48th annual Archbishop’s Dinner for Education breaks attendance record

The 48^th annual Archbishop’s Dinner for Education drew its largest crowd to date on Sept. 18, when approximately 950 people gathered to celebrate and support Catholic education in northeast Nebraska.

The dinner, held at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, was the first for Archbishop Michael G. McGovern. Addressing the crowd at the beginning of the evening, Archbishop McGovern spoke of the importance of all Catholics investing in Catholic schools.

“The responsibility for Catholic schools belongs not only to the parents of the students who attend, but to the entire Church,” Archbishop McGovern said.

Archbishop Michael McGovern addresses the attendees at the 48th annual Dinner for Education on Sept. 18, 2025. CASIE SCHLUETER

He highlighted the many ways that Catholic schools benefit communities.

“Catholic schools are an unquestionable success story in every way – spiritually, academically and communally,” he said. “Our Catholic schools contribute to the common good by forming citizens who are believers in the way they live out what is most noble in our faith.”

Students from various Catholic high schools volunteered at the dinner.

The event raised money for need-based scholarships for families who wish to send their children to Catholic schools. This year’s goal was to raise $950,000 for the Children’s Scholarship Fund for elementary school scholarships and high school tuition assistance.

The dinner also honored educational excellence, with eight teachers and administrators recognized for their service and contributions to Catholic education, each receiving a $5,000 award.

Rob Meyers of V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School in Omaha and Andrea Borer of St. Joseph School in Atkinson were named Administrators of the Year. Natalie Keenan of Christ the King School in Omaha and Mary Brady of St. Mary School in Wayne were named Elementary Educators of the Year. Julie Vankat of Mercy High School in Omaha and Curtis Marolf of Archbishop Bergan Catholic High School in Fremont were named Secondary Educators of the Year.

Karen Avila of All Saints School and Fallon Kreikemeier of Our Lady of Lourdes School, both in Omaha, were honored as Maginn Family Foundation Educators of the Year for service to inner-city and underserved schools.

Beth and Tim Wilson of Christ the King Parish in Omaha chaired this year’s dinner. Jen and Rick Bettger of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Omaha served as co-chairs. Honorary chairpersons were Jill and Terry Petersen of Christ the King Parish.

2025 Archbishop’s Dinner for Education chairs Beth and Tim Wilson

While the dinner is over, the opportunity to support Catholic education in the archdiocese is not. Donations are still being accepted here.

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