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Flag Lowering for Mark Kaipust

The UNO flag will be lowered on Monday, Sept. 20, in memory of Kaipust, a UNO alumnus and cherished member of the larger Maverick family, and his son, Taylor, who passed away on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021.

  • published: 2021/09/17
  • contact: University Communications
A UNO flag lowered above the Pep Bowl

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) flag will be lowered on Monday, Sept. 20, in memory of two members of the extended Maverick family: Mark Kaipust and his son, Taylor Kaipust.

Mark, 41, and Taylor, 7, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 4, during a traffic accident.

Mark was an associate professor of occupational therapy at Creighton University and, in addition to being an alumnus of UNO's Exercise Science program, was a frequent collaborator with UNO's Biomechanics Research Center, where his brother, Jeff, works.

“Mark took three courses from me as an undergraduate student, and he was a truly nice man with tremendous potential," said Nik Stergiou, assistant dean and director of UNO's Division of Biomechanics. "I remember Mark saying, ‘Don’t be unhappy, Dr. Stergiou, I will send you my younger brother, Jeff, who is a super guy.’ Mark was true to his promise."

A service was held in honor of Mark and Taylor on Sunday, Sept. 12, with funeral services held on Monday, Sept. 13.

Mark is survived by his wife, Jamie; sons, Kayden and Isaiah; parents Mary and Mark Sr.; brother Jeff, his wife Ashley, and daughters Memphis and Monroe; brother Chris and Christopher Villarreal and son Leo; mother and father in-law, Vikki and Bob; brothers-in-law Dave and Aron; grandmother Winnie; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The thoughts and condolences of the university community are with the Kaipust family as well as all of Mark and Taylor's loved ones during this time.

Kaipust family.

Mark Kaipust and his son, Taylor Kaipust.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university, committed to innovating for the public good, advancing social mobility, powering workforce development, and serving as a hub for community engagement. Nearly 15,000 Mavericks choose UNO for its hands-on education experiences, nationally ranked online and graduate programs, military-connected student support, and innovative approaches to supporting lifelong learning. UNO holds the Carnegie Research Activity “R2” designation, securing more than $40 million annually in external research funding and counts its faculty among the world’s most cited scholars. Sixteen Omaha Athletics programs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League and National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). 

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