Our Staff
Most Rev. Daniel H. Mueggenborg
Bishop of Reno
Bishop Mueggenborg comes from a farming and ranching family in western Oklahoma. He received his BS in Geology from Oklahoma State University in 1984 and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Tulsa in 1989. He completed a License degree (STL) in Biblical Theology from the Gregorian University of Rome in 1990. His ministry experience includes assignments in high school chaplaincy, The University of Tulsa Newman Center, various parish and diocesan ministries. In 2005 he was assigned to serve on the faculty of the Pontifical North American College in Rome where he was Vice Rector for Administration. Returning to Tulsa in 2011, he served as pastor of the historic Parish of Christ the King where he developed a nationally recognized model of parish ministry based on evangelization and discipleship. In 2017 Pope Francis appointed him as an Auxiliary Bishop in Seattle and in 2021 he was appointed as the Bishop of Reno. Personal interests including mountain biking and hiking.
FATHER BOBIN BABU
Parochial Vicar
Father Bobin Babu was born in Kerala, India and left his family to join the seminary when he was 15 years of age. He graduated from the seminary with a degree in Philosophy and a degree in Theology. In addition, he attained a degree in Eastern Philosophy from the University of Kerala. He was ordained as a priest on February 14, 2014. In his first assignment in his Diocese in India, he served as the Parochial Vicar of 5 parishes for 1 year and then was appointed Pastor of two parishes where he served for 2 years. The next year he was chosen to serve as the personal Secretary to his cardinal, Baselios Cardinal Cleemis. After serving the cardinal for a year, he came to the Diocese of Reno, Nevada arriving in the United States in June 2018. Father served as the Parochial Vicar of St. Rose of Lima Parish and St. Mary’s in the Mountains for 2 years. In 2020, he left St. Mary’s and joined Bishop Manogue Catholic High School as their Chaplain, while continuing in his position at St. Rose of Lima. In July 2022, he will begin his appointment as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Wisdom, in addition to continuing his role as Chaplain at Manogue.
THERESE GAIKOWSKI
PARISH ADMINISTRATOR
My family moved from the East Bay Area of California to Sparks, Nevada in 2001. My background is in Human Resources, but I have been working in office management for 21 years. I managed a veterinary clinic in Sparks for 7 years and I have been employed in the Diocese of Reno since 2009. I joined the staff of Our Lady of Wisdom in September 2014. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family camping, watching movies, baking, and scrapbooking family memories.
Samantha Mahoney
STUDENT COORDINATOR
Hi there! I’m Samantha Ann Mahoney but I usually just go by Samantha or Sam works too. I’m a Sophomore at UNR studying English Literature with minors in history and music. I’m a huge bookworm so you’ll never catch me without a book or two. I also love to write letters, do anything outside and watching Naruto! Come find me at Newman and say hi because I love to chat! Hope to see you around!
Xavier Cortez
STUDENT COORDINATOR
Hello! My name is Xavier Cortez and I am a Student Coordinator here at Our Lady of Wisdom Newman Center. I’m a sophomore majoring in general biology. I like going on walks, jogs, and also enjoy bike riding. I am also a big baseball fan. Come to Newman because I know you’ll love it here! Can’t wait to meet you!
Gabrielle Azevedo
STUDENT COORDINATOR
Hi everyone, my name is Gabrielle Azevedo. I am a sophomore at UNR majoring in geography with a specialization in climate, water and ecosystems, and a minor in geology. I love reading young adult, murder mystery, and historical fiction novels (especially if it’s a mix of all three!). If I’m not spending time outside, I’m probably studying or watching my favorite YouTube channel. Drop by Newman and talk to me because I’d love to get to know you! See you!