Endowed Funds
We are grateful to the visionary donors who have established and/or contributed to our endowed funds.
These wonderful gifts ensure permanent support for Saint Mary’s School. The annual income generated by these funds provides valuable support for students, faculty, programs, and facilities, and sustains Saint Mary’s vibrant learning community.
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- Scholarship Funds
- Program Support
- Faculty/Staff Support
- Facilities
- Unrestricted
- Learn More About Endowments - FAQs
Scholarship Funds
Alice Eure Scholarship Fund: Established in 1999 by the estate of Alice Eure*. Income provides student scholarship support.
Alice Walker Dillard Scholarship Fund: Established in 1982 by the estate of Alice Walker Dillard '21C*. Income provides student scholarship support.
Allison Faith Dunn Scholarship Endowment: Established in 2020 by Tracy and Jeffrey Dunn, in honor of their daughter Allison Faith Dunn' 20. Scholarship awarded to a boarding student exhibiting high academic achievement and good character.
Ann Kidder Moore Bacon Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1995 by Louis M. Bacon in memory of his mother, Ann Kidder Moore Bacon '49C*. Income provides support for two boarding students and is awarded based on academic merit, leadership ability, personal character, and contributions to the school community. Recipients are known as "Moore Scholars."
Ann Patterson Scott and Kathryn Scott Long Endowment Fund: Established in 2001 by Kathryn Scott Long ’73HS ’75C in honor of her mother, Ann Patterson Scott '50HS '52C. Income provides scholarship support to academically qualified boarding students with integrity and good character.
Anne Russell '43HS Musical Theatre Scholarship Endowment: Established in 2019 to provide student scholarship support to an 11th or 12th grade student interested and involved in musical theater at Saint Mary's School.
Anonymous Fund for Scholarships: Established in 2016 by an anonymous donor. Income provides scholarships for students enrolled in Saint Mary's School's residential program.
Aurelia Fulton Stafford Scholarship Endowment Fund: Established in 1998 by Paul Fulton, Jr. in honor of his sister, Aurelia Fulton Stafford '48HS '50C. Income provides student scholarship support.
Bill and Gray Proctor Clark '52HS '54C Scholarship: Established in 2019 by Bill Clark and Gray Clark Stoughton '78HS '80C in memory of their parents. Income provides student scholarship support.
Blanche Robertson Bacon Honors Scholarship: Established in 2001 by Julian and Josie* Robertson in honor of his sister, Blanche Robertson Bacon '53HS '55C. Income provides honors scholarships to boarding students as part of the merit-based Honors Program. Recipients are known as "Blanche Scholars."
Bradley Fund: Established in 1986 by Hawkins and Jean Bradley. Income provides scholarship support to deserving students.
Camp Family Scholarship Endowment: Established in 2019 by John and Caren Threshie Camp '71HS in honor of the ladies from the Camp family who attended Saint Mary's and took away valuable education, life lessons, and friendships. Income provides scholarship support to a student of outstanding character who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity, a will to succeed academically, and a willingness to work hard to achieve that goal.
Catherine Ruth Proctor Memorial Scholarship: Established in 1974 by the high school Honor Society in memory of classmate Catherine Ruth Proctor '75HS*, who died in her junior year. Income provides student scholarship support and is awarded based on academic achievement.
Charles and Willie Younts Scholarship: Established in 1990 by John M. Camp, Jr. with a grant from the Camp-Younts Foundation. Income provides student scholarship support and is awarded based on academic achievement.
Charles E. Merrill Trust: Established in 1978 through a grant from the Charles E. Merrill Trust. Proceeds provide scholarships to deserving students of the Episcopal faith.
Charlotte Lilly Broadwell Endowment: Established in 2001 by Charles W. Broadwell in memory of his mother, Charlotte Lilly Broadwell '54C. Income provides scholarship support for a student from Eastern North Carolina.
Class of '59HS Memorial Scholarship Endowment Inspired by Caroline Finlay Myer '59HS: Established in 2019 by McNair Currie Maxwell '59HS in memory of all deceased members of the class of '59HS. Caroline was "the class clown and spent her life in loving generosity to many friends and strangers alike." Income provides scholarship support to one student who shares Caroline's genuine concern for other people.
Coles Burroughs Merit Scholarship Fund: Established in 1981 by Franklin G. and Geraldine B. Burroughs* in memory of their daughter, Coles Burroughs '59C*. Income provides student scholarship support and is awarded based on academic merit.
David R. Murchinson Scholarship: Established in 1902 by Lucile W. Murchison 1897* in memory of her father. Scholarship is awarded to meritorious residents of the Diocese of East Carolina, otherwise to meritorious residents of the Diocese of North Carolina.
Dickerman-Swindell Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1993 by the Wilson Daily Times in honor of President Morgan Dickerman III's mother, Margaret Swindell Dickerman '41C* and his grandmother, Elizabeth Gold Swindell 1915C*. Income provides scholarship support.
Duke Energy Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1986 by the Carolina Power & Light Company. Income provides scholarship support to students serviced by the company and is awarded based on academic achievement and need.
Edna Foust Harris Dixon Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1989 by Vivian Dixon Manekin ’68C, in honor of her mother, Edna Harris Dixon '27C*. Income provides scholarship support to academically qualified and deserving students.
Eliza Battle Pittman Fund: Established by the 1905 estate of Mary Eliza Battle Pittman* in memory of her daughter. This scholarship is awarded to an Episcopal resident of Edgecombe County, North Carolina, recommended by the vestry of Calvary Episcopal Church in Tarboro, North Carolina.
Elizabeth Strange McNeill Elliott Scholarship Fund: Established in 1982 through a grant from The Elliott Memorial Fund of St. John’s Episcopal Church - Fayetteville, North Carolina. Income provides scholarship support to an Episcopal student.
Elizabeth T. Williams Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1996 by Lib Taylor Williams ’47C*. Income used for student scholarship support.
Emma Barnwell Heyward Endowed Scholarship: Established in 1954 by Theodore C. Heyward, Sr.* in honor of his wife, Emma Barnwell Heyward 1907HS*. Income provides scholarship support for student residents of the Episcopal Dioceses of the states of North Carolina or South Carolina. Preference given to daughters of Episcopal clergy.
Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina Scholarship Fund: Established in 1980, income provides scholarship support for an Episcopal Diocese student from North Carolina.
Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina Scholarship Fund: Established in 1988, income provides scholarship support for an Episcopal Diocese student from South Carolina.
Eva Hackney Hargrave Smith Scholarship Endowment Fund: Established in 2001 by Sherwood H. Smith, Jr. in honor of his wife, Eva Hackney Hargrave Smith '53HS. Income provides student scholarship support and is awarded based on academic merit.
Fanjoy Scholarship: Established by Tom Fanjoy in 1984 in honor of his wife, Frankie Allen Fanjoy ’49HS ’51C*, their daughters Laura Fanjoy Daughtry '74HS and Rowdy Fanjoy Armistead '78HS, and their daughter-in-law, Susan Raymer Fanjoy '76C. Income provides student support.
First Citizens Bank Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1995 by First Citizens Bank to provide scholarship aid for a student from North Carolina exhibiting high academic achievement and good character.
Foxcroft Scholarship Fund: Established in 1986 by an anonymous family. Income provides student scholarship support based on academic achievement.
Grace Martin Smithson Scholarship Fund: Established in 1988 by Charles Franklin Smithson in honor of his wife, Grace Martin Smithson '26C*. Income provides general scholarship support.
Haig-Homewood Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1995 by the estate of Catherine Louise Haig* in honor of Betsy-Tom Lawrence Homewood ’45HS ’47C*. Income provides student scholarship support based on academic achievement and personal character.
Henry McIlwaine Read Service Recognition Endowment: Established in 1996 by Gene and Olivia Lynch Hardin ’50C* to honor Mr. Read*, Director of Development from 1977-1995. Income provides scholarship support and is awarded based on sincere concern for and service to the community.
Isabel Clark James Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1989 by Isabel James Lehto ’32C* in honor of her mother, Isabel Clark James 1907*. Income provides scholarship support for boarding students.
Isabel Jones Ethridge Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1989 by William C. Ethridge* in memory of his wife, Isabel Jones Etheridge '24HS*. Income provides student scholarship support.
Jerome P. and Eula S. Russell Scholarship: Established in 2017 by Anne Russell '43C in honor of her parents. Income provides scholarship support.
John Thomas Rice Scholarship Fund: Established in 1986 in honor of President John T. Rice in recognition of his contributions to the growth and vitality of Saint Mary’s College during his tenure 1976 –1986. Income provides scholarship support.
Josephine Culpepper Fund: Established in 2007 by the estate of Josephine Culpepper Hedrick '25C* to provide scholarships to assist one or more academically qualified students.
Josephus Daniels Scholarship Fund: Established in 1986 by the Josephus Daniels Charitable Foundation, as a memorial to Josephus Daniels*. Income provides scholarship funds for academically qualified students.
Julia Pugh Jones Scholarship Endowment Fund: Established in 1997 by Julie Daniels ’78C in honor of her grandmother, Julia Pugh Jones '27C*. Income provides student scholarship support.
Katharine Spruill Harrison Scholarship Endowment Fund: Established in 1999 by William B. Harrison, Jr. in honor of his mother, Katharine Spruill Harrison '35C*. Income provides student scholarship support.
Kathreen Tucker Massie Scholarship Fund: Established in 1957 by William and Kathreen Massie Minor ’40C* to provide scholarship support to Saint Mary’s School. The Kathreen Tucker Massie Scholarship Fund was named in honor of Mrs. Minor’s mother. The Minor Foundation manages this fund has given a percentage of earnings from this fund to Saint Mary’s School consecutively since 1957 in support of student scholarships.
Langdon Chevis Kerr, Jr. Scholarship: Established in 2020 by Nancy Kerr Thomason ‘73HS ‘75C in honor and loving memory of her father, Langdon Chevis Kerr, Jr.* Income provides student scholarship support.
Later Family Scholarship: Established in 2020 by Stephen Later in honor of his daughter, Kennon Later ‘18. Income will provide scholarship support to a domestic student from North Carolina who has demonstrated genuine intellectual curiosity.
Lisa Grabarek Scholarship Endowment Fund: To perpetuate her love for the students of Saint Mary's School and her parents' love for her, this fund was established in 2007 by Wense and Marion Grabarek* in honor of their daughter, a former member of the Saint Mary's faculty. Income is awarded to students distinguished by their love for learning and marked by their compassion for others.
Lizzie Wilson Montgomery Scholarship: Established in 1982 through a bequest by Elizabeth M. Montgomery 1901. The fund honors the memory of Miss Montgomery's mother, a student at Saint Mary's from 1863-1897. Earnings provide annual scholarship awards.
Lt. Col. Betsy Sumner Blee '71C (Lt. Col., USMC, Ret.; USCG Auxiliary, Ret.; USCG 100-GRT Master License) Scholarship Fund: Established in 2021, this named scholarship fund provides scholarship support to a student who may be considering future military or maritime service.
Luanne Reynolds Johnson '77HS '79C Endowed Scholarship: Established in 2019 by Bob Johnson in honor of his wife, Luanne Reynolds Johnson ‘77HS ‘79C. Income provides scholarship support to boarding students from eastern North Carolina who exhibit potential in leadership and friendship growth.
Madame Clement Scholarship: Established in 1904 through a bequest from Eleanor Clement* in memory of her mother, the first French teacher at Saint Mary’s. Preference given to daughters of the clergy.
Margaret E. McGlohon ‘81C Endowed Scholarship: Established in 2018 by an anonymous donor to honor the legacy of Margaret E. McGlohon '81C on her retirement. Margaret inspired generations of friends, students, and alumnae to remember the bonds of sisterhood that were established from their years at Saint Mary's School. The scholarship is awarded each year to one boarding student from each grade.
Marley Scholarship Fund: Established in 2020 by Joe and Dee Williamson Marley '77HS. Earnings from this fund provide student scholarship support.
Mary Bland Siler '24 Scholarship: Established in 2017 by Anne Russell '43C in memory of her Aunt Mary who loved writing and travel. Income provides scholarship support.
Mary Ferebee Howard Scholarship Fund: Established in 2005 through a bequest from Mary Ferebee Howard ’32C*. Income provides scholarship aid to one or more academically qualified and deserving students.
Mary Gold Fine Arts Fund: Established in 2018 by Ashley Richardson Allen '81C and Hannah Allen Myers '07 to honor the memory of Mary Gold Williams Richardson*, the paternal grandmother of Ashley and the maternal great-grandmother of Hannah. Mrs. Richardson deeply appreciated beauty in visual arts, performing arts, nature, and in the people she encountered. Earnings from this fund provide scholarship and program support to boarding students involved in the visual or performing arts. Preference is given to students from Nash County, NC; Wake County, NC; Spartanburg County, SC; Mecklenburg County, NC; or Hamilton County, TN.
Mary Johnson Iredell and Kate McKimmon Endowed Memorial Scholarship: Established in 1917 by the Alumnae Association in honor of these two beloved women who spent their lives at Saint Mary's. Income provides scholarship support for direct descendants of alumnae.
Mary Lee LaFar Moore Endowment Fund: Established in 2001 by John and Mary Louise Bizzell Burress ’56C in memory of Mrs. Moore, a dear friend and member of the College Class of 1954. Income used to provide student support.
Mary Mar Ragland Coxe Scholarship: Established in 1995 by Mary Mar Ragland Coxe ’48HS ’50C. Income provides scholarship support to students from South Carolina and is awarded based on academic achievement.
Mary Pride Cruikshank Clark and Margaret Jones Cruikshank Endowed Memorial Scholarship: Established in 1958 by the Alumnae Association in memory of Margaret Jones Cruikshank 1896*, former president of Saint Mary’s (1932-1946). This scholarship was renamed in 2006 to also honor her daughter, Mary Pride Cruikshank Clark '34C*. Income provides student support and is awarded based on leadership potential in academics, the arts, student government, or in other aspects of school life.
Mary Shuford Davis Endowment Fund: Established in 1972 in memory of Mary Shuford Davis 1910HS* by her sons. Income provides student scholarship support and is awarded based on academic achievement.
Mattie T. Pou Scholarship Fund: Established in 1986 by Virginia Pou Doughton ’42C* in honor of her beloved great aunt, a member of the Class of 1887. Income provides support for one student based on academic merit.
Mazie Strickland Froelich ’51C Scholarship Fund: Established in 2001 by Jacob H. Froelich* in honor of his wife, Mazie Strickland Froelich '51C*. Income provides scholarship support.
Minnie Tucker Baker Endowment Scholarship: Established in 1947 by Minnie Tucker Baker*, who attended Saint Mary's from 1887-1892. Income provides student scholarship support based on academic achievement.
Mittie Crumpler Landi Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1989 by former Trustee, John N. Landi, in honor of his wife, Mittie Crumpler Landi '57C. Income used for student support.
Nancy Dawson Rascoe Stevenson '52C Scholarship: Established in 2019 in memory of Nancy by her husband and her sons. Earnings provide scholarship support to students preferably from North Carolina.
Nancy Elizabeth Marlowe Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1982 by Mr. and Mrs. William A. Marlowe, Jr. in memory of their daughter Elizabeth, a member of the Class of 1982. Income provides student support and is awarded based on academic achievement.
Nell B. Lewis Writing Scholarship Award: Established in memory of Nell Battle Lewis 1911HS*, an influential writer and an inspirational English teacher at Saint Mary's in the 1930's and 1940's. The award is given to the returning student who best exemplifies Ms. Lewis's respect for and love of writing.
Olive Camp Johnson '44HS Scholarship Fund: Established in 2020 through a planned gift in celebration and recognition of Olive's dedication to Saint Mary's, her thoughtful planning, and her generous heart. Scholarship awarded to students with financial need.
Pearl Dixon Balthis Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1988 by a grant from the Pearl Dixon Balthis Foundation of Gaston County, North Carolina. Income provides student scholarship support.
Rachel Cozart Barwick '50HS Scholarship Endowment: Established in 2019 by Hugh Barwick and Jordy and Ann Barwick Whichard '75HS '77C in memory of wife and mother Rachel Cozart Barwick '50HS*. Income provides scholarship support to students from North Carolina, especially from Pitt, Sampson, and Wake Counties.
Rena Harding Walker and Julia Borden Lee Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1999 by Harry and Sallie* Lee Walker ’46C, Alice Walker Lynch ’54C, and Mildred Lee Stout ’42C* in memory of Rena Harding Walker* and Julia Borden Lee 1911HS*. Income provides scholarship support.
Rhyne Andrews Callens '07HS Scholarship: Established in 2019 in memory of Rhyne Andrews Callens '07HS* through the gifts of her friends and family. Income provides scholarship support to students, preferably from North Carolina who share Rhyne's love of tennis.
Roberta Phillips Davis Scholarship: Established in 1979 by Harry T. Davis* in memory of his wife. This scholarship is awarded based on need or academic ability to a student from Carteret, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Franklin, Hyde, or Pamlico Counties, North Carolina.
Caroline Hodges Sparkman Scholarship Fund: Established in 1989 by Alton P. Sparkman* in honor of his wife, Caroline Hodges Sparkman '29C*. Income used to provide scholarship support.
Sally Dalton Robinson and Russell M. Robinson II Scholarship Fund: Established in 2019, income from this fund provides scholarship support to students from North Carolina.
Sara Jane Hargrave Pate '69C Scholarship Fund: Established in 2020 by Sara Jane Hargrave Pate ‘69C. Income provides scholarship support.
Sheila K. McLamb '75HS Endowment Scholarship Fund: Established in 2017 by Sheila K. McLamb, this estate gift will provide scholarship support to students who exhibit academic achievement and who are interested in pursuing education and careers in golf, business, entrepreneurship, engineering, law, or holistic medicine.
Shelley and Van Eure Scholarship: Established in 1985 by Thad and Alice Eure* in honor of their daughters, Van Eure ’73HS ’75C and Shelly Eure Belk ’77HS. Income provides student scholarship support.
Smedes Memorial Scholarship Fund: Established in 1904 by the Alumnae Association in memory of Aldert Smedes*, founder of Saint Mary’s; Sarah Lyell Smedes*, his wife; and Bennett Smedes*, their son and Saint Mary's second Rector. Awarded annually to students who show character, academic achievement and ability.
Susan Warburton Redd Endowment: Established in 1996 by Albert M. Redd, Jr. in honor of his wife, Susan Warburton Redd '56C. Income used for student scholarships or capital projects.
Terry Barnes Jenkins Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1995 by Terry Barnes Jenkins ’65C*. Income used for student support.
Theola R. Stewart Scholarship Endowment Fund: Established in 1989 by Roy M. Stewart* in memory of his wife, a member of the Saint Mary’s Parents Council, 1981-1982. Income provides student support.
Victoria Stedman Clement '51HS Scholarship Fund: Established in 2019 by Victoria Stedman Clement '51HS. Earnings provide student scholarship support.
Virginia Davis Pou Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1989 by Bet Pou McClamrock '45HS* in loving memory of her mother. Income provides support for students from North Carolina.
Willa Norris McKimmon and Lena Leggett Smith Scholarship Fund: Established in 2017 by Virginia McKimmon Noelke '61C in honor of her grandmothers to help young women at Saint Mary's get the education and the inspiration they need to succeed. Income provides scholarship support to students based on high academic ability, strong work ethic, and need. This fund is held and managed by the San Angelo Area Foundation.
William C. and Beth M. Ethridge Scholarship Endowment: Established in 1991 by Bill and Beth Ethridge*. Scholarship awarded to one or more academically qualified and deserving student(s) who are making normal progress in the fulfillment of academic requirements.
Program Support
Anna Wood Ragland '41C Enrichment Series: Established in 2019 by W. Trent Ragland, Jr. in honor of his wife, Anna Wood Ragland '41C*. Income provides annual enrichment opportunities for the student body.
Betty Adams Art Award: Established in 1995 by Betty E. Adams*, former Chair of the Division of Fine Arts. Presented at Honors Convocation, this academic award is presented to an outstanding visual artist. Traditionally, a piece of the winning student's artwork is selected to become part of Saint Mary's School's permanent art collection.
Centura Bank Information Technology Endowment: Established in 1996 by Centura Bank to provide funding for information technology.
Cooper Medal: The Cooper Medal, established in 1944 by Fannie Cooper Gilliam '44C* in memory of her brother, Hill Parham Cooper (1920-1943)*, is awarded annually to the senior who has achieved the highest average for the year. The student must have carried throughout the year an approved class load and satisfactorily completed this work. She must also have maintained a satisfactory bearing in her personal life during the year.
Elizabeth T. Williams Math and Science Opportunities Endowment Fund: Established in 1996 by Lib Taylor Williams ’47C*. Income provides improvements to the math and science programs.
Everett-Whitehurst-Powell Study Abroad Scholarship Fund: Established in 2001 by Spencer and Mary Ann Powell Everett ’59C* and Marcy Everett Voelkel '87C to honor the many Saint Mary's women in the family. Income provides scholarship support for international travel and study abroad for Saint Mary's School students.
Friends of the Sarah Graham Kenan Library Endowment Fund: Established in 1984 by the Friends of the Sarah Graham Kenan Library. Income is used to benefit the library and enrich its resources.
Helen A. Brown Library Endowment Fund: Established in 1976 by the Library Committee in honor of Mrs. Brown, Head Librarian at Saint Mary’s from 1937-1971. Income is used to purchase resources for the Sarah Graham Kenan Library.
Isabella Williams Smith Library Endowment: Established in 1998 by Peter and Ruth Long Williams ’36C* in honor of their daughter, a member of the College Class of 1963. Income used to provide library support.
King Medal: Established in 1964 by Mr. and Mrs. Madding King*. The King Medal is awarded annually to the graduate who, in the opinion of the faculty, has most consistently practiced good citizenship at Saint Mary's School and inconspicuously served as an example to others.
Margaret and Ann Highsmith Award: Established in 1969 by Mr. and Mrs. Seavy Highsmith, Jr. of Fayetteville, NC in honor of their daughters, Margaret Highsmith Dickson '67HS and Ann Highsmith '70HS. This award goes to the member of the senior class who best exemplifies the Christian ideal of helpfulness to others motivated by her genuine love for, understanding of, and feeling of kinship to all members of the Saint Mary’s School community.
Margaret Parker Moss Educational and Cultural Enrichment Fund: Established in 1986 as a memorial to Peggy Parker Moss '40 by her husband, Arthur B. Moss. Proceeds are used to underwrite cultural and educational programs, including lectures, theater productions, and visual and performing arts programs.
Marian Drane Graham Fund: Established in 1968 by friends, family and alumnae as a memorial to Marian Drane Graham 1919*. Proceeds fund the Marian Drane Graham Award. Award recipient is chosen by alumnae representatives of the faculty and the student body president and is given to the graduating senior who, in the words of Marian's husband, Dr. Frank Porter Graham, ""exemplifies Marian’s reverence and humility of spirit, thorough scholarship without pride of excellence, zest for life, fun and friendship, unpretentious goodness, unassuming leadership, faith and fortitude, and all-around development in the course of her radiant and nobly useful life."
Mary Powell Bell Recognition Endowment: Established in 1994 by Judge Griffin B. Bell* (former Attorney General of the United States) in honor of his wife, Mary Powell Bell '38HS*. Income provides annual scholarship recognition awards for two outstanding students: one for outstanding academic achievement; one for demonstrated qualities of positive leadership in student and community life at Saint Mary's School. Recipients are known as "Bell Scholars."
McKenzie-Armes Library Endowment: Established in 2002 by the Estate of Mary Gilbert McKenzie (Vicky's aunt) in honor of Vicky McKenzie Armes ’62C and Lawson Armes ’87HS ’89C. Income is used to support the Kenan Library and the acquisition of books and materials.
Niles Medal: The Niles Medal was instituted in 1905 by the Reverend Dr. Charles Martin Niles*. It is conferred upon the graduate who has the highest scholastic average for all four years at Saint Mary's School. The recipient must have completed satisfactorily an approved course load throughout the years and maintained a satisfactory bearing in her personal life.
North Carolina Outward Bound School Endowment for Saint Mary's School: Established in 2007 by Marjorie Bryan Buckley '60C to endow the Outward Bound component of the Saint Mary’s School life skills program.
Priscilla Swindell Language Lab Enrichment Fund: Established in 1980 by Mr. and Mrs. Leicester I. Swindell* in honor of their daughter, Priscilla Swindell ’54HS. Proceeds enrich the foreign language program.
Riddick-Gregory Family Endowment for Chapel Programs: Established in 2000 by Mary Louise Riddick Gregory ’38C* in honor of her mother, Louise Josey Riddick 1911*, her sister Marjorie Riddick Holmes '47C*, and her alumnae daughters, Nancy Neusom Gregory '71HS '73C and Boyd Gregory Harris '70C. Income supports the chapel program.
S.S. and I.F. Marsden Endowment: Established in 2005 by Dr. Sullivan S. Marsden* to fund the Marsden Award for Research, which is awarded annually at Honors Convocation to one senior student who has excelled in a superior research project completed during her senior year. The fund is named in memory of his parents, Sullivan Samuel and Irene Frick Marsden who received very little formal education.
Saint Mary's Traditions Endowment: Established in 2019. Income to offset costs of the following beloved Saint Mary's traditions: Junior Class Ring Program, Lighting o' the Grove, Granddaughters Club, and Beacon.
Terry Elizabeth Thompson Piano Award Fund: Established in 2006 in honor of fine arts instructor, Terry Thompson on the anniversary of her 30 years of service to Saint Mary's School. The Terry Elizabeth Thompson Piano Award is given annually at Honors Convocation to one piano student based on outstanding talent, diligence, demonstrated commitment for developing her gift, and willingness to share her talent with the Saint Mary's School community through performance.
Faculty/Staff Support
Bobbie Moore Fletcher Faculty Endowment: Established in 1990 by J. Floyd Fletcher* and Barbara Moore Fletcher ’60C in loving memory of Bobbie Moore Fletcher '32HS '34C*. Income used in support of teaching excellence.
Brown Family Faculty Excellence Fund: Established in 2021 to honor the Brown family's ties to Saint Mary's School and in appreciation for the personal and professional opportunities made possible by a Saint Mary's School education. Fund distributions will provide non-salary support to members of Saint Mary's faculty.
Elizabeth Reid Ward & Josie Ward Patton Faculty Enrichment Fund: Established in 1986 by B. Thomas Ward, Jr. and Betty Lou Ward in honor of their daughter, Libby Ward Smart '83C and his sister, Josie Ward Patton '57C. Income used to support faculty enrichment.
J. Grady Burnette & Calvin B. Koonce Faculty Endowment: Established in 1996 by Mary Grady Burnette Koonce ’54C* in memory of her father and husband. Income used to provide support for faculty enrichment and classroom needs.
Linda Piland Close Faculty-Staff Enrichment Fund: Established in 1985, this fund was created as a living memorial to Linda Piland Close ’54C*. Income supports faculty/staff enrichment, encouraging the continued professional growth and improvement of the faculty and staff at the school.
Mabel M. Morrison Faculty Enrichment Fund: Established in 1988 by Henry and Sally Hagood James ’51HS and Sally Dalton Robinson '51HS in honor of Dr. Mabel M. Morrison '33HS*, Academic Dean Emerita. Income used to support faculty enrichment.
Martha Dabney Jones Faculty Enrichment Fund: Established in 2001 by Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C in honor of Martha Dabney Jones '26C*, former Dean of Students. Income used to provide support for faculty enrichment.
Mary Adair Edwards Phifer Faculty Enrichment Fund: Established in 2001 by Adair Phifer Armfield and Susan Phifer Johnson in honor of their mother, Mary Adair Edwards Phifer '31C*. Income used to provide support for faculty enrichment.
Mary Robena Nicolson Professorship in Mathematics: Established in 2004 by the estate of Mary Robena Nicolson 26C*. Income underwrites a portion of the salary of the re-named Mary Robena Nicolson Chair of Mathematics.
N. K. Dickerson Endowment: Established in 1970 by Norvin and Sara Craig Dickerson ’37C*. Income from this endowment supports enrichment of the English Department in honor of Ann Dickerson Whitehurst ’67HS, and the History Department in memory of Annie Welsh Craig, Class of 1915.
Nancy O’Herron Rankin Endowed Professorship: Established in 1988 by Nancy O'Herron Rankin '41HS. Income underwrites a portion of the salary of up to two faculty members.
Peggy Crevensten Dukes Faculty Enrichment Memorial Fund: Established in 1977 by William and Margaret Dukes* in memory of their daughter, Peggy Crevensten Dukes '63C*. Proceeds are used for the continued professional growth and improvement of the faculty.
Facilities
ARA Endowment: Established in 1990 by ARAMARK to provide funds for the continued improvement of the food service operation at Saint Mary's School.
Chapel Organ Endowment Fund: Established in 1984 by Mary Kistler Stoney, Class of 1919, to provide permanent maintenance for the Chapel organ given by her in 1983.
Edythe Mae Chan and George Smedes Poyner Endowment: Established in 1996 by Mr. and Mrs. James M. Poyner in memory of Mrs. Poyner's sister, Edythe, and Mr. Poyner's brother, George. Income used for the maintenance of the Chan-Poyner Building.
Frances Ann Wall Endowment: Established in 1992 by Barbara Spearman Holcomb* in honor of her daughter, Frances Ann Wall Pollock ’80C*. Income used for the maintenance of the school’s chapel.
John W. and Anna H. Hanes Foundation Endowment: Established in 1980 by the John Wesley and Anna Hodgin Hanes Foundation of Winston Salem in support of campus facilities.
Lowe Campus Preservation Fund: Established in 1997 by Pearla Ann Revelle Lowe ’56C. Income used to support campus preservation.
Mary Elizabeth Bassett Morten Campus Preservation Endowment Fund: Established in 1995 by Mrs. Morten, a member of the High School Class of 1941 and College Class of 1943, from the Mary Elizabeth Bassett Morten Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust. Income used to provide support for campus preservation.
NationsBank Campus Preservation Fund: Established in 1989 by NationsBank to assist with the management and upkeep of campus buildings and grounds.
Smedes Debt Retirement: Established by Nancy O’Herron Rankin ‘41HS to assist with federal loan repayment.
William McKenzie and Betty Johnson Ragland Endowment: Established in 1990 by William McKenzie Ragland and Betty Johnson Ragland ’44HS. Income is used exclusively for maintenance of the Ragland Classroom Building.
Unrestricted
Blackwell Fund: Established in 1977 by William H. Blackwell* in honor of his wife, Helene Carpenter Blackwell ’46C, and his daughters, Anne Blackwell Ervin ’73C and Hayden Blackwell Quattlebaum ’78C. Unrestricted income is used to meet the greatest needs of the school.
Emily Badham Coxe Unrestricted Endowment: Established in 1984 by Mr. and Mrs. Tom C. Coxe, Jr. Mrs. Coxe, a 1929 graduate, was the first woman to represent the Diocese of South Carolina on the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees. This is an unrestricted endowment utilized for the betterment of the school.
Fanjoy Fund: Established in 1984 by Thomas A. Fanjoy in honor of his wife, Mary Frances Allen Fanjoy ’49HS ’51C*; daughters Laura Fanjoy Daughtrey ’74HS, Mary Fanjoy Armistead ’78HS, and Susan Raymer Fanjoy ’76C. This Fund provides unrestricted support for Saint Mary’s School.
Godwin Family Endowment: Established in 1990 by Grover and Mary Midyette Godwin '39C* in honor of Mary and their daughter Elizabeth Godwin Bramhall '69C. Earnings provide unrestricted support.
Jane Constance Miller Hinton Fund: Established in 1988 by Mary Laurens Richardson* in honor of her great grandmother, Jane Constance Miller, and her mother, Jane Hinton Pescud Winters. This is an unrestricted endowment utilized for the betterment of the school.
Jane Guess Endowment Fund: Established in honor of Mrs. Jane Guess, former Chair of the Physical Education Department and wife of William C. Guess, former faculty member and former secretary-treasurer of the Saint Mary's Board of Trustees. Income used for the general purposes of the school.
Julia Johnston Andrews Endowment: Created in 1958 by Julia Johnston Andrews '24HS*. Income used for general purposes.
Mary Evans Cowles Memorial Fund: Established by Josiah Cowles* in honor of Mary Evans Cowles to support general school purposes.
Mary Leah Thorne James Williamson Fund: Established in 2019 by the estate of Mary Leah Thorne James Williamson '47C*. Income provides unrestricted support to Saint Mary's.
Mildred Borden Hanes Endowment: Established in 1989 by The Frank Borden Hanes Charitable Lead Trust in memory of Mildred Borden Hanes*, a member of the Class of 1909. This is an unrestricted endowment providing annual funds to be utilized for the betterment of the school.
Nisbet Fund: Established in 1983 by Oliver and Ida Quintard Nisbet '40HS '42C. The proceeds of this unrestricted endowment are used primarily for support of the annual operating budget.
Saint Mary's General Endowment: Earnings from this fund support annual operations of Saint Mary's School.
Sara Borden Cobb Endowment: Established in 1988 by sisters Mildred Cobb Carr ’49HS ’51C*, Georgia Cobb Joyner ’59C, and Sara Cobb Shores ’52HS ’54C in honor of their mother, Sara Borden Cobb 1918*. This is an unrestricted endowment providing annual funds to be utilized for the betterment of the school.
Thompson Fund: Established in 2004 through the Estate of Elizabeth Warren Thompson 1913C* in memory of Lillian Macon Thompson and Daisy Warren Thompson, students in the primary department. Income used for general purposes of the school.
Wachovia Fund for Excellence: Established in 1981 by Wachovia Bank and Trust Company, N.A. This is an unrestricted endowment utilized for the betterment of the school.
Learn More About Endowments - FAQs
What is an endowment? Saint Mary’s School’s endowment is a pool of individual, permanently restricted funds that are invested to provide income and revenue for Saint Mary’s School in perpetuity. The primary objective of the endowment is to generate a long-term, total rate of return that will achieve real growth in endowment assets, while funding an annual distribution in support of the school’s mission. We know our ability to provide a powerful education lies in both the delivery of our content and in strength from the endowment to provide meaningful support to our programs, facilities, and faculty.
What is the current value of Saint Mary’s endowment? The market value of Saint Mary’s endowment is currently $34.2 million. Most schools with which Saint Mary’s competes for talent have endowments that are substantially larger than ours – in the range of $60 to $300 million. Our goal is to secure gifts during the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign that will bolster our endowment and secure our future forever. In the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2021, Saint Mary’s endowment contributed $969,070 in support of mission-critical areas.
How is Saint Mary’s endowment managed? Saint Mary’s endowment is professionally managed by Greystone Morgan Stanley. The Investment Committee of Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees monitors the endowment’s performance and ensures that investment returns, in relationship to overall financial market performance, are robust enough to fulfill our spending policy’s objectives. To that end, Saint Mary’s uses a market-value based spending policy and annually distributes a maximum of 5% of the trailing twelve quarter average of the endowment’s market value.
How do I establish an endowment? A simple endowment agreement signed by the donor and representatives from Saint Mary’s School is all that is required to create an endowment. Currently, the minimum amount for establishing and naming an endowed fund at Saint Mary’s is $25,000. Endowments can be created with outright gifts during a donor’s lifetime or as a testamentary gift as part of a donor’s estate plan. Often, donors choose to create a namesake endowment or an endowment in memory or in honor of a loved one. At the time the fund is named, we hope to receive photographs and a brief biography of the honoree. We will share this information with future beneficiaries of the endowment’s annual spend, as appropriate. Gifts to the endowment are tax deductible.
Can I make a gift to an existing endowment? Yes! There may be an existing endowment that reflects your interests and to which you can add your support. The larger a fund is, the more it can accomplish each year. You can make a gift of any size to an existing endowment fund without signing an endowment agreement. For a complete list of current endowment funds by purpose, contact Shannon Williams, Director of Foundation, Grant, and Corporate Gifts, at swilliams@sms.edu or at 919-424-4104.
How can I ensure my endowment makes my desired impact at Saint Mary’s? When establishing an endowed fund, donors choose whether to include language that directs the use of income earned by the fund. To set specific criteria for a newly endowed scholarship, a gift of $100,000 is required. Formal criteria allows a donor to more fully achieve their philanthropic goal. For smaller endowments, it is possible to include preferences that, while not required, may be considered. Some examples of scholarship criteria/preferences are:
- scholarship recipients from eastern North Carolina;
- scholarship recipients who are boarding students;
- scholarship recipients active in the performing arts; or
- scholarship recipients who are student athletes.
Endowments may also be established for an unrestricted purpose. Income from unrestricted endowments support the highest priorities of the school.
Our promise to our endowment donors
Every gift makes a difference in the lives of our students and the future of Saint Mary’s School. We hope that you will stretch to make a gift of personal significance. In return, we promise to respect your rights to the following:
- to be informed of Saint Mary’s School’s mission, of the way Saint Mary’s intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
- to be informed of the identity of those serving on the governing board of Saint Mary’s School, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgement in its stewardship responsibilities.
- to have access to Saint Mary’s School’s most recent financial statements.
- to be assured your gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
- to receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
- to be assured that information about your donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
- to expect that all relationships with individuals representing Saint Mary’s School will be professional in nature.
- to be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of Saint Mary’s School or hired solicitors.
- to have the opportunity for your name to be deleted from mailing lists that Saint Mary’s may intend to share.
- to feel free to ask questions when donating and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.
What if I have other questions? We would love to meet with you. Please contact Shannon Williams, Director of Foundation, Grant, and Corporate Gifts, at swilliams@sms.edu / 919-424-4104 to arrange a time to discuss your questions.
