Page 12 - 2019-20-AnnualReport

“Now we have an experiment that changes early and receive an award estimate
the dynamic of who applies and how before applying for admission.
many,” they clarified. “Then you can prove
whether the ability to say that we’re “That component was so important to us. If
able to meet need entices more families families knew what they were getting into
to look and more students to apply.” financially, they could make an informed
decision before allowing their daughter
The offer was astounding. to visit campus,” Colleen explained.
Transformational. And the logistics
of stewarding the gift seemed And then, the true test: application numbers.
a little overwhelming. “I don’t remember the exact date,”
Colleen said. “But I remember it was
“We spent months hashing out the details,”
Katie remembered. “Previously, we were several weeks before the application
restricted in our allocation of scholarships deadline. Sr. Veronica, ASCJ ‘74 (CJA’s
based on the amount of money we had interim president/principal at the
available. With what was essentially a time) called to tell me we already had
blank check, we were able to truly look 135 applicants. I was blown away.”
at the need of our potential families.” And on January 31, Cor Jesu mailed
acceptance letters. 160 of them.
While the donors worked with finance
and advancement to iron out the details “I was overjoyed for Sr. Veronica to share
of the offer, Colleen Smyth Dean ‘10, this number with faculty and staff,”
Director of Admissions, got to work Colleen remembered. “I am fortunate
communicating it to schools and families. to have a peek into what the future of
Cor Jesu looks like after getting to know
“It was a phenomenal challenge – in the
most positive way,” Colleen recalled. the applicants and their parents, and I
couldn’t wait to share my excitement.”
And the impact was immediate.
By the commitment deadline, 154
“Families described this as a ‘game talented young women made up the
changer,’” she said. “Some of these Class of 2024, representing 14 brand new
families had always dreamt of sending sending schools and seven zip codes from
their daughters to a Catholic high school, which CJA had never had a student.
but thought it was out of the question
because of finances. As I described the “We describe that as success beyond our
offer, I could see the relief on their faces.” wildest dreams,” the donors said. “Reading
the emails of gratitude from the families
The 2019 8th Grade Shadow Season got
off to a strong start. Open House was
busy from beginning to end – Stephanie
Monnig Hoelscher ‘89, CJA’s Director “Even though I have
of Finance, had the joy of sharing never met you, I
the opportunity with prospective think about you
families on that day in November. often. You have set

“The line wrapped around the cafeteria at a great example for
times,” she said. “Families were amazed me personally. Acts of kindness, big
at the unexpected opportunity.” or small, can have a great impact
on another’s life. This is something
Also new with the offer was the chance I will be grateful for my entire life.”
for students to apply for financial aid
– Renee Steinbrueck ‘24

10 | FY 2019-20 DATES: JULY 1, 2019-JUNE 30, 2020