St. Mary's University Grants Heritage Awards

By ASHLEY BLISSEN

WINONA - The Slaggie Family Foundation and the late Brother I. Patrick Hayes, FSC, were presented with the Saint Mary’s University Heritage Award for Transformational Philanthropy Thursday, October 10, at the university’s annual Benefactor Recognition Dinner. The Heritage Award recognizes special individuals whose exceptional philanthropy has significantly transformed the university and positioned Saint Mary’s for a second century of excellence in education.

The Slaggie Family Foundation, led by Stephen and Barbara Slaggie, has been a transformative force in supporting Saint Mary's University of Minnesota through its philanthropic gifts. Deeply rooted in their Catholic faith, the Slaggie family has long been dedicated to education, the arts, and humanitarian causes. Their generosity has had a lasting impact on the communities in which they live and the organizations they support. Through the Slaggie Family Foundation, their four children - Mike, Matt, Shelly and Sara - are also continuing the legacy of giving, sharing their time, talent, and resources to benefit those in need.

The Slaggie’s commitment to philanthropy stems from their humble beginnings and a shared belief in the importance of helping others. Barb, raised on a farm with 13 siblings, was taught by her parents to always look out for those in need. Steve, shaped by his Catholic education and his service in the U.S. Army, developed a deep sense of responsibility to give back. Their success has provided them with the means to make a difference in countless lives, including students, faculty, and staff at Saint Mary’s.

Brother I. Patrick Hayes, FSC, a native of Chicago, is posthumously honored for his exceptional contributions to building a lasting culture of philanthropy at Saint Mary’s. Serving as the leader of the first office of development and public relations at Saint Mary's, Brother I. Patrick played a pivotal role in shaping the future of institutional fundraising and outreach. His legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to the values of education and community building continues to inspire.

Brother I. Patrick joined the Christian Brothers in 1927. Throughout his 47-year career as a teacher and administrator, he served schools across the Midwest, including Kansas City, Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Winona, Chicago, and Evanston.

Brother I. Patrick’s influence extended beyond the classroom. In the mid-1950s, he directed De La Salle Institute’s expansion program in Chicago before dedicating over two decades to Saint Mary’s. His roles as director of public relations, secretary of the alumni association, and vice president of development established a lasting framework for the institution’s growth. His retirement in 1978 marked the conclusion of a career marked by service, innovation, and unwavering devotion to the betterment of others.

Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president, said, “These individuals have taught us the true meaning of generosity. As Saint John Baptist de La Salle reminded his early Brothers, 'Generosity is the virtue that helps you voluntarily sacrifice your personal interests to those of your neighbor ... [giving abundantly] ... that they may be saved.’ It is in this spirit that we refer to the giving of good things to others freely, and certainly the Slaggie family and Brother I. Patrick Hayes have done this. Their commitment to our communities is shown in the way they have lived out their vocations in a spirit of generosity and, as a result, enabled others to experience their abundant care and concern. Their good works are tangible and visible. These will be felt for generations. We - and our students - are truly grateful to them and keep them in our prayers.”

Ashley Blissen is the director of communications for St. Mary's University of Minnesota, in Winona.