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Cretin-Derham Hall Brings Community Together On the Road and at Home

January 29, 2025

Palm Desert Event on January 28, 2025

The Cretin-Derham Hall community values connection, and we are proud to provide opportunities for alumni, students, and friends to come together, whether at home or across the country.

This season has been busy, with alumni and friends gathering at events such as the Palm Desert Alumni & Friends event, a night honoring Coach Horyza, and the unveiling of the Hockey Legacy Wall. Many more gatherings are coming up soon.

Coach Horyza Night took place on December 10 to honor legendary basketball coach Len Horyza, who led teams from 1965 to 1995, securing 523 wins and four state titles. The night brought together 24 former players from teams spanning three decades, along with Coach Horyza’s daughter, Mary Horyza Miller '75. Memories from the court and the classroom were shared, reinforcing the impact Coach Horyza had on generations of Raiders.

Several of Coach Horyza's Players from 1965-1995

The Boys Hockey Legacy Wall Recognition Event took place on December 22 at Highland Arena. CDH unveiled a tribute to its storied boys hockey program, recognizing 44 alumni who advanced to Division I programs and beyond. Among the 18 hockey alumni in attendance were three former NHL players: Brian Gornick ’98, Chris Hickey ’07, and Mark Alt ’10. Jim O’Neill ’74, who both played and coached for CDH, said, "The unveiling of the Raider hockey mural brought old and young together to celebrate our school’s great hockey history. The wall is classy and beautiful and on display for all to visit at Highland Arena, home to CDH hockey." The Girls Hockey program held an event to honor girls hockey alumni last June. Dozens of CDH girls hockey greats who played college hockey, are now listed on the wall to honor their incredible hockey careers at CDH.

Boys Hockey Legacy Wall Recognition Event

"The unveiling of the Raider hockey mural brought old and young together to celebrate our school’s great hockey history." - Jim O’Neill ’74

Girls Hockey Legacy Wall Recognition Event

CDH also connects with alumni beyond Minnesota. The Palm Desert Alumni & Friends Event on January 28 brought Raiders together in California for an evening of lively conversation. The event was hosted by Greg & Emmy Springer and Bill Hren ‘75 and Michele Jeffrey Hren '76. CDH President Jeb Myers and Senior Vice President for Advancement Rob Bollinger even flew down for the occasion. Reflecting on the gathering, Myers shared, "The room was filled with stories, smiles, and joy. I am always amazed to hear how CDH alums use their talents to positively impact the world."

Palm Desert Event on January 28, 2025

"The room was filled with stories, smiles, and joy. I am always amazed to hear how CDH alums use their talents to positively impact the world." - Jeb Myers, CDH President

Looking ahead, CDH is hosting the Girls Basketball Alumni Event on February 15. Led by Varsity Basketball Coach Tara Gunderson, this event will celebrate the women who have played basketball at Derham Hall and CDH over the years. "I am excited for the CDH Girls Basketball alumni event on Feb. 15! What a great opportunity for our current basketball players to meet the former players that laid the foundation of our basketball program." said Gunderson.

CDH is committed to creating opportunities for alumni and friends to reconnect and celebrate their shared history. With several exciting events still to come this year, there are plenty of chances to join in and be part of the Raider spirit. The next “on the road” gathering will be in Naples, FL on February 11. See below for the full list of upcoming events. If you’re interested in hosting an event or learning more about upcoming opportunities, contact msmith@c-dh.org.

Once a Raider, always a Raider!

Upcoming CDH Community Events

Len Horyza’s Former Basketball Players Reunion

Thursday, January 30, 2025, 5:30 pm

5:30 pm social hour in Sunberg Leadership Center (door across from turf)
7 pm Boys Varsity basketball game vs. Irondale

Please join us for a gathering of Len Horyza’s former basketball players. We will gather in the Sunberg Leadership Center for a social hour then head over to the school for a short tour of the school before the opening tip as the varsity basketball team takes on Irondale High School. Hosted by Steve Walsh ‘85, Major Gift Officer.

Details/Registration

Naples Alumni & Friends Event

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 4:30 - 6:30pm EST

Connect with fellow CDH alumni in beautiful Naples, Florida. Enjoy good company, warm weather, and CDH spirit. Hosted by President Jeb Myers and Steve Walsh ‘85, Major Gift Officer.

More Details/Registration