Dear SMA Community,
As we reflect on the 2024-2025 school year, our hearts are filled with profound gratitude for each member of our community.
Celebrating 160 Years
This year, we celebrated our 160th year of educating Denver. It is a milestone that fills us with pride and humility. On August 1, 1864, St. Mary’s Academy opened its doors in the Colorado Territory, three years before Denver City became its capital, six years before the railroad came to town, and 12 years before Colorado gained statehood. We granted the first diploma in the state when it was still a territory, and we remain the oldest, continuously operating school in Colorado.
The school’s early success depended on the grit, grace, and ingenuity of our three founding Sisters of Loretto: Joanna Walsh, Ignacia Mora, and Beatriz Maes Torres. Today, St. Mary’s Academy continues to embody the strength of our founders: strong in our mission, faithful to our roots, versatile when facing challenges, and compassionate to our core.
Unprecedented Generosity
We are overwhelmed by the extraordinary generosity of our community this year. Your support has resulted in nearly 30% growth in overall giving, with total contributions reaching $2.65 million. This reflects an increase from $2.07 million in the 2023-2024 year. This tremendous support has created a meaningful impact for every student:
• The Hopper Family Wildcat Classic raised $100,538, directly supporting tuition assistance and athletics.
• The SMA Fund generated $922,527, going above and beyond tuition to support professional development, overnight trips, clubs and activities, SMAlapalooza, the STEAM Showcase, field trips, performing arts, athletics, and more.
• Our Faculty First Paddle Raise raised $451,150 to support our exceptional educators.
• The annual Gala brought in $431,357, furthering our mission of accessible, excellent education. Additionally, generous in-kind donations included phase one of adding air conditioning to the High School.
• Our inaugural 1864 Society, with 26 members, contributed $971,324.
Strategic Vision for Our Future
After a comprehensive 12-month strategic-planning process that included faculty, students, parents, alumnae, and board members, we finalized our roadmap for the next 10 years. This collaborative effort identified four crucial pathway areas: forge program excellence, champion our educators, build on the momentum of Preschool-Grade 12, and power our purpose. This plan ensures that St. Mary’s Academy will continue to thrive and serve future generations with the same excellence that has defined us for 160 years.
Looking Ahead with Wildcat Pride
As we look toward the 2025-26 school year, we embrace our theme of Wildcat Pride, an invitation to show our unbridled spirit and belief in St. Mary’s Academy. This pride is earned through 160 years of excellence, strengthened by our strategic vision, and made possible by your continued partnership.
We are deeply grateful for each gift, large and small, each volunteer hour generously given, and each family that entrusts us with their most precious gifts — their children. Together, we are creating powerful agents of change who will carry our Loretto School Values into the world.
With gratitude,
Iswari Natarajan
Matt Hopper President & Head of School Chair, Board of Trustees
2024-25 Financials
Total Income
$20,716,081 Endowment Gifts
$100,538 SMA Fund & Unrestricted* $922,527 $436,521
Other Restricted Gifts
$64,370
$245,007
EDP Program
$243,408 Summer Camp
Interest Income Operations
$247,057
$17,462,701
* SMA Fund reflective of actual trial balances and do not inlclude fund releases as they did in 23-24 ** Includes in-kind donations
1864 Society
LAUNCH OF THE 1864 SOCIETY AND FOUNDING MEMBERS
In honor of our 160th anniversary, we launched the 1864 Society, our giving circle recognizing supporters with gifts of $25,000 or more.
MISSION: To achieve transformative philanthropy for our St. Mary’s Academy community.
INAUGURAL YEAR SUCCESS:
26 founding members
$971,324 in contributions
$287,000 in additional in-kind donations
The 1864 Society honors the year St. Mary’s Academy opened its doors as the Colorado Territory’s first degree-granting secondary school. These founding members embody the same visionary spirit and commitment to educational excellence that our founding Sisters of Loretto saw 160 years ago.
MEMBERS OF THE 1864 SOCIETY MAY ENJOY BENEFITS THROUGHOUT THE 2024-25 ACADEMIC YEAR:
Hopper Family Wildcat Classic at Cherry Creek Country Club: Major sponsor benefits with foursome entry and prominent name signage
SMA Gala: Community sponsor benefits, including a table for ten and special recognition
SMA Fund: Special recognition as a 1864 Society member in our philanthropy materials and website
Through the support of these donors, we are fostering an Academy-wide culture of giving. The collective impact of community members like you, who share their time, talent, and treasure, will be transformative. Your contribution will help us improve our facilities, expand our values-based academic offerings, and increase faculty compensation. As we embark on our next 160 years, SMA stands stronger because of your generosity.
FOUNDING 1864 MEMBERS:
Janice and Roger Brown
Kate and Anthony Converse
Margaret Schlessman Emmerich ‘03 and Clint Emmerich
Gretchen Eppler and Pete Titsworth
Deanna and Matt Hopper
Therese Ivancovich and Greg Sissel
Randi and Barclay Miller
Anne and Peter Mounsey
Jill and John Obering
Stacy and Jim Rechtin
Stephanie and Scott Rupp
Maggie and Dick Scarlett
Carol Mansfield Schlessman ‘76 and Gary Schlessman
Julia and Dave Simon
Kaeleigh and JP Testwuide
Vivian and Mike Williams
Community Philanthropy
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TREASURE
Our community’s generosity shines through two signature fundraising events, the golf tournament and the Gala, each year, bringing together families, alumnae, and friends in support of our students’ success.
Annual Hopper Family Wildcat Classic
The annual Hopper Family Wildcat Classic Golf Tournament had a record-breaking year in 2024. Held for the first time at Cherry Creek Country Club, net proceeds more than doubled from 2023, raising over $100,000. Proceeds from the annual tournament support tuition assistance and athletics. We are grateful to our sponsors and players for making this event a huge success!
Tournament Impact
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Half of all proceeds support our $2 million annual tuition assistance program, serving approximately 20% of our students. This funding helps, allowing us to maintain a diverse school community, representative of the larger world we live in.
ATHLETICS
Athletics plays a transformative role in student development across all grade levels, teaching essential life skills including leadership, resilience, teamwork, and self-discipline. The other half of the money raised ensures that student-athletes have access to quality team uniforms, state-of-the-art field equipment, and facility improvements.
THANK YOU TO OUR GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORS
TITLE SPONSOR
Matt, Deanna, and Mallory ‘22 Hopper
MAJOR SPONSORS
The Brown Family
The Diamond Reserve and the Testwuide Family
The Fowler Family
The Simon Family
The Williams Family
FACULTY SPONSORS
Hugh and Jean Armstrong
David Family Charitable Trust
WILDCAT SPONSORS
Grade 2 & Prekindergarten Dads
AECOM
Bron Tapes
The Dierking Family
Five Peaks Capital Group
Equity Ventures Commercial and Wall Development Group
The Grant Family
Eric and Chafen Hart
The Hicks Family
The Holland Family
Horizon West Builders
The Keithley Family
The Rose Family
SJJ Law
The Sznewajs Family
The Thatcher Family
The Wilm Family
JR. WILDCAT SPONSORS
Complete Business Systems
The Good Family
The Mechem Family
BREAKFAST SPONSOR
The Franciscus Family
LUNCH SPONSOR
Mike and Meg Tobler
CONTEST HOLE SPONSORS
David Family Charitable Trust
The Good Family
HOLE SPONSORS
Antero Law
ISU Insurance Services of Colorado
Susan Lintonsmith ‘83
Diana Rael
S&D Law
SMA Gala
TOAST THE NIGHT TO NAVY AND WHITE
In honor of our 160th anniversary, the 2025 Gala, Toast the Night to Navy and White, returned to the SMA campus for the first time in many years. The evening began with cocktails in Duncan Commons in the Community Center as guests enjoyed a hosted bar featuring the signature cocktail: The 1864. Guests then proceeded to Bishop Evans Sports Center, where the gym was transformed into a magical, sparkly event space. Christopher Hanke, our energetic auctioneer, entertained the crowd with games, jokes, a spirited live auction, and a robust paddle raise. Sponsorships, ticket sales, and silent and live auction proceeds benefited tuition assistance at SMA. The paddle raise supported the “Faculty First” initiative, raising money for innovative teaching support, teacher wellness, and improved faculty spaces.
This year’s Gala was a huge success, raising almost 1 Million Dollars! These funds directly support tuition assistance for one in every five students, opening our doors to bright young minds regardless of circumstances. The Faculty First paddle raise provided incremental funding to cultivate cutting-edge instruction, refresh collaborative spaces and lounges, and elevate the faculty experience. Additionally, in-kind donations, including phase-one air conditioning for our High School, allowed us to create comfortable learning environments. Thank you to all Gala sponsors, auction bidders, and attendees. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous effort of an army of volunteers. A special thank you to Cathy Steffek, Gala Chair, and Heather Cornelissen, Decor Chair, and the entire amazing Gala committee.
Record Milestone: Almost $1 million raised
TOTAL FUNDRAISING SOURCES
Navy & White
THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
The Diamond Reserve
FAITH SPONSORS
Natural Grocers
Carol ‘76 and Gary Schlessman
SMA Family
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
The Mahoney, Moore, Prieto Yun, and Shaban Families, in partnership with Five Peaks
Capital Group and Saha Psychiatry
The Steffek Family
JUSTICE SPONSORS
Grades 1 and 3 Families
The Cornelissen Family
Davis Family Charitable Trust
The Guess Johnson and Keithley Families
Loretto Community
FACULTY SPONSORS
Grades 1 and 3 Families
The Bollin Family
HBW Resources
The Cowan Family
Richard Delaguardia and Jeff Robertson
The Frye Family
The Good Family
HBW Resources
The Holmes Family
Kathryn McNamee
Paige and Jeff Reberry
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Sapphire Pediatrics - Gold Sponsor
Fife Luneau, P.C. - Silver Sponsor
The Saldate Family - Bronze Sponsor
RESPECT SPONSORS
Jean and Hugh Armstrong
Bibbeo Ltd
BOK Financial
Rita and George Bottjer
The Folena and Asfaw Family
Susan Lintonsmith ‘83
Janet O’Halloran
Anne Safley
1864 SOCIETY MEMBERS
Emily and John Albright
Janice and Roger Brown
The Converse Family
The Emmerich Family
The Hopper Family
The Miller Family
The Mounsey Family
The Obering Family
The Rechtin Family
The Rupp Family
The Scarlett Family
Carol ‘76 and Gary Schlessman
Julia and Dave Simon
Theresa Ivancovich and Greg Sissel
The Testwuide Family
Gretchen Eppler and Pete Titsworth
Vivian and Mike Williams
The Impact of Your Generosity
SMA Giving Day, November 12, 2024
SMA Giving Day was the first-ever day of giving at St. Mary’s Academy and it was a huge success! Our community came together on this day to support philanthropy at SMA. Thanks to the generosity of our current and former parents, alumnae, grandparents, faculty and staff, and friends, we raised $922,527!
STEAM Showcase
Shrek The Musical Bingo Night
WHAT DOES THE SMA FUND PAY FOR?
The SMA Fund enables us to say yes to new ideas, support student passions, and provide opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom curriculum.
The SMA Fund pays for:
• Astronomy program
• Athletic enhancements
• Clubs and activities
• Faculty and Staff annual bonuses
• Faculty Professional Development
• Field trips
• STEAM programming
• Overnight trips including ECO Week, Middle School mountain trips, and High School Retreat
• Performing Arts
I learned about the value and deep significance of student’s stories and family identities, not only influence their world, but also can create a space of individuality, self reflection, and pride in their writing at all ages. I learned that reading has the power to ‘defy gravity’ throughout the years and how representation of all people and cultures create a welcoming and secure space, just like St. Mary’s Academy! I gained a lot of great books and ideas through this. Lastly, I learned techniques on how to assist students through ‘writer’s block’ and guide them through the writing process with enthusiasm, excitement, and success!
“ ”
~ Emma Breeden, CCIRA Literacy Conference attendee
Middle School Teachers Terrye Easton, Rachel Baumgartner, and Andy Rodgers attend the Council for Social Studies Conference in March 2025. Professional Development opportunities are funded by the SMA Fund.
SMA Astronomy Program
Experiential Learning Opportunities
WorldDenver International Women’s Day event Robotics
Community Events
St. Mary’s Academy is a vibrant community where rich traditions and special events unite students, faculty, parents, grandparents, and alumnae to form deep and lasting friendships. Our community events bring everyone together to celebrate our Loretto School Values and close-knit community.
160th Anniversary Celebrations
All-Academy Service Afternoon
ALL-ACADEMY BIRTHDAY PARTY
In September, the entire student body and teachers and staff celebrated SMA’s 160th anniversary with a birthday party on the Pam Bent Turf Field. After a “160” photo and a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday to You”, everyone proceeded to enjoy birthday cake! It was a fun celebration and a great way to kick off our 160th year.
ALL-ACADEMY SERVICE
AFTERNOON
In celebration of our 160th year of educating Denver, every student participated in our All-Academy Service afternoon. Groups of students were divided into multi-grade groups to work on one of three projects. Groups decorated meal bags for Project Angel Heart, packaged snack bags for children with A Precious Child, and hand-tied fleece blankets for Project Linus. The results of our collective efforts were impressive:
504 snack bags assembled for A Precious Child
236 decorated meal delivery bags for Project Angel Heart
40 hand-tied fleece blankets for Project Linus
Coming together as a community to live out our Loretto School Values is a highlight of our birthday celebrations!
All-Academy Birthday Party
All-Academy Birthday Party
Fall Festival
More than 600 people attended the Fall Festival on a beautiful day in early October. Attendees enjoyed inflatables, lawn games, face painting, a dunk tank, train rides, food trucks, and much, much more! Over 50 volunteers, including High School students, helped make this event a success by donating items for the cakewalk, assisting with games, face painting, logistics, and more. We are grateful for all the community support that made this “SMA tradition” a fun day for our families!
BINGO Night
BINGO Night featured pizza, the annual costume contest, games, prizes, snacks, and of course, bingo! This treasured tradition is beloved by students and parents alike.
Grandparents’ Day
Grandparents’ Day was revamped in 2024. The day began with light refreshments, followed by student performances in the High School Forum. Grandparents then proceeded to meet their grandchildren where they worked on craft projects together, played games, and participated in classroom activities. Photo booths in each school provided extra fun.
New Parent Happy Hour
New parents were welcomed to SMA with a happy hour in April. The event was an opportunity to meet other new families, chat with current parents, school principals, and teachers, and learn more about life at SMA. The evening was filled with excitement and connection as families joined our SMA community.
STEAM Showcase
The second annual STEAM Showcase transformed Bishop Evans Sports Center into an exhibition of student ingenuity, as 200 attendees explored projects representing every grade from Preschool to Grade 12. The two-hour event highlighted how our students are embracing science, technology, engineering, arts and design, and mathematics through immersive, purposeful learning experiences.
SMAlapolooza
The third annual SMAlapalooza music and art festival was a blast! With performances from across the Academy, fine art from students of all ages on display, hot dogs, popcorn, and SMA merch, it was a great evening to spend time as a community! Performances included Lower School Joyful Noise Choir, Drama Club, Middle School Honor Choir, Middle School Honor Band, and Honor Orchestra, as well as High School Musical Theatre Thespians, Jazz Band, SAIMARAC, and Academy Singers.
Fall Festival
BINGO Night
Grandparents’ Day
New Parent Happy Hour
STEAM Showcase
Alumnae Events
Volleyball Reunion
AUGUST 7, 2024
Former volleyball players returned to campus to play a friendly match against SMA’s current volleyball team. After a competitive game versus current SMA volleyball players, attendees proceeded to a catered dinner. A huge thank you to Laura Gristenti Deluna ‘89 for sponsoring this fun event again.
Reunion Weekend
OCTOBER 4-6, 2024
As always, Reunion Weekend kicked off with the Golden Graduates Luncheon at Cherry Hills Country Club. Alumnae celebrating 50 years or more enjoyed lunch and camaraderie thanks to generous hosts LaFawn Biddle, Barbie Biddle Galoob ‘78, and Belinda Biddle.
Friday night featured a new social event at Infinite Monkey Theorem. Alumnae enjoyed wine and Redeemer Pizza in a private room in RiNo. On Saturday, alumnae sampled Wildcat Confetti ice cream at Bonnie Brae in celebration of SMA’s 160th anniversary.
The weekend concluded with a beautiful alumnae mass in the Community Center, followed by brunch and the Fall Festival.
Senior Seminar
FEBRUARY
Senior Seminar, a cherished tradition and the first of several events to bring together current seniors with alumnae, was held on February 27. The alumnae panel consisting of Megan Cronin ‘11, Deirdre McGuire ‘02, Halley Stennes ‘13, Raegan Rychecky ‘18, Liz Deline Williams ‘09, and Kiki Zaharas ‘21 hosted questions from the entire senior class. Following the panel discussion, seniors chose from breakout rooms where they could ask questions about specific topics in a smaller setting.
Volleyball Reunion
Reunion Weekend – Student-led tours
Alumnae Brunch
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream Alumnae Event
Alumnae Seniors Luncheon
Class of 2004 Reunion Event
Infinite Monkey Theorem Alumnae Event
Infinite Monkey Theorem Alumnae Event
Infinite Monkey Theorem Alumnae Event
1974 Golden Graduates
Alumnae Brunch Memorabilia Display
Puzzle Party
APRIL
The first-ever SMA Puzzle Party took place on April 7. The evening featured a team puzzle competition, great food and drinks, and prizes. A big thanks to the Alumnae Board for planning this fun event.
Anden Staggs Wilder ‘05 Visit to SMA
APRIL
SMA alumna, author, and illustrator Anden Staggs Wilder ‘05 visited the Lower and High Schools on April 10. Anden is the author and illustrator of the book Scamp. Anden shared that her love of art was nourished by Andrew Beckham, her High School art teacher. They have kept in touch for 25 years!
Alumnae Seniors
Luncheon
MAY
Seniors, days away from graduation, were welcomed into the sisterhood of alumnae at a lovely luncheon attended by the graduates, several faculty and staff members, and alumnae, including Patty Michalek ‘64 (grandmother Paige Wysong), Nancy Cella Sunkel ‘60 and Toni Cella Green ‘78 (Paige’s great aunts), Parke Mills ‘21 (sister of Hazel Mills), Tracie Stander ‘87 and Sara Stander ‘23 (mother and sister of Mia Stander).
Morgan Wagner ‘15 gave the keynote address and stressed the importance of connection and community and carrying what was learned at SMA into the workplace. Thank you to Megan Cronin ‘11 for being the Master of Ceremonies and to LaDan Assayesh ‘07, Cathy Bell Darnell ‘67, Laura Grisenti Deluna ‘89, and Liz Deline Williams ‘09 for volunteering.
A special thanks to Meg Hencmann Deline ‘79 for providing bundt cakes for dessert—an annual treat!
Puzzle Party
Anden Staggs Wilder ‘05 Visit
Alumnae Seniors Luncheon
Sharing Time and Talent
Academy Parents
Academy Parents 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 2024-2025 school year:
• Bingo Night
• Chalk the Walk
• Coffee cart for seniors on the last day of school
• Conference meals for faculty
• Continuation gifts for Grades 5 and 8
• Faculty and staff appreciation lunch
• Fall Festival
• Field Day snacks
• Grade 8 breakfasts in the fall and spring
• Grade 12 self-defense course
• Health Fair snacks for volunteers
• Lower School Christmas party
• Lower School Ice Cream Social
• Middle School dance and 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!
Academy Parents Pies and Wine.
Snack Attack
All-Academy Birthday Party
Golf
Volunteers
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the SMA community. Our parents help in and out of the classroom every day, supporting teachers with treats, planning student parties, assisting with community events, hauling, donating, and setting and cleaning up with every imaginable project. We are so grateful!
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
Theresa and Charlie Arbogast
Judith Dillon Baenen ‘57
Pam Bent*
LaFawn and Dusty* Biddle
Janice and Roger Brown
Deirdre Cryor
Katherine and Timothy Farrell
Lauren Fisher
Stephanie Goodrich ‘87
Carol Haller
Brenda and Robert 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
Nancy McMahon, Psy.D. ‘65
Kathryn McNamee
Liz and Jay Mellick
Alney Albritten Norell 1923*
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
Meg and Mike Tobler
*deceased
Names in bold are new Loretto
Legacy Society members
Gala Volunteers
Gala Volunteers
Teacher Appreciation Lunch Volunteers
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, 2025 was $18,559,160. 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 education and describe how its just-for-girls environment cultivates self-confidence in young women. This fund supports girls who need tuition assistance to attend St. Mary’s Academy High School.
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
$18,559,160
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 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 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
All gifts to St. Mary’s Academy are appreciated and important. 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*
• $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.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
St. Mary’s Academy is a Catholic independent school, co-ed through grade eight, and an all-girls high school. St. Mary’s Academy admits students of any race, creed, color, sex, national and ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, disability, national and ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other schooladministered programs. Any person with a concern or allegation of discrimination or harassment shall report to St. Mary’s Academy Compliance Coordinator. St. Mary’s Academy maintains procedures for investigating complaints of discrimination or harassment. St. Mary’s Academy prohibits retaliation against any individual who brings forward a good-faith concern of discrimination or harassment or against those who participate in a process related to maintaining an environment free of discrimination and harassment.
