TRES BIEN AWARD

The Trés Bien Award is presented to an outstanding alumna who exemplifies in her life the values of Sacred Heart education. The recipient should demonstrate her dedication to the ideals instilled during her school years and carried out in her life whether in charitable, civic and/or professional work.

Following is an excerpt from the award ceremony.

Sacred Heart education, with all its tradition and impressive history, has been a part of Mary Dobleman’s life since before she was born. Her mother, Louise, graduated from Duchesne College. Mary and her three sisters all graduated from Duchesne Academy and Mary’s two daughters, Courtney and Kristen continued the tradition and became the third generation to experience Sacred Heart education. At an early age, Mary knew she wanted to follow her mother’s lead and she set her heart and soul upon a journey with the Sacred Heart that continues today.

Mary has found a variety of ways to serve Duchesne and she threw herself into the work of every board, association or event in which she served. Mary is passionate and committed and she brought that dedication to every role she filled.  Mary’s love for Duchesne is contagious and her husband Tom shares her deep commitment. Mary and Tom were co-chairs of Conge in 1999, in 2000 they chaired Duchesne’s Golf Tournament, and one year later Mary served as an alumnae chair for Conge 2001.  

Mary is an avid sports enthusiast and she was instrumental in helping Duchesne start a Cross Country team and for years she was the team’s coach. When Mary wasn’t coaching she was often seen on the sidelines of the field or in the bleachers courtside cheering on her daughters and their teammates. 

Mary is defined by her complete and abiding passion for Sacred Heart education.  She is known for her ability to build lasting relationships, and she shares her love for Duchesne with everyone she meets.

This tribute would not be complete without thanking Mary for an incredible event that was life-changing for many in the Duchesne community. In 2009, Mary undertook a major project to benefit women all over the Metro area—a Woman’s Whole Health Day. The keynote speaker for the event was Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan holocaust, and author of Left to Tell.  Mary contacted Duchesne in the spring and offered to share part of Immaculee’s day in Omaha with the Catholic schools. Little did she know that we had already chosen Immaculee’s book as our all-school summer read! Mary’s offer was nothing less than miraculous! Due to her generosity, 350 Duchesne students and adults and 1,200 Creighton Prep students and adults were able to experience this inspiring woman first-hand. 

For years Mary has left her mark on the hearts of many and she has been instrumental in sharing the love of the Heart of Jesus with the entire Duchesne community.  For all she has done and for all she will do in the future we say, “Tres Bien”!

It is our pleasure to recognize the recipient of the 2010 Tres Bien Award!

Mary Cimino Dobleman.