THE MAGNIFICAT AWARD

Rose Gates Jenne ’68

The Magnificat Award honors outstanding service and personal commitment to Magnificat High School and its Mission. As a graduate of Magnificat, Rose Gates Jenne ’68 experienced firsthand the importance of a Catholic, single-gender education. She has been an advocate for Magnificat for many years, as well as a member of the Board of Directors. She is the proud grandparent of Leah Jenne ’23 and Emmaline Jenne ’17. Her philanthropy and service to Magnificat have been invaluable, and the school is honored to present her with The Magnificat Award.

Mara van der Oord Myers ’97

The True Blue Volunteer of the Year Award honors a volunteer whose dedication to Magnificat is exemplary. Mara van der Oord Myers ’97 ’s dedication to her Alma Mater is extraordinary. She understands that providing excellence in Catholic education requires extensive financial resources, and she is committed to helping raise these critical funds. It is important to her that new generations of young women succeed at Magnificat. Her tireless effort and dedication to building community support has never wavered. She believes, “Once women are connected back to Magnificat and reminded of the opportunities gained here, they feel the pull and want to give back.”

Marilyn Knox Arundel ’76

The Sr. Carol Anne Smith, H.M. Award recognizes a former or current faculty or staff member who models and promotes the Mission, heritage, and core values of Magnificat High School. Marilyn Knox Arundel ’76 dedicated her entire career educating students to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. She taught Pre-Calculus, Algebra, and Physics and served as Junior Class Monitor and Genesis Coordinator. As Dean of Faculty and Academics, she worked to create systems and schedules that improved the school day, updated the Genesis program to be a more comprehensive experience, and expanded Student Support Services—all to meet the changing needs of 21st Century learners.

The Alumnae Award Of Excellence

Mary Clare Fanta Oberst ’75

This award is given to an alumna who has devoted her life to living our Mission in the world. She is someone who demonstrates service and leadership while being an accomplished innovator in her field and in her community. Mary Clare Fanta Oberst ’75 has dedicated her career to faith formation, service, and outreach. She also worked in Campus Ministry and coordinated many retreats for students including Freshman Heritage Day, the Sophomore Retreat, and more than 20 Kairos Retreats. She wore many hats at Magnificat and spent much of her career educating our students on the importance of service to others in need.

September 22,2023