Gary Oberste, AFSC (’74)

After graduating from Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa, Gary Oberste joined the Christian Brothers and spent the year in the Brothers Novitiate in Glencoe, Missouri. He then moved to Memphis for the Scholastic at Christian Brothers College (University).

While at CBC, Gary was active in the Intramural Program with Father Noble and served on the CBC Intramural Council. He also served as Grand Knight for the Christian Brothers College Knights of Columbus Council. After graduating with a degree in Natural Science in 1974, Gary taught Biology, Psychology, Ethics, and Mathematics at Christian Brothers High School in Memphis until 1977. He also coached Cross Country and Track at CBHS. Gary earned an MEd in Special Education at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) in 1975. He later finished his Secondary School Administration Certification while earning a master’s in Secondary Counseling at Oklahoma State University.

Gary returned to his high school alma mater, Bishop Kelley, in 1977 as Assistant Principal and a teacher of Theology. He has served in a variety of positions in his 45-year career at the high school, including Theology and Leadership Class teacher, Men’s Volleyball Coach, Student Council and Class Board Advisor, Retreat Staff, Alumni Director, Principal, and currently is the Dean of Student Activities.

In 2017, Gary was named an Affiliate of the De La Salle Christian Brothers (AFSC).

Attending Christian Brothers College was the foundation of my personal and professional life. The small CBC Community was the beginning of being part of the Lasallian Family of the Christian Brothers. The influence of the CBC Brothers, especially Brother Tom Geraghty and Brother Bernard LoCoco, continued the lifetime association with the Brothers.