Letter from the Chair of the Foundation

DEAR BENEDICTINE SCHOOLS OF RICHMOND COMMUNITY,

As an alumnus of the class of ’88, I could not have been more honored to chair the Benedictine Schools Educational Foundation Board of Directors. Benedictine and Saint Gertrude have played both a pivotal and vital role in my family’s lives as I, my sister Frances Smith Zaun (SGHS Class of ’90), and nephew Hunter Zaun (Class of ’20) have all seen firsthand the value of single-sex education. Multiple generations of families in the Richmond area have benefited from these two extraordinary schools and these benefits will continue to prevail into the future.

The values instilled from the Catholic education and disciplined framework from the Corps of Cadets have undoubtedly laid the necessary foundations for the successes of my businesses, RJ Smith Companies. The radical truth moments experienced throughout my education have developed into the core value system I have today of God, Family, Country.

The community support for Benedictine and Saint Gertrude is unfathomable. The brotherhood and sisterhood along with the faithfulness and dedication to the Benedictine Schools of Richmond are represented by this community day-in and day-out and that is something that simply cannot be replaced. 2021 has navigated each of us as individuals and as a united family through some uncharted territories, but with valiant leadership and your endless support, Benedictine and Saint Gertrude students have continued to flourish. Our student success is unmeasurable, and the athletics have thrived with multiple state championships to speak for it. The McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion is now hosting state-wide athletic and special events. Additionally, school masses, graduations, and other special events have taken place in the new pavilion. It is only because of the selfless generosity of the Benedictine Schools of Richmond community that this is all possible and for this, I am eternally grateful.

I eagerly look forward to continuing on the path of growth and innovation with all of you. As you approach the campus from the southside of 288 you can already see the soon-to-be state-of-the-art Saint Gertrude school building towering over the James River. With expected completion in 2022, I know full well that the Gators are looking forward to a new school building and are thankful the Cadets have graciously shared theirs. The completion of the new facility further expands the reach of impact of Benedictine and Saint Gertrude in the Richmond Area. As crews continue with construction, it would not have been possible without the faithful support of our community.

With one bell tower standing tall and a second one soon to join the ranks overlooking the James River and Route 288, there is an extraordinary future for Benedictine and Saint Gertrude.

With the unification as one family, the Benedictine Schools of Richmond, we are #StrongerTogether.

GIVING FOR A PURPOSE