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Ignite the Flame

College of Saint Mary Flames Athletics Fundraising Luncheon

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Doors open at 11 a.m.
Program and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m.
Lied Fitness Center Fieldhouse – CSM Campus, 7000 Mercy Rd.

Celebrate excellence and leadership in women's athletics at Ignite the Flame at College of Saint Mary (CSM).

In its third year, the fundraiser supports women’s athletics, showcases the achievements of CSM’s Flames athletes and honors a trailblazer in women’s sports. 

CSM will present this year’s Ignite the Flame Community Impact award to Kirsten Bernthal Booth for her dedication to empowering girls and women in athletics. 

Kirsten Bernthal Booth, keynote speaker and Community Impact Award recipient

Kirsten Bernthal Booth, former head volleyball coach at Creighton University, has made an indelible mark on women's athletics. As coach at Creighton, she earned the prestigious National Coach of the Year title three times. She inspired the lives of countless young women, encouraging her student-athletes to take on the challenge of a rigorous course load and pushing their off-court development as equally as on the court. Bernthal Booth steadily built a volleyball program that experienced success, which brought nationwide attention to the sport.

CSM will honor Bernthal Booth with the Flames Community Impact award for the incalculable impact she has had on the development of women’s athletics in Omaha and across the state of Nebraska. 

Attendees will be inspired as they hear Bernthal Booth deliver her keynote address.

Michelle Bandur, emcee

Michelle Bandur has worked in television journalism for 30 years and is a three-time Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award winning journalist. She worked at KMTV and KETV in Omaha for 20 years before starting as a reporter at KCRA-TV in Sacramento, Calif. where she currently works.

She has a passion for competing in triathlons and is the co-founder of Ironhawk Juniors Triathlon Club, a free triathlon club for girls ages 7-14. It takes place at CSM each summer. 

Lisa Utterback ’93, honorary chair

Lisa Utterback earned her degree in elementary education from College of Saint Mary and was a member of the softball team for all four years. She went on to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership from Doane University. With a distinguished career at Omaha Public Schools, she has held a variety of leadership roles, including dean of students, assistant principal, principal and executive director. She now serves as the student and community services chief officer.