The St. Mary's Law School Fund establishes a broad base of financial support that is critical to meeting the challenges of a 21st century legal education.

The St. Mary's Law Fund provides the platform from which various law school projects and programs draw annual operational support. All gifts to the law school are welcome. Now alumni and friends will have the opportunity to direct their annual gift to specific areas.

• 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 an alum has donated to a campaign, they are not again solicited until the next campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why contribute to the St. Mary's Law Fund?

The St. Mary's Law Fund helps provide deserving students the opportunity to get a quality education at an affordable price. In fact, the only way to keep tuition costs manageable for students is by having a strong annual fund appeal.

Can I choose where my donation goes?

Yes. To list the St. Mary's Law Fund giving choices, click here.

How much of my donation actually goes to the area I choose?

100% of all donations go directly to the area of your choice.

Is my gift to the St. Mary's Law Fund tax deductible?

Yes, St. Mary's University is a nonprofit organization and all gifts are tax deductible.

When does the St. Mary's Law Fund campaign start and finish?

The St. Mary's Law Fund campaign 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 a gift to the St. Mary's Law Fund has been received, the donor is not solicited again that campaign 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 Law Fund is important. Think about this way: if 8,000 law alumni gave $100, St. Mary's School of Law would have $800,000 for our students next year alone. When we all work together, we can make great things happen for the law school.

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 e-mail us at < href="mailto:afund@stmarytx.edu">afund@stmarytx.edu or call the Office of Development.

Giving Choices

• Dean's Discretionary

  Enables the Dean of the School of Law to direct funds where they are needed most to support the academic success of students, including academic excellence programs and operational and programmatic functions.

• Law School Scholarships

  Making an education at the School of Law affordable and accessible is critical in recruiting top quality students. Your designated gift will provide dedicated and academically qualified students the opportunity to gain a quality legal education.

• Sarita Kenedy East Law Library

  Primarily designed for independent study and legal research, the library offers a wide variety of print and non-print media through the latest information technology resources and computer labs. Annual support enhances resource acquisitions and ensures the law library remains a viable research facility.

• St. Mary's Law Journal

  Over the past four decades, the St. Mary's Law Journal has achieved a high level of distinction, becoming one of the most frequently cited law reviews in the United States. Your designated gift will help cover operating costs and support the dedicated students who work diligently to keep the Journal at the top of its field.

• The Scholar:  St. Mary's Law Review on Minority Issues

  The Scholar seeks to speak on behalf of racial/ethnic minorities and other historically underrepresented and oppressed groups by reaching out to the larger community to inform, share, and educate, thereby giving voice to the voiceless in a legal journal.  Your gift can support the students and attendant costs of this important and necessary work.

• Clinical Education Programs

  The School of Law, through its clinics and other community projects, offers students opportunities to expand their moral and intellectual commitments and qualifications through service to our local, national and international communities. We offer hands-on practice to students in civil justice, criminal justice and human rights/immigration concentrations.

• Cantú Fund

  Supports the programs and activities of Law Campus Ministries under the leadership of Sr. Grace Walle, F.M.I.

• Trial Advocacy Program

  Our trial advocacy programs are among the best in the state and nation and give students the opportunity to gain practical experiences in moot court and mock trial competitions. Your designated gift will provide necessary support to the program and students as they hone their advocacy skills.

• St. Mary's University

  Undergraduate/Graduate Programs: Designated gifts aid undergraduate and graduate programs at the University. You can now direct your gift to a specific school, such as: Bill Greehey School of Business; School of Humanities and Social Sciences; School of Science, Engineering and Technology; or the Graduate School.

The St. Mary's Law Fund campaign runs annually from June 1 through May 31.

All gifts to the St. Mary's Law Fund are tax deductible.

Giving Levels

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.

In 1852, four Marianist brothers arrived in San Antonio and opened the forerunner to St. Mary's University, the oldest and largest Catholic university in the Southwest. From its beginnings, St. Mary's founders instilled the Marianist ideals of academic excellence, ethical commitment and service to the community. These values remain the cornerstones of a St. Mary's education today.

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.

*All gifts, which fall within the new giving levels, will be recognized in the University's Annual Honor Roll of Donors published each year in the Gold & Blue magazine.

How do I make a gift?

Credit Card

St. Mary's University accepts American Express, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover.

Make your gift online or call the St. Mary's Fund Office at (210) 436-3303 to charge your gift.

Cash or Check

If you would like to make a contribution to the St. Mary's Fund, send your gift to:

St. Mary's University
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, TX 78228-8544

You can pay your gift all at once, or in monthly or quarterly installments.

Give Online

Matching Gifts

Many companies encourage charitable giving by "matching" employee contributions. If your employer is such a company, they will make a gift equaling or doubling the size of your contribution. Your company's human resources department should have specific details as to how it works. Most often, you are asked to complete a form and send it in with your contribution.

Will and Estate Planning

A charitable gift to the University may provide valuable benefits to you and your family. Planned Giving allows you to maximize the personal benefits of your charitable donation while providing you the opportunity to make a significant impact at St. Mary's University.

For more information about the St. Mary's Law Fund or any other program, please contact the Office of Development at (210) 436-3718.