OURSO FAMILY FOUNDATION VETERANS RAIN GARDEN

In designing the Brother Donnan Berry, S.C. Student Center, CHS sought to create functional, outdoor learning environments which enhance the aesthetic appeal of the campus. Three rain gardens, which absorb storm water runoff, improve water quality, and contain a variety of types of vegetation, were constructed near the Brother Donnan Center as one strategy for achieving that goal.

One of the rain gardens was funded by the E.J. and Marjory B. Ourso Family Foundation. Mr. E.J. Ourso served as an artillery officer in the Army during WWII, and was described by a close friend as “a very generous man with a special affinity toward the religious.”

Founded by E.J. Ourso and his wife Marjory, the E.J. and Marjory B. Ourso Family Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to a variety of local charities. In addition to funding this rain garden, the Foundation has previously provided grants to CHS for student mission trips, band uniforms, improved security on campus, gym lighting and refinishing, and other projects.

In recognition of the generosity of Mr. Ourso, his family, and his foundation, and in honor of the values that he held dear, CHS dedicated one of the rain gardens as “The E.J. and Marjory B. Ourso Family Foundation VETERANS RAIN GARDEN.”