Lasallian Founder's Alumni Award: Dedication to Quality Education, Marilyn Troupe, Ed.D.

May 26, 2023

From the Bishop Kelley Class of 1963.

It’s safe to say that Marilyn Troupe has spent her life investing time in the next generation. Her dedication to education across the country has bettered the lives of others and culminate in her receiving this year’s Lasallian Founder’s Alumni Award in Quality Education.


Marilyn, a 1963 graduate, has embraced education as her vocation. She’s worked for Oral Roberts University, Tulsa Public Schools, and Lane College of Jackson, Mississippi. Beyond the classroom, Marilyn has done further work in education through the Oklahoma Department of Vocational Education and the Education & Professional Standards Board in Frankfort, Kentucky. To round out her experience, she worked for the Department of the Army at the Pentagon in Virginia. Furthermore, her volunteer work is evident, as are the results.

 

She’s served on numerous boards nationwide, including the St. Monica’s Parish Council in Tulsa and the Foster Care Review Board. In the Diocese, she wears many hats, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Lecturer, part of the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of America, and as a CCD teacher. She fills her schedule by volunteering at soup kitchens, Walk for Mankind, and Special Olympics–among other activities. She’s served every generation, from helping young girls and boys with etiquette and self-esteem to volunteering with the Elderly Nutrition Program and the Adult Daycare Center for the Elderly.


Marilyn has raised funds for Catholic Schools in Kentucky, taught religious education in Mississippi, and worked with youth in Oklahoma. She has been a model for all to be great citizens and active community members. 


Lasallian Founder’s Alumni Award

Recognizing the accomplishments of Outstanding Bishop Kelley Alumni who exemplify the five core principles of the Lasallian Mission; Faith in the Presence of God, Quality Education, Concern for the Poor & Social Justice, Respect for All Persons & Inclusive Community.


If you know a deserving BK Alumni, please nominate them here:

https://www.bishopkelley.org/alumni#LasallianFoundersAlumniAwardsNominationForm

September 24, 2025
Ryan Klerekoper is in his fourth year as a teacher at Bishop Kelley. In his short tenure at the school, Ryan has quickly distinguished himself as an adept, informed, reflective and engaging teacher of English. Ryan has taught freshmen through seniors at Bishop Kelley, though his mainstay is freshman English. When Ryan arrived at Bishop Kelley, he moved into the English Department seamlessly; he has become an integral part of the department. His students meet his high expectations, and judging from the flock of students who gather around him between classes, he is beloved of current and former students alike. One peer teacher describes him as, “One of Bishop Kelley's best teachers. He creates engaging lessons for his students who thrive in his classroom and who enjoy his teaching immensely as well; Ryan prioritizes keeping rigor high while also keeping learning fun.” Ryan displays a genuine concern for the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of his students. He holds his students to high standards but supports them in their efforts and struggles. He makes strong personal connections with each of his students. If you walk by his room before and after school, you find a room filled with animated students seeking his advice and affirmation. To help foster his own as well as his students’ spiritual growth, Ryan joined a faculty PLC to explore ways to integrate faith into his curriculum; he is genuinely focused on helping to develop the whole child. A fellow teacher describes him, “Ryan inspires his fellow English teachers to maintain the highest academic standards. He maintains humility by sharing and critiquing ideas as a team, incorporating new works of literature, and offering usable feedback with encouragement. It is a blessing to work with him; he is an outstanding teacher. “ Ryan holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in English from Northeastern State University. At Northeastern he won the Academic Achievement Award as the Most Outstanding Student in 2019. Prior to Bishop Kelley, Ryan taught both middle and high school English in the Union school district after a ten-year career with Mazzio's Pizza. The admiration and respect he inspires in both students and colleagues stand as a testament to the transformative impact he has on the lives of Bishop Kelley students. The 2025 Saint Francis of Assisi Teacher of the Year from Bishop Kelley is Ryan Klerekoper. Bishop Konderla will celebrate the SFOA Annual Mass and Teacher Awards: 👉 Friday, October 3, 2025 ⛪ 6 pm at Holy Family Cathedral
August 25, 2025
With over 350 in attendance on April 26, 2025 at Jarboe Hall, the BK community raised just over $312,500 (net) towards purchasing school bus transportation.