April 29, 2008
The Marianist Trust has allocated more than $411,000 to scholarships and programs for the 2008-2009 academic year. This is the largest single-year gift from the Trust to the University.
More than $380,400 of the gift will be used for scholarships and financial grants. The remaining $30,500 is earmarked for the Marianist Leadership Program, which coordinates activities, including special courses, retreats, discussions and service projects, for the undergraduate students who are awarded Marianist Trust scholarships.
“The many generous gifts from the Marianist Trust over the years ensure that outstanding St. Mary’s students receive financial assistance for an education that prepares them to become professional and community leaders prepared to act on their own dedication to serve society,” said St. Mary’s President Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D. “This gift continues the Trust’s longtime dedication to furthering the values of faith, service and education by supporting the mission of St. Mary’s.”
The Marianist Trust was set up in the 1970s by members of the Society of Mary who were working at St. Mary’s University. For many years, these Marianists contributed their salaries to a special fund with the idea that the earning from the fund would be used to help the University fulfill its mission. Each year, the Trust board meets to allocate the fund’s earnings.