Why I Give: Mo Kelly Werner ‘95

Mo joined by her husband Brad and their three children, Jeanne, Della and Richie.

For Mo Kelly Werner ‘95, giving back to Nerinx is not just something she does. Rather, it’s a passion — and a habit. Every year since the age of 23, she has given to the annual fund, and, over time, has incrementally increased her giving. Now an account executive for Spectrum Reach, the former field hockey rockstar reflects on her time at Nerinx and why she believes it’s important to give back.

Q: When you think about Nerinx looking back, what comes to mind?

A: I had chosen Nerinx because the girls, the teachers, and the environment just had a positive energy that I wanted to be a part of. In addition, I really liked the Dean of Students at the time, Julie Sheridan. She greeted me, made me laugh, and actually cared what I thought. Nerinx was — and still is — the place that really embraces who you are as an individual. As a student, it was the first time I saw that, even if a person wasn’t like me, it was okay, and it was still cool. That was inspiring to me. The faculty didn’t care what you wanted to be. They simply pushed you to be the best you could be. I really believe in that message to girls. In addition, having played multiple sports (field hockey, basketball, soccer, and racquetball), I think about the relationships I formed — teammates who are like family that I still talk to today.

Q: How do you feel Nerinx prepared you?

A: As an account executive at Spectrum, I sell commercial and digital advertising. Because of Nerinx, I’m never nervous when I go out and speak with clients. Instead, I feel confident, and Nerinx gave me that confidence. When you go to Nerinx, after four years, there’s no way you are walking out without confidence, and that’s so important for every girl to have. It’s the mantra, “There’s nothing you can’t do.”

Q: Why have you chosen to give back to Nerinx through financial support?

A: All of the things I just mentioned, those are the reasons I give back. I started giving when I was 23 because, at the time, Sister Barbara approached several field hockey alumnae about raising the money for a turf field. We all decided to give because it is something we would have wanted when we were students. At that time, I was still in my first job, and so giving was a little intimidating to me. It was then that she said, “Well, instead of giving a one-time gift of $1,000, do you think you could give $250 for the next four years?” To me, that seemed doable.

After that, giving just became something I did every year and why I try to make a gift every time I’m asked— because I want to keep that tradition alive for Nerinx and for the countless girls who will be able to benefit from the same experience I had.

Q: What would you say to inspire others to make a gift?

A: Whenever some place that you love asks, I believe it’s important to give — even if it’s just $5, $10, or $25. People think that small gifts won’t make a difference, but they do. I see it in the way the funds are being stewarded. And so I would say, if you had a great experience at Nerinx, even if you no longer live in St. Louis or your children go to a different school, it’s important to give because it’s about keeping the Nerinx tradition moving forward.