Letter from 2020–2021 Board Chair Andy Lampereur

Letter from the Board Chair

Throughout the 2020–21 school year, I was reaffirmed in my belief of our unique connection with and to one another. Even in the face of a pandemic, the DSHA community remained a constant. I saw the strength of the community when we rallied as One Body in Christ — in support of the young women of DSHA and one another.

We were blessed this year and remain grateful for a gift of $2 million from an anonymous donor to expand the Beacon Scholarship program. This scholarship provides four-year assistance to high-achieving students of color who would not be able to attend DSHA without financial support. In turn, this program prepares talented young women to become “beacons” in their own community, examples of successful, esteemed leaders who are passionate about making a positive difference in the world.

This extremely generous gift is the largest endowed scholarship gift in the history of DSHA, and we stand in admiration of and with gratitude for the family who is committed to helping DSHA create an environment where every girl feels a sense of belonging. This gift will allow us to significantly increase the support we offer to both incoming and existing students of color. We are so thankful.

Our commitment to supporting every student includes improving the environment around her. Our community worked hard to complete the installation of a new HVAC system over the summer. No longer do distractions like the summer heat impact the energy or focus in the classroom. Our students are now learning and mastering their studies and passions comfortably, in a space that uplifts and empowers them.

Another blessing this year was the record amount raised in the 2020–21 DSHA Annual Fund, which helps cover the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a DSHA education. Together we raised more than $950,000 — the largest amount in school history — for every Dasher to receive Catholic faith formation opportunities, college-prep academics, co-curricular involvement, and so much more.

And together, when we were able to gather in person for the 2021 DSHA Auction, we showed our love for our DSHA students with an electric energy as we raised funds to further the DSHA mission.

If you were unable or did not contribute to DSHA during this past year, please consider a gift this year as the need of our girls is ever-growing. Every gift, no matter the size, gives every girl the opportunity to grow and develop in faith, heart, and intellect. Together we change the lives of young women in Milwaukee.

We are united as we move forward into a bright future because of you. Thank you for your generosity and your partnership.