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Endowment

Endowment for Excellence

A thriving endowment is essential to the future of Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton (SHS). While the endowment is healthy, it is still not adequate to meet the annual needs of our students. It is imperative that we grow and nurture the endowment to ensure that SHS’s potential for educating the whole child is never limited by lack of resources.

A strong endowment provides a consistent and stable revenue source that:

  • Makes possible a top-tier faculty that will generate excellence in the classroom and beyond
  • Delivers educational programs that redefine how students learn and faculty teach
  • Fulfills the goal of access to a Sacred Heart education for all qualified students
  • Makes state-of-the art tools available to students, faculty, and staff in the pursuit of learning
  • Ensures that SHS will always deliver on the promise to educate the whole child

SHS is rich in all the ways that count: in the extraordinary talent of its faculty and students, in the strength and vitality of its community, in the enduring loyalty of its grateful alumni and generous friends and donors. Your gift to the SHS endowment will ensure that this world class educational experience is available for generations to come.

Gifts of any size can be applied to the general endowment and allow the most flexibility to meet current needs. To establish a specific endowed fund, a minimum gift is required.

Endowment Opportunities

List of 3 items.

  • Faculty & Teaching Support

    Attracting and retaining talented faculty is critical to SHS’s long-term success. Donors can directly support SHS’s world-class faculty and staff through giving to the endowment. 
     
    Department Chair - $1,500,000
    Honors and recognizes extraordinary senior faculty members, appointed by the Director of Schools and Principals, who are important scholars in their fields and teachers who contribute greatly to the intellectual teaching and development of students.

    Junior Chair - $500,000
    Attracting young talented faculty is critical to the school’s long-term success in building a great team of educators. Establishes a public position of honor, appointed by the Director of Schools and Principals, to an early to mid-career faculty or staff member for outstanding accomplishment in his or her discipline.

    Named Faculty Endowment Fund - $100,000
    These funds encourage lifelong learning by enabling faculty and staff to pursue advanced degrees, attend seminars and conferences, and seize travel-study opportunities during the summer.

  • Student Scholarships

    Sacred Heart Schools Atherton’s Tuition Assistance Program, which provides tuition relief to academically qualified students, is dependent upon support from its endowment.  SHS needs to continue to “grow” this endowment program to keep pace with escalating operating and tuition costs and to increase the total amount of assistance distributed each year.
     
    You can make an impact on Sacred Heart Schools Atherton’s tuition assistance program by creating a restricted fund for student financial assistance:
     
    Named Scholar Endowment - $1,000,000
    This fund endows the equivalent of a full tuition for one student in perpetuity.
     
    Named General Scholarship - $100,000
    Named in honor of your family or honoree of your choice, a minimum gift of $100,000 is required to establish an individual scholarship.

  • Academic Program & Facilities Support

    Sacred Heart Excellence Endowments are funds created in partnership with our donors that are aligned with the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education. These funds can support a wide variety of programs and facilities.

    Goal I: A personal and active faith in God
    Sacred Heart Heritage Fund(s) $100,000 - Preserve the history and traditions of the RSCJ by funding programs that support the formation of students, faculty, staff and parents in alignment with the mission of the Schools.

    Goal II: A deep respect for intellectual values
    Programmatic Fund(s) $100,000 - Funds foster excellence and innovation in the curriculum. Funds can also support programs that enhance student success

    Technology Fund(s) $100,000 - Funds support the maintenance, upgrade, development, and effective utilization of technological resources.

    Speakers Series Fund(s) $100,000 - Underwrites the fee and related expenses for a speaker or visiting lecturer.

    Teaching Innovation Fund(s) $100,000 - Finances the continued integration of technology and information literacy into curriculum.

    Global Perspectives Fund(s) $100,000 - Supports faculty, staff and students to gain international perspectives and cultural knowledge through international educational and research trips.

    Goal III: A social awareness that impels to action
    SHS Green Fund(s) $100,000 - Funds support the maintenance, upgrade, development, and effective utilization of environmentally friendly resources and uses on the SHS campus.

    Buildings and Grounds Fund(s) $100,000 - Funds support the maintenance and preservation of the SHS campus and facilities.

    Goal IV: The building of community as a Christian value
    SHS Athletic Excellence Fund(s) $100,000 - Underwrites general athletic programs, including coaching salaries, equipment, and transportation.

    Student Life Fund(s) $100,000 - Provide support to enhance student life activities on campus.

    Goal V: Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
    Professional Development Fund(s) $100,000 - Fund faculty and staff development initiatives, including independent research, advanced graduate study, sabbaticals and conference attendance.

    Library and Resource Fund(s) $100,000 - Provides support for the ongoing support of library facilities and special collections. Enables the purchase and maintenance of books, maps, and electronic resources.

    Prize Fund(s) $100,000 - Underwrites existing awards or prizes given to members of the SHS School community in recognition of outstanding accomplishment.

Current Endowment & Special Funds

List of 3 items.

  • Current Restricted & Special Funds

    Sacred Heart alumni past and present can name at least one teacher who has positively impacted their lives. While having access to outstanding teachers has long been the rule at Sacred Heart Schools, maintaining that tradition requires an active and sustained effort, particularly given the cost of living in the Bay Area.

    The school plans to significantly increase the number of department and junior chairs in the next decade, thereby securing our ability to attract and retain the best and brightest educators. SHS offers endowed positions at two levels: junior chairs for mid-career faculty members (a gift of $500,000 is required) and department chairs for senior faculty (a gift of $1,500,000 is required).

    Currently, SHS has eight fully-funded department chairs and three partially-funded chairs:

    • Agape Foundation Learning Specialist Chair
    • Dunlevie Chair for Music
    • Guy Letteer Chair for Physics
    • Marie C. De Dampierre Chair for Religious Activities
    • Marie C. De Dampierre Chair for Religious Studies
    • SJSH Learning Specialist Chair
    • Sophie’s Scholars Program Director
    • Dunlevie Director of Aquatics
    • Connie Solari Chair for English (partially-funded chair)
    • Donna Gilboa Chair for History (partially-funded chair)
    • Director of Formation to Mission (partially-funded chair)
    Sacred Heart also has endowed funds created in partnership with our donors that are aligned with the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education. These funds support a wide variety of programs and facilities.
    • Aquatic Center Endowment Fund
    • Beatrix Mesmer Standish Library Fund
    • Director’s Opportunity Fund
    • Edward E. Ford Professional Development Fund
    • General Endowment
    • Hanson Family Funds
    • Harvey Family Learning Services Endowment
    • Lilia and Camillo D’Ettorre Grant Fund
    • St. Joseph’s Faculty Development Fund
    • St. Joseph’s Library Endowment Fund
    • Sustainability Endowment Fund
    • Living Our Mission, Building Our Future Funds
     

  • Current Endowed, Named Scholarship Funds

    Albert J. Romeo Scholarship Fund
    Grant awarded to a junior male student at Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP) who is a “good, hard-working individual.” The recipient is announced each spring at Honors Convocation, with the award applied toward senior year tuition at SHP.

    Anne Cleary Kerns Memorial Scholarship Fund
    Established in memory of Anne Cleary Kerns, daughter of former trustee Al Cleary and Kathleen Kerns and the mother of St Joseph’s alumni Michael (SJSH ’91), Tim (SJSH ’92), and Kara (SJSH ’94). The scholarship is granted to a Lower & Middle Schools student, who demonstrates financial need and is a “person of good character.”

    Aya Nakano Memorial Scholarship Fund
    Awards annual scholarship to support a Preparatory freshman throughout the duration of his/her enrollment at SHP. Preference given to students who attended Notre Dame Elementary School.

    Balen Family Scholarship Fund
    Provides annual financial support to one or more Sacred Heart student(s) throughout his or her enrollment at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

    Budd-Thanos Endowed Scholarship Fund
    Grant awarded to a disadvantaged Preparatory student throughout his/ her enrollment at SHP.

    Carl and Ilene Lanfear Scholarship
    Provides annual financial aid support to one or more Sacred Heart students, through his/her attendance at SHS.

    Carlysle Franzia Ciocca Scholarship Funds
    Grant awarded to two, incoming Preparatory freshmen who are Catholic and show high motivation, a history of hard work, a demonstrated commitment to learning, superior potential and financial need.

    The Carmen M. Christensen Scholarship Fund
    Grants awarded to two students: one to a Lower & Middle Schools student, the second to a Preparatory student.

    Child Family Scholarship Fund
    Provides annual financial support to a Preparatory freshman with demonstrated financial need who excels in math or science.

    The Coyne Family Scholarship Fund
    Grant awarded to a Lower & Middle Schools student with demonstrated financial need.

    Director’s Scholarship Fund
    Selected by the Director of Schools annually, one student from Sacred Heart Preparatory and one from the Lower & Middle Schools receive this special recognition. Recipients embody the tenants of Goal IV, “building of community as a Christian value,” and have demonstrated financial need.

    Edward E. Ford Endowment Fund
    Grant awarded to Preparatory students with demonstrated financial need.

    Elaine Launer Scholarship Fund
    Grant awarded to a Lower & Middle Schools student with demonstrated financial need and with academic competence.

    Elmore Family Scholarship Fund
    Provides annual financial aid support to one or more students through his/her enrollment at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

    Erler Family Scholarship Fund
    Grant awarded to an incoming Preparatory freshman with demonstrated financial need, who “shows great motivation, a history of hard work, and a commitment to learning.”

    Forever Strong Fund
    Provides scholarship support to the children of single mothers, identified with high financial need.

    Goltz Family Scholarship Fund
    Provides annual financial aid support to one or more students, through his/her enrollment at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

    Haley Family Scholarship Fund
    Grant awarded to a Lower & Middle Schools student of color with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship follows the student throughout his/her enrollment at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

    Helen Costello Community Service Scholarship Fund
    Alumna Lorraine Horn (SHP ’39) and her husband, Albert Horn, created this scholarship in honor of Lorraine’s sister, Mother Helen Costello, who dedicated her life to community service. Announced at Honors Convocation, the recipient is a Preparatory sophomore or junior who has performed outstanding community service. The grant is applied to the following year’s tuition.

    Homer Family Scholarship Fund
    Grant awarded to a Lower & Middle Schools student of color with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship follows the student throughout his/her enrollment at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

    Jean Bone (SJSH’32) & Adrian Ward (SJSH’29) General Scholarship
    Provides annual financial support to one or more student(s) throughout his/her enrollment at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

    Joseph J. Ciancaglini Endowed Scholarship Fund
    Supporting the financial aid budget for Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, income generated from the fund may support one or more students from any school division: Preschool & Kindergarten, Lower & Middle Schools, or Sacred Heart Preparatory.

    Josephine Spagnola Endowment Fund
    Provides support for one or more Lower & Middle Schools student(s) who is African-American and has demonstrated financial need. The scholarship follows the student throughout his/her enrollment at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

    Kate Basile De Blois Alumni Scholarship Fund
    Established by the SHS Alumni Association in memory of Kate Basile de Blois, a graduate of the Schools of the Sacred Heart (San Francisco) and the San Diego College for Women (currently USD). The fund awards two scholarships annually. The first, to a Lower & Middle Schools eighth-grader who matriculates at Sacred Heart Preparatory, in recognition of his/her demonstrated leadership qualities and scholastic aptitude during middle school. The second, to a student at any of the school divisions who is a child of an alumna/us. Although financial need is considered in awarding this second scholarship, it is not required.

    Koenig Family Scholarship Fund
    Provides support for one or more students at the Lower & Middle Schools with demonstrated financial need.

    Louise Wilbur Bailey Scholarship Fund
    Established in memory of Louise Wilbur Bailey, a 1942 graduate of Convent of the Sacred Heart, Menlo Park, this fund provides support for one or more Lower & Middle Schools students with demonstrated financial need.

    Maggie Fong & Family Scholarship Fund
    Awarded during Honors Convocation, the recipient is a graduating Preparatory student with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who “excels in academic work and whose daily social presence establishes deep, dynamic, and accepting relationships with others. As well as being intellectually curious, this student is a keen listener, sage advisor, and dutiful friend.”

    Marie C. de Dampierre Endowed Scholarship Fund
    Established in memory of Marie C. de Dampierre, a 1900 graduate of Convent of the Sacred Heart, Menlo Park, this scholarship provides financial assistance to Preparatory students.

    Marini Kuo Scholarship Fund
    Grant awarded to a Lower & Middle Schools student with demonstrated academic competence and financial need.

    Mason Family Scholarship Fund
    Created through a bequest from Elizabeth Mason, who taught at several Peninsula schools, the fund grants scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need.

    McGlynn Family Scholarship Fund
    Provides support to a Preparatory student with demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to graduates of St. Elizabeth Seton School.

    Michael E. Murphy Endowed Scholarship Fund
    Established in memory of Deacon Michael Edmond Murphy, a beloved educator, who worked at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton for more than twenty years. Mike taught Math and Religion and coached both boys and girls athletic teams. This scholarship provides support for one or more Lower & Middle Schools students with demonstrated financial need.

    Parents of Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund
    Provides annual financial aid support to one or more students in any grade, throughout his/her enrollment at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

    Pat and Kip Morey Scholarship Fund
    Created in honor of Pat and Kip Morey, who were involved in many early building projects at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton. Scholarships are distributed to eight Lower & Middle Schools students each year he/she has demonstrated financial need.

    Patricia Conley Larwood Scholarship Fund
    Honoring Patricia Conley Larwood, mother of past trustee Mark Larwood and a graduate of the San Francisco College for Women at Lone Mountain. This scholarship is granted to a Preparatory student with demonstrated financial need.

    Putnam Family Scholarship Fund
    Provides annual financial support to one or more student(s) through his/her enrollment at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

    Sallaberry Family Scholarship Fund
    Provides annual financial support to one or more student(s) throughout his/her enrollment at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

    Sarah Hanson Dance Fund
    Provides financial support to a Preparatory junior deemed the "most enthusiastic dancer who exemplifies the Sacred Heart philosophy." Should a student not meet the aforementioned criteria, the funds will support the Sacred Heart dance program.

    Schowe Family Scholarship Fund
    Grant awarded to an incoming Preparatory freshman with demonstrated financial need, high motivation, a history of hard work, and a commitment to learning. Special consideration is given to students with disabilities or students who have attended St. Elizabeth Seton School.

    Sean C. McLarry Scholarship Fund
    Created in memory of alumnus Sean McLarry (SHP ‘90), the scholarship is granted to SHP students with demonstrated financial need, who show a commitment to a career in music, as well as high motivation and a history of hard work.

    Sister Joan McKenna Scholarship Fund
    Honoring former trustee and Interim Director of Schools, Sr. Joan McKenna, this scholarship is awarded to one or more SHP students who demonstrate strong leadership skills, evidenced through academic performance, test scores, and/or extracurricular activities.

    Sister Nancy Morris Scholarship Fund
    Created as a tribute to Sr. Nancy Morris on the occasion of her Silver Jubilee, her 25th anniversary as a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Scholarships are awarded to one or more Preparatory students.

    Taylor Family Scholarship Fund
    Provides annual financial support to a Preparatory student from a middle class family, continuing throughout his/her enrollment at the high school.

    Tom and Susan Ford Scholarship Fund
    Grant awarded to a Preparatory student with demonstrated financial need.

  • Current Non-Endowed Scholarship Funds

    Agape Foundation Financial Aid Scholarship Fund
    With a goal to promote ethnic and socio-economic diversity, awards are given to students of African American, Hispanic, Filipino, or Samoan descent who have demonstrated financial need, and who live in cultural communities that have a history of being social or economically disadvantaged. Awards may also be granted to disabled students who have traditionally been marginalized.

    Mother Helen Costello Society Scholarship Fund
    Supported by a group of donors, each of whom annually contribute $1,000, this fund awards annual scholarships of up to $11,000 per student, designed to help bridge the gap between the cost of tuition at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton and other Catholic schools.

    Pajaro Scholarship Fund
    Designed to increase school diversity, the fund grants full scholarships to at least two Preparatory students who are from minority backgrounds and could not otherwise afford a Sacred Heart education.

    Sheila Peterson Memorial Scholarship Fund
    Awarded to one or more rising Preparatory seniors at Honors Convocation, this scholarship provides one-time financial aid support to a recipient who embodies the spirit of Goal IV, “the building of community as a Christian value,” in both academic work and daily social presence, establishing deep, dynamic, and accepting relationships with others. As well as being intellectually curious, the recipient is a keen listener, sage advisor, and dutiful friend.
     

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Joanne Messing

    Joanne Messing 

    Director of Institutional Advancement
    (650) 454-8342
The Advancement office is located on the 3rd floor of the Main Building.

Tel: 650.473.4003
advancement@shschools.org

Mailing Address:
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton
Advancement Office
150 Valparaiso Avenue 
Atherton, CA 94027

Where Scholarship and Values Matter
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, SHS is a Catholic, independent, co-ed day school for students in preschool through grade 12