- Recognizing Transformational Leadership
- The President’s Circle honors the generous individuals whose annual commitment of $1,000 or more reflects a deep belief in Avila University’s mission and students. These thoughtful investments create meaningful opportunities for academic excellence, student support, and campus enhancement.
- Through your leadership giving, you join a dedicated community of supporters who understand that strategic philanthropy addresses our students’ most pressing needs—from scholarship assistance and academic resources to campus improvements and innovative programming.
- Your annual commitment represents more than financial support; it demonstrates confidence in our students’ potential and trust in Avila’s ability to develop compassionate leaders who make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.
- We are deeply grateful for your partnership in making transformational education accessible and impactful.
2023-24 President’s Circle Donors
Anonymous
Dr. Alexandra & Mr. Bill Adams
Dr. Ibraheem T. Badejo ’84
Mrs. Cortney Patterson Barton
Mr. Joseph T. Brennan*
Mrs. Kitty Brinkman
Mr. Ted & Mrs. Annie K. Brooks
Mrs. Jean ’76, ’18 & Mr. William M. ’18 Buchanan
Dr. James & Mrs. Hanen Burkee
Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Patty Burns
Mr. Heath Chapman
James & Mary Ida Compton Foundation
Mr. William & Mrs. Amy Conway
Mrs. Aggie C. ’88 & Mr. Kenneth Cooper
Mrs. Virginia L. ’58 & Dr. Thomas A. Coppinger
Cowles Fletcher Living Trust
Cunningham Family Fund
Mr. Vincent & Mrs. Amy Davenport
Mrs. Mary L. ’04 & Mr. Jeffrey C. Dietrich
Dr. Susan & Mr. Bob Ellis
Mrs. Thelma L. Emerson ’49
Mr. Joseph T. ’16 & Mrs. Susan Fahey
Mrs. Mary E. ’58 & Mr. James P. Fern
Dr. Charles L. Flynn
Ms. Cecilia A. Fogarty
Mr. Robert N. ’79 & Mrs. Bonnie D. French
*Deceased
Ms. Lisa A. Gioia ’81
Mr. Lance Goldberg
Mr. Richard & Dr. Charlene Gould, CSJAMr. Kenneth & Mrs. Marilyn Hager
Mrs. Carol A. ’84 & Mr. James A. Huber
Mr. Donald E. Jackson
Mr. Tom & Amanda Jandris
S. Mary Frances Johnson, CSJ, Ph.D.
Dr. Stacy L. Keith Ed.D.
Ms. Sara C. Kline
Mr. Gregory M. Kratofil, Jr. & Mrs. Kristin Kratofil
Mrs. Susan C. Langenheim ’61
Mr. Alan W. & Mrs. Jane C. Lankford
Mr. Vercie & Mrs. Lisa Lark
Mr. Drew LeLieu
Mr. Gregory A. ’85 & Mrs. Denise Lever
Dr. Maureen A. Lillich ’81 & Mr. Tony Venegoni
Mr. Stuart D. ’86 & Mrs. Anne Lindeman
Mr. Cameron ’88 & Mrs. Ellen S. Martin
Mr. Tom & Mrs. Sharon McCullough
Mr. John & Mrs. Sheila McGivern
Mr. & Mrs. David Mehrer
Mrs. Sarah L. Merten ’64
Mr. Sean & Mrs. Karen Miller
Mr. Michael Morrissey
Mrs. Mary Morrow-Bax ’64 & Mr. Frank Bax
Ms. Tonya L. Mourning ’02, ’08, ’11
Newcomer Family Foundation
Mr. Timothy ’95 & Mrs. Shelley O’Brien
Mrs. Mary C. Oddo-Bridges ’63
Ms. Christine M. Ojile ’82
Dr. Debra L. Olson-Morrison
Mr. Joseph M. & Mrs. Patricia ’64 Owens
Ms. Courtney Patterson Barton
Mr. Gregory & Mrs. Laurie ’85 Peckham
Dr. Brenda S. Prince ’78, ’86
Patricia Reardon Family Charitable Fund
Mr. H. Wayne Riley ’83
Mr. Jim & Mrs. Lisa ’81 Sackuvich
In Thanksgiving to the Blessed Seelos Fund
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Dr. Ron & Mrs. Suzanne Slepitza
Ms. Janet Smith
Phil & Melinda Smith Family Foundation
Mr. John Sullivan & Ms. Paula Stokes
Mr. Michael Sullivan
Mr. Shawn & Mrs. Karla Summe
Ms. Kathleen Thompson-Brown CSJA
Mr. Tim & Mrs. Amy Waris
Mr. Mark Watson
Mrs. Mary L. ’79 & Mr. David Wieliczka
Mr. Leon & Mrs. Theresa ’82 Witt
Lifetime Giving Society
Honoring a Legacy of Transformational Generosity
The Lifetime Giving Society represents Avila University’s deepest gratitude to those whose sustained philanthropy has shaped generations of students and strengthened our educational mission across decades of service. This distinguished recognition honors alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff whose cumulative generosity—through annual gifts, major contributions, and planned giving—has created lasting impact on academic programs, student success, faculty excellence, and campus development.
A Heritage of Service and Courage
Our society levels honor the extraordinary legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, whose pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to education continues to inspire Avila’s mission today. Their story begins in 17th-century France and reflects the same courage, vision, and dedication to service that defines our most generous supporters.
The Founding Vision – Le Puy, France (1646) In Le Puy, France, Jesuit priest Father Jean Pierre Médaille courageously established what would become the Sisters of St. Joseph, gathering women of faith to serve their communities. Bishop Henri de Maupas demonstrated remarkable foresight in approving this apostolic congregation, recognizing the transformational power of women in service—a counter-cultural decision that would change countless lives. These pioneering sisters embraced their calling with humility and determination, taking to the streets to discern how best to serve those in need.
Resilience Through Adversity When the French Revolution disbanded the congregation, their mission seemed lost. Yet in 1799, Jeanne Fontbonne—herself a survivor of the revolution’s violence—courageously re-founded the Sisters of St. Joseph at Lyon, France. Known as “Mother St. John” Fontbonne, she became the first Superior General and restored a legacy that seemed destined to disappear.
Resilience Through Adversity When the French Revolution disbanded the congregation, their mission seemed lost. Yet in 1799, Jeanne Fontbonne—herself a survivor of the revolution’s violence—courageously re-founded the Sisters of St. Joseph at Lyon, France. Known as “Mother St. John” Fontbonne, she became the first Superior General and restored a legacy that seemed destined to disappear.
The American Journey (1836) Answering Bishop Joseph Rosati’s call to serve children with hearing disabilities; the first Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in the United States in 1836. Their commitment to educational accessibility and inclusive service established the foundation upon which Avila University would eventually be built.
Your Place in This Legacy
Like these remarkable pioneers, Lifetime Giving Society members demonstrate that sustained commitment creates transformational change. Your cumulative generosity continues their mission of removing barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that education serves as a force for positive change in our communities and beyond.
We are profoundly honored by your partnership in advancing Avila’s mission and grateful for your place in this continuing story of service, courage, and educational excellence.
Corporate Giving Society
Partners in Educational Excellence
The success of Avila University’s mission depends on the visionary leadership of our business community partners who understand that investing in education strengthens our entire region. The Corporate Giving Society recognizes distinguished companies whose cumulative contributions of $50,000 or more demonstrates an unwavering commitment to student success, academic innovation, and community development.
These strategic partnerships extend far beyond philanthropy—they represent a shared belief that higher education serves as a catalyst for economic growth, workforce development, and positive social change. Our corporate partners don’t simply support our work; they help shape the future leaders, innovators, and engaged citizens who will drive tomorrow’s success.
Your Corporate Partnership Creates:
- Student Opportunities: Scholarships, internships, and career pathways that bridge education and industry
- Academic Excellence: Enhanced programs, cutting-edge technology, and faculty development that prepare graduates for real-world challenges
- Community Impact: Research, service learning, and outreach initiatives that address regional needs and opportunities
- Economic Development: A skilled workforce and innovation ecosystem that benefits the entire Kansas City metropolitan area
Through your sustained investment, you join an elite community of forward-thinking organizations that recognize education as the foundation for sustainable growth and community prosperity.
We are deeply grateful for your partnership and proud to advance our shared vision of educational excellence together.