Letter from the Director of Advancement

Dear Cor Jesu Community,

At the beginning of the year, a friend asked what my “word” for 2022 was going to be. Apparently, it’s some kind of modern alternative to setting a new year’s resolution. If you could sum up your hopes for the year ahead in a single word, what would that word be? As we began drafting this annual report, I found myself applying the same exercise to the past school year. What words best sum up 2021-2022 for Cor Jesu? Adapt? Pivot? Let’s be honest. Few things went as planned. Again. The Auction was supposed to be virtual. Then Covid cases started to recede. Hope seeped into our planning process. “In-person!” we proudly declared. Then, Omicron. Back to virtual. Adapt. Pivot. But we didn’t turn on that dime alone. You came with us. You showed up. You adapted. You pivoted. You continued to give. And, thanks to you, we are blessed to announce another great year. Your donations to our Annual Fund exceeded $700,000, allowing us to sustain financial aid distributions totaling more than $2 million across half our student body. After two years of canceled events, we were able to host reunions again, welcoming more than 700 alumnae back to campus over three different days, making up for lost time and missed connections. And in June 2022, our alumnae showcased their generosity as Cor Jesu participated for the first time in the Girls Schools Unite Alumnae Giving Challenge. Over three days, 456 alumnae gave upwards of $16,000 in increments ranging from $1 to $1,000. What a testament to the power of a collective effort, and the truth in the statement, “Every dollar counts.” I suppose the whole point of choosing a word for the year is more about setting intention and looking forward. So, what should the word for 2022-2023 be? I find myself hesitant to make a prediction. We’ve been down this road before—on the brink of normalcy with so much hope for a return to the way things were, only to be forced to adapt to the way things are. Yet, through the adaptations and the pivots, you’ve proven time and time again that optimism isn’t wasted in this community. So, I think I’ll go with “Faith.” Faith on a more universal level that God will continue to guide us through further waves of uncertainty. Faith that the agility we’ve honed over the last two years will serve us well as we approach new opportunities. And faith that the unwavering dedication of this community will continue to raise us up and allow us to shine. Sincerely,

Abby Samel

Director of Advancement