Inspiring Graduates, Enduring Impact!
Gross Catholic takes great pride in the remarkable achievements of our alumni. To honor their enduring commitment to our school’s values, we established the Distinguished Alumni Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates graduates who have continued to embody our motto, “Dux Esto” (Be a Leader), through their professional accomplishments or dedicated service to others. Each year, we are privileged to acknowledge the nominees and present the award at our annual Celebration event in April, showcasing the lasting impact of a Gross Catholic education. The 2024-2025 recipient is Mike Donohue, Jr. Congratulations!
From High School to Family Life
Michael (Mike) Donohue, Jr. graduated from Gross Catholic High School in 1986. After graduating, he went to UNL and then returned back home to run the family business, Donohue’s Pub. He is one of five children who all attended St. Thomas More Parish and school. Mike and his wife, Tara, have been happily married since March 25, 1995 and will soon celebrate their 30th anniversary! He has five nephews and five nieces, whom he treats like his own children and loves dearly.
Mike Donohue Gives Back
Mike spends countless hours each week on the campus of Gross Catholic. He is an integral part of our student lunch program serving lunch three days a week. Not only does he charge just his cost for each lunch, but he donates a portion of what is collected back to the school each week!
As the owner of Donohue’s Pub, he supports the Cougar Community through donations to every event and fundraiser for the school. The bar has been known to host numerous Gross Catholic class reunion events, several engagement parties for Cougar Alums, and even the occasional funeral luncheon.
A Devout Catholic
Three years ago Mike’s father became ill and was no longer able to drive himself to daily Mass. Mike committed to take him and join him every day to share his love for his faith and honor his father. Today, his father is no longer able to attend Mass, however Mike continues this daily commitment to our Lord and attends for both of them. In addition, he opens up St. Adalbert’s each morning at 6:00 am for Fr. Jaehwa. Mike understands the call for sacrifice. He extends the Lenten sacrifice of abstaining from meat on Fridays throughout the year. He represents the model for living his life through the Marianist Values.
Congratulations, Mike Donohue on receiving this award!
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About Gross Catholic High School
Gross Catholic, a co-educational, college preparatory high school, began its proud heritage of academic excellence rooted in the Marianist tradition in 1968. We consider ourselves one of the best Catholic schools in Omaha, Bellevue, and Papillion. The school motto Dux Esto (“Be a Leader”) is at the core of its extraordinary mission, innovative spirit, and fundamental values. The school offers a challenging environment and outstanding quality of life, both in academics and co-curricular activities, with a strong focus on STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) education. The spirit of Christian service and giving back is part of everything the school does. Gross Catholic’s top-tier status is reflected in its talented faculty, staff, and coaches who take great pride in seeing virtually every graduate head to college, often to the most prestigious domestic and international universities and service academies. Together with families and alumni, Gross Catholic forges relationships for a lifetime, helping to ready the next generation to be exemplary, principled leaders of the world.
To discover the Gross Catholic difference, contact us at 402.734.2000 or visit our Admissions page.