Donor PROFILE Diane and Pat Croce P’97 GP’24 As parents of an alumna (Kelly Croce Sorg ’97) and now grandparents of an incoming 6th grader, your connection with Notre Dame spans many years. In your opinion, how does the Academy of Notre Dame differentiate itself from other schools? Kelly graduated from Notre Dame in 1997 with an incredible sense of confidence, a strong foundation of knowledge, and enduring friendships with classmates and teachers. She developed grace, a strong moral compass, and the importance of her role in not only local community but also global community at Notre Dame. The beautiful campus, commitment to spiritual awakening and the unparalleled sense of humanity and acceptance also differentiate the Academy. You have generously supported the OUR TIME to INSPIRE Campaign and specifically the restoration of the Rose Garden as part of the new Center for STEM Education. What motivated your support? In recent years, we have watched the Academy grow and strengthen under the leadership of Dr. Judith Dwyer and the Board of Trustees. Kelly has been very involved as an alumna and her enthusiasm for the future of the school is contagious. Now, with our granddaughter Pascale beginning her Notre Dame tenure, we felt inspired to make leadership commitment to help ensure this ambitious vision for the future of the Academy becomes a reality.
Why is the Rose Garden in particular meaningful? Our family believes strongly in the power of Presence and Mindfulness. We feel it is critical for young women to be exposed to this state of being and have the opportunity and the sacred space to practice. We were so pleased that the plans for the STEM Center call for integration with the Rose Garden as a core element in the building. Restoring the beautiful Grotto and ensuring ample outdoor contemplative open space on campus was appealing to us. With our donation, we are pleased to honor Pat’s aunt, Sister Corinne Ritchie, RSM, who passed away in May and embodied many of the characteristics Notre Dame inspires in young women — curiosity, truth, loving kindness and a sense of humor. She dedicated her life to Catholic education and the development of young people as longtime principal of St. Margaret School in Narberth. Diane and Pat Croce are parents of Kelly Croce Sorg ’97 and grandparents of incoming 6th grader Pascale Sorg ’24. Kelly Sorg is a member of the OUR TIME to INSPIRE Campaign Alumnae Executive Committee and the Villanova Chapter of the President’s Advisory Council.
2016-2017 Annual Report I ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR
9