Fr. Christopher J. McDonnell, SJ Memorial Endowment
The Gift of Education Lasts a Lifetime
Fr. Christopher J. McDonnell, SJ. For some alumni, the name inspires fear and awe. For others, it conjures an image of a headmaster who cared deeply about his students. For younger alumni, he may only be a portrait on the wall in his namesake building, or a name on a letter from the Financial Aid office.
From 1937-1956, Fr. Christy, as he’s affectionately known, kept an eye on Seattle Prep students as the headmaster and head disciplinarian of the “Jesuit school for fine, Catholic gentlemen.”
Since 1983, Fr. Christy has been looking out for students in a different way. Following their 30th reunion in 1985, the Class of 1953 established the Fr. Christopher J. McDonnell, SJ Memorial Endowment to provide tuition assistance for students who needed a little help coming to Prep.
Bill Clancy ’53 and his classmates started the effort as a way to memorialize Fr. McDonnell and his contributions to our school. “He helped us learn the values of life. We had a lot of respect for all of the Jesuits, but held him in higher regard as our leader.”
The legacy of “Fr. Mac” endures in the Prep students who received tuition assistance from the Fr. Christopher J. McDonnell Endowment over the past 30 years. Laura (Mattson) Matter ’93 was an early beneficiary of Fr. Christy’s endowment and will be returning to Prep in the fall as a parent. Tuition for her freshmen year in 1989-90 was $3,600.
“I vividly remember standing in my living room as an 8th grader and opening the envelope that told me I was the recipient of the Fr. Christopher J. McDonnell Scholarship. What a sense of relief! I knew at that moment I would be able to take advantage of the incredible opportunity to go to Prep - an opportunity that would have come as a great financial struggle to my family had the scholarship not been provided. If someone is in the position to do so, I believe there is an obligation to help others. The gift of education lasts a lifetime,“ Laura recalled.
Fr. Christy’s endowment also enabled Clinton “CJ” Castillo ’00 to attend Prep. “Seattle Prep taught me how to be resourceful. It taught me that there is no right way to achieve your goals – as long as you have the will, desire, and drive to achieve then you will turn dreams into reality. It also taught me that money is not the only way to measure success.”
Alumni contributions to the Fr. McDonnell Endowment also benefited Sydney Alcantara ‘12. “My parents always emphasized hard work and education. I know a Prep education was a sacrifice for my parents, even with the help I received. But I’m grateful I had that opportunity,” recalled Sydney.
With tuition at $18,600 next year, the need for financial assistance at Seattle Prep is even greater than before. More than one quarter of Prep students receive financial support and endowments provide almost half of the aid distributed each year.
If Fr. Christy or another Jesuit had a positive impact on your Seattle Prep education, consider making an endowment gift in his memory on May 10th for GiveBIG or by including the fund in your estate plans. Contact the Advancement Office for more information.
Excerpts from Spring, 2017 Panther Tracks
