Lasallian Founder's Alumni Award: Distinguished Alumni, David Nyikos

May 26, 2023

From the Bishop Kelley Class of 1991.

David Nyikos is a distinguished alumnus with extensive experience in International Security and Military Operations. His worldview is vast, and he’s used his expertise to create a safer, more secure tomorrow. His work has proved his ability as a leader and model of dedication and courage.


After graduating from Bishop Kelley in 1991, David attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in Engineering Sciences, he completed pilot training at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training and F-15 follow-on training. With the training, David flew F-15 jets in Virginia and Alaska and acted as a forward air controller at Ft. Campbell in Kentucky. Upon earning his Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology, he was selected as a Service Chiefs’ Intern at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He commanded a squadron in San Antonio and led men and women in ground and air combat in Afghanistan and over Iraq. He returned to school and earned his Master of Arts in Political and Military Sciences at the Royal Belgian Military Academy. He then worked as a representative for the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman at the NATO Headquarters. He served as Director of the Joint Air Component Coordination Element and Chief of Staff of the NATO Air Component Afghanistan before returning to the United States as the Deputy Director of Operations at Air Combat Command.


David successfully led military squadrons to receive awards as the best air superiority squadron and the best support squadron in the Air Force. David is the current Chief of Defense Cooperation for the United States Air Force at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands, coordinating security cooperation activities between the Department of Defense and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.


Beyond his professional positions, David has found time to volunteer across the country and the world. He’s coached basketball for the non-profit Upwards Sports and has found opportunities to serve in each school his children have attended. David Nyikos has found a balance between serving his country, maintaining an incredibly successful career, and building a strong family with an enduring marriage.


David’s intrinsic motivation to serve others and leave the world a better place than he found has led to his successes and ultimate recognition today.


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

Building Bridges Through Learning: How the North Tulsa Learning Center Is Transforming Lives

July 8, 2025
By Ms. Christine Tyler, Social Studies Faculty, NTLC Volunteer Adviser In the heart of North Tulsa, where vibrant community spirit meets a passion for equity, a quiet revolution in education is underway. The North Tulsa Learning Center (NTLC) is not just a place for academic tutoring—it’s a thriving hub of mentorship, empowerment, and opportunity. Founded in the 2021–2022 school year, NTLC was born from a vision shared by the sister parishes of St. Monica and St. Augustine, along with members of the Bishop Kelley High School community. These leaders came together in the spring of 2021 to confront educational disparities and respond directly to the needs of the Tulsa community. What started as a grassroots initiative has blossomed into a dynamic, student-powered program that bridges more than just achievement gaps—it bridges communities. At its core, NTLC offers free, student-led tutoring in reading and math for K–8 students, serving as a lifeline for young learners in underrepresented neighborhoods. But it’s more than tutoring; it’s a movement toward academic growth and socio-demographic equity.

BK's Ms. Christine Tyler Nominated for Lumen Christi Award

July 8, 2025
TULSA — A lifelong Tulsa educator has been nominated for the 2025-26 Lumen Christi Award presented each year by the Catholic Extension Society. Christine Tyler is a model for setting a positive tone and loving your neighbor as yourself. As a history and social studies teacher at Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa — coincidentally, named after Catholic Extension Society's founder and the Diocese of Tulsa's second bishop, Francis Clement Kelley — she sees each student through the eyes of God. She is highly regarded by her students for her unwavering mentorship well beyond the classroom. But her passion doesn't stop there-it shines in her work toward North Tulsa Learning Center's mission to empower students and bridge the achievement gap among K-8 youth from north Tulsa's underrepresented areas. Tutors and volunteers at NTLC are moved by Mark 12:31 in their work for young learners: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The center launched collaboratively in 2021 between leaders from two northside parishes — St. Monica and St. Augustine — and Bishop Kelley High School to provide free tutoring in reading and math. Tyler has been instrumental in creating a more accessible program in the last few years. Since its inception, NTC hosts monthly STEM, athletics and fine arts activities with nearly 100 Bishop Kelley students contributing more than 500 hours of service annually — a testament to Tyler's role in building bridges between the school and Tulsa neighborhood communities. Her impact is also felt outside academics. She actively supports the faith by incorporating Catholic values into her teaching and playing piano at school Masses. Bishop of Tulsa David A. Konderla commended Tyler's tireless work. Read more about her work with the North Tulsa Learning Center HERE. About Catholic Extension Society: Founded in 1905, Catholic Extension Society works in solidarity with people to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor in the poorest regions of America. For more information visit www.catholicextension.org ; follow on Facebook at: facebook.com/catholicextension or on X at @CathExtension. About the Lumen Christi Award: Since its inception in 1978, the Lumen Christi Award, Catholic Extension Society’s highest honor, has been given annually to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve. This year’s 41 nominees are individuals and institutions who lead others closer to God and transform communities. They have been nominated for this award by their bishop because their stories showcase the mission of the Church in action. Each nominee will receive $1,500 to benefit their ministry. From this group of finalists, the Lumen Christi Award honoree will be named in the fall, along with a $100,000 prize. ($50,000 to their nominating diocese and $50,000 to advance the honoree’s ministry).