna Boor A’19
Kanchan Lodhia, father of Karen Lodhia A’93
Phil Lombardo, husband of Michaela Duyy Lombardo A’71; brother-in-law of Maura Duyy Domeier A’74, Mary Corinne Duyy Dineen A’78, Erin Duyy Bartolomei A’82; uncle of Kelly Dineen Koranda A’06 and Molly Dineen Goedken A’09
Gary Luick, husband of Judy Korth Luick; great-uncle of Caitrin Shirazi A’05 and Molly Shirazi A’11
Virginia Magruder, mother-in-law of Mary Alice Kara Magruder A’78; grandmother of Molly Magruder Cornett A’07
Carrie Meiers, mother of Margaret Meiers A’19 and Jessica Meiers A’21
Richard Mikuls, father-in-law of Janie Fitzgibbons Mikuls A’79; grandfather of Mary Mikuls A’09
Christine Moheiser, grandmother of Alyssa Moheiser A’25
Sharron Noll, mother of Deidre Noll Mick A’90 and Mary Noll A’92
Thomas O’Connor, brother of Kim O’Connor A’76, Amy O’Connor Chisholm A’79, Kyle O’Connor Nelson A’82, and Jennie O’Connor Warren A’85
Charles “Chuck” Paladino, father of Lisa Paladino Nasser A’03 and Stacey Paladino Brockman A’06
Arthur Rickett, father-in-law of Tracy Rickett (Duchesne stay); grandfather of Cecilia Rickett A’26
Rob Rohling, brother of Julie Rohling Connor A’76 and Rebecca Rohling Braggins A’80
Marie Schneider, mother of Emily Schneider A’09
Mary Ann Schulte, grandmother of Emily Schulte Berigan A’06 and Anna Schulte A’12
Michael Sketch, husband of Janie Strattan A’51/C’55; stepfather of Sara Strattan A’75, Amy Strattan Mahoney A’78, Molly Strattan Stroll A’81; stepgrandfather of Shelby Strattan A’14
Brad Stedman, husband of Tracy Merriman Stedman A’72; son-in-law of Marilu Jesse Merriman A’49/C’53
William Slattery, husband of Jane Jedlicka Slattery C’61
James Tosoni, grandfather of Cate Manning A’20 and Lauren Manning A’20
Samuel Turco, grandfather of Lauren Turco Brannan A’09
Carol Walsh, mother of Ginger Walsh O’Donnell A’84, Jodi Walsh Aberer A’89, Mollie Walsh Hennessey A’91; grandmother of Andrea Deras Herman A’97, Tracy Deras Hall A’98, Sr. Marie Caritas, C.K. A’01, Jill Deras Zotoglo A’03, Lydia Buechler Cruz A’05, Megan Deras Sigillito A’09, Sydney Deras A’17, Maria Buechler A’25, Kailey Hennessey A’27
David Warren, husband of Jacqui Kawa Warren A’88; father of Hannah Warren A’20; brother-in-law of Kari Kawa Harding A’85, Jennie O’Connor Warren A’85, Sally Kawa A’86, Muyy Kawa Heman A’99; uncle of Sophia Harding A’23
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 O1ce
Life at Duchesne
Community
Student photography around campus and beyond
Student Photography by: Kailey Hennessey A’27
Olivia Macias A’27
Ann Mammen A’26
Adriana Olvera A’26
Ava Owen A’27
Academics
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Athletics
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Upcoming Alumnae Events
Alumnae All-School Reunion
Friday, September 12, 2025 Wine and Cheese Party from 5:30-7:30 pm
Saturday, September 13, 2025 Tours from 2:00-4:00 pm
Reunion Mass and State of the School address 4:30-5:30 pm Register: dashomaha.org/reunion25
Children of Mary
Friday, October 3, 2025 Mass at 10:30 am, Speaker from 11:15 am to Noon Become a member: dashomaha.org/childrenofmary
Alumnae Memorial Mass
Thursday, November 6, 2025 Mass at 5:30 pm with reception following Honoring our alumnae who have died over the past year Register: dashomaha.org/memorial25
Duchesne Day
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Annual giving day in honor of the Feast Day of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne dashomaha.org/duchesneday
Alumnae Holiday Mass
Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 10:00 am Register: dashomaha.org/holidaymass25
Cardinals in College
Gingerbread Houses and Hot Cocoa for A’22-A’25
Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 pm Register: dashomaha.org/gingerbread25
