Support the Vision

Through Vision 2012, the University will expand the St. Mary's educational experience so our graduates possess not only the superior academic tools necessary to impact society, but also the desire to reach their full potential as human beings, with a sound religious and ethical foundation.

The St. Mary's Fund campaign focuses on three characteristics of a Catholic and Marianist education that are highlighted in Vision 2012 and that are cornerstones of the St. Mary’s University experience:

Academic Excellence —St. Mary’s will excel in teaching and scholarship that is transformational, educating the whole person. At the core of a St. Mary’s education will be innovative curricular and co-curricular learning that evidences the integration of the liberal arts and professional studies.

Community Building —The University will excel in offering its students opportunities to reach out to others in service to society and to developing graduates who, inspired by faith, are informed community builders who seek understanding and wisdom for the common good of society.

Marianist Tradition— Connections with the Marianist Community allow students constant access to spiritual leaders whose lives are dedicated to academic excellence, service to society and formation in community

• The St. Mary’s Fund campaign runs annually from June 1 through May 31.
• All gifts to the St. Mary’s Fund are tax deductible.
• Once a donation has been made to a campaign, alumni are not again solicited until the next campaign. Thank you all for your support and thank you for your belief in the mission of St. Mary’s University.

Graduates of St. Mary’s University know the value of these characteristics. Your support today will enable St. Mary’s to attain the high level of success set forth in Vision 2012.

Giving Choices

We invite you to designate your St. Mary's Fund gift. The following is a sampling of designations often chosen by our donors.

• Unrestricted: Unrestricted gifts enable the University to direct annual support to where it is most needed, including operational and programmatic functions.
• School of __________: Direct your gift to the Bill Greehey School of Business; School of Humanities and Social Sciences; School of Science, Engineering and Technology; Graduate School; or the School of Law.
• Louis J. Blume Academic Library: Designed primarily for independent study and research, the library offers a wide variety of print and non-print media. Annual support ensures the library remains a viable research resource for students, faculty and the community.
• Scholarships: Making education at St. Mary's affordable and accessible is critical in recruiting top quality students to the University. Your designated gift will provide dedicated and academically qualified students the opportunity to gain a quality education in the Catholic Marianist tradtion.
• Campus Beautification/Grounds: Creating an appealing campus environment while remaining environmentally responsible is all part of establishing a clear institutional identity. Your designated gift will support continued enhancement and maintenance of St. Mary's 135-acre campus.
• Student Services: Your support ensures student services including student counseling, student health services and student activities, all of which enhance our students’ overall educational experience at St. Mary’s University, remain robust and up-to-date.
• Academic Support: St. Mary's encourages regular scholarly contributions by faculty to their disciplines, to the Church and to the community. Your designated gift gives St. Mary's faculty opportunities for the continued research and development necessary to maintain a high standard of academic excellence at the University.
• University Ministry: Encouraging and promoting personal development, growth in the community, lived faith values, leadership and service, University Ministry provides many opportunities to students who wish to broaden their educational experience.
• Athletics: School spirit and time-honored traditions are both aspects of the athletics program at St. Mary’s. Your designated gift will provide support for athletic programs which are an integral part of the St. Mary's experience.

Giving Clubs

The generous support of St. Mary's alumni and friends provides our students with the physical, technological and financial resources needed to continue to promote academic excellence and leadership development. Increasing annual fund and major gift support is vital to carry out St. Mary's mission, which celebrates a 156-year tradition of success and shapes our educational future.

Giving levels highlight your support and pay homage to the time-honored traditions that are the fabric of St. Mary’s rich history.

Our alumni and friends have forged a tradition of giving to and supporting the University's academic mission. Building on that tradition, and to better match your intentions, donors may now direct gifts to a variety of designated areas.

Your annual support does many things, like enhancing instruction and faculty development. Most significantly, it will help St. Mary's perpetuate its mission and empower future generations.

Building a Strong Foundation

Members of the giving clubs support St. Mary's operational activities, programs and projects.

The Rattlers Club
$100-$249 annually
According to legend, the football field required a pre-game ritual — athletes and faculty carefully removed rattlesnakes from the playing field. The Rattler remains a proud symbol of St. Mary's collegiate spirit.

Pecan Grove Club
$250-$499 annually
The Pecan Grove at the heart of the campus is the gathering place for the St. Mary's community. Alumni and friends can be found under the shady pecan trees throughout the year at various special events planned to bring our family together.

Gold and Blue Club
$500-$999 annually
Our alma mater, "The Bells of St. Mary's," calls all alumni to sing praises for the glory of the "gold and blue," St. Mary's school colors.

Growing Leadership Support

Increasing financial support to carry out St. Mary's strategic plan and mission is critical. We must remain diligent in growing support for scholarship endowments, capital projects and innovative programs. Members of giving guilds provide leadership support to these programs.

President's Guild
$1,000-$1,851 annually
Nineteen presidents and directors have led St. Mary's University, perpetuating the spiritual and educational vision established by the Marianists in 1852.

Founders' Guild
$1,852-$4,999 annually
To commemorate more than 150 years and recognize the dedicated commitment of our Marianist forefathers you are invited to become a charter member of the Founders' Guild.

University Guild
$5,000-$9,999 annually
After several name changes, including St. Mary's Institute, St. Louis College and St. Mary's College, St. Mary's University was chartered with the State of Texas in 1927.

St. Louis Guild
$10,000-$24,999 annually
St. Louis College - the "Woodlawn campus" - opened for boarding students in 1894. The campus's first edifice, St. Louis Hall, stands today as a proud symbol of St. Mary's rich history.

Creating a Legacy: Lifetime Donors

Through their committed giving history and annual gifts, lifetime donors impact St. Mary's strategic priorities and greatest needs.

Marianist Legacy Society
$25,000-$99,999 annually
Carrying on the Marianist commitment to education and service, members of this society typically have gifts in the form of endowed scholarships.

Bordeaux Society
$100,000-$499,999
Marianist roots can be traced to the Bordeaux region of France where the Blessed William Chaminade, founder of the Society of Mary, and Sister Adele de Tranquelleon, founder of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, spent their early years building the religious communities.

Chaminade Society
$500,000-$999,999
Blessed William Joseph Chaminade established more than 40 schools, each dedicated to the formation of the whole person in faith and community. Today, his vision continues to shape the educational experience of St. Mary's students.

St. Mary's Benefactor
$1 million+
Alumni and friends of St. Mary's University, leaders in their professions and philanthropy, are committed to serving the community. St. Mary's Benefactors perpetuate the University's promise of an educational venture shaped by faith, service and scholarship.

Common Questions

• Why should I contribute to the St. Mary's Fund?
  Giving the the St. Mary's Fund is a way of helping students who are currently attending St. Mary's as well as making it possible for more students to come to St. Mary's.
• Can I choose where my donation goes?
  Yes. To see the full list please go the St. Mary's Fund Giving Choices Tab
• How much of my donation actually goes to the area I choose?
  The full amount of your donation goes directly to the area of your choice.
• Is my gift to the St. Mary's Fund tax deductible?
  Yes, St. Mary's University is a nonprofit organization and all gifts are tax deductible.
• When does the St. Mary's Fund campaign start and finish?
  The St. Mary's Fund campaign mirrors the University's fiscal year; therefore, it runs from June 1 through May 31 every year.
• If I contribute early in the year, will I still receive other mailings asking for donations?
  No, you will not. Once your donation to the St. Mary's Fund has been received, you will not be solicited again during that fiscal year.
• My gift of $10, $50, or $100 would be a drop in the bucket. Why should I give?
  Every gift to the St. Mary's Fund is important. Think about this way: if 10,000 alumni each gave $50, St. Mary's University would have $500,000 for our students next year alone. When we all work together, we can make great things happen at St. Mary's!

I have more questions. How do I contact the St. Mary's Fund Office? We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us by e-mail at afund@stmarytx.edu or call our office at (210) 436-3303.