Bishop Noll Institute

🏀Bishop Noll Girls Basketball Announces Transition🏀
A transition is under way for the Bishop Noll Institute girls basketball program. Long-standing head coach Vanita (Gary) Golston’ 04 has stepped down from her role on the court to spend more time with family. Golston remains a vital presence in the BNI community, continuing her leadership role heading the Indiana School Choice and financial aid programs for Noll’s admissions department.
Stepping into the head coaching vacancy is Paul Esquivel, an experienced coach and IHSAA official with deep roots in region youth basketball. He is ready to build on the foundation of character and excellence Golston established.
Golston’s 15-year tenure at the helm of BNI girls basketball was marked by competitive success and the impact she had on generations of student-athletes. Her teams won an impressive six straight sectional championships from 2014 through 2019; captured or shared the Greater South Shore Conference championship 11 times; saw many players compete at the college level; and produced dozens of players who advanced into professional careers.
A standout player herself while at Bishop Noll, Golston steps down with an incredible head coaching record of 208-154.
Bishop Noll Principal Lorenza Jara Pastrick ’01 said, “I was blessed to be part of hiring her years ago, and I'm so glad I voted the way I did. The class she carries as a coach during practice and competition is a true testament to her character. Vanita has positively impacted many female athletes' lives at BNI, and for that I am forever grateful.”
Esquivel comes to Bishop Noll with a background in developing talent across Northwest Indiana. A graduate of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, Esquivel spent years coaching at multiple levels — including the Diocese of Gary’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) leagues, travel basketball with NWI Select, and assistant coaching stints at Griffith and Hanover Central high schools. He also has served as athletic director at St. Mary School in Griffith, and he brings a unique perspective to the bench as an active IHSAA basketball official.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the young women of Bishop Noll, represent the school with pride, and help build a culture of excellence both on and off the court," Esquivel said. "I’m excited to get to work.”
Esquivel said his diverse coaching background has heavily shaped his approach to leading a high school program.
“Coaching travel taught me the importance of skill development, player exposure, and adapting to different personalities and playing styles,” he said. “While I was at the high school level with Griffith and Hanover Central, I learned the importance of building a culture, developing relationships with players and families, and creating accountability within a program.”
Furthermore, his time as a referee gives him a tactical advantage. “Officiating IHSAA games gives me insight into the game from multiple angles,” he said. “It helps me teach players the importance of fundamentals, rules and sportsmanship.”
Esquivel intends to focus on the growth of his players in mind, body and soul.
"My philosophy is to develop student-athletes as whole people," Esquivel said. “On the court, I focus on skills, teamwork and confidence. In the classroom, I stress responsibility and academic success. Off the court, I prioritize character, integrity and faith, helping players grow into well-rounded young women ready for life beyond basketball.”

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To all the men who make us who we are, thank you!
Happy Father's Day from all of us at Bishop Noll Institute

⭐From the Class of ’63 to the Boardroom: Two Bishop Noll Alumni Retire After a Legacy of Giving Back⭐

Jeffrey Kristoff and Wallene Swentko first walked the halls of Bishop Noll as members of the Class of 1963. After graduation, college and careers, both returned to serve on the school’s Board of Directors. As they retire from those roles this month, they leave behind a legacy of leadership, service and philanthropy.

For both, the road back to Noll began with their 50th reunion 13 years ago. Kristoff said that the milestone gathering — paired with the launch of the school’s Ignite & Inspire capital campaign — inspired him to step into a leadership role to help shape Noll’s next chapter.

Wallene said she connected with and worked with many classmates, especially Kathy Benko, on reunion activities. Another of their classmates, Tim Mertz, came up with the idea to donate a class gift – a first in recent history for Noll reunions.

“We renewed friendships and got very involved and became excited about getting back to this idea of Bishop Noll,” Swentko said. The school administration quickly noticed their energy.

“Mary Ellen O’Neill (now-retired director of advancement) noticed that we were very creative and good workers. That led to Kathy and my involvement in the annual spring auction (The Big Event), and we enjoyed it."

From there, Swentko was recommended to join the board, bringing with her a 40-plus-year background in education from teaching in the Archdiocese of Chicago. When she started, she was one of only two women to serve on the board.

During his seven years on the board, Kristoff’s efforts focused on development and fundraising. Along with Swentko and Benko, he put together an annual Christmas dinner for staff and faculty. Kristoff also championed a series of Vatican lectures to bring culture to students and alumni.

Kristoff, Swentko and classmate Dr. Richard Schreiner also began a special scholarship for Bishop Noll graduates who attend Purdue University in West Lafayette. Today, that endowment has grown to a value of more than $275,000, ensuring that generations of Noll products have a bridge to future academic success.

Swentko, key collaborator on these initiatives, said, “Being on the board was a wonderful experience to be with people who had the best interest of Bishop Noll in mind.”

The pair was part of board decisions to approve the school's STREAM Lab and athletic stadium projects. Swentko enjoyed working around the building to preserve Noll's history and ensure the school stayed visible.

"I got very comfortable coming to Bishop Noll,” she said. They also had fun taking Noll to the outside community such as through a float in Whiting’s Pierogi Fest.

“We wanted more publicity for Noll being a part of the community. We let them see we were still vibrant and that was important," Swentko said. In recent years, Kristoff has been involved with fundraising and the annual alumni golf outing.

"Noll guided and assisted us (as students) for our future while at school," he said. "Now, it’s time for us to guide and assist Noll in its future."

Swentko shares this sense of responsibility.

“People need to realize they can give their time and can be a very productive part of Noll – they shouldn’t be afraid or hesitate. They have to give back. All of us are raised for service," she said. "You run into Noll people all over the country. Even though we were a small school, we did a lot. You can donate, you can pray and those who have the ability should get involved."

She also highlighted how board service has evolved for out-of-town alumni. "Some of our meetings are now virtual, so anyone can participate. Noll people have to connect with each other and really try to get involved."

Kristoff, who lives in South Carolina, said that his time on the board was rewarding — both for the opportunity to collaborate with fellow members of the Class of '63 and his board colleagues, and to witness Noll’s growth over the last seven years.

Swentko, of Hammond, agreed.

"Everyone on the board always had the goal to make Noll good and great and enjoyed being a part of it,” she said. “I liked the fact that I could walk into Noll and be comfortable -- do whatever Noll needed to succeed. I was part of that and really enjoyed it.”

Swentko added that her group of 1963 friends are "irreplaceable.”

Though they are officially stepping off the board, both agree that their years of service were a rewarding continuation of the education they received decades ago.

“Noll helps shape people's lives, their attitudes, and their beliefs," Kristoff said. "That truly is the basis for an education for life, and it has been incredibly rewarding to witness that growth firsthand."

For Swentko, leaving the board doesn't mean leaving the school. “I don’t intend to stop being involved,” she said. “I can’t stop caring. As much as I enjoy giving to Noll, Noll gives right back to me.”

We join our Diocean family in praying for the Andrean community and everyone impacted by Thursday's storms.

We join our Diocese of Gary family in praying for Andrean High School and all affected by Thursday's storms.

We join our Diocesen family in praying for Andrean High School and all affected by Thursday's storms.

⭐️Commencement Speaker Terry Murphy ’75 encourages Class of 2026 to ‘launch’ into next chapter ⭐️

The phrase “It’s not rocket science” is often a way to brush off a task as simple. But on June 4, as the Bishop Noll Institute community gathered for its 103rd commencement ceremony, that idiom took on a literal meaning.

When President Paul Mullaney ’77 introduced the night's keynote speaker, he told the Class of 2026, “I would never say that to tonight’s commencement speaker. That's because he is a rocket scientist.”

Terry Murphy ’75 was the last of four Warriors in his family to graduate. After, he took his passion for exploration to Purdue University, where he studied astronautical engineering.

Murphy stepped into the pages of history when he joined the team tasked with developing the space shuttle main engines at the dawn of the space shuttle era. It kicked off a brilliant 30-year career managing complex aerospace systems. Murphy went on to become a visionary in clean energy storage and manufacturing, eventually returning to his roots as the CEO of the Hammond Group, Inc.

Despite his achievements, Murphy never forgot the launchpad that started it all. He and his wife, Marianne, remained steadfast supporters of Noll, generously funding student scholarships and computers that power the school's state-of-the-art STREAM Lab.

Traveling from his home in Nevada, Murphy returned to deliver a message of resilience, character and readiness to the next generation.

Reflecting on his own busy days at Noll, Murphy said, “I think it’s best to say that generosity, friendship, and people showing up for one another is what I remember most. That was the Noll spirit then, and I can see that it is still flourishing here today. I had a great time here and hope your memories are blessed as well.”

Murphy traced his journey back to where his fascination with space began. “Fortunately, I knew what I wanted to do early in life. I grew up in the Apollo era, watching men go to the moon,” he said. “You may think it farfetched, but somebody in this audience could very well be walking on the moon in the not-too-distant future.”

Acknowledging the shifting landscape, he pointed out that while technology has evolved since his own graduation, true success remains timeless.

“Many things have changed since 1975, when my classmates and I graduated. The world you are entering is faster, louder, and more connected than the one I entered,” Murphy said. “But the essentials have not changed. Success is not about title, salary or recognition. Success is being able to look in the mirror and respect the person looking back. Are you willing to challenge unethical behavior and misrepresentations? Does your word mean something? Are you trustworthy?”

He challenged the graduates to rise above difficulties and prioritize how they treat others. “Be the person who gives credit and treats people with respect. Especially when there is stress, disagreement or disappointment. Bishop Noll and your Catholic faith have instilled in you the ability to keep going when life does not go according to plan. And the only thing that I can say with 100 percent certainty is that life will not go according to your plan.”

In closing, he urged the graduates to look forward to the future.
“I’d like to think of this ceremony as a launch, So, take a moment today to be proud of yourselves. You have earned it. Then go forward with humility. Keep learning. Stay open to possibilities. And when you have the chance, help somebody else along the way. Because one day, much sooner than you think, you will look back and realize that a meaningful life is built from daily choices and not grand plans. Class of 2026: Your future will not be perfect, but it can be rich with purpose, contribution, and joy. So, you only need to answer one question: Are you ready to launch?”

103rd Commencement of Bishop Noll Institute:

Bishop Noll Institute's 103rd Commencement June 4th 2026