PRESS ROOM

Editorial Column
May 16, 2008

Greetings alumni and friends of Bishop Noll Institute! With spring and warmer temperatures in the air, the thoughts of the end of school and summer are starting to preoccupy on everyone’s mind. But there is much happening on the BNI campus and much work to be done before the last day of school.

Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. was on campus to speak to Hammond resident students about the city’s College Bound Program. Mayor McDermott shared details and answered an array of questions from students regarding this unique program. Mayor McDermott and Noll Principal Scott D. Fech, ‘85  encouraged students to apply for the scholarship and also gave underclassmen a chance to learn the details and prepare to excel in the classroom for eligibility.

From the Development Office, Noll recently held the 27th annual Emporium – New Horizons. This is our largest single day fundraiser for scholarships. Months of work, time and preparation culminated in an evening with music, cocktails, silent and live auctions with monies going towards scholarship funds. Attendees were treated to live entertainment by Noll alum Maralyn Gaza and her jazz trio followed by Standing Ovation many attending danced the night away.  The months of work could not have been done without the dedication of our committee members, parent volunteers, and the generosity of alumni, friends and local businesses. We received hundreds of donated items that went towards our silent and live auctions.

Along with the Emporium, this year Noll honored two distinguished members of the Noll family at the Hall of Honor. Pete Doherty, ’71 was chosen Outstanding Alumnus and Beverly Mullaney was honored with the Outstanding Service Award – as a former employee of Noll for many years. Doherty and Mullaney have been strong Noll supporters for many years and continue to show their support in many facets. A few of Pete’s contributions include serving as co-chair of the Golf Outing for many years, and currently serving on our Board of Trustees. Bev Mullaney not only sent her five children through Noll, but worked here also for 11 years as assistant to the Principal.  She continues to support us now with numerous grandchildren attending Noll! Congratulations to Mr. Doherty and Mrs. Mullaney for your devotion and support.

On the academic front, Noll is happy to announce that senior Beth Mikolajczak has been award the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. This scholarship provides full tuition for four years to any Indiana college or university. Beth will be attending Notre Dame. Congratulations to Beth on her achievement and best wishes in South Bend. In other academic news, two special events were held in honor of our top ten academic seniors. The first dinner was held on the Noll campus that honored the seniors’ families and a special teacher chosen by the students who had had a special impact on their lives. Many teachers from Noll were on hand for this special evening. Students were given the opportunity to share how the teachers had had an impact on their lives. Guests in attendance were treated to a catered dinner and fellowship. Scott D. Fech, ’85 Noll Principal commented to the students that the evening was meant to highlight the teachers, administrators and families who sacrificed and who have been a vital part of the students’ successes.  

The second event in their honor was held by the Hammond Rotary Club as they honored all top scholars in Hammond high schools.  Noll was well represented by our top ten. Congratulations to our top ten seniors; Elizabeth Mikolajczyk, Thomas Clements,  Stephanie Johnsen, Joshua Gaspar, Jaclyn Whitehair, Ellena Kruse, Benjamin Gregory, Darryl McGowan, Xavier Santos and Heather Wanek for all of your dedication and determination during the last four years.
In other Noll news, save the date of July 21 for the Annual BNI Golf Outing, this year the gold outing will be held at Innsbrook Country Club in Merriville. This years Golf Outing Planning Committee will be co-chaired by Noll alums, Debbie Jakubielski Dahlkamp ‘83 and Gabby Origel Churchill ‘88. Further information is available at bishopnoll.org.

If you would like additional information, on how you can help contact a member of Noll's Development team at 219.932.9058.


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