CelebratetheImpactofYourGenerosity
Dear St. Mary’s Academy Community,
For over a century and a half, SMA has stood as a leader in academic excellence, spiritual development, and service, guided by our Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect
We are thrilled to share that the 2023-2024 school year was a record-breaking year in philanthropic support support at SMA Your incredible generosity resulted in a record-breaking total of over $2 1 million raised
This extraordinary support underscores philanthropy’s crucial role in fulfilling our mission. Through your support, we can offer vital tuition assistance to 20% of our student body, ensuring that an SMA education remains accessible to all who seek it Your gifts empower us to nurture and retain our exceptional faculty and invest in state-of-the-art educational tools and methodologies Above all, your generosity fosters an environment where every student — from our youngest preschoolers to our graduating seniors — can discover their power to become agents of change
SMA stands resolute in our responsibility to prepare our students with the compassion, confidence, and critical thinking skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape Your ongoing support is vital in ensuring we remain at the forefront of education for the next 160 years
In this Impact report, you will find the tangible results of your generosity. From academic achievements to community outreach initiatives, from facility improvements to enhanced learning experiences, every page is a testament to the power of our collective commitment to St Mary’s Academy
We invite you to continue partnering with us Let us celebrate SMA excellence and the promising future ahead!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Iswari Natarajan
Matt Hopper President & Head of School Chair, Board of Trustees
Total Income $19,603,379
Total Expenses $19,120,979
Major Gifts Lower School Classroom Renovation
St. Mary’s Academy was honored to receive several transformative gifts during the 2023 - 2024 school year from several partners in philanthropy. Their gifts had a meaningful impact not only on SMA students, families, and faculty, but also on facilities and sustainability
Access
JEFF ROBERTSON AND RICHARD DELAGUARDIA
Jeff Robertson and Richard Delaguardia, parents of Dalton ‘36 and Rhys ‘36, provided a gift to significantly improve accessibility on our campus These improvements include upgrades on the Lower School playground, a new ramp to the Kindergarten classrooms, and RFID technology upgrades for direct access from the Lower School parking lot to the Kindergarten classrooms
SCARLETT FAMILY FOUNDATION AND CRAIG AND ALISON COLTHARP
Two Lower School classrooms were transformed in the summer of 2023 thanks to a generous donation by the Scarlett Family Foundation and Craig and Alison Coltharp The project included installing ViewSonic boards, A/V upgrades, new window coverings, ceiling tiles, lighting, drywall, paint, carpet, and ceiling fans The gift also funded architectural design costs and building permits The impact of the gift brings pride to students, promotes faculty recruiting and retention, and fosters an environment for children to learn and develop
ANONYMOUS
In addition to the Scarlett Family Foundation, two anonymous donors provided funding to renovate four additional Lower School classrooms. Recognizing the benefits of the initial renovations, this donor shared the vision and passion to continue the project The renovations for these four classrooms are scheduled for the summer of 2025, at this point six Lower School classrooms will have been renovated, with six remaining
Neuroscience
THE CARNEY FAMILY, PAUL AND LOVISA
A generous gift from the Carney family established the Neuroscience of Learning Committee, with representation from faculty and learning specialists from all schools The initiative facilitates campus-wide implementation of neuroscience-informed teaching practices The gift also funded a Dyslexia Simulation for all Middle School faculty, hosted by the Rocky Mountain Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, and initiated a partnership with the Center for Transformative Teaching & Learning (CTTL), a leading research center in mind, brain, and education science
As part of the gift, SMA welcomed Glenn Whitman, Director at CTTL, on April 22, 2024 Mr Whitman’s visit included a presentation to parents titled “Growing Student Brains: How Understanding Neuroscience Transforms Your Child’s Classroom” and faculty workshops focused on the practical applications of neuroscience in classrooms The workshops explored the intersection between brain science and teaching practices The gift also covered the cost of substitute teachers, ensuring all SMA faculty could attend the professional development sessions
Neuroscience is the key to unlocking how students absorb, retain, and recall information In education, understanding these processes is paramount for designing teaching strategies that align with the natural learning patterns of students’ brains The Carney’s generous donation allowed SMA to elevate the effectiveness of instruction and foster a classroom environment where students are more engaged and motivated to learn
Weight Room Renovation
CRAIG AND AMY SMITH
Craig and Amy Smith made a transformative gift to fund renovations to the weight room in Bishop Evans Sports Center in 2024 This gift allowed for the purchase of new equipment including two power racks, three barbells, three trap bars, three sets of bumper plates, three Powerblock interchangeable dumbbells, six medicine balls, and three benches The newly improved weight room helped create SMA’s first-ever strength and conditioning program and helped transform the PE and Health curriculum to include a strength and conditioning unit for Grades 5-8
Over 200 students have utilized the renovated weight room as part of a more rigorous physical education program, benefiting from an improved environment that prioritizes strength and conditioning. For the first time, SMA students now have access to an evidence-based strength and conditioning rotation as part of their PE curriculum, setting a new standard for physical education at the academy
The upgraded equipment has directly supported athletes from five different sports teams so far, with plans to include all 11 varsity sports by the end of the 2024-2025 academic year The Smith Family’s gift has significantly enhanced both the student-athlete experience and our ability to provide sport-specific training, reinforcing SMA’s commitment to holistic athletic development.
Endowment
ANNABELLE MONAGHAN DELINE ‘49 AND ROBERT DELINE
Annabelle Monaghan Deline ‘49 and Robert Deline established the Robert E and Annabelle M Deline Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides an annual merit-based scholarship to a rising senior based on honor, academics, athletics, and tenure Annabelle’s journey with St Mary’s Academy was lifelong, beginning as a student from the Lower School through High School, graduating in 1949 Her commitment to SMA continued as she served on the Board of Trustees from 2004-2013 and remained a board member emerita until her passing on April 11, 2024 The Deline family’s ties to SMA span three generations: Annabelle’s son, Thomas C Deline, married Meg Hencmann Deline, an SMA graduate of 1979, and their daughters Liz Deline Williams ‘09 and Carrie Deline ‘14, also graduated from SMA, marking a three-generation legacy After her passing, SMA received numerous memorial gifts for her endowment fund, multiplying the impact of this gift
CLINT AND MARGARET EMMERICH
Margaret Schlessman Emmerich ‘03 and Clinton Emmerich, parents of Burke Emmerich MS ‘27 and Elias Emmerich MS ‘28, established the Emmerich Family Endowment to support sustainability efforts on the SMA campus and promote environmental education alignment with the beliefs and traditions of the Sisters of Loretto
CAROL MANSFIELD-SCHLESSMAN ‘76 AND GARY SCHLESSMAN
Carol Mansfield-Schlessman ‘76 and her husband Gary Schlessman established the Schlessman Family Endowment Fund in honor of their daughters, Jennifer ‘00 and Margaret ‘03, and their grandsons Burke and Elias Emmerich
GRETCHEN EPPLER AND PETE TITSWORTH
Gretchen Eppler and her husband, Pete Titsworth, made a significant gift to the Richard Eppler Charitable Fund, which provides tuition assistance to SMA students . This gift was made in honor of the meaningful educational experience Gretchen’s son had during his time as a Middle School student
Community Philanthropy
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TREASURE
St Mary’s Academy hosts two fundraising events each year . We are grateful to the many donors, volunteers, and attendees for these events
Annual Hopper Family Wildcat Classic
The 2023 Hopper Family Wildcat Classic was a great success! Our community came together with swings of generosity, teeing up an impressive $78,300 for tuition assistance and athletics! Funds raised through our annual golf tournament directly benefit our students by providing SMA with the resources needed to achieve academic excellence, promote positive personal, and scholastic growth and support our amazing community
Impact
TUITION ASSISTANCE
St Mary’s Academy provides more than $2 million in tuition assistance to approximately 20% of our students, allowing us to maintain a diverse school community, representative of the larger world we live in Half of the money raised through the Hopper Family Wildcat Classic goes toward the tuition assistance fund
ATHLETICS
Athletics can have a profound impact on young students in a myriad of ways Half of the money raised through the Hopper Family Wildcat Classic helps provide new Middle School and High School team uniforms, additional turf field equipment, soccer goals, and so much more
THANK
TITLE SPONSOR
The
The
SPIRIT
INDIVIDUAL
“A NIGHT IN OLD HOLLYWOOD”
“A Night in Old Hollywood” was a box office hit! Together, our community raised over $580,000 in gross proceeds for Embracing Community by Transforming Spaces, and tuition assistance
Gross proceeds: $587,486
This blockbuster evening would not have been possible without our incredible Gala Chair, Cathy Steffek A special thank you to Emily Albright, Tiffany Archer, Jessica Babcock, Heather Cornelissen, Emily Henkel, Amy Kirschbaum, Yuri Luneau, Nicole Marotta, Michelle Moore, Anthea Stefanoudakis, Christina Straw, and all of the amazing volunteers who helped prep throughout the week leading up to the Gala! Please be sure to give them an Oscarworthy standing ovation the next time you see them
PADDLE RAISE
Embracing Community by Transforming Spaces
The Gala paddle raise supported the renovation and reinvigoration of our community spaces in Bishop Evans Sports Center and the Lower School gym These shared spaces are essential to enhancing our community and embedding the Loretto School Values in everything we do The project was completed in August 2024
THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS
FAITH SPONSORS
The Albright family
Jim and Stacy Rechtin
Gary and Carol Schlessman ‘76
Dave and Julia Simon
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
The Beyer and Barocas families
The Carroll family
Wes and Tammy Cooper/Basements and Beyond/LIV Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
First Grade families
Five Peaks Capital Group/Mile High Taxperts/Optique of Denver
The Holland family
Loretto Community
Lower School families
The McKee family
Natural Grocers
Cory and Cathy Steffek
RESPECT SPONSORS
Hugh and Jean Armstrong
Roger and Janice Brown
Cornelissen/Farrell/Nichols and Nack/Panayiotou/Winkler families
Kartik Dakshinamoorthy & Iswari Natarajan
Fans of Jordan Folena
Shawn and Elisa Fowler
The Grant family
Jamie and Emily Henkel
Livingston and Sharlene Keithley
Susan Lintonsmith ‘83
Janet O’Halloran
The Power family
The Williams family
Marianne and Tim Sulser
Anne Safley and Michael Drozd
The Stromberg family
CORPORATE SPONSORS
The Diamond Reserve and Testwuide family
Clermont Dental - Gold Sponsor
Sean and Monica Doyle - Silver Sponsor
Fife Luneau, P C - Silver Sponsor
Sheppard Family Construction - Silver Sponsor
Blake & Jessica Babcock - Bronze Sponsor
Connect Graphics, LLC - Bronze Sponsor
Paige and Jeff Reberry - Bronze Sponsor
FACULTY SPONSORS
Fred and Stephany Bollin
Clermont Dental
The Frye family
Don Good and Stephanie Peacock
Kathryn McNamee
Joseph Simodynes and Keira O’Connor
Chris and Sarah Riopelle
The Rose family
The Rupp family
Chad Peterson and Charli White
Eric and Shirly White
The Impact of Your Generosity
SMA Fund
The SMA Fund is the cornerstone of St . Mary’s Academy’s fundraising efforts, playing a vital role in providing the necessary funding above and beyond tuition to enhance our educational environment The SMA Fund raised $1,038,513 to support our students and our community The impact of your generosity is far and wide! Students benefit directly from the SMA Fund in so many ways.
SMA is grateful to the many parents, grandparents, alumnae, and friends who contributed to the 2023-2024 SMA Fund
$1,038,513 raised
STEAM Showcase
SMAlalapolooza
High School Retreat
Willy Wonka All-Academy Musical
Thanksgiving Pies
ECO Week in Lower School
Grade 3 Night at the Museum Field Trip
Grade 7 Keystone Science Trip
Middle School Orientation Trips
Chalk the Walk
Lower School Field Day
ECO Week
Latino Heritage Night
Community Events
Thank you to the many, many volunteers who shared their time and talent to make our community events successful, fun, and inclusive! Creating community at SMA is a cornerstone of our efforts, connecting parents, grandparents, alumnae, employees, and friends of SMA in a special way
President & Head of School Inauguration
The 2023-2024 school year provided a chance for SMA to celebrate our new President & Head of School, Iswari Natarajan The festivities began with an All-Academy Pep Rally run by High School student leaders and featured games, cheers, and plenty of school spirit and Ish-love!
On Friday, October 6, an inauguration reception was held at Eddie V’s Generous donors and supporters celebrated with Iswari and Kartik before the inauguration celebration the following day
On Saturday, October 7, St. Mary’s Academy was honored to officially inaugurate our eighth President & Head of School Highlights from the ceremony included gifts from students in each School and Faculty, student ensemble performances, and a surprise FaceTime from Iswari’s daughter, Rishika ‘22! The celebration also included a prayer from Father Marty Lally, remarks from former High School Principal Kathryn McNamee, former Academy President Deirdre Cryor, and Board of Trustees Chair Matt Hopper Guests enjoyed cookies and lemonade at the reception, where they wished Iswari luck as she embarked on her first year as the leader of SMA We are grateful to the donors who made this milestone event possible
Fall Festival
Over 600 people attended the Fall Festival, where they enjoyed inflatables, lawn games, face painting, a dunk tank, train rides, food trucks, and much, much more! Over 35 volunteers, including High School students, helped make this event a success by donating items for the cakewalk, assisting with games, face painting, set-up and clean-up, and more We are grateful for all the community support that made this a fun day for our families!
BINGO Night
BINGO Night featured pizza, a costume contest, prizes, snacks, and, of course, bingo! This treasured tradition is beloved by students and parents alike
Grandparents’ Day
The morning began with several student performances before proceeding to a pancake breakfast, classroom visits, and photos with grandparents and their grandchildren
STEAM Showcase NEW!
The SMA STEAM Maker Showcase made its debut on Saturday, April 6 . This exciting event, sponsored by the SMA Fund, showcased innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning at St Mary’s Academy
The event included interactive projects from students in all grades, from robotics and coding to sustainable engineering and bio-inspired designs The SMA planetarium, also funded by the SMA Fund, was on display for all participants, and there were two formal presentations The event also featured a green screen interactive area and SMAbotics robotics demonstration Our students collaborated to brainstorm, design, and receive feedback on their projects . The STEAM Showcase celebrated the spirit of curiosity, exploration, and hands-on learning where inspiration meets creation
SMAlapolooza
SMAlapalooza, formerly known as Concert on the Quad, was a resounding success! Nearly 200 students, from kindergarten to seniors, showcased their growth and talents in our final concert of the year. Attendees brought a picnic dinner and blanket and joined performers on the baseball field. This event was sponsored by the SMA Fund!
Alumnae Events
Volleyball Reunion
AUGUST 1, 2023
Former volleyball players returned to campus to play a friendly match against SMA’s current volleyball team Many current scholar-athletes, alumnae, and their families attended the game Afterward, everyone gathered for a casual dinner in the Community Center Thank you to Laura Grisenti Deluna ’89 for sponsoring this annual event
Reunion Weekend
OCTOBER 6 - 8, 2023
The festivities commenced with a Golden Graduates Luncheon on Friday at Cherry Hills Country Club, where classes celebrating 50 years or more were honored More than 135 alumnae gathered for a delicious lunch, class pictures, and socializing — many thanks to gracious hostesses, LaFawn Biddle, Barbie Biddle Galoob ’78, and Belinda Biddle On Sunday, October 8, milestone classes ending in 3 and 8 celebrated with a Mass and Brunch Reception Mass was held in the Middle School Commons, where Father Marty Lally led a beautiful service From there, alumnae walked over to the High School Forum, enjoyed brunch, toured the High School with current students, took class pictures, and strolled down memory lane at the SMA memorabilia display
Valentine’s Day Care Packages
Once again, this year, the SMA Alumnae Board showed our most recent graduates the love with a hand packed Valentine’s Day care package In addition to snacks and sweets, the package included a card drawn by a Lower School student and signed by current High School students and teachers . Thanks to Cathy Bell Darnell ‘67, Nina Erlich McCaskill ‘02, Celia Zaharas ‘89, and Laura Gristenti Deluna ‘89 for assembling these packages
Senior Seminar
FEBRUARY 29, 2024
A beloved tradition, the Senior Seminar was held in late February Class of 2023 graduates Jordan Marshall and Belén Pizarro counseled the girls about transitioning to college and being open to new opportunities Then, the seniors heard from other members of the alumnae community: Susan Odland Lintonsmith ‘83, Enessa Janes ‘01, and Taylor Craver ‘06 These three graduates shared the lifelong impact of their St Mary’s Academy education and friendships
Alumnae Seniors Luncheon
MAY 15, 2024
The Class of 2024 was welcomed into the sisterhood of alumnae at a lovely luncheon attended by the graduates, several faculty and staff members, and alumnae, including Elle Franciscus ‘22, sister of Blair Franciscus ‘24; Jisoo Kim ‘19, sister of Heesoo Kim ‘24; and Peggy Eby Kirkegaard, grandmother of Josie Crabtree ‘24 Kelsey Schwander ‘06 gave the keynote address and stressed the importance of connection, community, and confidence. Meg Hencmann Deline ‘79 provided delicious bundt cakes for dessert. Thank you to Nina Ehrlich McCaskill ‘02 for being the Master of Ceremonies and Laura Grisenti Deluna ‘89 and Liz Deline Williams ‘09 for volunteering
Alumnae Community Service
MAY 23, 2024
The Alumnae Board hosted a community outreach event supporting Sweet Dream in a Bag Sweet Dream in a Bag provides impoverished children with a new bedding package Alumnae artfully assembled their new bedding packages in a vinyl plastic bag to look like a present The bedding includes a new twin comforter, pillow, twin sheet set, twin fleece blanket, toothbrush, toothpaste, wooden toy, personalized book, and a stuffed toy
Sharing Time and Talent
Academy Parents
Academy Parents (AP) is an integral partner in our SMA community Their efforts strengthen our community and improve every student’s and family’s social and academic experience We are grateful for their support of the following activities during the 2023-2024 school year:
• Bingo Night
• Chalk the Walk
• Coffee cart for seniors on the last day of school
• Conference meals for faculty
• Continuation gifts for 5th and 8th grade
• Faculty and staff appreciation lunch
• Fall Festival
• Field Day snacks
• Grade 12 self-defense course
• Grade 8 breakfasts in the fall and spring
• Health Fair snacks for volunteers
• Lower School Christmas party
• Lower School Ice Cream social
• Middle School dance/social
• Snack Attack
• Testing snacks
• Thanksgiving pies and wine for faculty and staff
• Tuesday Treats
• Wildcat Welcome Family Program
• And many more treats, parties, and fun throughout the year!
Loretto Legacy Society
All generous donors who inform SMA of their plans to include St . Mary’s Academy in their will or estate plan will become members of the Loretto Legacy Society A bequest or life income gift demonstrates a partnership with SMA and its mission to provide an excellent education in the Loretto tradition Your planned gift, via a trust, annuity, insurance policy, or bequest, can help ensure SMA’s future, save you tax dollars, help you avoid capital gains taxes, and increase your current income (in some cases)
LORETTO LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS
Charlie & Theresa Arbogast
Judith Dillon Baenen ‘57
Pam Bent*
Dusty* & LaFawn Biddle
Roger and Janice Brown
Deirdre Cryor
Timothy & Katherine Farrell
Lauren Fisher
Stephanie Goodrich ‘87
Jim & Darlene Graham
Carol Haller
Robert and Brenda Harrison
Barbara Hennigar
Sheila Karr ‘73
Marie Johnson
Norma Phillips Lammers ‘61
Mary Ann Brannan Lipton ‘ 46*
Cristi Lippert Lundquist ‘77
Nina Ehrlich McCaskill ‘02
Kathryn McNamee
Jay & Liz Mellick
Alney Allbritten Norell ‘23*
Claire O’Neal ‘75
Mary Sweeney Parlin ‘65
Dena Johnson Pinsker ‘79
Carol Mansfield Schlessman ‘76
Anita Figueras Stricoff ‘64
Mary Martha Diss Sundby ‘72
SMA Endowment
An endowment is a fund that assures the future of an institution Endowment funds are conservatively invested Our total endowment as of June 30, 2024 was $16,739,541 The endowment fund, held in trust and invested in perpetuity, is a fund that will help assure the future of St Mary’s Academy . A gift to the endowment is a gift to the St Mary’s Academy community and an assurance that our legacy will continue to be available to young people far into the future St Mary’s Academy wishes to acknowledge the following donors who have established named endowment funds:
Academic Funds
The Maureen DeMarco Endowed Award
Established in 1997 with gifts in memory of Maureen DeMarco, a Spanish teacher at SMA, until her untimely death in 1996. This fund provides an annual award to a student who demonstrates an enthusiastic interest in Spanish.
The Alney A. Norell Fund
Established in 2004 from the estate of Alney Alba Norell ’23. This fund provides support for an annual poetry contest in memory of Alney’s grandmother, Louisa-Euen (Grogran) Hicks.
Financial Aid Funds
The Ann Killian Andrew Endowed Fund
Established in 2021 in memory of Ann Killian Andrew, class of 1945 and HS social studies teacher 1958-1988, by her daughter Carol ‘81. Ann was devoted to St. Mary’s Academy and the Sisters of Loretto, and dedicated her career to their founding mission: Educate young women. Teaching high school girls, and encouraging their potential, was her vocation in life. Ann also recruited for the high school, meeting each fall with 8th grade girls all over Denver to champion the merits of a St. Mary’s Academy education and describe how its just-for-girls environment cultivates self-confidence in young women. This fund supports those who need tuition assistance to attend St. Mary’s Academy.
The Carr Family Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 2007 by William and Gracie Carr, parents of Rebecca Carr ’98 and Johanna Carr ’10. This fund supports student financial aid, particularly in support of diversity and fulfillment of the Loretto Mission.
The Kathleen Crowley Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 2008 by Kathleen A. Crowley ’62, the fund supports student financial aid, particularly children of alumnae if appropriate.
The Annabelle and Robert Deline Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established in 2023 by Annabelle Monaghan Deline ‘49 and Robert Deline, the fund provides an annual merit-based scholarship to a rising senior based on honor, academics, athletics, and tenure.
Total Endowment
$16,739,541
The Sandra Moroe Hensen Financial Aid Fund
Established by Blair Henson ‘08 and her grandfather, Ron Hensen, the fund supports tuition assistance in honor of Sandra Monroe Hensen ‘58.
The Regina Tynan Karr Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 1993 by Sheila Karr ‘73, the fund honors her mother, Regina Tynan Karr ‘35, and supports student financial aid.
The Cristi Lippert Lundquist Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 2009 by Cristi Lippert Lundquist ’77, the fund supports student financial aid.
The Mary Armstrong McMahon Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 1997 by Peggy McMahon ‘63 J.D. and Nancy McMahon ‘65 Psy.D. in memory of their mother, Mary Armstrong McMahon, the fund supports student financial aid.
The Patricia McMillan/Jean Elaine DeVore Financial Aid Fund
Established by Patricia DeVore MacMillan to support tuition assistance in honor of her mother, Jean Elaine Karns DeVore.
Kathryn McNamee Named Endowment
Established in 2017 by Kathryn McNamee, MSMAC, to support St. Mary’s Academy students who exhibit leadership, scholarship, and the Loretto School Values.
The Helena O’Brien Murray Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 1997 by Catherine Murray Hencmann ‘46, Betty Murray Murphy ‘49, and Adele Murray De Line ‘54 in memory of their mother, Helena Murray ‘23, the fund supports student financial aid.
The Robert and Edith O’Connor Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 2010 by Edith O’Connor, the fund honors her grandchild, Shannon Danahey ‘07, and supports student financial aid.
The Pardee Family Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 2009 by William and Maria Pardee, parents of Caroline Pardee ‘07 and Hanna Pardee ‘13, the fund supports student financial aid for High School students.
The Alba R. Phillips Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 2023 by Norma Phillips Lammers ‘61 and Deborah Phillips Lubeck ‘66. The fund honors their mother Alba R. Phillips who loved working at St. Mary’s Academy for many years and highly valued the education it provided to her daughters. The fund provides financial support for high school students.
The Eleanor Diss Sabin M.D. Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 2010 by Mary Martha Diss Sundby ’72 in memory of her sister Eleanor Diss Sabin ’76 and in honor of the Sisters of Loretto and St. Mary’s Academy faculty, such as Judy Curtis, who inspired the self-confidence in Eleanor for her to become a doctor. Eleanor played field hockey, volleyball, basketball, and softball at SMA. Eleanor achieved everywhere she turned, and when it came time to recognize her at graduation, St. Mary’s Academy bestowed upon Eleanor the Marion Award. Eleanor also returned to SMA to coach the first state tournament basketball team. The fund supports student financial aid, particularly for children of inner-city parochial schools.
The Schlessman Family Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 1996 by Carol Mansfield Schlessman ‘76 and her husband Gary Schlessman, parents of Jennifer Schlessman ‘00 and Megan Schlessman ‘03, the fund supports student financial aid, particularly children of alumnae if appropriate.
The Sister Susan Swain Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 2012 by the St. Mary’s Academy Board of Trustees, Michael Duncan, Chair, in memory of Susan Swain SL. Sister Susan was the principal of St. Mary’s Academy Lower School from 19872002 and served on SMA’s Board of Trustees from 2004-2012. As a trustee, Sister Susan focused on the future of St. Mary’s Academy while continuing the Loretto School values on which the school was founded. This fund supports student financial aid for Lower School students.
Florence Swanson Named Endowment
Established in 2019 with gifts in loving memory of Florence Swanson, Lower School Principal from 2015 – 2018. This fund supports student financial aid for Lower School students.
Faculty Funds
The Cantwell-Ray Family Endowed Fund for Lower School Faculty Professional Development
Established in 2001 by Dale Cantwell and Pamela Ray, parents of Amelia Cantwell-Ray ‘06 and Elizabeth CantwellRay ‘10, the fund allows Lower School faculty members to further their professional growth through seminars, workshops, lectures, and continuing education.
Simon and Lanig Family Endowed Fund for Lower School Faculty Professional Development
Established in 2004 by Mark A. Simon and Indira S. Lanig, M.D., in honor of the St. Mary’s Academy Community parents, teachers, and community leaders working as a team to develop our children into citizens of the world. This fund supports professional development opportunities for Lower School faculty.
The Edward E. Ford Foundation Endowed Fund for High School Faculty Professional Development
Established in 2001 with a grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation and matching funds from members of the SMA community, the fund supports professional development opportunities for High School faculty.
The Iswari Natarajan Legacy of Excellence Named Endowment
Established in 2023 with generous donations from SMA parents, grandparents, and other community members, this fund honors Iswari Natarajan, the eighth President & Head of School at St. Mary’s Academy. The fund benefits SMA faculty and staff, assisting SMA in offering competitive salaries, retention of top talent, and fostering an environment of innovation and growth. Contributors help cultivate an environment where passion, knowledge, and inspiration flourish.
The Schotters Family Endowed Fund for Middle School Faculty Professional Development
Established in 1999 by Barney and Nancy Schotters, parents of Middle School graduates Payson Schotters ‘98 and Kin Schotters ‘00, the fund honors Middle School teachers by providing professional development opportunities.
The Trueblood Family Endowment
Established in 1999 with a gift from John Trueblood, the fund honors his father, Harry Trueblood, and supports faculty professional development.
General Endowment Funds
The 1864 Sports Endowment Fund
Established in 2007 by Marsha and Mike Wallace in honor of the Blessed Mother, the fund is designated to support the training of Middle and High School athletes at SMA.
The Judith Dillon Baenen Endowment
Established in 2006 with gifts from throughout the SMA Community in honor of Judith Dillon Baenen ’57, President of St. Mary’s Academy from 1993-2006. This fund was designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the school.
The Emmerich Family Endowment
Established in 2024 with a gift from Clinton Emmerich and Margaret Schlessman Emmerich ‘03, parents of Burke Emmerich MS ‘27 and Elias Emmerich MS ‘28. This fund is designated to supporting sustainability efforts on the St. Mary’s Academy campus and supporting environmental education in keeping with the beliefs and traditions of the Sisters of Loretto.
The Pam Bent Athletics Endowment
Established in 2017 by Pam Bent, former faculty member, and lacrosse coach, via her estate. Annually, the income of this fund is to be used for athletic facilities and programs.
The Pam Bent General Endowment
Established in 2017 by Pam Bent, former faculty member, and lacrosse coach, via her estate. Annually, the income of this fund is to be used as St. Mary’s Academy determines.
The Bent Family Endowment
Established in 2004 by Pam Bent, former faculty member and lacrosse coach, and her family in honor of Judith Dillon Baenen ’57, President of St. Mary’s Academy, 1993-2006.
The Wayne T. “Dusty” Biddle Memorial Endowment Fund
Established in 2006 with gifts in loving memory of Dusty Biddle, father of Belinda Biddle, Barbara “Barbie” Biddle Galoob ’78, and grandfather of Allison Galoob ’07, Austin Galoob MS ’08, and Amy Galoob ’10. Dusty and LaFawn (Board Chair 1984-86) established the Biddle Athletic Fields at St. Mary’s Academy in 2000. This memorial fund is invested in the St. Mary’s Academy General Endowment Fund.
The Cain Family Endowment
Established in 2009 with a gift from Jeffrey and Cate Cain Pagliuca, parents of Megan Pagliuca ‘99, Beth Pagliuca ’07, and James Pagliuca MS ’05. This fund is designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Carr Family Endowment
Established in 2006 with a gift from William and Gracie Carr, parents of Rebecca Carr Davis ’98 and Johanna Carr ‘10. This fund provides support for Middle School-aged girls to participate with St. Mary’s Academy teams in the Gold Crown basketball program.
The Castle Family Endowment
Established in 2008 by Sean and Shara Castle, parents of Maddie Castle ‘18, the fund is designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Deirdre V. Cryor Endowment
Established in 2016 with gifts from the Board of Trustees and other SMA Community Members, this fund honors Deirdre V. Cryor, President of St. Mary’s Academy from 2006-2016. The fund is designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the operating needs of the SMA Community Center, which was built during Deirdre’s tenure.
The Jeannette Smith Eppler Endowment
Established in 2013 with a gift from Gretchen Eppler and Pete Titsworth, parents of Calvin Titsworth MS ‘08. This fund is designed for the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Philip A. Hastings, Jr. Memorial Endowment
Established in 2006 with gifts from Stephanie Hastings and Kathleen and Richard Van Dorn in loving memory of Philip A. Hastings, Jr. This memorial fund was designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operation needs of the Academy.
The Jones Family Endowment
Established in 2008 by William “Billy” and Kim Jones, this fund is currently designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Masters Family Endowment for Performing Arts
Established in 2006 by Jerry and Amy Masters, parents of Emily Masters ‘09, the fund is designated to support the various performing arts activities of St. Mary’s Academy.
The Mitchell Family Endowment
Established in 2004 by Victor and Amy Mitchell in honor of their children Lauren Mitchell ‘12, David Mitchell, and Emily Mitchell MS ’02, this fund was designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The O’Rourke Family Endowment Fund
Established in 2004 by Chris and Renee O’Rourke, parents of Kerry O’Rourke ‘15, in memory of their mother, Patti O’Rourke, and their sister, Peggy O’Rourke. The O’Rourke Family Endowment was designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Rasmussen Family Endowment
Established in 2004 by Walter and Nijole Rasmussen in honor of Walter’s father, Wallace N. Rasmussen, this fund was designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Margaret M. Reinert Endowment Fund
Established in 2011 from the estate of Margaret M. Reinert ’47, this fund is designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Schaffer Family Endowment
Established in 2009 by Brett and Louisa Schaffer, parents of Samantha Schaffer ’17, Josie Schaffer ’19, and Raquel Schaffer ’21, this fund is designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Schlessman Family Endowment Fund
Established in 2024 by Carol Mansfield-Schlessman ‘76 and her husband Gary Schlessman in honor of their daughters, Jennifer ‘00 and Margaret ‘03 and their grandsons Burke and Elias Emmerich.
The Swain Family Endowment
Established in 2005 by Sisters of Loretto Mary and Susan Swain in honor of their parents, Harry and Helen, this fund is designated to the general endowment of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Swensen Family Endowment Fund
Established in 2008 by Steve and Kris Swensen, parents of Kelli Swensen ‘09, this fund is designated to the general endowment fund of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Joseph H. Thompson Endowment
Established in 2009 by Brad and Mary Talbot, parents of Betts Talbot ’13, this fund is designated to the general endowment fund of St. Mary’s Academy to support the general operating needs of the Academy.
The Patricia C. Tisdale Memorial Endowment Fund
Established in 2004 with gifts in loving memory of Pat Tisdale, former Board Chair (1991-1994) of St. Mary’s Academy and mother of Sara Tisdale ‘95, Maggie Tisdale ‘00, Vicki Tisdale ‘04, and Doug Tisdale, former Lower School student teacher. This memorial fund is invested in St. Mary’s Academy’s General Endowment Fund.
PRESIDENT’S PARTNERSHIP
The St Mary’s Academy President Partnership was established for friends of SMA who make a charitable contribution of $1,200 or more during the fiscal year, including a gift to the SMA Fund.
• $25,000+ 1864 Society
• $10,000+ Trailblazer
• $5,000+ Achiever*
• $2,500+ Founder*
• $1,200+ Partner
• $300+ Wildcat Club (alumnae only)
MISSION STATEMENT
St Mary’s Academy fosters excellence in each child through academic achievement, spiritual development, and service The Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect provide the foundation for students to be powerful agents of change
VISION STATEMENT
Inspiring leaders to act with integrity, seek justice, build community, and change the world
