The Alumni Veterans Memorial, located in a place of honor at the head of Heroes Boulevard, stands as a reminder of the selfless sacrifice and sense of service to our nation of Boys Town Alumni over the history of our home.  The first phase of the memorial, dedicated in 1991, is a massive bronze panel depicting the emblems of each of our armed services and the Merchant Marine and Coast Guard.  The famous quote of President John Kennedy, "...ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country." is emblazoned across the front of the memorial challenging all alumni to seek service to others. 
 

Father Edward J. Flanagan, 1917-1948, is the founder and visionary for what’s known today as Boys Town. He had a dream, that every child could be a productive citizen if given love, a home, an education and a trade. He accepted boys of every race, color and creed. Father Flanagan firmly believed, “There are no bad boys. There is only bad environment, bad training, bad example, bad thinking.” (read more...)
                       

Msgr. Nicholas H. Wegner, 1948-1973, worked quietly during his tenure to ensure that Father Flanagan's dream would extend well into the 21st Century. His pioneering efforts resulted in, among many things, the creation of the Boys Town National Research Hospital. Under Wegner's watchful care, Boys Town doubled in population, expanded educational, vocational, athletic, and arts opportunities for its residents, found a solid financial footing, and spread its ideas on youth care around the globe. (read more...)
 

Monsignor Robert P. Hupp, 1973-1985, made  major changes during his term as Executive Director of Boys Town. During his administration, the Family Home Program replaced dormitories. It’s a system in place today, where children live in homes run by married couples known as Family-Teachers. The homes allow the kids to grow in family environments. The second change came in 1979, when Boys Town began admitting girls. The first girls to graduate from Boys Town did so in 1985.   He began Boys Town’s expansion outside of Omaha by opening  the first site in Tallahassee, Florida.  (read more...)
 
Father Valentine J. Peter, 1985-2005, expanded Father Flanagan’s dream of changing the way America cares for her children and families. He led the growth of Boys Town from the Village of Boys Town, Nebraska, eventually to 19 sites in 14 states and Washington D.C.  Under his direction, Boys Town grew to provide direct care, including hospital treatment, to more than 43,000 children each year. A million more were helped each year through outreach and training programs.  (read more...)

Father Steven E. Boes, 2005-2023, was the fifth executive director of Boys Town, the original Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home.  Under Father Boes’ leadership, Boys Town has more than doubled the number of children it serves.  Although Boys Town is best known for and still does provide quality, family-style care for kids, it is now a strong advocate for and provider of programs that save children right in their own homes by working with their families in their own communities.  (read more...)

 

Father Jeff Mollner assumed the duties of National Director of Mission and Spirituality on April 2, 2024 following the retirment of Father Steven Boes.  He becomes the sixth priest to lead the mission of Boys Town.