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Donor Highlights
CLASS OF 1971 SCHOLARSHIP
Enduring Brotherhood, Lasting Generosity
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Commitment to each other and to SLUH culminates in an evergreen gift to SLUH
The Class of ‘71 has distinguished itself with enduring brotherhood and incredible support for SLUH. It was the first SLUH class to undertake the inaugural Senior Project, which was novel at the time and is now emulated by high schools across the country. It is also known for winning the football state championship in 1970. In 2017, team captain Joe Castellano ‘71 published Bull in the Ring, capturing in captivating detail the threads connecting their class during the championship season. The memory of Ed Hawk ‘71, who died tragically his senior year and who plays a special part in Bull in the Ring, continues today with the Ed Hawk Award for a graduating senior. Motivated by a desire to make a gift of appreciation to SLUH in honor of their 50th reunion, representatives from the Class of 1971 worked closely with the Advancement Office to fund a fully endowed scholarship. The Planning Committee shares how they achieved their goal below.
All-State Bill Ziegler ran for 154 yards against KC Center. Right: McDonald,forces KC receiver to juggle pass. 72
Check out Class of '71 graduates recount their SLUH experiences in a special video series. In late 2019, as our 50th class reunion approached, we began conversations with SLUH and expressed a desire to fully endow our class scholarship, inaugurated years ago, to leave a lasting legacy for the profound impact SLUH has had on our lives. Most fundraising efforts first try to line up the major donors to establish a strong baseline of support. A key part of our message was that we were reaching out to everyone at the same time with the same message, so that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, could play a foundational role. We put an equally strong and complementary emphasis on achieving the widest possible level of participation, where every gift would be recognized in the same fashion, versus any kind of tiering or recognition levels.
The Class of '71 led the Jr. Bills to win the football state championship in the fall of 1970.
We made a plan with the Advancement Office and sent our first letters in February 2020 and have followed up with several letters, emails and phone calls to classmates. Though not directly related, in May 2020 we began hosting monthly “Class of ’71 Sunrise Social” Zoom calls where we rekindle our friendships, and where each month two Blue Buddies expound
on what they’ve been doing since graduation. Another classmate set up a Facebook page where we’ve shared SLUH memories and grandparent pictures. And there’s no question that communications about our upcoming reunion have stoked a thousand great memories and connections in anticipation of a “can’t-miss” event. This summer, we exceeded our goal of raising $325,000 for a permanent SLUH ’71 Class Scholarship. As important to us, we’re very near our goal of achieving more than 60 percent participation. It is with deep gratitude for our time at SLUH, and for the exceptional bonds the Class of ’71 holds strong to this day, that we could activate this classwide effort to achieve such a worthy goal. Along with our annual scholarship, we hope to bequeath
- THE CLASS OF '71 SCHOLARSHIP PLANNING COMMITTEE
to future SLUH graduates the same kind of lasting, loving friendships and memories that ” have inspired and sustained us for more than 50 years. – THE CLASS OF '71 SCHOLARSHIP PLANNING COMMITTEE
Above: The Class of ‘71 keeps in touch through monthly Manresa Society meetings, focused on Ignatian spirituality, and Zoom Sunrise Socials.
WITH GRATITUDE
SLUH is pleased to work with alumni to identify a project that fulfills their desire to make a class gift in conjunction with their 50th reunion. It is with deep gratitude that SLUH recognizes these classes that have fully endowed their class scholarships preceding their 50th reunion: Class of 1963 Class of 1969 Class of 1970 Class of 1971 Class of 1972
TOM '67 AND BARBARA BUCHANAN
Unanimous Decision
TOM ‘67 AND BARBARA BUCHANAN, INSPIRED BY GRATITUDE, ENDOW FULL SCHOLARSHIP
Community. Challenge. Gratitude. These are just a few reasons why Tom ‘67 and Barbara Buchanan established the Thomas M. Buchanan and Barbara J. Buchanan Scholarship at St. Louis U. High. After graduation, Tom attended Saint Louis University and the University of Iowa Law School. He has practiced law in Williamsburg, Iowa his entire career. He and Barbara have two daughters and four grandchildren. Following, Tom reflects on his SLUH experience and giving back.
What did you like most about SLUH?
I loved being part of a community that is committed to values and nurtures a sense of identity among all of its students. With athletic ability limiting participation to pool and wall ball, I was energized by the pep rallies. When Fr. Kellett spoke, you knew it was a special game. Taking a bus to Alton our senior year and watching a great game played in a downpour gave me a sense of purpose even though I was in the stands. I was a part of something far bigger. The academic challenges were incredible. Early in my freshman year, I confided in Fr. Hagan that everyone was so smart, and wondered if I should even be here. He told me if I gave my best effort, I could overcome the challenges I would encounter. He said the teachers would not give up on me as long as I didn’t give up on myself. That is a community that truly values all of its members.
What was the most important thing you learned at SLUH?
I learned how to write and how to think, which is critical to effective writing. My first law school professor informed our class we needed to learn to think like lawyers. I soon realized the teachers at SLUH had already taught me how to do that. The ability to think and write have been the foundation of my professional and personal life.
What inspired you to give to SLUH in such a meaningful, generous way?
At our 50-year reunion, SLUH hosted a Mass and social. It was a great reminder of the quality education still being provided. In addition, I read Bull in the Ring by Joe Castellano ‘71. That book resonated with me so I asked my wife to read it. After she finished, she shared that she finally understood the love I have for SLUH. I had given to the annual fund (now Jr. Bill Fund) for many years. It now struck me that my gift to the annual fund was no longer adequate. I knew how much I benefited from a scholarship to St. Louis U. High, so it seemed only fitting that I should do the same for another young man. I considered making a provision
- TOM BUCHANAN '67
in my will. However, I decided waiting might deprive a student the benefit of attending SLUH today. I knew what I had to do.
Why do you feel it’s important to give back to SLUH?
After our 50-year reunion, Joe Fritsch created a Google group for our class. One of the topics was, “Where would you have gone to high school if you had not been accepted at St. Louis U. High?” I considered that question and thought about the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Rather than reflecting on how the world would have been different without me, I considered how my life would have been affected had I not attended St. Louis U. High. I concluded SLUH was critical in nurturing who I am today. Without question, the gift I made to St. Louis U. High will never compare to the gift I received from it. JOE SHAVER '11
Young Alumnus Leverages Support with Estate Giving
As a student at SLUH, Joe Shaver ‘11 appreciated how the school’s Jesuit, Catholic identity was incorporated into daily student life, from prayer to start and end the day, to the Examen and Prayer for Generosity every afternoon, to the many spiritual and service opportunities.
“Becoming a Man for Others really started to grow within me while I was at SLUH and has continued to form who I am,” says Shaver, a graduate of Truman State University with a B.S. in Business Administration - Finance. He says one of the many ways he tries to personify this ideal is through his current role as Workflow Coordinator at the Annual Catholic Appeal Office of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. “I’ve supported SLUH ever since graduation because of the incredible formation and support I received as a student, including generous need-based financial aid through the work study program. I recently decided that I wanted to give back on a larger scale, but as a young adult I needed to find a way beyond cash support. Including SLUH in my estate plans was an easy way to accomplish that. “As someone who relied on financial aid in order to attend SLUH, I think it’s imperative to give back to the school so that other young men can have the same, and even better, opportunities than I did, regardless of their families’ financial situation.”
Joe Shaver ‘11 is the youngest member of the George and Anna Backer Heritage Society whose members have expressed a commitment to make an estate gift to SLUH.
Heritage Society members have made a provision for an estate gift to SLUH by either including SLUH in their will or trust, by naming SLUH as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or insurance policy, or by creating a gift annuity for the benefit of SLUH. Learn more:
SUSAN AND MIKE VANOUS
Finding A Place Called Home
In 2016, Mike and Susan Vanous moved from Atlanta to St. Louis with their two sons. Feeling uncertain and a bit overwhelmed by the St. Louis high school landscape, they heard about SLUH from a friend. Five years later, they are grateful they chose SLUH for Noah ‘20 and Matthew ‘22. Here’s their story, in their own words.
What was it like moving to a new city for your boys for high school?
The welcoming smiles and sincerity of the SLUH faculty and staff made us feel right at home. After touring the school, we had no doubt SLUH was where we wanted our boys to spend their high school careers. Jeff Pottinger went beyond his role as band director and connected us with a family in the Central West End, where we eventually moved.
What do you value most about SLUH?
SLUH promotes an environment that not only values academic achievement but also encourages students to focus on their impact on their fellow classmates and on society. Over five years we have witnessed the brotherhood that develops among Jr. Bills and the genuine love that exists for their community.
Any favorite SLUH memories?
Noah had the opportunity to perform with the SLUH symphonic band in 2018 for Pope Francis and he was fortunate to shake hands with His Holiness. Both Noah and Matthew loved their experiences in band at SLUH.
How did you (Susan) like serving as Mothers Club President in 2020-21?
I had the opportunity to see the faculty and staff interact one-onone daily with students. There are so many amazing faculty and staff that hold special places in our hearts. They care deeply about all students and go out of their way to make sure the boys are successful emotionally and academically. The energy and love on campus is electric. Attending a schoolwide Mass and seeing the Si Commons transformed into a sacred place of worship is a special treat. Witnessing the school community’s love for Christ enforces why attending this Jesuit school is so special. It is incredible to see how many moms help with our events as they feel so grateful for their
Mike and Susan Vanous are members of the SLUH Cornerstone Society
sons’ experiences and know that SLUH is a special place.
What compels you to donate to SLUH?
Every single dollar raised makes a difference by giving students in need the opportunity to have the most enriching college preparatory opportunity possible, regardless of finances. Even better, their experience will not just be academic, but it will be spiritual and holistic as SLUH cultivates students to become Men for Others. Our world, and our future, needs these positive change agents.
