For more information:
Jean Wilhelm, Campaign Director
Marymount Manhattan College
221 East 71st Street
New York, NY 10021
212.517.0460 campaign@mmm.edu
Kathleen Austin '65 and her husband George Austin
Austins Understand Importance of Increasing MMC Financial Aid Opportunities
Kathleen Austin, a 1965 graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, and her husband George
Austin had at least one thing in common before they met: they were both scholarship
recipients in college. Having experienced the benefit of scholarships, they understand the
great impact it can have on one's life.
Increasing student access through expanded financial aid resources is one of three themes of
This is the Day, the campaign for Marymount Manhattan. Of the campaign's total goal of $25
million, the College is seeking to raise $10 million for need-based student aid grants.
Kathleen and George understand the importance of achieving this goal.
"We believe in the importance of higher education," Kathleen said. "The scholarship aid we
provide enables others to attend MMC."
As a commuter student at MMC, Kathleen lived at home in Brooklyn. Unlike many women in her
class who had been first-generation college students, Kathleen's older sister had attended
college. Kathleen said earning a good education was imperative in her household.
"At home it was just assumed that I would go to college," she said. "At Marymount Manhattan
it was assumed that all careers were open to women."
After earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics from MMC, Kathleen attended Boston College
where she earned a master's degree in economics. Soon after, Kathleen began working in
operations research at J.P. Morgan in 1967, the same year George joined the company.
Both of their careers grew at J.P. Morgan. Kathleen joined the community relations and public
affairs department and later became an assistant vice president before she resigned. George
became a managing director of J.P. Morgan Investment Management and chairman of its
Relationship Review Committee as well as a director of J.P. Morgan Trust Bank in Japan,
before retiring in 1997.
The Austins have also been generous with their time to other organizations. Kathleen
volunteers at St. Anthony's Health Clinic, a free health clinic in the Bronx and was the
first lay director of Good Shepherd Services. She was on the Good Shepherd board for 25
years. George has been the chairman of the South Bronx Educational Foundation for 17
years. He has also been on the board of their local community hospital for 18 years, 10
of which were spent as chairman.
Over the years, the College's mission has expanded to serve a greater variety of students
from different ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Austins' global view
has been put in perspective by traveling to more than 30 countries and living in London for
two years in the 1970s.
"We believe in common goals for all people globally," says George, who supports Marymount
Manhattan's efforts to globalize through academic outreach. "You can never stress enough
character development and morality."
***
Artist's rendering of the Lowerre Family Terrace
Marymount Manhattan Awarded $1.5 Million Challenge Grant from The Kresge Foundation
(New York, NY) Marymount Manhattan has been awarded a $1.5 million challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation to support construction of the Lowerre Family Terrace, a major project of This is the Day, the campaign for Marymount Manhattan. In order to receive the Kresge grant funds, the College must raise an additional $9.2 million in campaign contributions by July 1, 2009.
This is the Day, the most ambitious campaign in Marymount Manhattan's history is driven by three themes: (1) to increase student access through expanded need-based financial aid, (2) to enhance the learning environment by making strategic improvements to the College's facilities and (3) to advance academic excellence among our faculty. The Kresge Foundation grant marks a significant stride forward in the campaign, which is already past the midway point towards a $25 million goal.
According to President Judson R. Shaver, "The College embarks upon This is the Day secure in the knowledge that our goals are strategic and attainable, thanks to the unwavering support of alumni and friends throughout our history. Achieving these campaign goals will attract, retain and support a talented and diverse community of students, faculty and staff."
The new Lowerre Family Terrace, a 5,000 square foot "urban quad" on the rooftop above the Theresa Lang Theatre, connecting the third floors of the Main and Nugent buildings, will provide a unique venue for the entire MMC community to enjoy. The rooftop terrace reflects the efforts of the College to creatively and effectively optimize available space while expanding facilities.
"We applaud your efforts to build paths of opportunity within your community," says Rip Rapson, president of The Kresge Foundation. "Ensuring the health and vitality of nonprofit organizations such as yours is central to building strong, vibrant communities. We are proud to help advance your very important work."
The Kresge Foundation supports communities by helping build infrastructure in nonprofit organizations. Their challenge grant program is designed to support institutional growth and long-term sustainability through facility improvements, including construction, renovation and capital projects. In 2006, the Foundation approved 230 grants throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa, totaling $152 million
***
(L-R) Katherine Bonomo '61, President Judson R. Shaver, guest of Joan Merrell
Loader '59, Connie Nugent McQuade '54, Alessandra Gieffers '65, Mary
Ekkers Barrows '64
MMC Alumnna Hosts Regional Alumni Event in Florida
Alumni gathered for a regional alumni event in Florida to learn about This is the Day,
the campaign for Marymount Manhattan College. The event focused on MMC's future plan
for the renaissance of the College.
On March 26, Katherine Bonomo '61 hosted an event in her home in Palm Beach. President
Judson R. Shaver and Jean Wilhelm, campaign director, presented the goals and progress
of This is the Day. The College is appreciative of the gracious hostess and is
currently planning future regional events.
For more information contact Jean Wilhelm, campaign director, by phone at (212) 517-0460
or by e-mail at jwilhelm@mmm.edu.
***
Marymount Manhattan Hosts Regional Alumni Receptions in Florida
Marymount Manhattan alumni are invited to join President Judson R. Shaver to hear about This
is the Day, MMC's future plan for the renaissance of the College.
Three receptions will be hosted by MMC alumnae, who will share fond memories of Marymount
Manhattan and discuss how you can become involved in the future of Marymount Manhattan.
MMC alumni and parents are invited to attend the following receptions:
Tuesday, March 25: 5 - 6:30 p.m.
At the home of Judy Carson '03
4711 Fisher Island Drive
Fisher Island, FL
R.S.V.P. by March 17
212-517-0467, bbeth@mmm.edu
Wednesday, March 26: 5 - 6:30 p.m.
At the home of Katherine Bonomo '61
3300 South Ocean Blvd.
Palm Beach, FL
R.S.V.P. by March 18
212-517-0467, bbeth@mmm.edu
Thursday, March 27: 1-2:30 p.m.
At the home of Helen Demetrios '73
2980 Wulfert Road
Sanibel, FL
R.S.V.P. by March 19
212-517-0467, bbeth@mmm.edu
***
(Standing L-R) Judith Carson '03, trustee and campaign chair, Jean Wilhelm, MMC's campaign director and acting vice president
for Institutional Advancement, Katherine Fontanetta Bonomo '61 and Jaime Gans '57 (Seated) Mary Hehir O'Donnell '61
Reception for Campaign Alumni Gift Committee
On February 27, 2008, Campaign Chair Judith Carson '03 hosted a reception for the alumni
gift committee at her home.
The event kicked off the alumni gift committee efforts in support of
This is the Day, the campaign for Marymount Manhattan.
President Judson R. Shaver
was also on-hand to thank committee members for their support and to talk about the
College's grand future. "It's an exciting time for Marymount Manhattan College,"
he said, "and an exciting time for this committee and the members of the College
community."
In addition to members of the alumni gift committee,
Jean Wilhelm, campaign director and several other members of the
Office of Institutional Advancement were in attendance.
Judy Carson '03, Joan McGreevy-Glatzl '84 and Judith Robinson '90
***
Judy Carson '03, her husband Russ and their children Cecily and Edward, at the 2005 President's Medal Dinner.
Carson gift marks largest donation by a graduate
Judith M. Carson '03 is pledging to keep her alma mater moving forward as a thriving coeducational independent college of the liberal arts.
As chair of This is the Day, the campaign for Marymount Manhattan, Judy Carson is motivating others to support MMC's campaign to raise $25 million toward the enhancement of resources and opportunities for faculty and students at MMC.
In 2006, Judy, her husband Russell and their children Cecily and Edward committed a $5 million gift toward MMC's campaign, through the Carson Family Charitable Trust. The Carsons' gift, the largest ever donated by a graduate to the college, has inspired others to help MMC meet its goal.
"Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to see Marymount Manhattan from the perspective of a student, an alumna and now a trustee," said Judy, who in 2003 earned a bachelor's degree in art history and now serves on MMC's Board of Trustees. "This well-rounded perspective has shown me what a unique and special place MMC is, and I am proud to have the opportunity to give back to my alma mater in this way. With this contribution my family and I offer our support for the direction in which the College is headed and the strategic vision of the leadership at MMC."
Judy also continues to contribute toward MMC's annual fund. In 2005, her continued efforts to improve educational opportunities throughout the city were recognized with Marymount Manhattan's highest honor - the President's Medal.
According to MMC President Judson R. Shaver, the Carsons' generosity is significant to the success of This is the Day.
"This tremendous gift marks an exceptional and historic moment for Marymount Manhattan," said President Shaver. "Judy and her family have demonstrated their clear commitment to the mission and future of the College."
***
Paul Lowerre '81 and his wife, Ursula, at the groundbreaking for the Lowerre Family Terrace in June 2007
Lowerre Family supports the future of Marymount Manhattan
Paul Lowerre '81 was stepping out of a meeting at Marymount Manhattan and glimpsed a blueprint for the rooftop terrace out of the corner of his eye. He was running late for another meeting, but stopped to take a closer look.
"It was a revelation," Paul said. "I just couldn't believe it. I suddenly thought what potential there was."
The idea of turning the open rooftop into a gathering space for the community was of particular interest to the alum, who said that as a student, he "hung out" wherever he could find space.
Paul and his family recently donated $1 million toward This is the Day, the campaign for Marymount Manhattan, which aims to raise $25 million toward the enhancement of resources and opportunities for faculty and students. Their enthusiasm and generosity has motivated others to join in the effort of supporting MMC.
The Lowerre Family Terrace, the first major project of This is the Day, will provide an "urban quad" for students, faculty, and staff next spring, when the project is completed. Both Paul and his wife, Ursula, are eager to see the final product.
"Living in New York City, we're all excited about any outdoor space we can find," Paul said. "It ties the two buildings, the two communities, together."
Since graduation, Paul has kept busy as a senior vice president of investments with UBS Wealth Management USA and as owner of the Peconic Bay Winery in the North Fork of Long Island. In addition to his involvement in and generous support of Marymount Mannhattan, Paul also has strong ties to Franklin College in Lugano, Switzerland, where he attended his first year of college and now serves as chairman of the board.
From his experiences as chairman at Franklin College, Paul says that construction sends a great message of optimistic progress. He is thrilled about the opportunity to send such a powerful message to the MMC community and beyond. "Everyone can see that there is great change in the future."
