Best of the Week 2020-2021: Holy Cross Values

ST. ED'S HONORS THE LEGACY OF BELOVED TEACHER, JIM NIEBERDING

Last week, the St. Edward community lost another iconic teacher and member of our community, Jim Nieberding. Jim, who started his career at St. Ed's in 1955, graced the social studies classrooms at St. Ed's for almost five decades until he retired in 2000. Educating the hearts and minds of his students was Jim’s vocation, especially in the areas of U.S. history, social studies, Latin, Greek, and the Catholic faith. With a passion for teaching and a fierce love for our country, Jim was a vital member of the St. Ed's community who made a lasting impact on his students and fellow colleagues. “If we had a Mt. Rushmore of St. Edward teachers, Mr. Nieberding would be on it," says Associate Dean of Student Life & Leadership Matt Wallenhorst ‘05. "I can attest to the number of times Jim was remembered fondly by St. Edward alums when we would do events across the country," says President Jim Kubacki. "When I think of Jim, I think about the great words from the Holy Cross Constitutions, 'The footsteps of those men who called us to walk in their company left deep prints, as if men carrying burdens. But they did not trudge; they strode. For they had the hope. It is the Lord calling us, "Come, follow me." Jim was a man of hope and we are all the beneficiaries of his grace. He willingly answered God's call to, 'Come, follow me.'" “Jim was a forceful presence and influence on all of us at St. Ed’s throughout the '70’s, '80’s, and beyond," says John Curran '75. "As one of our great educators and role models, Jim helped create the culture of servant leadership we all work so hard to nurture and strengthen today." Remembering Jim’s influence, Greg Elinksy '82 added, “We are lucky to have such high-quality educators who are fully committed and care." From serving as a medic in the U.S. Army to his influence as a teacher both inside the classroom and beyond, Jim's life was one lived in service to others and he'll forever be remembered for the indelible mark he left on St. Ed's community.