AMBASSADOR - Our Lasallian Legacy - Bishop Kelley High School's Semi-Annual Periodical
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Bishop Kelley High School’s Semi-Annual Periodical AMBASSADOR Winter 2021 | Volume 14 | Issue 1 Our Lasallian Legacy
Dear Comet Family, Happy New Year! I think all of us can agree that we are happy to see 2020 in our rear view mirror. As we embark upon 2021 we stand on the fervent hope that the months and year ahead will bring a restoration of health and peace into our lives and our world. As I write this letter, it is hard to believe that we are approaching the one year anniversary of when the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the City of Tulsa. Although we knew COVID would be disruptive as we watched its effects in Asia and Europe, none of us could anticipate the harmful effects it would have on the lives of so many and the disruption it would cause to educational institutions. There has been much suffering throughout the world, in our own city, and in our community. The unexpected loss of a loved one, the loss of jobs and income, the loss of independence and an increase in isolation, the loss of stable learning environments, lower grades, emotional instabilities, and a disruption to athletics and student activities — the list could go on and on. The tsunami of COVID combined with a turbulent political landscape has forever changed the topography of our lives. These changes can leave us disoriented and even bitter if we choose to focus only on these realities. Yet in the face of these challenging days, we have seen the best of what human beings are capable of. We call Bishop Kelley a family for a reason; a family, when put under pressure, often grows closer together to guard and protect one another. Just as the list is long in the face of the sufferings of COVID — the list is longer of the selfless acts of virtuous service. The Bishop Kelley community adapted and adjusted to the current needs with a strong focus on the health and wellbeing of our students and families. Faculty, staff, coaches, counselors, school medical health professionals, and administrators spent hours learning new methods and means to teach, care, and support our students and one another. Many benefactors have continued to support our Annual Fund that guarantees the needed dollars for tuition assistance for families that have fallen on hard times. Families have offered the school grace as we have done our best to keep students in school and our community healthy. Random acts of kindness have been seen frequently and in abundance. In our Catholic faith, we keep the crucifix always in our sight as a reminder that suffering and loss is a part of our human experience. Yet we also know that the cross and suffering isn't the end point, but rather the departure point for something new. As we move into 2021, I ask you to join me in being a person who renews their hope by taking some time to be grateful for the many ways God has seen us through this challenging time. Celebrate the grace of the resurrection of suffering into joy. Be a person who looks for the silver lining in the challenge, and share that hope and love with those around you. Our faith demands a higher response and that response is love in the face of hatred. This new year also marks the end of a chapter at BK. At the end of this school year, we will bid farewell to Brother Richard, marking an end to the physical presence of the Christian Brothers on our campus. The Lasallian charism will live on at BK through our words, our actions, and the legacy the Brothers have created within our school walls and beyond. We are grateful for their 61 years of service to the Bishop Kelley family — shaping hearts, shaping minds, and building an educational foundation that will last a lifetime. Be assured of the gratitude all of us at BK have for you. We are a family, the Comet family that stands on the hope and promise of Jesus Christ. In Christ, Very Reverend Gary D. Kastl President
Table of Contents
About Bishop Kelley 2 Student Volunteer
3 Br. Bernardine
Scholars
Our Mission 4 Fine Arts
The mission of Bishop Kelley High School is to carry on the
6 Athletics Updates
teaching ministry of Jesus Christ by providing a Catholic, 7 Internship
Lasallian education that develops individuals whose hearts and Spotlight
minds are prepared for a purposeful life.
8 Alumni Profile:
Tyson Tuttle '85
Our Core Values
10 Comets Take
Faith in the Presence of God Flight
Concern for the Poor and Social Justice 12 Alumni Updates
Respect for All Persons 13 DEI Task Force
14 Alumnus Profile:
Quality Education Sarah Lowery
Nuse '98
Inclusive Community
18 Celebrating 61
Years of Christian
Our Vision Brothers
Form Disciples | Educate for Life | Leave to Serve 26 Remembering
Alumni
Bishop Kelley High School forms disciples of Jesus Christ in the
tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. As a Diocesan Catholic 28 Retreats & Faith
Lasallian high school, we will embrace our values and strive to Life
implement our priorities, so all students have a just opportunity
29 2020 AP Stats
to attend Bishop Kelley, grow in their faith and knowledge of
Christ, and be educated by faculty and staff whose mission it is 30 Long-Time
to form both minds and hearts. In fulfilling this plan, we will see Volunteers
a greater diversity in our student body, more students making
deeper commitments to Christ and His Church, and a highly 32 Upcoming Events
engaged, mission-oriented faculty and staff. In everything we
do, our actions will strive to invigorate faith, educate for life, On the Cover: Br. Russell Martin
and leave to serve. with two students in the BK Library.
Br. Russell served at BK during the
1988-89 school year.
The Catholic Church is committed to protect our children and to help heal those affected by
child abuse. As part of a Diocese of Tulsa effort to support a safe environment for all students,
Bishop Kelley is working together with the Diocese of Tulsa to prevent child abuse and
neglect in our communities and assure that all children have access to safe, stable, nurturing
relationships and environments. If you were ever abused by anyone who worked for the Catholic
Church, please contact 918.307.4970 to share your story and receive help from the Church.
Volunteering with Heart
The Spirit of Christian Service Alive at BK
by Emma Nguyen '22
something new,” Grisaffe said.
Serving on the LLH Junior Board is much more than a simple
extracurricular activity for Grisaffe. Although she had always loved
the idea of working with kids with special needs in the future,
volunteering at the LLH has helped her realize her passion should
play a role in her prospective career. Grisaffe notes how small
acts of service greatly impact the lives of others, especially with
the opportunity to see how much the children are capable of. As a
result, her experience at the LLH has allowed her to become more
service-minded, helping her be more aware of her actions toward
those around her.
Additionally, Grisaffe constantly shares her love for working
with the children and exemplifies her passion through further
action. She requests donations for the LLH in place of birthday gifts
and has researched Down Syndrome for her upcoming Brother
Bernardine Scholars project. Even beyond the LLH, she continues to
bring awareness and care to those with special needs.
“I think volunteering at LLH is special to me because it is
something I feel truly passionate about,” Grisaffe remarked. “Being
able to see firsthand the abilities of those with special needs has
forever changed my outlook on the way that I view others. I don’t see
Top left: Aubrei with the donations she collected for LLH
people for qualities they lack, or things that they cannot do; rather, I
see all the opportunities that lie within each individual.”
There’s more than one way to show you care, and Aubrei
While volunteering, Grisaffe spent most of her time with Poppy,
Grisaffe '22 exceeds all expectations with the love she shares with
who graduated from LLH last spring and now attends Jenks. At the
the students at the Little Light House. The Little Light House
2018 Mini-Laps event, Poppy dressed up as Poppy the troll from the
provides tuition-free, Christian education and therapeutic
movie Trolls. “She is absolutely precious!” Grisaffe said.
services for children with special needs and their families in
the Tulsa area. Their mission is to glorify God by improving the Below: Aubrei with LLH student Poppy at Mini-Laps
quality of life for children with special needs, their families, and
their communities.
Grisaffe started volunteering at the Little Light House (LLH) at
the beginning of her freshman year. Hardworking and charismatic,
she has always had a heart for those with special needs. After
hearing about the LLH Youth Advisory Board, she decided to
apply; along with more than twenty other high school and college
students, Grisaffe helps to plan fundraisers while learning about
operating nonprofit organizations and working with children with
special needs. During the 2018 Mini-Laps event, one of her first
opportunities to serve, Grisaffe volunteered in classrooms with the
children. During the annual themed Mini-Laps fundraiser, each
child dresses up as a character to be individually acknowledged
while taking a lap around the LLH parking lot. Along with themed
outfits, some kids construct small floats out of wagons or decorate
their wheelchairs or walking devices.
Grisaffe and fellow Youth Advisory Board members helped
prepare for the Pups, Yups, and Food Trucks event. The board
members were tasked with fundraising, asking for product
donations from local businesses, and reaching out to food trucks
in the area. They helped the fun-filled event run smoothly while
encouraging guests to continue supporting LLH.
“It’s a cool experience because you feel you are
impacting those around you, and you get to learn
2
Br. Bernardine Scholars Showcase Projects
Changing the world despite a change of plans
by Ellie Spielman '21
Caroline Ernst sporting one of her masks Luu's prosthetic hand design coming out of Fatigante with his family at the car show
the 3D printer
In the words of Brother Bernardine Kuzminski, Bishop impact on the safety of individuals and families in Tulsa,” Ernst
Kelley teacher and principal (1960-1995), “Every responsibility remarked.
is an opportunity.” Brother Bernardine Scholars have many Similarly, Anthony Fatigante planned to run a car show to
responsibilities, or rather opportunities, during their tenure in raise money for the Alzheimer's Association of Oklahoma, but
the program. Brother B scholars must maintain a weighted 3.75 ran into complications due to COVID-19. Fatigante’s project
cumulative GPA, take five AP tests before they graduate, complete was of particular importance to him, as his grandmother was
a research paper, and present a capstone project, among other diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and the disease had “a large impact
requirements. The capstone project is “the culmination of [a] on my family because my mother became one of her primary
scholar’s time at Bishop Kelley,'' said program director, Christine caretakers.” When COVID-19 hit Tulsa in March, Fatigante had to
Tyler. postpone his show. As Tulsa began to reopen, he set the date for
At the beginning of their time in the program, scholars select the show for the first of August. After a change of venue and date
a topic of study for a final project during their senior year. As and adjustments for COVID-19 restrictions, Fatigante still had
a sophomore, scholars write a research paper, allowing them about 40 cars participate and raised over $2,800. Fatigante was
to become better acquainted with their chosen topic for their glad that even with complications due to the pandemic, he could
project. During their junior year, scholars meet regularly with support the mission of the Alzheimer's Association.
their mentors to discuss their progress and work through any Likewise, scholar Liem Luu’s capstone project reflects an
issues that may arise. Mentors include a Bishop Kelley teacher, interest in the medical field. Luu designed and 3D printed a
the program director, and a mentor outside the Bishop Kelley prosthetic hand. Luu’s project combined the different aspects
community. of biomedical engineering and technology, such as computer-
Scholar Caroline Ernst described her experience with aided design (CAD) and drafting. “By learning how to use CAD,
her mentors as fantastic. “The program has taught me the I was able to explore how 3D printing can revolutionize the
importance of time management and having a strong work medical field.” Luu hopes to continue studying 3D printed
ethic.” Ernst had planned to host a volleyball summer camp for models of prosthetics and organs, which he believes will replace
San Miguel students as her capstone project. She was excited the current silicone and steel prosthetics, as these cheaper
to show the students how to play the sport that she had grown alternatives would make prosthetics more accessible to patients,
to love; however, COVID-19 put her project on hold. While especially low-income patients.
disappointed that she could not share her love of volleyball Just as Bishop Kelley has overcome obstacles to bring
with young students, Ernst found another way to serve her students back to school safely, the 2021 Bother Bernardine
community. When the Tulsa City Council enacted a mask Scholars took a similar approach in adapting their projects
mandate, Ernst wondered about those who didn’t have access to and adjusting to the needs of the time. Their projects reflect
masks, such as the homeless population. Ernst decided to begin the scholars’ ability to use their intellectual gifts to serve their
assembling her own mask kits, which contained fabric, rubber communities. The 16 senior Br. Bernardine Scholars will present
bands, and instructions and coordinated with charities around their final projects on Wednesday evenings in January and
Tulsa to distribute the kits. “I hope the kits will have a lasting February. 3
Fine Arts Go Virtual
The socially distant show must go on!
by Maggie Turner '21
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the nation, the for her to work with her fellow actors. “We even sang towards
arts have truly taken a hit. With theaters unable to produce the wall. This made hearing others difficult. We had to make
performances for a live audience, actors, singers, and sure we knew our notes,” Frenier continued. According to
dancers alike have struggled to showcase their talents. With Junger, the songs the nuns sang in The Sound of Music is
a little innovation, Bishop Kelley theater has thrived. Live four-part Latin text and extremely difficult. “These students
stream performances offer the opportunity for members of grew tremendously in their self-confidence and leadership
the BK family to support the school’s performing arts from skills in order to be able to sing that challenging music, and
the comfort of their own home. they pulled it off beautifully, especially being spread out as
During a typical year, the musical begins its run of shows far as they were,” Junger added.
in mid-fall. The show went on but with many changes. COVID regulations forced additional adaptations,
COVID-19 regulations made it more difficult to produce The particularly with dance scenes. Because of social
Sound of Music. Not only was there no live audience, but the distancing, the actors could not touch for the dances. "Our
rehearsals and the performances had to change as well. First, choreographer, Pam St. Clair, had her creative work cut
student auditions were prerecorded videos. “In past years, out for her,” remarked Junger. “Dancing waltzes without
we have had live auditions and time slots to sign up for. But touching is challenging, but the grace of the students and
for our COVID shows we had to film our auditions and post the beautiful choreography made it seem as if they were still
them on Google classroom,” said performer Ellie Rocco '23. dancing together.” Finally, instead of The Sound of Music
Rehearsals were also difficult because of social distancing being live for a few days, it was recorded and ticketed as a
and masks. video link.
“Singing in masks is a huge change and truly Tech member and performer Caleb Fuqua '21 has worked
challenging,” explained BK Musical Theater Director Amy in the tech booth for many BK performances. “Luckily, the
Junger. These students did it without complaint lights and sound didn't really change all that much,” he
and as professionals." Performer Gigi Frenier '22 commented, though they did sanitize the equipment and stay
4 mentioned how these regulations made it harder separated in the booth.
performed via live stream on BKTV Live, Bishop Kelley’s
YouTube channel. Men's Choir members were spaced
throughout the De La Salle Chapel with masks on as
cameraman Russ Hembry panned across the chapel.
"The virtual format allowed for more people to watch the
performance," commented Junger. "It also allows family and
friends outside of Tulsa to tune in and support our students."
The concert livestream had over 400 views that evening,
while the auditorium in the STC can only fit 275 guests. "It's
not all challenges," Junger continued. "There are blessings
through these changes as well."
BK Jazz choir also recorded several performances,
two of which were shared on the Bishop Kelley Facebook
page over the Christmas holiday. Junger anticipates more
performances by the BK Jazz Choir will be recorded and
released in the spring.
While many actors felt discouraged because of the
regulations, Caleb took a different approach. “It definitely
was harder, but at the same time, it was honestly a bit fun.
We had to be creative and work through problems that no
one had ever had to work through before. Also, I think the
difficult parts made our show feel even more rewarding once
we got through it.” BK Theater will present Little Women
February 10-13 followed by a cabaret of musical theater
numbers in March.
Above: 2020 Men's Winter Concert in the De La Salle Chapel,
COVID forced changes in the choir and string ensemble
photo by Katie Mellor
performances as well. Instead of singing for an audience in
All Sound of Music photos courtesy of Timm Dower Photography
the auditorium, the Men's Choir and BK String Ensemble
5
Redefining a Successful Season
Student-Athletes and BK Staff overcome challenges in the face of COVID-19
by Lance Parks
Photo by Timm Dower Photography Photo by Jennifer Luviano
Twenty years from now, a cursory look at Bishop Kelley are the foundation of scholastic athletics. They committed to
Athletics in the first five months of the 2020-21 season will look a common goal at the beginning of the season, made personal
a little something like this: decisions selflessly to support the success of their team, and
• 2020 winner of Battle of the Bishops showed compassion for others throughout the season. They
• 2020 6A Volleyball State Champions failed together and celebrated successes together as a team as
• 2020 5A Girls Cross Country State Champions well.
• #1 state ranking for football, boys cross country, girls The 2020-21 athletic season has presented challenges
cross country, and volleyball in the same week of beyond any in recent memory, but Bishop Kelley Athletics has
September treated these challenges as opportunities — opportunities for
• 6 wins in 15 days by BK softball in September coaches and staff to demonstrate how to face adversity, adapt to
• BK Invitational Basketball Tournament with half the changes, and find successes in everyday moments. The athletes
teams ranked in the Top 10 of their class in Oklahoma have still hoisted trophies, taken team pictures, laughed
However, those moments do not begin to tell the story together, struggled together, and cried as well. Inevitably, like
of the effort, dedication, compassion, and resiliency that the any year in athletics, the student-athletes have experienced
coaches, student-athletes, and staff demonstrated this year moments on their teams this year that will lead them to be
just to get on the fields and courts. Guided by the directions of successful members of their community in the decades to
Bishop Kelley health professionals Tierney Dower, Alicia Berry, come. That is the Athletic Department’s goal in any season. In
and Becca Clower, the Athletic Department set protocols and that, the 2020-21 season will still be a tremendous success.
procedures to keep the student-athletes and coaches safe and Photo by Timm Dower Photography
participating in a COVID-19 world.
Practices, locker rooms, transportation, games, meetings,
eating, drinking, warming up, cooling down — all of the
functions that normally take place each day and throughout the
season for each program were reviewed, revised, and adapted
to ensure the safe participation for all involved.
I am blessed to work with an incredible group of coaches
and staff. I can’t tell you how proud I am of their efforts to keep
us safe, mission-driven, and competing during the first few
months of the year. Our focus throughout all of this was to keep
everyone in the program safe and as much of the high school
sports experience as possible intact for our student-athletes.
Although there have been interruptions in schedules and
setbacks throughout the year, the athletic programs
have managed to still have meaningful moments that
6
Student's Internship Guides
Career Path
Hands on Learning through BK Internship program
by Katie Youll '21
During their senior year, Bishop Kelley students have
the opportunity to pursue an internship instead of an on-
campus elective course. Over the years, students have selected
internships in a variety of fields, from business and law to
medicine, STEM and government. During the first quarter of
the 2020-21 school year, senior Morgan Markus worked as an
intern at the 15th Street Veterinary Group. Her family has been
taking their pets to 15th Street for more than ten years. “The
doctors there are knowledgeable and the staff has always been
kind,” says Markus.
“I wanted to investigate pursuing a career in veterinary
medicine,” Morgan said, “I knew if I wanted to intern anywhere
it would be at 15th Street.” While at the veterinary clinic, she
has learned how to hold the dogs if they’re aggressive, how to
do nail trims, and has been able to watch surgeries and assist
the doctors. She has worked primarily with Dr. Erin Green and
Dr. Mark Shackelford. Markus says that her favorite part of
interning was watching the doctors perform surgeries.
The most memorable day of her internship was her first
day. “A doctor was removing a tumor from a dog, and I was
really nervous about being squeamish,” Markus recalled. “The
entire time the doctor just explained to me the process of the
surgery, and I didn’t feel squeamish at all. Instead, I remember
thinking how cool it would be if that were me performing
surgery some day.”
“Over the following weeks, I looked forward to my time at
the clinic and it would always be the highlight of my day.” When
her internship was coming to a close, Markus was offered the
opportunity to continue working at 15th Street as a part-time
job. She happily accepted the position, and tells the Ambassador
that she chose to stay because she values gaining experience
for veterinary school and says the clinic has a great group of
people.
“I knew I wanted to pursue vet school the first day of
interning,” said Markus. “Watching the surgeries and patients
come in was fascinating to me. I was already considering
going into medical school, but after interning I knew I would
love to help animals.” After graduating from Bishop Kelley,
Markus plans to attend the University of Oklahoma to complete
veterinary school prerequisites.
Left: Markus with kitten at the veterinary clinic 7
Above: Markus assisting with a procedure
From Tulsa to the Top of Tech
Tyson Tuttle '85 continues Lasallian leadership as CEO for Silicon Labs
by Doug Thomas
From solving equations in Brother Bernardine’s math understand how electrical things worked, BK’s math and
classes in the 1980s to running a global technology company science courses as well as creative side projects helped him
across three continents, the distance between Bishop Kelley develop solid fundamentals which served him throughout his
and four billion semiconductor chips is shorter than you might higher education and career.
imagine. One project was with fellow student David Hogsett, '84, who
For Tyson Tuttle, who graduated from Bishop Kelley in 1985, at the time wanted to develop a business as a disc jockey on
his road to the top of Austin-based Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) weekends.
began in Bishop Kelley’s C Wing where he took all of “Brother “In high school, I embarked on all kinds of projects
B’s” challenging math classes. including building a lighting system for David’s deejay setup,
“I went to Holland Hall for Kindergarten through the 8th where through a bit of 'shocking' trial and error I gained a
grade but chose Bishop Kelley for high school because of its healthy respect for high voltages,” Tuttle said. “And I built and
strong reputation in math and science,” Tuttle said. “Brother operated a pirate radio station, which was a great success until
Bernardine had a way of poking you (literally), prodding you, the FCC showed up at our door one day and asked my mom to
and sometimes publicly embarrassing you as a student in an shut it down. She immediately went to my room and pulled out
effort to motivate you to excel in his classroom. I still fondly all the plugs. It was definitely awkward at the dinner table that
recall the scripture verses and philosophies he would write out evening!”
on his chalkboard before the start of each school day.” At the age of 14, while at BK, Tuttle worked part-time at
8 While Tuttle grew up with an innate curiosity to Darrell’s Donut Shop in Tulsa and earned $3 per hour waitingon customers, and learning how to properly wash a coffee pot
and mop a floor. He was also a grocery bagger for Skaggs Alpha
Beta (now Albertsons') and topped pizzas at Mazzio’s. With some
financial assistance from his parents, a side job in sales at Radio
Shack, scholarships, internships and loans, Tuttle was able to
finance his undergraduate studies in the Johns Hopkins Whiting
School of Engineering where he graduated in 3.5 years with a
B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, and where he currently
serves on the Board of Advisors helping chart strategy for
the next generation of students. He gave the commencement
speech to the Johns Hopkins Engineering School last year.
“Bishop Kelley prepared me well for college. College math
and physics courses were actually pretty easy after the rigor of
Brother B’s instruction,” said Tuttle. “Even my early jobs helped
me develop the skills necessary to relate with people and work
with customers in the field of technology.”
Tuttle at the NASDAQ Stock Market
After graduate school in 1992, Tyson settled in Austin, Texas
where he got a job at Cirrus Logic (NASDAQ: CRUS) designing customers, learn more about markets from the top-down, gain
semiconductor chips for hard disk drives. In 1996, he spent a a better understanding of competition, drive innovation with a
year at Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) in Irvine, California, which team, and how to achieve a return on investment.
at the time was a small startup. In 2003, Tuttle started a new business line of radio and
In 1997, Tyson returned to Austin and became the tenth TV tuner chips to receive over-the-air signals first in mobile
employee for a new startup company called Silicon Labs. The phones and media players, and later in consumer products
company makes semiconductor devices used in a variety of and automotive. In the first five years, these new products
products from wireless chips for the Internet of Things in smart generated $650M of revenue and $450M of profit for Silicon
homes, cities and factories, to tuners for flat panel TVs, power Labs. Today, 80% of the flat panel TVs sold worldwide contain
control in electric vehicles, and infrastructure for data centers, one of these receivers, and these chips have sold more than 3
5G and high-speed data communications. billion units in total.
Tuttle helped design Silicon Labs' first product, an interface “Since I was a student at Kelley, I have always asked a lot
for PC modems (the predecessor to the internet), which of questions,” Tuttle said. “I enjoy getting into the details,
achieved great market success and propelled the company to whether technical or business. What is my market? Who are my
an IPO in 2000. After completing this project, he moved into competitors? How are we going to win? What’s our return on
product marketing and management to work more closely with investment?”
In 2010, Tuttle was named the company’s Chief Technology
Officer, and in 2012 he was promoted to CEO of Silicon Labs, a
position he continues to hold today.
The company that first opened its doors with a handful of
employees in 1996 currently has 1,800 employees located in
ten design centers around the world.
Although he runs a major publicly traded corporation,
Tuttle is also committed to making an impact far beyond his
role as CEO at Silicon Labs. In addition to serving on the Johns
Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering’s Board of Advisors,
Tuttle was also recently appointed to the boards of the Federal
Reserve Bank in Dallas and the Texas Black Legislative Caucus
Foundation. He also serves on the boards of the Global
Semiconductor Alliance and the Semiconductor Industry
Association.
“As I reflect on my time at Kelley, the Lasallian-inspired
servant leadership approach made a lasting impression that
continues to guide my personal and professional life,” said
Tuttle. “Living a life of purpose is more than just having
a strong work ethic and a good education. It is also about
choosing wisely, focusing on what really matters, and bringing
others along on the journey.”
On a personal level, Tuttle met his wife Nicole in college at
Johns Hopkins. Together, they have two daughters and a son,
ranging in age from 12 to 23.
9
Left: Tuttle with his wife Nicole and their three
children, Caroline, Scout, and CharlotteComets Ta
Graduates of the Bishop Kelley Class of 2020 enrolled at
Ashland University Dillard University Oklahoma Baptist University
Ashland, OH New Orleans, LA Shawnee, OK
Baylor University Drury University Oklahoma Christian University
Waco, TX Springfield, MO Edmond, OK
Belmont University Harvard University Oklahoma State University
Nashville, TN Cambridge, MA Stillwater, OK
Benedictine College High Point University Oral Roberts University
Atchison, KS High Point, NC Tulsa, OK
Clary Sage College Louisiana State University Pittsburg State University
Tulsa,OK Baton Rouge, LA Pittsburg, KS
Creighton University Loyola University Chicago Rice University
Omaha, NE Chicago, IL Houston, TX
Crown College Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Rockhurst University
Saint Bonifacius, MN College Kansas City, MO
Miami, OK
De Pauw University Rogers State University
Greencastle, IN Northeastern State University Claremore, OK
10 Tahlequah, OKake Flight
47 different colleges and universities across the country.
Saint Ambrose University United States Air Force Academy University of Houston
Davenport, IA Colorado Springs, CO Houston, TX
Saint Francis University United States Military Academy University of Kansas
Loretto, PA West Point, NY Lawrence, KS
Saint Louis University United States Naval Academy University of North Texas
Saint Louis, MO Annapolis, MD Denton, TX
Southern Methodist University University of Alabama University of Notre Dame
Dallas, TX Tuscaloosa, AL Notre Dame, IN
Southwestern Oklahoma State University of Arkansas University of Oklahoma
University Fayetteville, AR Norman, OK
Weatherford, OK
University of Arkansas - Fort University of Tulsa
Tabor College Smith Tulsa, OK
Hillsboro, KS Fort Smith, AR
Wichita State University
Trinity University University of Central Oklahoma Wichita, KS
San Antonio, TX Edmond, OK
Tulsa Community College University of Dallas
Tulsa, OK Dallas, TX 11Alumni News & Updates
Reunion Weekend: Double the classes, Double the fun!
Due to COVID-19 safety restrictions, the 2020 Alumni Reunion Weekend events were postponed.
This year, we plan to host a combined celebration for all alumni with class years ending in 0s, 1s,
5s and 6s! All-Class and individual class reunion details to come soon.
September 17-18, 2021
Visit bishopkelley.org/reunion for more details as they develop. All events will be planned in
accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Email alumni@bishopkelley.org with questions.
Paul Revard '80 was elected to the Osage Minerals Maria Copp '08 and Scott Fujan were married June
Council, an agency of the Osage Nation formerly 27, 2020 at the Parish of Christ the King in Tulsa.
known as the Osage Tribe of Indians.
Chris Dixon '08 and his wife Julia welcomed a
Teresa Flusché '78 began a new position as House daughter, Audrey Jane, on July 8, 2020.
and Volunteer Administrator with Porta Caeli
House (a Division of Catholic Charities of Eastern Quinn Cooper Eves '08 and her husband Luke
Oklahoma) in January 2021. welcomed a son, Jack Cooper Eves, on June 26,
2020.
Steve Keenan '83 has been named the General
Manager of the new Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City. Jordan Hammond '08 graduated from the
University of Kansas School of Medicine in
In November 2020, 14 months after breaking Emergency Medicine in July 2020. She currently
her pelvis in a cycling accident, Molly Erker '84 lives in Denver and works in Wyoming. She
completed IRONMAN Florida. is engaged to Joe Thelan, who is currently in
radiology residency at the University of Colorado.
Bear Clark '98 received his Doctorate of Nursing The couple will marry on August 7, 2021.
Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
from the University of Wyoming in August 2020. Cale Hammond '10 is living in Santa Monica, CA
and working for the Tennis Channel.
Charles Vendley '05 and his wife Amy welcomed
Fisher Vendley to their family on March 13, 2020. Kurt Byers '12 and his wife Lindsey welcomed Lou
Randall Byers on April 7, 2020. The family resides in
Molly O'Connor '07 and her husband John Cappel Rock Hill, MO.
welcomed Thomas Connor Cappel in November
2020. Molly and John live with their two sons just Dalton Hammond '15 is currently a second year law
outside Philadelphia. student at Berkeley Law School in CA.
David Robinson '07 and his wife Courtney We would love to hear from you!
welcomed their son Miller Thomas Robinson on Send your life updates and photos to
March 12, 2020. They reside in Ft. Worth, TX. alumni@bishopkelley.org for a shout
12 out in the next Ambassador.Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
A conversation with Luke Rose, Chair of BK's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Task Force
Fall 2020, our first semester, was primarily focused
on listening and learning in our community. We have
talked with parishes in North Tulsa, and we brought in
Dr. Jabraan Pasha from OU for a three-session training
on implicit bias within schools, healthcare, and the
criminal justice system. We also held discussions with
eight different Catholic high schools across the country
to learn how they implemented DEI initiatives at their
schools. In particular, the conversations with other
schools helped us feel hopeful that this is possible
at Bishop Kelley, and when done right, it can be a
transformative experience. The goal of listening and
learning is not finite. It is something we will continue to
do, but we grounded ourselves in the work and created a
lens of equity to use as we move forward.
What is your background in teaching and diversity
initiatives? I'm from the Bay Area in California and came This semester (Spring 2021) is more action-oriented. In
to Tulsa through Teach for America (TFA). TFA’s goal listening to the other Catholic high schools across the
and mission is that one day all students in the U.S., really country, we realized that partnering with other Catholic
in the world, will have access to an excellent education. schools and experts is the best practice and the avenue
Because a pig part of TFA training is focused on diversity that we need to take. We have three subcommittees this
and inclusion within education, new teachers, or corps semester.
members, are assigned to regions across the country to
serve in predominantly undeserved schools in need of 1. External guidance search: Hiring a consultant
educators. TFA corps members participate for two years to perform an equity audit and provide
and receive their teaching certification. The reality is that recommendations.
not all students in the U.S. have the same access to high- 2. Immediate impact: What can we do right now to
quality education. Solving educational inequity is my push DEI initiatives within BK?
passion, and there are a lot of people at BK who share 3. Strategic planning: Crafting goals in the strategic
this passion. We are all trying to provide students at BK plan to ensure the success of our efforts for years to
and within the Tulsa community with a quality education come.
regardless of race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status,
and other demographic categories. What is the timeline for the Task Force right now? Our
vision right now is to start surveying and learning from
Describe how the BK Diversity Task Force came the BK community as soon as possible. Realistically, we
about. During the summer of 2020, our nation saw a would like to have the consultant in place by the end of
growing discourse around racial injustice and inequality. this school year. We anticipate the larger action plan will
Standing as a Catholic institution against all injustice take place during the 2021-22 school year. We want our
and in defense of life and human dignity, Bishop Kelley community to feel comfortable sharing their stories and
released a solidarity statement calling for prayer, unity, opinions as we work to learn and grow to be a better,
and a commitment to grow in understanding about racial more inclusive community.
injustice, opening a platform for members of the BK
community to share their experiences. Around this time, Any final thoughts you would like to share? Creating this
I reached out to Fr. Kastl and Mr. Franz, and we delved task force is true to the identity of our community and
deeper into these discussions around racial justice and our commitment to Catholic, Lasallian education. As a
took a renewed focus on equity here at Bishop Kelley. Lasallian Catholic community, we are reminded of what
From those conversations, the idea of the Diversity our values call us to be — to be people of faith dedicated
and Equity Task Force came about — to have a group to building integrated communities, showing respect for
of people at BK come together to take on diversity, all persons, concerned for the poor and social justice,
equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Bishop Kelley. At the end and committed to education that prepares hearts and
of August, we sent a notice to faculty that we would be minds for purposeful life. It is our duty to ensure that
establishing the group, and we now have 14 members all students, families, faculty, and staff have a sense of
from across the faculty, staff, and administration. belonging at Bishop Kelley.
What are the primary goals for the Task Force? What DEI Task Force Members: Aaron Alonso, Alex Baab,
do you hope to accomplish? The ultimate goal is for all Robbie Bachman, Medea Bendel, Deb Butler, Erin Clark,
people to feel welcome and that they belong at Bishop Regina Foster, Jim Franz, Fr. Gary Kastl, Maria Monhaut,
Kelley. We are committed to creating an environment Luke Rose, Mandi Schooley, Christine Tyler, and Chad
where all races and ethnicities are respected and valued Thurman
as equals.
13Tippi Toeing Her by Elle Stanger '23
it made me push myself so much harder
to earn a spot on the team. They made me
better not only on the tennis court but as a
friend and leader as well,” Nuse explained.
Nuse, like so many other alumni, has
fond memories of her time as a Comet. “My
favorite memories at Bishop Kelley were the
friendships I gained. From walking side by
side with my buddies to class, to nights at
football games with face paint, to cheering on
the basketball teams in the student section,
to the dances on the weekends, it seemed
like one fun event to the next. It’s funny how
it was the relationships more than anything
that shaped me,” Nuse said.
Tippi Toes is a dance company offering
classes, camps, and parties that teach
children from the age of 18 months to 12
years the techniques of jazz, ballet, tap,
and hip hop using original music and
choreography. Nuse started Tippi Toes as a
sophomore at the University of Oklahoma.
She was desperate for money, as she had just
gotten fired from the waitressing job that
was paying for her car. As college students
sometimes can, Nuse became sidetracked
when she got tickets to the Oklahoma versus
Notre Dame football game in South Bend, IN,
where her best friend, Caroline Craft Fiddes
‘98, was a student. Not passing up the chance,
Nuse went without realizing that she was
scheduled to work that weekend.
“This was a pivotal moment for me
Mother. Entrepreneur. CEO. Bishop Kelley Alumna. All
these words can be used to describe Sarah Lowery Nuse '98.
Nuse started Tippi Toes, a now-international children’s dance
franchise, and appeared on Shark Tank with her sister, Megan
Lowery Reilly '01. She is the author of Destined for Greatness
and has her own podcast of the same title. Along with her other
accomplishments, Nuse is a children’s music album creator,
shoe designer, and speaker. She is happily married and a proud
mother of three.
Even in high school, Nuse was a high achiever. She was
a #2 doubles state champion in tennis and was on the State
Championship teams in both '95 and '97. These experiences
made a significant impact on her and are among her favorite
high school experiences.
“The best part about this opportunity was the girls
14 I was with while winning. They were all so talented thatWay to Greatness
Sarah Lowery Nuse '98 shares her journey from dance class to podcasts.
— getting fired and having to get creative to make my car book I share my failures, successes, and experiences where I
payment,” Nuse said. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and learned and was challenged. God has given us each such unique
into a new world of entrepreneurship. I am forever grateful for talents, gifts, and desires, and it’s our job to focus on that as
that experience.” a gift to the world. When we do, we are living in our greatness
As CEO, Nuse’s goal is to put Tippi Toes on the map, and blessing those around us.”
impacting the lives of children around the globe. Recently, the
franchise expanded internationally. However, Nuse believes
this is not the end of the company’s growth.
“God is so cool the way He lays opportunities in front of us
to either pick up or walk away from. I know He has more up His
sleeve. My goal as CEO is to be obedient and run the company
as He leads me,” Nuse explained.
Among the many things that make Tippi Toes dance classes
special is the original music. For Nuse, it started out as a wish.
She wanted updated music that was fun, engaging, and also had
a positive message.
“When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I talked to a
musician at church and said, ‘I wish you could help me write a
children’s album,’” Nuse recalled, “The next day, he called and
said he would love to help. The next week we were in the studio
planning, writing, and recording.”
Nuse’s book, Destined for Greatness, was published on
September 22, 2020. It shares a name with her podcast, which
she began in September 2018. Her friend, NY Times best selling
author, Bob Goff, encouraged Nuse to tell her story everywhere
and challenged her to start a podcast, write a book, and speak
as often as possible. Destined for Greatness is inspired by Nuse’s
goal, which is to share Jesus with everyone she meets. To do
that, she shares the story of how Jesus interrupted her plans,
gave her a business, and has been leading and guiding her every
day since. Above: Nuse with her husband and three children
Bottom right page 26: Nuse with BK's 1998 Regional Championship
“My goal through my story is that people know they are, like
girls tennis team
my title says, destined for greatness,” Nuse said. “Through my
Bottom left page 27: Nuse with her first Tippi Toes dance class
We are always looking to
celebrate and feature alumni
stories. We encourage you to
share your story with us or
nominate a deserving BK
alumnus to be included in the
magazine.
Email alumni@bishopkelley.org.UPDATE ON
Thus far, more than 350 donors have contributed to the
20-21 Believe in Kelley appeal; more than half of them
are new supporters this year! We thank you for your
generosity in helping to raise $213,715 towards our goal!
With five months left in the fiscal year, we have raised
43% of our $500,000 fundraising goal. If you are
considering supporting BiK this year, know we are
grateful for any gift you are able to make.
Every gift makes a difference at BK!
Believe in Kelley: Where gifts become stories!
Funds provided through the annual science equipment, up-to-date If you would like to make a gift to
Believe in Kelley appeal help to technology, robotics, Quench Their this year’s appeal, please use the
bridge the gap between what we Thirst, and many more life-changing attached giving envelope or go
charge for tuition and the actual experiences that our students are online to BishopKelley.org/give/BiK
cost of education. This appeal transformed by every day! When to make your contribution before
supports the mission of the school by describing what he sees as the June 30th.
funding all the activities, resources, impacts of his gift to Believe in Kelley,
and experiences that develop our Bill Graif BK alumnus and past parent, If you have questions, please
students into individuals whose summed it up perfectly. contact Doug Thomas, Director
hearts and minds are prepared for a of Philanthropy, by phone at
purposeful life. “Our gift to Bishop Kelley High 918.609.7115, or email at
School results in the many gifts that dthomas@bishopkelley.org.
This is done through funding retreats, Kelley bestows upon the community
tuition assistance, speech & debate, through its graduating students."
athletic equipment, counseling, - Bill Graif '70
academic bowl team, musicals,Put your tax dollars
to good use.
Turn your OK state tax obligation into tuition assistance for BK students with GO for Catholic Schools
Every year, hundreds of students Specific to Bishop Kelley, over 200 GO for Catholic Schools has
attend Catholic schools in eastern students and their families received provided families and schools more
Oklahoma with help from GO for GO funds totaling $143,318.75! than $3.2M in scholarships since
Catholic Schools. This year, 1,240 Coupled with funds from Believe in 2012. Last year alone, more than $1M
students received GO awards worth Kelley, earnings from BK’s endowed was distributed to students with
more than $1.2M to help them attend funds, earnings from the St. Francis financial need. Your participation
one of the 13 Catholic schools in of Assisi Tuition Assistance Trust, with GO for Catholic Schools will
the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern and direct gifts to tuition assistance, keep Catholic education accessible
Oklahoma, thanks to the power of and affordable for years to come.
this unique program. Bishop Kelley was able to award a
new record high of just over $1M in
tuition assistance for the 2020-21
school year!
How you can make an impact:
A two-year pledge grants you a Qualifying businesses can
75% tax credit. For example: receive up to a $100,000 tax
credit annually.
Maximum Joint Filing
$2,667 GO Scholarship $133,000 GO Scholarship
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You are making a $2,667 impact with You are making a $133,000 impact
just a $667 family expense. each year!
You may designate up to 90% of your contributed funds to be used at
Bishop Kelley or at another Catholic school of your choice.
Learn more and contribute online at goforcatholicschools.com. 17CELEBRATING 61 YEARS
OF LASALLIAN SERVICE
Brother Richard is always everywhere, helping
wherever there is a need. His selflessness helps make
Bishop Kelley the very best place to be. He has been the
stronghold of the Brothers for over 20 years. He is the
best friend everyone wants to have. He is one of my best
friends.
- Gary Oberste '70, Dean of Student Activities
19Brother Richard Merkel's retirement at the end of the 2020-21 school year will
mark the end of the physical presence of the Christian Brothers on the Bishop
Kelley campus. With a shortage of vocations and growing needs within the
Lasallian community, the Christian Brothers of the Midwest District were
unable to assign additional Brothers to BK.
Sixty-three Christian Brothers have passed through the halls of BK, shaping
minds and hearts along the way. In this issue of the Ambassador, we reflect on
the many lessons they taught us and the Lasallian values instilled in us by the
Brothers who walked the halls of BK.
While we will no longer have a physical presence of the Christian Brothers on
our campus, their legacy will live on in the Lasallian values and traditions of
the BK community. Alumni, faculty, and students have shared their memories,
stories, photos, and letters with us, and we are pleased to share them with
you, our BK family.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us. Live, Jesus, in our hearts forever.
1960: Bishop Kelley opened
1960s its doors with seven Christian
Brothers on staff: Br. Alfred,
Br. Bernardine, Br. Ferdinand,
Br. Joseph, Br. Leo, Br. Philip, and
Br. William.
1961: Br. Bernardine
became one of
the first Christian
Brothers to teach
girls.
Br. Alfred, 1960 Crest
"One of my earliest memories of the
Brothers was when Brother Bernardine
had to get permission from Rome to
teach girls. I was in his first co-ed class.
The nun who taught the girls’ math class Br. Bernardine explaining a math concept in 1963
would walk the two or three of us over
to the lockers. She would then turn us over to Brother Alfred, who would escort us
to Brother Bernardine’s classroom. Then, of course, the same procedure would be
followed in reverse after class."
20 - Margaret Ellison '63Top left: Br. Theodore next to his namesake at the 1968
Christmas assembly
Top right: Br. H. Thomas served as principal and counselor
1965: Bishop Kelley became fully
co-educational.
1968: Bishop Kelley's Fall Revue
and talent shows thrived under the
direction of Br. Patrick O'Brien.
Left: Br. Patrick Pilch and Br. Patrick O'Brien
1970s
Left: Br.
Bernardine, Sister
Ida Marie, Mr.
Dreas, and Br.
Roland, 1973
1970: The BK Crest featured
drawings of the faculty by Lynne
Somers Butterworth '70
211974: The yearbook was dedicated to Brother Roland Santi for his nine years of
service at Bishop Kelley.
1976: BK's first Girls Cross Country team, coached by
Br. Roland Santi, 1970
Brother Michael Martin, placed 3rd at State.
"I think what some people don't realize
about Brother Bernardine, because of
stories about how tough he was, how much
he expected, et cetera, is how loving and
compassionate he was...I loved how he kept
in touch with so many former students,
and how hardworking he was. He mowed
the grounds, cleaned the buses - no task
was below him while he was the head man
in charge! I have never regretted naming
my youngest after him...Kelley won't be
the same without the Brothers, and I am
so thankful that we had them as long as we Br. Jim teaching in 1979
did!"
- Betsy Arp Bryce, '75
1980s
1981: Br. Gus led the effort to
begin an annual dinner auction.
The first auction, "A Spring
Classic," raised over $80,000.
22
Br. Gus with the 1981 Parents Club1985: Bishop Kelley High School
celebrated its 25th anniversary with
a weekend of festivities in October,
including the first Bishop Kelley
Hall of Fame ceremony.
Above: Brothers at 25th Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving
Right: Br. Gus poses with the 1981 State Championship Football trophy
Excerpt of December 1984 letter from Brother Bernardine to Molly Erker, '84
1985: Brother Lawrence (Larry) worked
to move BK into the computer age. The
business office, report cards, scheduling,
attendance, grading, and alumni information
all moved from hand-written records to
computerized.
1986: The BK community celebrated
Brother Bernardine's 50 years of service
as a Christian Brother by creating the Br.
Bernardine Endowment and placing a
statue of St. John Baptist de La Salle in the
Br. Larry at his desk in 1985 courtyard in his honor.
"Brother Gus was there to help me in many ways, not just in teaching. He helped my
wife get a job at St. Francis Hospital, he talked to me about starting a family, and
helped coordinate my wife and I living in the recently empty convent on campus to
save money to buy a house...I wish I had the opportunity to thank him. I understand
St. John Baptist De La Salle focused on helping the poor and underprivileged, but
I like to think he helped anyone who needed it. I think that’s the case for all the
Brothers."
23
- Brian Arenson, BK Faculty member, 1982-present1990s
1992: Catch the Spirit capital
campaign led by Brother David Poos
and Mrs. Diane Perkins raised more
than $4 million.
1993: The Activity Center was
dedicated in October of 1993. All six
of BK's Christian Brother Directors
were in attendance.
All six Brother-principals of BK since 1960: Br. Alfred, Br. Tom,
Br. David, Br. Larry, Br. Bernardine, and Br. Gus
1997: The BK Community celebrated
Brother David's 25th anniversary.
Br. Chris and Mr. Davis jamming' out to
"Old Time Rock 'n' Roll" in 1990
Br. David supervises the 1997 "Late Night" audience
1999: The BK Community celebrated
Brother Richard's 25th anniversary.
Left: Br. Richard with family at his 25th
anniversary celebration.
24"Br. Norman McCarthy was a quiet, spiritual man to those around him. He led with
his heart. He introduced me to new forms of prayer and to some of the finer points of
Lasallian spirituality. Br. Norman truly was my rock during the last semester of my
Masters in Theology. I would go to him with something that just sounded crazy to me,
and he would put it in context and let me know it was a process! He was a blessing!"
-Marianne Stich, retired BK Faculty
2000: Brother Bernardine held the first BK Alumni
City Gathering in Oklahoma City.
2000s
Excerpt of January 2000 letter from Br. Bernardine to Beth Hannigan Tompkins, '84
2003: The Brother Bernardine Scholars
Program was introduced to the BK community.
2005: The Christian Brothers were inducted into the
BK Hall of Fame.
2005: Brother Richard Merkel was
named BK's De La Salle Teacher of the
Year.
Christian Brothers at the BK Hall of Fame Ceremony in 2005
"During my time as a student and teacher at
Bishop Kelley, the Brothers have always been
part of my time here. They have had a great
impact on my life and taught me so much
about the meaning of community and what it
takes to belong to one as special as BK. Their
friendship has blessed me."
-Maggie Gable '00, Teacher & Assistant
Director of Student Activities 25
Right: Br. Richard, Br. Norman, and Br. ChrisBK Remembers Dedicated Alumni
by Doug Thomas
In November of 2020 and over a Kevin's daughters with wife Laura Jones
span of three days, Bishop Kelley lost Duffy '91, Sarah Duffy '11 and Elise Duffy
two alumni; one whose life was focused '18, played soccer and ran cross country
on serving the Catholic Church, and and track at Bishop Kelley.
the other who dedicated himself to his John never missed any of their
family, sports — especially Bishop Kelley athletic contests and enjoyed seeing
athletics. other members of the BK community
John Duffy '71 passed away while supporting his son, his
surrounded by his family on November granddaughters, and the Comets. He also
4, 2020, and Fr. Thomas Dowdell '63, loved his Philadelphia Eagles.
attended by his loving family, died Throughout the years, John coached
November 6, 2020. several Catholic Youth baseball,
John Charles Duffy, Jr. was born in basketball, and Junior Comet football
Philadelphia, PA, but lived his entire teams. Toward the end of John’s life,
life in Tulsa. John’s dad, a native of several of his former players reached out
Philadelphia, had attended and graduated to him and to the family; their message
from a Lasallian high school there before was consistent. They wanted to thank
marrying Mary Kealey and moving his him for his positive impact on their lives.
family to Tulsa. John attended Marquette When former players would cross paths
School, graduated from Bishop Kelley with John or contact him, they typically
High School, and attended the University referred to him as “Coach” or “Coach
of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa. Duffy.” That sense of reverence made
John’s siblings also graduated from John extremely proud.
BKHS, including Marie Duffy Sinnett Born in Roswell, NM, Fr. Thomas City and the Diocese of Tulsa. Thomas
'64, Maureen Duffy Hoffman '67, Patricia Dowdell moved as a child to Tulsa and attended St. Francis de Sales in Oklahoma
(Tippy) Duffy Kane '70 (deceased), and was a student at Bishop Kelley on the first City and Conception Abbey and College
Bernadette Duffy Jones '73. In 1982, he day BK opened its doors in August 1960. Seminary in Conception, MO.
married the love of his life, Kathy Morgan He came to the school as a sophomore, Upon competition of his college
Duffy. having attended Marquette School from seminary, Father Tom was sent to
A true Irishman, John loved first grade through his freshman year Assumption Seminary in San Antonio
passionately. His greatest loves were his of high school. Fr. Dowdell was the first in August of 1967 to begin his graduate
family and sports, and he was happiest of four in his family to graduate from theological formation. This formation
when the two intertwined. An avid fan of Bishop Kelley, including siblings Jean period led to his ordination as a priest
playing and watching sports, he was often Dowdell Junger ’64, Richard ‘68, and John of the Diocese of Oklahoma City on
the loudest in the stands as he cheered ‘73. May 21, 1971. His ordination took place
on his family members. His son, Kevin After graduating from BK, Thomas at his home parish of Christ the King,
'91, played basketball and baseball for BK. discerned a vocation to the priesthood, led by Bishop Victor Reed. Shortly after
following the his ordination, Oklahoma was divided
inspiration into two parts, and since Fr. Tom was
of his uncle, assigned in Oklahoma City at the time, he
Father automatically became incardinated in the
Robert new Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Pickett. Fr. Father Tom had been ordained for 49
Pickett was years and had joyfully served as Associate
a priest of Pastor, Pastor, or Administrator of
the Diocese parishes in Oklahoma City, Ada,
of Oklahoma Blackwell, Enid, Goltry, Perry, and
before the Billings. His final assignment before
state was retirement was St. Mary Church in
separated Ardmore from 2012-2018. During his
into the priesthood, he also served as Regional
Archdiocese Vicar.
26 of Oklahoma Top: Fr. Thomas Dowdell
Left: John Duffy with his wife Kathy
and his grandchildrenYou can also read
