Staying connected just got easier! We're excited to share this new online edition of our alumni newsletter, featuring a look at what's happening on campus, spotlights on alumni achievements, and upcoming events you won't want to miss.

Amarha Bridger

Marketing & Communications Director

Columbus Catholic Schools

Bill Mimick, a proud 1966 graduate of Scotus Central Catholic – St. Bonaventure School, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone in his coaching career. At the Nebraska Coaches Association banquet on July 20, 2025, Bill was honored with the 50-Year Coaching Service Award, recognizing over five decades of dedication to student-athletes and Catholic school athletics.

Bill’s impact on sports in Nebraska has been profound. He was inducted into the Shamrock Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Nebraska Coaches 8-Man Football Hall of Fame in 2018—an honor shared with his sons, Tom and Jeff, reflecting a remarkable family legacy in coaching and athletics. His influence extends beyond football; over 51 years of teaching and coaching, Bill served as head coach for football, boys and girls basketball, track and field, and also as Athletic Director.

Under his leadership, the high school varsity football program achieved an impressive record of 262 wins, 170 losses, and 2 ties, highlighted by a State Championship in Division 1 in 1988. In recognition of his contributions, the Lindsay Holy Family Football Athletic Field was dedicated in his name in 2022—a lasting tribute to his dedication to student-athletes and his community.

The Mimick family’s connection to the Catholic schools of Columbus spans generations, as students, employees, volunteers, and supporters, leaving an indelible mark that continues to inspire. Bill Mimick’s legacy is a testament to the power of dedication, family, and faith in shaping young lives on and off the field.

Dr. Judy Hemberger, PhD, MBA, a 1965 graduate of Scotus Central Catholic and later Mt. St. Scholastica College, the University of Missouri, and Rockhurst College, has spent more than three decades shaping the future of medicine and biotechnology through visionary leadership and a deep commitment to advancing healthcare. Dr. Hemberger has combined scientific excellence with business acumen to guide groundbreaking innovations from the lab to patients worldwide.

As co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Pharmion Corporation, Dr. Hemberger played a pivotal role in growing the company into a global force before its $2.9 billion acquisition by Celgene. Her career reflects a rare balance of scientific rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, and compassion for improving lives.

Beyond Pharmion, Dr. Hemberger has led as CEO of Zosano (formerly Macroflux), served as a Venture Partner with Nomura Phase 4 Ventures, and contributed her expertise to more than sixteen healthcare boards. Her influence extends across continents, industries, and generations of professionals who have benefited from her mentorship and strategic insight.

From raising capital for emerging biotech ventures to guiding international operations, Dr. Hemberger’s journey embodies the power of perseverance, innovation, and leadership grounded in service. Her legacy continues to inspire future leaders in science, business, and beyond.

What an incredible season for our Central Catholic Cross Country teams! The Girls’ team showed strength and consistency all year long, capturing first place at several meets, including the Conference and District Championships. Their dedication and team spirit carried them all the way to the State Meet, where they capped off their outstanding season with a 3rd Place finish in the 2025 Class C-1 State Championships!

We’re so proud of our runners and coaches for representing Central Catholic with excellence, perseverance, and faith.

We are grateful to share that Fr. Bill Cremers recently visited the tomb of Blessed John Duns Scotus, carrying with him the intentions of our community. This special visit offered a meaningful opportunity to connect more deeply with the legacy of Blessed John Duns Scotus — a figure whose profound faith and intellect continue to inspire us today. Through Fr. Bill’s visit, we were all able to experience, in spirit, a moment of prayer and reflection at this sacred site.

What an incredible season for our Scotus Shamrock Golf Team! The Shamrocks showed skill, focus, and determination all year long, earning top finishes at major tournaments and capturing both the Conference and District titles. Their hard work and consistency carried them all the way to the 2025 Class C-1 State Championships, where they finished as State Runner-Up!

We’re so proud of our golfers and coaches for their dedication, sportsmanship, and commitment to excellence. They represented Scotus Central Catholic with true Shamrock pride!

Remember when the Scotus Speech Team filled the halls with laughter, note cards, and last-minute rehearsals? And at the center of it all was Mrs. Sandy Bernt—our fearless leader, motivator, and biggest cheerleader.

And yes, who could forget the famously huge speech binder she made every one of us carry?

For years, Mrs. Bernt inspired Shamrocks to take the stage with confidence and creativity. Whether it was coaching late into the evening, calming pre-performance nerves, or celebrating another district or state medal, she did it all with patience, humor, and a genuine love for her students.

Her lessons went far beyond speech. She taught us how to express ourselves, think on our feet, and believe that our words mattered. So many Scotus alumni still carry those lessons with them today.

Thank you, Mrs. Bernt, for the memories, the laughter, and the lasting impact you made on generations of Shamrocks.

This Memory Lane reflection was brought to us by alumna Jodi Hefti—thank you for sharing these wonderful memories!

The Scotus Central Catholic Class of 1975 gathered to celebrate their 50th Class Reunion on Friday, August 15th, and Saturday, August 16th, 2025.

Festivities began Friday evening at Glur’s Tavern, where classmates reconnected and shared memories from their days at Scotus. Among those in attendance was Ron Mimick (second from the right). The celebration continued Saturday at The Barrel House, where laughter, stories, and friendship filled the evening.

A special thank-you goes out to Cindy Heimann Pile for designing a beautiful Remembrance Poster honoring the classmates who have passed.

In the spirit of giving back, the Class of ’75 presented a $2,500 donation to Scotus Campus Ministry, continuing their legacy of faith and support for future generations of students.

Classmates in attendance at The Barrel House included:
Back Row: Conrad Slusarski, Chuck Savage, Gerry Gubbels, Dennis Dowd, Kurt Kline, Dave Savage, Dan Steiner, Jeff Schumacher, Lynn Hoebing, Jerry Jarecke. Middle Row: Randy Kurtenbach, Gregg Melliger, Jeff Holmberg, Ron Miksch, Dave Zabawa, Kevin Kelly. Seated: Danette Cerny Peck, Penny Uphoff Kampschneider, Connie Mares Jackson, Joan Placzek Gubbels, Linda Schrad Levos, Mike Merrill, Cindy Bruegger Kubisch

The Class of 1972 held its third mini-class reunion on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the world-famous Pawnee Bar. While attendance was a little smaller this year, everyone who came enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of conversation, laughter, and memories.

A total of twelve classmates and three spouses were in attendance. Classmates included Doug Beard, Steve and Sandi Abbott, Martin Ciecior, Dan Zoucha, Ted Wieser, Dave Melliger, Dave Korger, Milton Roddy, Pat Sackett, Dave Micek, and Terry Hyland. Spouses joining the fun were Cathy Micek, Diane Ciecior, and Susie Melliger.

Even with a slightly smaller turnout, spirits were high—and enthusiasm even higher! In fact, Dave Korger and Milton Roddy were so eager for the event that they arrived at the Pawnee two weeks early.

The Class of ’72 is already looking forward to next year’s gathering and, of course, to celebrating their 55-year reunion in just two years!

Take care and God bless to all our Class of 1972 alumni!

The Class of 1986 will celebrate their 40th Class Reunion on Friday and Saturday, July 10–11, 2026! Plans are underway for a fun and memorable weekend of reconnecting and reminiscing.

Class members are encouraged to stay updated by visiting the Facebook page “Class of ’86 Scotus.”

For more information, contact Matt Jilek at 402-304-5691 or by email at mattjilek@gmail.com

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Let’s make this milestone reunion one to remember — spread the word and join in the celebration!

The Scotus Class of 1956 will celebrate their 70th reunion in 2026. More information to come out soon. For more information, please contact Milo Herink at (402)923-0891.

The Scotus Class of 1991 plan to celebrate their 35th reunion in the summer of 2026. Please send your email and phone number to Rachelle Schieffer at rschieffer@hotmail.com and Cory Christiansen at jenandcory@aol.com

The Class of 1971 is seeking input from its members, as to the possibility of a 55th annual reunion in 2026. If you are interested in attending, please notify one of the following, preferably by Dec. 20, 2025, so that plans can be made. Contact Kathy Jackson (kathy.jackson@jackson-services.com) or Al Niedbalski (ajnied53@gmail.com)

Our Columbus Catholic Schools family reaches far beyond our local community. As you read the names and stories by clicking the link below, we invite you to pause and lift these individuals up in prayer.

Prayer Connections Link

Do you have a prayer request you’d like to share with our Columbus Catholic Schools family? Email: abridger@colcath.org

Honoring Our Catholic School Family

We share obituaries of our alumni and other close supporters. While we do our best to locate alumni and friends, sometimes the most reliable way to be informed is for our broader community to contact us when they learn of a member of our Catholic school family who has passed. Email: abridger@colcath.org

We also recognize all those who make a gift to our school in memory of a loved one. Gifts can be sent to:

Scotus Central Catholic
1554 18th Ave
Columbus, NE 68601

Give electronically HERE

By sharing obituaries and memorial gifts, we honor the lives of those who have been part of our Catholic school family and ensure their legacy is remembered within our community.

Obituary & Memorial Link