Honors the Lasallian Tradition Achieves Excellence

dr. robert & felicia Burger
class of 1977
La Salle High School has been an important part of the Burger
family for the past 35 years. Bob’s parents, Bob and marilyn,
have nurtured their sons and daughters, their spouses and all
the grandchildren with their presence, prayers and support.
As his role models did for him, Bob continues the Burger
legacy here at La Salle. He says, “I give back to La Salle
because La Salle gave so much to me during such an
important time in my life.” As a student and athlete, he earned
a National merit Scholarship to attend the university of Notre
Dame where he was a member of the 1977 Irish football team
that won the National Championship. they also went on to
play in the 1980 Sugar Bowl.
Bob now specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports
medicine and is president of Beacon Orthopedics and Sports
medicine. He and Felicia have volunteered their energy
and expertise in countless ways at La Salle. Bob has been
the team physician since 1991, a member of the Principal’s
Advisory Board since 1999, chairman of the La Salle High
School Science and Development Foundation, the Academic
Advisory Board, and the Spirituality and Lasallian mission
subcommittee of that board. Felicia, holds a master’s degree in
nursing from Purdue university of Indianapolis, and is a nurse
practitioner. She is a constant volunteer in the Spirit Shop and
serves on the Camelot Auction Committee.
Bob was named to the 2006 Academic All-Star Hall of Fame,
and sits on the Board of Directors for Right to Life and the
Board of the Cincinnati Chapter of the National Football
Foundation.
Bob explains, “I choose to have a close relationship with
the La Salle community because their mission to serve and
to value the uniqueness of each individual is so genuine and
deep-rooted. this is an honor to be inducted into the
De La Salle Society.”
Dr. Robert ’77 and Felicia Burger, sons Bobby ’06,
Christopher ’08, John ’11, and Joe ’12
10 Lancer Newsletter
drew and Joellen nieman
class of 1965
A visionary sees what’s ahead and does something about it. It
starts businesses. It grows families. Drew and JoEllen founded
Drew Nieman Plumbing in 1974 while starting their family.
La Salle’s vision for the future has always relied on
talented, skilled professionals like Drew Nieman. that is the
contribution that he brought to the building of Lancer Stadium
in 1990, the field turf renovation in 2006, and so many other
building projects that Nieman Plumbing has supported in the
larger community.
In 1990, Drew received the Signum Fidei Award at La Salle
and in 1993 he was awarded the John Bosse Alumni Service
Award. In 2005, the Nieman family and Nieman Plumbing
was chosen as a finalist in the Innovation Category by the
Goering Center for Family Business.
In acknowledging his induction into the De La Salle Society,
Drew says, “It is nice to be appreciated, but I never did it for
the rewards. A Catholic education is very important to our
family and that is the reason JoEllen and I support La Salle.”
today, Nieman Plumbing is looking ahead. Drew and JoEllen,
along with A.J. and Brian, are redirecting the company’s
focus on the specialty service work they can provide for their
suppliers.
Drew and JoEllen are now enjoying the fruits of their labor
with their families here and at their homes in Naples, Florida,
and on Lake Cumberland.
Drew ’65 and JoEllen Nieman, sons A.J. ’84 and Brian ’91
and daughter Marla Kiley ’85 (McAuley), their spouses,
five grandsons and one granddaughter