Are you an O’Gorman alum? You’ll relate to these stories — and this chance to give back

This paid piece is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

It was his first time back on campus in over 20 years. But the memories came flooding back. “I wouldn’t be who I am today if he hadn’t helped me, challenged me and taught me.” 

He shared the ways his teachers pushed him to see new perspectives, dive a little deeper into his faith and try out for a spot on the team. 

He shared story after story of the friends he made, the trophies and awards his class won, the community he was surrounded by and the way it impacted his entire life after high school.

This alumni doesn’t have a name because the story isn’t unique. Each time a class returns for a reunion, a visit, a performance or a game, the memories come flooding back. They wander through the hallways looking at the class composites in search of their class and others they know. They look at the trophies, the award plaques, the state championship titles and the track and field records. They remember what high school was like and the community that supported them for four years and beyond.

Over the past few months, O’Gorman alumni have shared their experiences, thoughts and memories – all to encourage each other and future generations. 

What the alumni of Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools remember the most about their time in high school is the sense of community, the feeling of belonging, learning more than just what the classroom had to offer.

The experience formed them as a whole person. Having been encouraged to strive for higher expectations by letting their faith guide their everyday lives, they were well prepared for college and a life beyond O’Gorman’s walls. 

A 2008 graduate said: “I loved the community. Whether it was sports, choir or theater, the community was always present. I also appreciated the opportunity to practice my faith and attend Mass weekly.”

Dick Koch, O’G Class of 1973 said: “I felt like a member of a family. Faith was the glue, but it was more than that. It was a community that practiced the teachings of Jesus, based on his No. 1 precept, that of love. A nurturing Catholic Church fostered this in the best ways possible.”

This married father of two graduated from Creighton University and attended dental school. After practicing for 40 years, he retired but continues to be involved in his church community, community theater, as a board member for the Boy Scouts, a Jaycee, a Knight of Columbus and an Elks Lodge member. His son, a member of the Class of 2004, is the director of bands for O’Gorman High School.     

Denise (Friedrichs) Varns, O’G grad of 1975, recently retired after 45 years as a hairstylist.

“I challenged the school to help me graduate early and received the support of the administration. This helped me realize that if you have a dream, go for it, and, of course, that the Lord is the center of our lives. My biggest memories come from when we enrolled our own children in O’G. I sat across a gym for an opening meeting thinking that many of my fellow classmates felt that O’Gorman was so very important that they made sure their own children were enrolled, as did we. O’G is a gift that keeps giving for many generations in more ways than one can possibly imagine.” 

In 2021, when Rod “Grizz” Garrison passed away, the alumni gathered in his honor. As the O’G girls and boys golf coach, line coach for the football team, shop class teacher, lunch room monitor and unofficial official uniform enforcer, many alumni remembered him fondly. 

“Best loving disciplinarian in the business. He was a gift to us all, and he taught us how to give to each other,” said Ryan Noonan, Class of 1996.

After 45 years teaching at O’Gorman High School, Jeff Gordan retired in 2022. Again, the love and support the alumni gave was outpouring. Carol (Barnett) Nesbitt, O’G Class of 1980, said: “His deep knowledge of the content was impressive, but his enthusiasm for the subject material was contagious, and the fun he had in class made it a joy for us all.” 

The community, the classroom, the teachers, the environment come together at O’Gorman to encourage and build students to become future leaders. Alumni leave O’Gorman and scatter across the world ready for what God has in store for them. They have paved the way for the current high school students and look back fondly at the memories and opportunities they were given. 

On May 1, O’Gorman alumni have been challenged with a goal of raising $50,000 in one day. If you feel called to give, please visit gogiveog23.givesmart.com and help O’Gorman’s determined alumni hit their goal to ensure every student has the same opportunity they did: to receive a Catholic education in Sioux Falls.