At Bishop Gorman High School’s signature event, the Knight of the Gael, Viatorians were
among those honored this year for their dedication to the school — and to Catholic education.
In all, school officials honored 15 faculty and staff members who had worked 30 or more years at the school. Prominent among those were Viatorian Associates Connie Gerber and Mimi Roos — who both spent 41 years at the school — and the late Fr. Norbert Bibeault, a 36-year math and science teacher.
Gerber was a foreign language teacher at the school before she entered the administration. In 1998, she was hired as its first woman principal, a role she held until 2006 when she retired.
“In education, firmness, fairness and consistency are the hallmarks,” Gerber said. “I hope that I’ve added kindness and respect.”
Roos taught government and social studies during her more than four decades at the school, while she also moderated its cheerleading squad.
“All those years working there, it was like a family,” Roos says. “It was a wonderful community to be a part of.”
In all, more than 600 guests gathered at the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas for the 35th annual event. Over the years, the benefit has raised millions of dollars for the school’s tuition assistance fund.
“By honoring those who dedicated 30 or more years of their lives to Bishop Gorman High School we celebrate our tradition and longevity in Las Vegas,” said Viatorian Associate Bridget Michlik, development director. “Their service is an outward symbol of what we strive for as a school, a special institution that prides itself on our loyal and faithful community.”
Bishop Gorman was the first Catholic high school in Southern Nevada, started by the Viatorians in 1954. Its mission continues to be one of teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, preparing students for higher education and creating a community where service is valued and celebrated.