Page 11 - 20-21 Annual Report

In 2020, 154 students began their freshman year
as Chargers. Of those 154, more than half received

financial aid, with an average award around $10,000
– thanks to the generosity of a family that decided
to conduct what they called an “experiment.” What

would happen if finances were no object? What if a
parent could look at their daughter and say, “If you

want to go to Cor Jesu, money will not be an issue.”

Peggy McGrath Terrio ‘83 was inspired. approximately $25,000 per year, per
“I felt like this was such an outstanding student. Multiplied across five students,
opportunity for students and parents,” it amounts to $500,000 over four years.
she said. “I know there are young women “Looking at the numbers, it was clear,”
out there that have all the potential in the Sr. Mary Grace said. “We would offer full
world, but may not have the resources scholarships to those five students.”
to attend a school like Cor Jesu.”
And thus, the Blessed Clelia
She committed $200,000 over four years to
a similar opportunity for the Class of 2025. Scholarship Program, which
had existed in a less-structured
Carl and Suzanne Kuebler also pledged
their financial support. Their two way as the fully-endowed
daughters graduated from Cor Jesu, scholarship program for
Samantha in 2018 and Anne Marie in 2021.
students, was created.
“People need access,” Carl said when asked
why they chose to give an immediate The scholarship itself would cover tuition
gift toward financial aid. “We want to and fees, uniforms, books, a lunch card,
be able to provide the opportunity for activities – and all ancillary expenses that
young women to reach their potential.” contribute to the Cor Jesu experience,
something donors universally supported.
In total, by the time financial aid
applications were due, seven donors “Part of a Cor Jesu education is not
had pledged or donated a total of just classroom work, but being able
$500,000 in scholarship funds to to attend mother-daughter or father-
be distributed over four years. daughter functions, and dances, such
a junior ring or prom,” Peggy said. “All
“What happened next can only amount to the girls should have the chance to
God’s hand,” Cor Jesu President Sr. Mary experience what Cor Jesu has to offer.”
Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D. remembered.
Each of the recipients would be supported
When families complete the financial aid by a team led by Sr. Mary Grace, with
forms, a third-party system generates a single point of contact in the Career,
a recommendation for financial aid College & Wellness Center (CCW).
based solely on the numbers. In
the case of the Class of 2025, five “It was imperative to us that these
students demonstrated need for full young women not feel like they were
scholarship. Taking into account tuition, having to explain their situation at
fees and other expenses, that totals every turn,” said Sr. Mary Grace.

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