Dale M. Neppel Scholarship

There is an old saying that education is not simply about making a living-it is about making a life. Few people understood that better than Dale Neppel. Throughout his life, whether as a student, athlete, educator, administrator, husband, father, or friend, Dale believed deeply in the power of education to shape lives, open doors, and help people discover their God-given purpose. It is fitting, then, that his legacy will continue through the Dale M. Neppel Scholarship at Sacred Heart.

I spoke with Judy and Melissa Neppel to learn more about Dale and why they chose to establish this scholarship in his memory. As they shared stories from their life together, one thing became abundantly clear: Dale loved people. He wanted others to succeed, to find fulfillment, and to know they mattered.

Dale attended Sacred Heart beginning in the fourth grade, where he met Judy Driscoll. Although they first met as children, they didn’t begin dating until their senior year of high school. Five years after graduation, having both completed college, they were married at Sacred Heart Church by Monsignor Merth, the very priest who helped build the church and school that had played such an important role in their lives.

Sacred Heart left a lasting impression on both Dale and Judy. They fondly remembered the sisters who taught nearly every subject, attending Mass each morning before school, and the high expectations placed upon every student. Judy recalled that respect, discipline, and faith were simply part of everyday life. Dale often said those years at Sacred Heart were some of the best years of his life. Looking back, they appreciated the strong Catholic education they received and the values that became the foundation of their marriage and family.

Athletics also became an important part of Dale’s life. A gifted athlete, he earned a football scholarship to the University of North Dakota, where he played center and linebacker for four years, eventually serving as co-captain of the team. While football brought lifelong friendships and wonderful memories, Dale never lost sight of why he was there. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while competing as a collegiate athlete.

After graduation, Dale and Judy began their careers in Devils Lake before eventually returning home to East Grand Forks. Dale would spend the rest of his professional life at Northwest Technical College, eventually serving as Vice President of Student Affairs. His work was never simply about enrollment or graduation numbers. Melissa shared that her dad genuinely cared about helping students find careers that fit their passions and strengths. He believed people deserved to enjoy the work they did and to experience fulfillment in both their careers and their lives.
That passion for helping students profoundly influenced his own daughter. Melissa originally began nursing school before realizing it wasn’t where she was called to serve. She eventually became a teacher, coach, and today serves as an academic counselor at Arizona State University. Listening to her describe her work, it was easy to hear echoes of her father. Like Dale, she finds great joy in helping students discover their own paths and encouraging them as they prepare for meaningful careers. She smiled when I noted that she had naturally followed in her dad’s footsteps.

While education was central to Dale’s life, family was always his greatest priority. Melissa remembers growing up in a home filled with faith, encouragement, and unconditional support. Her parents made it possible for her to explore skating, piano, dance, swimming, sports, and countless other activities. They encouraged her independence while always making sure she knew she was loved. Sundays meant Mass together, and some of her favorite memories are of attending sporting events with her dad and going out for breakfast afterward.

Dale loved sports throughout his life. He remained an enthusiastic supporter of UND athletics, belonged to the Champions Club, and enjoyed watching nearly any sporting event on television. He and Melissa often spent hours together cheering on their favorite teams. Judy recalled his kindness, thoughtfulness, and the many quiet ways he looked after other people. Whether helping students, supporting family members, or simply checking in with those he loved, Dale had a gift for making people feel seen and valued.

When I asked Melissa what she misses most about her dad, her answer was both simple and deeply moving. “There’s nothing I don’t miss,” she said. She misses their daily text messages, their conversations about sports, holding his hand in church, and simply having him present in her life. Judy lovingly cared for Dale through his health challenges, and together they modeled a marriage built on faith, devotion, and selfless love.

Dale was inducted into both the Sacred Heart Hall of Fame and the University of North Dakota Hall of Fame, honors he accepted with characteristic humility. Melissa shared that he always considered himself fortunate simply to have had the opportunity to attend Sacred Heart. Education had given him so much, and now, through the Dale M. Neppel Scholarship, it will continue giving to future generations of Sacred Heart students.

Perhaps there is no greater tribute to Dale’s life than this scholarship. For a man who spent his career helping students discover their purpose and pursue their dreams, it is only fitting that his legacy will continue by helping young people receive the same gift of Catholic education that meant so much to him. We invite you to prayerfully consider joining Judy and Melissa in honoring Dale’s life through a gift to the Dale M. Neppel Scholarship, ensuring that his passion for education and student success continues to inspire Sacred Heart students for generations to come.