NORTHERN NEVADA ENDOWMENT
Northern Nevada alumni and friends hit $500,000 milestone
Back in 1990 a group of Reno area parents and alumni decided it was time to provide scholarship money for local students to attend Saint Mary’s College. Parents, Russ and Marlene Goebel, Jack and Ro Reviglio, Ed and Agnes McCaffery, and alum Jim Bahan ’62 and Mary Ellen Bahan started the fund. Over the years the fund grew to $230,000. Two years ago, Rick Reviglio ’88, decided to spearhead a campaign to double the endowment. Rick assembled a committee of volunteers made up of classmates, such as Frank Cavalier’88, Chris Benna’88, and Bob Kidwell’88, family members, and enthusiastic Reno business leaders. One of those benefactors was the late rancher Dan O’Callaghan MBA grad, who rallied his family and friends to raise more than $80,000 for the cause. Events, such as the University of Reno vs. SMC basketball game reception, were used to promote the scholarship. The success of the community effort was evident from day one. The scholarship has reached the mid $500,000’s and three recipients from Reno, South Lake Tahoe, and Bishop Manogue High Schools are currently receiving the scholarships.
Endowments are always a priority at Saint Mary’s College because they provide reliable scholarship support to students in need. Named endowments can be started by individuals, college chapters, reunion classes, etc. Once an endowment is established, family members, friends and alumni can continue making contributions. Endowment funds are carefully invested with oversight by the College Board of Trustees. A portion of the dividends are distributed annually to the designated cause. A gift of $50,000 is needed to establish a new endowment. Endowments are perfect for estate gift planning. Please contact Major Gifts Officer Ron Turner at (925) 631-5356 to discuss giving options.
-Ron Turner
