Support Future Women Leaders
The future is Katies
Women currently represent more than half of the educated U.S. workforce. They remain underrepresented in many fields and in executive roles, occupying only 25% of seats in the C-suite.
Our Campaign Priorities
We are focused on providing our students––42 percent of whom are BIPOC women––with state-of-the-art facilities, an education grounded in social justice, and real opportunities for leading a future that centers all people.
We are committed to preparing future women leaders. Donations will help to expand financial aid and increase accessibility, support the creation of the Office of Scholarly Engagement, and help build a pathway to success that reaches beyond St. Kate’s.
Our faculty comprises brilliant, experienced, and dedicated thought leaders who are determined to position St. Kate’s as an innovative and prestigious institution.
Donations will support a robust mentoring program for new faculty, foster community partnerships, and create a Center for Innovation and Inclusive Excellence.
Our ability to spontaneously access funds for supporting students in need supports greater retention. Donations made to the Katie Fund allow us to give directly to the areas with the greatest need, ease the burden of unforeseen expenses, and seize opportunities for improvement.
Admired for its beauty and history, the St. Catherine University campus is the backdrop for a changing future. Funds will support the restoration and update our cherished Our Lady of Victory Chapel, and ensure it remains strong for generations of Katies to come.
Renovating the Historic Mendel Building to Diversify the Future of STEM. We are on a mission to change the face of STEM leadership—to better reflect the diversity of our country and our world. Funds will help us create modern and well-equipped science and technology spaces for the Future of STEM.
In a testament to her years of leadership as a commercial banking executive, Bridget Manahan ’78 outlines her reasons for giving back to her alma mater with remarkable clarity and depth.
“When I graduated,” says Manahan, “I walked into a very different business and commercial banking environment than that which exists in the Twin Cities today. There were far fewer women in commercial banking, and fewer yet in senior management positions or holding board seats. My St. Kate’s experience gave me an awareness of the market and the tools to compete.”
Manahan graduated with a degree from the St. Kate’s business department, which offered a women-centered approach to the curriculum. In addition to teaching students about navigating and understanding the market, the department’s pioneering educators helped women learn how to stake their claim as leaders in their careers and communities despite the realities of gender-based discrimination.
“The mission [of St. Catherine University] is important to me for a variety of reasons,” says Manahan. “We are living in an increasingly complex world, but St. Kate’s consistently provides students with an excellent educational foundation while fostering an environment that values and promotes leadership, equity, and inclusion.”
Manahan credits her time at St. Kate’s with cultivating the professional strengths that would help her build a rewarding and impactful career. However, the most meaningful lesson the University taught her was the importance of service, which has become a significant part of her life and a key personal value.
“When I graduated,” says Manahan, “I walked into the business world with everything I needed, and I started giving back as soon as I could. There are three considerations that motivate my giving: the value of my educational experience and career preparation, the personal relationships and treasured lifelong friendships from my time at St. Kate’s, and that, as a beneficiary of a Catholic education, I want that experience to be available to tomorrow’s students.”
Today, Manahan gives back to the University by supporting LEAD & INFLUENCE: The Campaign for the Next Level of Excellence. “I believe this campaign,” says Manahan, “is an investment in the future and an opportunity to build on the best of what St. Kate's has to offer. The University’s commitment to academic excellence, accessibility, and investment in our educators cannot be overstated. Providing resources to support that commitment is now more important than ever.”
Lead Gifts
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Anonymous
Better Way Foundation
Robert and Gail Buuck
Katie Buuck Fratzke '17
GHR Foundation
James J. Hill Foundation
Joan Kelly '46†
Mary Sands Landis '51†
Lilly Endowment Inc.
Manitou Fund
Agnes H. Moon †
Joanne Jirik Mullen '83 and
Brian Mullen
Teresa Rolling Radzinski '86
Lois '63 and John Rogers
ReBecca Koenig Roloff '76 and
Mark Roloff MAT'88
Jean Mcllquham Stalcup '72†
Judi Druke Teske '66
Brenda Grandstrand Woodson '80
