Scholarship Funds

The Mary Baalmann Adkins ’79 Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 by Mary’s SJA classmates, her parents, Dick and Katy Felke Baalmann ’55, and friends of the family.  Throughout the years the fund has grown through the Baalmann’s generosity and the continued generosity of classmates and friends.  Recently Dick and Katy made it a fully funded scholarship. 

They remarked, “We believe the Mary Baalmann Adkins ’79 Scholarship Fund will not stop with $200,000.  With continuing contributions from family and friends, our hope is that it will continue to grow and provide additional funds to deserving young women.”

The Annie Baalmann DeBoer '84 Scholarship was started in honor of Annie, the youngest daughter of Katy Felke Baalmann ’55 and Dick Baalmann. To complete the family scholarship legacy, they created this scholarship fund in honor of Annie during the 30^th anniversary year of her graduation from St. Joseph’s Academy.

 

The SJA Community is very special to the Baalmann's and they hope to provide scholarship support to students who would like to attend St. Joe and receive the excellent education and experience that their daughters had.

The Meg Baalmann Weis '81 Scholarship was started in 2013 by Dick and Katy Felke Baalmann '55. The Baalmann's decided to honor Meg for her 50th Birthday through a scholarship at St. Joseph's Academy because of all of the support and assistance that Meg received while attending SJA. Meg was in a terrible accident her senior year in high school that left her in a coma for several weeks. The St. Joe Faculty, Staff and Community supported her through this difficult time and ensured that she was able to graduate with her class.

Founded in 2017, The Berra Family Charitable Foundation promotes a philanthropic vision by funding programs and services that benefit military, education, health, animals, and other societal needs that reflect their personal charitable interests. Most of the Berra family lives in St. Louis, MO, so they keep much of their giving close to home. This foundation is a way to give back to the community and honor their son, husband, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, Lee Michael Berra, who passed away in an airplane crash in 2017 at the age of 32. Lee was a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base. During his time in the military, he flew 2,599 military flight hours in 30 aircrafts with 2,270 hours in the supersonic B-1 Lancer. He was deployed to the Middle East three times and was a licensed commercial pilot.

The Boniface Foundation provides support for charitable and educational activities that promote individual and community health and well-being in St. Louis counties and city. The foundation exists to make our community a better place.

The Boniface name is a tribute to the history of medical care provided to the St. Louis community by the Franciscan Sisters of Germany. The first hospital operated by the sisters was St. Boniface Hospital in south St. Louis, which was named for the parish that brought the sisters over from Germany. The Franciscan Sisters operated St. Boniface from 1873-77, followed by Pius Hospital in north St. Louis, little St. Anthony’s Hospital and old St. Anthony’s Hospital, both in south St. Louis. After the order relinquished control of the hospital, St. Anthony’s Medical Center was built in south St. Louis County and opened in 1975. The foundation was established in 1999 and operated as a supporting organization to St. Anthony’s Medical Center. In 2017, St. Anthony's affiliated with Mercy and the foundation became a private organization and changed its name from St. Anthony’s Medical Center Foundation to Boniface Foundation.

Anne Eschbacher Chivetta graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1980. This scholarship was established with generous support from Anne and her husband, Chris, in support of the Expect More Capital Campaign for Every Girl. 

In 2019, alumnae from the Class of 1974 created this scholarship in honor of their 45th reunion. This scholarship began with a $7,400 challenge gift from Kathleen Moore Matecki ’74.

The Alice Claire Enghauser ’84 Fund was established in 1991 by James and Marialice Enghauser in memory of their daughter, Alice. Alice was killed in an accident December of her senior year at St. Joe. This scholarhip honors Alice’s zest for life and love for St. Joe. James and Marialice hope that this fund will give other young women the opportunity to have this same passion for St. Joe.

The Virginia Barrett Florman ’32 Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 through an estate gift to St. Joseph’s Academy.  In an interview before her death on January 31, 2010, Virginia remarked, “We (me, my daughter, sister and aunt) received such a wonderful education from St. Joseph’s Academy.  They do it the best.  They really know how to teach to the whole person.  I am giving it as unrestricted - for whatever the Sisters think it would be good for – wherever the need is.  I trust they will make the right decision on how to spend it.”

The General Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 for those donors who want to contribute to a scholarship to benefit an SJA student.

The Colleen M. Hipp ’91 Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1992 by Gerald & Ann Hipp in memory of their daughter, Colleen. Colleen was killed in a bus accident coming from a swim meet while attending Notre Dame. Diversity was very important to Colleen, so this fund was established to help increase diversity at St. Joe.

The John and Anne Jordan Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 by John and Anne Jordan.  With this scholarship, they hope to help provide an excellent Catholic education to young women who would not be able to attend St. Joseph’s Academy without some type of financial assistance.  John and Anne have four daughters who attended the Academy, Jennifer Jordan Smith ’81, Stephanie Jordan Leach ’83, Anne-Marie Jordan Lee ’85 and Suzanne Jordan Villella ’88.

The Lay Family Foundation Tuition Assistance Fund was established in 2011 to provide tuition assistance to an incoming freshman and may be renewed annually, based on specific academic requirements and financial need.

The Harold Lorenz Scholarship was established in 2015 by his sister, Sr. Paddy Lorenz, CSJ ‘48. Sr. Paddy attended St. Joseph’s Academy with financial assistance as her father had died when she was 12 years old. This assistance was the only way that she could have had such an opportunity. After St. Joe, Sr. Paddy attended Fontbonne College for two years before entering the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. According to Sr. Paddy, her time at St. Joe, “truly changed the whole course of my life” and she wants to help “make the SJA experience possible for young women who would not otherwise have the opportunity.”

The Neal P. Murphy Scholarship was established in 1997 by Neal & Margaret Murphy and Anita Mueller. This scholarship is given based upon scholastic excellence and involvement in student activities, athletics, student government and service in the community. Neal & Margaret have three daughters, Molly Murphy ’94, Meredith Murphy ’97 & Moira Murphy ’01.

The Parent Scholarship was established in 1991 & 1992 as two scholarships – Fathers Club & Mothers Club Scholarships. Today, they are combined into one scholarship to help SJA families whose primary parent passes away while their daughter(s) are attending the Academy.

The Saigh Foundation Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 by Fred Saigh, a St. Louis businessman, former owner of the St. Louis Cardinals and a friend of St. Joseph’s Academy. 

The Foundation’s mission statement reads, “The Saigh Foundation mission is to enhance the quality of life in the St. Louis metropolitan region through support for charitable projects and initiatives which primarily benefit children and youth through education and health care. These objectives will continue to support the community interests shown by Fred M. Saigh during his lifetime.”

Each year, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet make a gift to each of their sponsored institutions. Their scholarship fund at St. Joe helps those students who might not be able to attend the Academy without some type of financial assistance.

The Mark and Patti Sullivan Mays ’82 Family Scholarship was established in 2008 by Mark and Patti Mays.  Patti and Mark hope to provide the opportunity for young women to receive the same type of faith-based education that Patti received as a student. 

Patti remarked, “My years at St. Joe had a life-changing impact on me, and we want to give other girls the opportunity to be a part of this incredible experience.”  Patti credits the SJA faculty for making a significant impact on her.  “My teachers reached out to make a connection with us and pushed us to succeed beyond our own expectations.  Even as a student, I could sense the personal investment they were making to help us develop our character and values.”

The Barbara J. Weidert ’47 Scholarship fund was established in 2018 following her death in 2017. The $3.5 million estate gift is the largest single gift in St. Joseph’s Academy’s 180-year history. “Barbara Weidert’s overwhelming generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of our current and future students at the Academy.” – Dr. Regina Mooney

The Lynda Langhi Wright Scholarship fund was established in March, 2019 in memory of Lynda by her husband, Jack, her daughter, Susan ’83, and son John Jr. In addition to Lynda and her daughter attending St. Joseph’s Academy, Lynda’s sister, Karen Langhi, was a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. This scholarship was established to help students in need of financial assistance so that they could have the benefit of a St. Joe education.

The Alumnae Tribute Scholarship was established with Alumnae individual and class gifts to benefit those students who would not be able to attend St. Joe without some type of financial assistance.

The Paul M. Berra Scholarship Fund was established in 1992 by friends and family in memory of Paul and in celebration of his over 40 years of dedication and generosity to the Sisters of St. Joseph and St. Joseph’s Academy.  Paul Berra was a city and state public official for almost 40 years and he was devoted to St. Joe. 

This scholarship is awarded to students in financial need that demonstrate public service and good citizenship.  Paul’s sister was Sr. Mary de Paul Berra.  He has a daughter Ann Berra-Beermann ’81, and a granddaughter, Angela Berra ’08.

The Paul M. Berra Scholarship Fund was changed to the Paul M. and Elizabeth C. “Betty” Berra Scholarship Fund in June 2008 in honor of Betty Berra’s 80th birthday.

The Sr. Mary de Paul Berra Scholarship was established in 1987 by current and alumnae parents of St. Joseph Academy, and funded by family and friends.  This scholarship was established to honor Sr. Mary de Paul Berra on her 50th Jubilee as a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and for her leadership and guidance during her tenure as principal and president of St. Joseph Academy (1967–1998). 

Sr. Mary de Paul originated and lived St. Joe’s motto “Not I, But We.”  This scholarship is awarded to students that demonstrate Sr. Mary de Paul’s qualities of academic achievement, leadership, service and citizenship.  Sr. Mary de Paul has a niece, Ann Berra Beermann ’81, and great-niece Angela Berra ’08.

The Binder-Osterholt Scholarship Fund was established in 2006 by Henrietta Binder Osterholt ’41.  This scholarship is given to a daughter of an alumna who would not be able to attend St. Joe without some type of financial assistance.  Henrietta was the recipient of the 2006 Distinguished Alumnae “Pioneering Spirit” Award.

The Dittmeier Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 by Larry & Pat Dittmeier.  Their daughter, Katie ’98, was the first from her gradeschool to attend St. Joe.  At that time, there were various scholarships for boys, but not for girls.  They wanted to provide an opportunity for young women, especially from the St. Charles area, to attend St. Joe.  Larry and Pat have two daughters, Katie ’98 & Krissy ’99.

The David Fink Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1993.

The Sr. Nancy Folkl Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 in honor of Sr. Nancy’s years of service to St. Joseph’s Academy.

The Sr. Pam Harding Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 in honor of Sr. Pam’s years of service to St. Joseph’s Academy.

The Sr. Joan Lampton Scholarship was established in 2003 by the friends and family of Sr. Joan Lampton in honor of her years of service at St. Joseph’s Academy.

The Maria Liese Scholarship was established in 1989 by Thomas Liese in memory of his daughter, Maria.  Maria was killed in a car accident during her freshman year at St. Joe.

 

As many of you know, Betsy Martin died on June 4, 2013 peacefully in the loving care of her family at her home in Toronto, following a courageous battle with cancer.  Her sister Nancy Martin Ross (SJA ’80) received many letters from friends of Betsy and her fellow high school classmates almost all commented on remembering Betsy’s big smile as she walked the halls of St. Joe.  The idea of a scholarship fund in honor of Betsy came from Celeste and Matt Padberg.  Betsy and Matt’s friendship go back to a road trip they took together in high school.  SJA is so very grateful to also acknowledge the generosity of Nancy and John Ross who with their support helped make the Betsy Martin Leadership Fund for tuition support and assistance possible for this school year.

Betsy’s family is honored by this fund and knows that Betsy would love the idea of helping to fund a young woman’s education.  Betsy’s daughter Emma is excited to be able to be part of her mom’s legacy by hearing about the St. Joe student.

 

Betsy was the beloved wife of Corey Copeland and mother of Emma and much loved sister of Maurice (and Rosemary), sister Michele Hovey (and Scott), Joan (and Perry), Anne (and Marty), and Nancy (and John) and is missed by 17 nieces and nephews.  Born in 1959 in Washington D.C. she attended Boston College and later the Harvard Kennedy School, where she earned an MPA and was honored as a Littauer Fellow for academic excellence and community service. Betsy credited Sister Sandra for some of her own drive and ambition from both encouragement and challenges.  

 

After graduating from Harvard, where she met Corey, she began an accomplished career as an advisor to Community Foundations of Canada.  She led several ground-breaking initiatives including Our Millennium, a nationwide program that mobilized 4.6 million Canadians in local community-building projects and won the Peter F. Drucker Award for non-profit innovation.  An active writer on philanthropic policy, she was also a director of the Social Investment Organization, the Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network and the Small Change Fund.  She co-founded Jackson/Martin, a social impact investment consultancy.  She was truly on the forefront of the social impact concept.

 

Beyond her clear vocational calling and deep commitment to helping others, Betsy was a devoted mother, wife, sister and friend.  She was kind, gracious, faithful, and had a wonderful sense of humor and generous heart.  She is deeply missed.

Mary Beth Ricken Memorial was established in 2001 by Gerry and Sheila Kriegshauser Ricken ’76 in memory of their daughter, Mary Beth.  Mary Beth was afflicted with a cancerous brain tumor and succumbed to her disease during her freshman year at St. Joe.  Despite living with cancer, she wore an ever present smile and lived her life motto, "Life is short, laugh hard!"  At her young age, she appreciated the value of a high quality education and wished to provide this opportunity to others who could not afford it.

The Naples Snowbird Scholarship was established in 2013 at the St. Joe Naples, FL fellowship event. This scholarship primarily supports students who excel in STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics).

The Poppell Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 by John and Mary Mills Poppell ‘73. The goal of this scholarship is to help offset the rising cost of quality Catholic education to young women whose desire to attend St. Joseph’s Academy might not be possible without some type of financial assistance. John and Mary have three daughters that attended the Academy, Brady Poppell ’05, Mary Poppell ’08 and Anna Poppell ’12.

The Ravarino Family Scholarship was established in 1997 by Helen Badaracco Ravarino ’38 in memory of her husband, Albert Ravarino.  Albert and Helen's daughter Mimi Ravarino is a ’74 graduate of SJA and continues to faithfully support the education of St. Joe students commited to service in the community.

The Betty L Schrappen Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 in memory of Betty Schrappen.  Betty loved St. Joe and was grateful for the support given to the family when her husband passed away while their daughters were attending St. Joe. Betty was the mother of Nan Schrappen Weiss ’69, Sally Schrappen Kane ’72, Margie Schrappen Gray ’74, Lisa Schrappen Stuhlmann ’76 and Suzi Schrappen ’78. She was the grandmother of Courtney LaBelle ’00.

The Tuition Assistance Fund was established in 2012 to provide emergency assistance to any St. Joe Angel whose family experiences a sudden, drastic change of financial circumstances.

The Mary Pamela Underhill ‘64 Scholarship Fund was established in 2012 by Pam’s sister Mary Catherine Underhill Fitzpatrick ‘67, her family, friends and classmates. With this scholarship they hope to provide financial relief to a deserving freshman whose dreams of attending St. Joe might otherwise be out of reach.  This scholarship honors the memory of Pam, who passed away in 2009. Pam’s years at St. Joe were among the happiest of her life, years that formed a solid base for her successful career, her abiding faith, and her deep and lasting friendships with classmates from SJA. Her family and friends hope that this fund will give that same opportunity to another St. Joe Angel.

The Sr. Anne Agnes von Steiger Scholarship was established in 1989 by the brother of Sr. Anne Agnes in honor of her years of service in the Math department at St. Joe. Sr. Anne had two sisters that were also Sisters of St. Joseph and members of the SJA faculty, Sr. Rita Catherine and Sr. Walter Marie. Both of these sisters were killed in a car accident in 1984. Sr. Anne Agnes passed away in 2006.