Idra strives to continue service
Kyle Pelan
Previously published in “The Mount” a publication produced by the staff of Mount Michael’s Journalism team. Follow the journalism team via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube links on https://mountonline.org BY KYLE PELAN ’21
It’s a typical Thursday night in the dorms. Students are scattered throughout the campus doing their own thing like choosing to study for the Friday exams, hanging out with friends, or even going to bed. But, the sophomore floor possesses nothing but silence.
Led by dean Jacob Idra ‘18 on Thursday nights, the boarders go down to the chapel and reflect on the week and the blessings that have come with it.
“We are all just so blessed,” Idra said. “There are so many things that we can take for granted and there are so many resources that many other people do not have. I just think we don’t spend enough time thanking God and being grateful for one another and our own lives.”
Like this new tradition, Idra has always been special to the community in a number of aspects that point back to his ability to lead as a former classmate.
“He had a pretty positive attitude toward everyone in our class, and he definitely stood out as a leader when we got older,” Joey Recker ‘18 said. “He has always just been very present and intentional with whatever he does.”
This sense of leadership and perseverance resonated through Idra in more than just the school day but also on the basketball court.
“A memory of Jacob that I always look back on and admire is watching him during the Hastings game,” Matthew Coghill ‘16 said. “It was so special to see him have success after the injury struggles, he went through and the way he worked and led during his basketball career was remarkable.”
Jacob Idra ’17
As Idra graduated and moved on to Creighton University, he clung to the values and experiences he had in the Benedictine way of life.
“Even though it can be cliche, those Benedictine values made this transition into college much easier than most,” Idra said. “I could balance out my life and be self-reliant by creating my workspace and finding time to develop my spiritual life.”
One value that he strived to perfect during this time was service. Idra was an integral part of organizations such as the Creighton University Scholarship mentoring program and the Kingfisher institute that focused on race, violence, and reconciliation in America.
“Each of these activities had some type of community element to it that drew me in.” Idra said. “I love interacting with people. In particular, it is working with kids in my community, so I enjoy that even more of as a benefit to my interests.”
These opportunities to coach and work with youth inspired and directed Idra to the sophomore dean position he is in today.
“I think very highly of Jacob and knew he had a real interest in working with teenagers and relating to them,” dean of student Dave Cormier said. “It worked out as the right fit for us, and we knew he would be more than comfortable to handle the position even though he is still in college.”
This transition has been “natural” according to Idra because of his love for the school and what it has to offer.
“Getting to live with your closest friends that become your brothers by living, eating, praying, and playing together helps to create a bond pretty easily that isn’t found in most places,” Idra said. “Once you’ve moved on from Mount Michael and you reflect on how special that brotherhood can be, I find it hard for any alum to pass up an opportunity to be a part of it once again.”