Donor Spotlight

STAR SUPPORTER

Dick and Julie Bea Pierson (Wolff) were awarded our Mother Qualberta Service Award this year. In honor of our American Foundress, we established an award in her name. Each year we nominate someone who possesses the following qualities: witness to faith in God and love for people, service to others, a pioneering spirit, partnership with the Sisters, and excellence in teaching others.

“Both Dick and Julie Bea Pierson are an incredible example of citizens, parishioners, parents, you name it,” said Sr. Margaret Hickey, Notre Dame Sisters Provincial President.

Dick and Julie Bea Pierson received this award for their 50+ years of actively supporting their community together. From their active role in St. John’s Parish in Valley, to sponsoring students on the Winnebago Reservation, or Micah House in Dick’s hometown of Council Bluffs, and so much more, the Piersons have touched so many parts of the Omaha Metro.

“These are two people that won’t toot their own horn, so on behalf of the St. John’s community, we want to congratulate them on receiving this service award, which is well deserved,” said Fr. Lloyd Gnirk, Pastor of St. John’s Parish.

Both Dick and Julie Bea will tell you how proud they are of their three sons: Greg, Eric, Matt, and their daughter in-law: Katy, and of course their grandchildren: Nora and Luke.

“They clearly love and trust each other. Seeing the challenges they faced in business, with family, with friends, they figured out how to stay together and make a good life for themselves and their kids. They are inspiring,” said Matt Pierson, their son.

Julie Bea grew up knowing the Notre Dame Sisters, as she was distantly related to more than one Sister, and attended Holy Name School in Omaha. It’s no surprise, then, that Julie reached out when she needed a babysitter for her three boys, and ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 developed a lifelong relationship with Sr. Loretta Polak, who stayed with the boys and made kolaches with them when Dick and Julie Bea went out of town.

“Julie found a unique way for her boys to have a close relationship with the Notre Dame Sisters growing up, just like she did,” Sr. Margaret said.

Dick spent the majority of his career in the trucking industry. When he retired from trucking companies he founded in 1988, Eagle Enterprises and Eagle Logistics, Dick is now able to spend his time serving his parish community, restoring classic cars, and spending time with his three sons and two grandchildren. Control and ownership of Eagle Enterprises was taken over by Matt Pierson, and Eagle Logistics was taken over by Eric Pierson.

Through their lives, God has been at the center. Dick will tell you that his religious upbringing took him to tent revivals and several Christian denominations. Julie Bea, raised Catholic, also had a strong relationship with God. When they were engaged, it became clear they wanted to share the same religion.

“He taught me about Christianity and I taught him about Catholicism. Being a convert has been a real advantage,” Julie Bea said. “I remember him saying, ‘There are many things we are going to fight about in this marriage but religion will not be one of them,’ And we have never have.” PAGE 19