2024-2025 Annual Report - Mount Saint Joseph Academy

ADVANCEMENT

THE PILGRIMAGE BEGINS REFLECTIONS ON A TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR

A Message from the Chief Advancement Officer

Dear Mount Community,

It’s been a year since I walked back through the doors of the Mount after graduating in 1986. I thought I was returning to a familiar place. What I discovered was something far richer: a living, breathing sisterhood that continues to shape lives and change the world.

Since then, I’ve had coffee with alumnae in their twenties and their seventies. I’ve reconnected with current families and alumnae parents. I’ve heard stories from women who credit their Mount education with giving them the courage to change careers, start businesses, lead organizations, or simply speak up when it mattered most. What strikes me again and again is this: the Mount didn’t just teach us what to think—it taught us how to be brave.

That bravery looks different for each of us. For some, it’s leading in the boardroom. For others, it’s raising children with intention or standing up for what’s right when it costs something. But in every conversation, I hear echoes of the same truth: we learned here how to find our voice, navigate our complicated world, and overcome incredible challenges.

The sisterhood we share is timeless. Regardless of graduation year, daughter’s graduation year or experience, we are connected by something deeper than nostalgia—we are connected by transformation.

Over the past year, we have focused on strengthening that sisterhood and finding ways we can support one another. We’re engaging alumnae at social and networking events and bringing them back to speak with students. We’ve launched “Mounties in Touch,” a program offering comfort for those struggling with difficult life circumstances. We are marking special moments with birthday cards. And we’re inviting parents—current and past—to be more involved through volunteering, coming to events and celebrating traditions and milestones.

Earlier this school year, Sister Charlene invited us to become “Pilgrims of Hope”—to walk with purpose, knowing that our journey shapes not just ourselves, but the world around us. As I returned to the Mount this year as Chief Advancement Officer, I have seen firsthand that this pilgrimage is not one we walk alone. We walk it together.

Saint Thomas Aquinas reminded us that we have more reasons to be hopeful “when we have friends to rely on.” Looking at the story of our community’s generosity this year, I am struck by the truth of those words. You—our alumnae, parents, past parents, and friends—are the companions who steady us and ensure our mission endures.

I’ve watched you show up in ways both grand and quiet. You’ve welcomed young alumnae into your professional networks. You’ve shared your Mount story with a sister who needed to hear it. You’ve redirected your tax dollars through EITC, multiplied your gifts through matching programs, and invested in the Beyond Pearls campaign because you believe these girls deserve the best.

Our school motto, Spes messis in semine (“The hope of the harvest is in the seed”), reminds us that every gift is a seed planted for the future. When you give to the Mount Mission Fund, you plant seeds of opportunity—flexible support for immediate needs and unexpected possibilities. When you support scholarships and EITC, you plant seeds of access—ensuring every talented young woman can afford a Mount education. And when you invest in the Beyond Pearls campaign, you plant seeds of excellence, building the spaces where future founders will grow, compete, and thrive.

The numbers in this report are more than financial statistics; they are the harvest of your generosity. They represent the 26% of our operating budget that tuition does not cover—the vital gap filled by your faith in our mission.

The pages that follow tell the stories behind those numbers. You’ll meet alumnae who give because they remember being scholarship recipients themselves. Parents who redirect their taxes to support Mount families. Young alumnae using corporate matching gifts to multiply their impact. And a family who turned unimaginable loss into a legacy of hope that will endure for generations.

These are your stories. This is our shared pilgrimage.

Thank you for walking this path with us. Thank you for being the “friends we rely on.” And thank you for ensuring that the Mount remains a place where hope grows, blooms, and transforms the world.

With gratitude,

Shannon Thompson Connolly ’86 Chief Advancement Officer

P.S. I love hearing Mount stories—the ones that make you laugh, the moments that changed everything, or simply a memory that reminds you why this place matters. If you’d like to share yours, I’d be honored to hear it. Reach me at sconnolly@msjacad.org or 215-233-3177 ext. 389.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

WALKING TOGETHER IN

HOPE

Dear Mount Community,

The pages that follow tell the financial story of our community’s generosity this year. But behind every number is a person—a graduate who remembers being helped, a parent who believes in this mission, a friend who wants to see young women thrive.

This year, you gave $3,199,234 to support the Mount. You redirected $787,793 through tax-credit programs. You invested $1,569,802 in campus transformation. And you ensured that 26% of our operating budget—the gap between tuition and excellence—was filled by faith, hope, and love.

These numbers represent more than dollars.

They represent: Belief in the power of women’s education Hope for the future we’re building together Love for the Mount and the young women it serves.

As alumnae and alumnae parents ourselves, we feel privileged to be the stewards of your support and look forward to our continued connections in the year ahead.

With deep gratitude, The Advancement Team

Ms. Shannon Thompson Connolly ’86, Chief Advancement Officer

Mrs. Kelly Keane Owens ’04, Director of Advancement Operations & Alumnae Relations

Mrs. Katie McClernand Sacchetta ’05, Director of Annual Giving

Mrs. Theresa Moyer P ’10, Director of Engagement

Mrs. Rose Lamphere P ’19, Advancement Coordinator

THE HARVEST of YOUR GENEROSITY

Tuition covers the essentials, but your gifts provide the “Mount Difference.” Here is how our community came together in FY2025

74% Tuition & Fees Covers the core cost of educating our students.

26% Philanthropic Support Your gifts move us forward— bridging the gap to fund the full Mount experience.

FUELING the JOURNEY

$3,199,234

Total Cash Received

Strategic Initiatives & Campus Transformation

$1,569,802

Building spaces where Mounties lead, create, and thrive through the Beyond Pearls campaign.

EITC/OSTC

$787,793

Tax-credit programs

transforming educational access for deserving families.

Mount Mission Fund

$412,757

Support for daily opportunities, flexibility, and new possibilities.

Endowment

$273,812

Securing our mission in perpetuity for generations to come.

Annual Scholarships, Grants & Tuition Assistance

$155,070

Opening doors and ensuring every talented young woman can afford a Mount education.

Your gifts directly impact the areas where they matter most Your community of supporters spans generations and relationships

DONORS by CONSTITUENCY PLANTING

“ CHAMPIONS on the JOURNEY

THE BEST CHECK SHE WRITES

Kathryne Lyons ’82

“I said it years ago, and I mean it today: My check to the Mount is the best check I write each year.”

For Kathryne Lyons ’82, that’s not just a nice line—it’s the truth. “No one makes me write it,” she says. “Even as a young alum, when it wasn’t easy, I chose to do it. That’s the pleasure of giving.”

Kathryne’s Mount story began with a scholarship that changed everything. Growing up in Philadelphia, where most people in her community didn’t go to college, the Mount opened a door her family could barely imagine. “My parents didn’t have a lot of money. I could have gone elsewhere, but I got a scholarship that paid half the tuition. My dad said, ’She’s gotta go to the Mount.’ They never would have sent me otherwise.”

That investment transformed not just Kathryne, but her entire family. “My mom didn’t go to college. My dad finished night school when I was seven. The Mount committed them even more deeply to the idea that their children needed to be educated. My mom was always proud that her daughters got Master’s degrees before our brothers.”

The education was formative. “You walk into an environment where everyone’s truly there to learn—where it doesn’t matter if you’re a jock, in theater, singing, or running the newspaper. Your academics matter,” Kathryne explains. “You look around and see the strongest student leader, the best athlete, the most impressive scientist—and they’re all women. You realize you can become who you’re meant to be.”

That belief propelled her forward—from earning her MBA at Wharton to leadership roles as president of her co-op board and on the Mercy Center South Bronx Board of Directors advocating for education and immigrants, teaching ESOL, and planning galas. The writing and analytical skills she learned at the Mount still serve her today. She still sings in her church chorus and performs with a band on the side. “Mountie women tend to be future-focused with a touch more compassion,” she observes.

Living in New York City, Kathryne loves connecting fellow Mount alumnae and keeping the sisterhood alive. She’s also acutely aware of funding disparities. “Across the board, schools for young women are not equally supported compared to boys’ schools. We need to do something about that.”

Her parents taught her: “Even if it’s only $10, give back to your school every year. It matters.” For Kathryne, leadership-level annual giving to the Mount Mission Fund is how she lives that principle. “I hope I’ve paid back my scholarship for future generations.”

“Donors like Kathryne are the backbone of the Mount Mission Fund,” says Katie McClernand Sacchetta ’05, Director of Annual Giving. “Leadership gifts anchor our annual fund and allow us to plan thoughtfully for the year ahead. We hope every alumna will begin their philanthropic journey at the Mount by supporting the Mount Mission Fund—and donors who commit to consistent annual gifts make all the difference in sustaining our mission.”

The Sisters of Saint Joseph assert, “On the education of women largely depends the future of society.” Kathryne believes it. And she has a message for fellow alumnae: “The Mount taught us to never be afraid to raise your hand and speak your mind. We learned to have a plan, back up what we say, and stand up for what we believe. Now use that confidence to support the next generation.”

After all, it’s the best check she writes each year.

MULTIPLYING HOPE

Maddie Kohler Lannon ’12

Every October, as the holidays approach, Maddie Kohler Lannon ’12 thinks about family, service, and how she was raised. “At the Mount and in my family, acts of service were always instilled in us,” she reflects. “When I get to the end of the calendar year, I always have that give-back moment where I ask myself: what have I done this year?”

Why Leadership Annual Giving Matters

The Mount Mission Fund provides unrestricted support for immediate needs and unexpected opportunities—from emergency scholarships to innovative programs to essential faculty support. Leadership-level gifts ($1,000+) create a sustainable foundation ensuring every student can experience a transformative education.

Make The Mount Your Best Check of The Year

msjacad.org/give or contact

Katie McClernand Sacchetta ’05, Director of Annual Giving at ksacchetta@msjacad.org or 215-233-3177 ext. 394

For Maddie, a four-year varsity basketball and tennis player and one of four sisters who graduated from the Mount, giving back means ensuring future students have the same foundational experience she did. “The Mount really shaped me,” she says. “Being able to go to an all-girls school was such a unique experience. You get way more confident in that environment—whether you’re on the court, on stage, or in the classroom.”

When she learned about the Beyond Pearls campaign and the new Athletic Center, Maddie saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. “As the school continues to grow, they need to keep up with the times. That was clear traveling to other schools for games. Our girls should have that opportunity to expand with the times. The new Athletic Center might be the deciding factor on why a young woman chooses the Mount.”

While Maddie wanted to support the campaign, she’s early in her career. That’s when she discovered the power of matching gifts through her employer, PepsiCo. “Every October, my company runs ’PepsiCo Gives Back,’ and they offer a 1:1 match on charitable donations,” she explains. “Last year, it was a 2:1 match—so my gift was tripled. Given that, I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t make a gift at that time. You’re literally multiplying your impact.”

For Maddie, the math is simple: “Obviously there are people who give a whole lot more than I do, but being able to make my gift 2x or 3x as impactful was so meaningful. Your gift goes so much further.” She tries to increase her giving every year, inspired by both her Mount experience and her father Jeff Kohler’s passion as Board Chair leading the campaign.

By sharing her story, Maddie is showing leadership in a new way—demonstrating to her peers that you don’t need to wait until you’re established in your career to make a significant impact. “Maddie represents the future of Mount philanthropy,” says Kelly Keane Owens ’04, Director of Advancement Operations & Alumnae Relations. “Young alumnae are finding creative ways to give back, and their enthusiasm inspires others to get involved early.”

Maddie’s message to fellow young alumnae? “I give back because I want every girl to have the experience the Mount gave me. Even if you’re just starting your career, check if your employer offers matching gifts. It’s an incredible way to make a bigger difference than you might think possible.

Why Matching Gifts Matters

Many employers will match charitable donations dollar-for-dollar— or even 2:1 or 3:1 during special campaigns. That means your $100 gift becomes $200, $300, or more, at no extra cost to you.

Does your company offer matching gifts?

Visit msjacad.org/support/matchinggifts to find out, or contact your HR department. It takes just minutes to submit the paperwork, and the impact is exponential.

TURNING TAX DOLLARS INTO TRANSFORMATION

The Tabery Family

When Jeff Tabery’s daughter Paige started at Mount Saint Joseph Academy as a freshman last year, he knew he wanted to support her school. As President of D’Lauro & Rodgers, Inc., a general contracting company, Jeff pays significant state taxes each year. What he didn’t know was that those tax dollars could directly benefit the Mount—until his financial advisor wouldn’t let it drop.

“Our financial advisor, Vaughn Schill from MAI Capital Management, kept pushing the envelope,” Jeff recalls with a laugh. “He does EITC with his own kids’ school, and he was relentless: ‘You gotta do it, you gotta do it.’ Once Paige came to the Mount, he wouldn’t let up. It was right before Thanksgiving last year when he finally got us on an intro call.”

Jeff expected bureaucracy and delays. Instead, the process was remarkably straightforward. “Within a week, we had the forms completed and everything submitted. Even Vaughn was surprised by how efficiently it moved. He stayed involved throughout, making sure we didn’t miss any details. When you realize you can direct your tax dollars exactly where you want them to go and receive the tax credit in return, the decision becomes obvious.”

And while Vaughn helped move things along, Jeff is quick to note that you don’t need a financial advisor to participate. “It’s honestly simple enough for anyone,” he says. “The application is short, the steps are clear, and once you understand that you can direct your own personal or business tax liability to the Mount, it just clicks.”

The concept is straightforward: Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program allows businesses or individuals to redirect their state tax liability to scholarship organizations supporting schools like

the Mount. Instead of sending money to Harrisburg, Jeff’s company can direct those same dollars to help Mount families afford tuition—and receive a 90% tax credit in return. The process is designed to be quick, accessible, and easy to complete so any taxpayer with a tax liability in the state of Pennsylvania can participate.

“It’s a win-win-win,” Jeff explains. “The tax credit money goes back to the school, families get scholarship support, and we get the credit. If you’re paying more than $10,000 or $15,000 in state taxes, it makes sense to redirect those funds to the Mount.”

For Jeff and his wife Colleen, both Catholic University graduates, the decision to send Paige to the Mount was about more than just academics; it was also about empowering and cultivating future female leaders. Colleen flourished in the all-girls Catholic environment at Nazareth Academy, while Jeff attended public school. They saw the Mount as the right fit for their daughter as she navigated the transition from elementary to high school.

Since arriving at the Mount, Paige has thrived. “She’s been more confident than ever,” Jeff says proudly. “She’s loving it.” Watching his daughter flourish has only reinforced his commitment to ensuring other families can access the same life-changing experience.

Jeff is already spreading the word about EITC to fellow business owners and friends in the Mount community and beyond. “Anyone paying significant state taxes should know about this program,” he says. “It’s one of the most impactful decisions we’ve made—our tax dollars stay right here, supporting families who want their daughters to have the Mount experience.”

Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program allows businesses and individuals to redirect state tax liability to scholarship organizations supporting schools like the Mount. Visit msjacad.org/support/pa-taxgiving-program to learn more.

How it works:

• Businesses or individuals receive a 90% tax credit (or 75% for one-year commitments)

• Your tax dollars support Mount scholarships instead of going to Harrisburg

• Families gain access to transformative education

• Simple application process through approved scholarship organizations

Interested in learning more?

Contact Shannon Thompson Connolly ’86, Chief Advancement Officer at sconnolly@msjacad.org or 215-233-3177 ext. 389

LEAVING HER HEART ON CAMPUS

Ellen Rosa-Bian Cericola ’82, P’09

For more than 30 years, Ellen Cericola ’82, P’09 has given back to the Mount through a prism of engagement—from supporting Celebrauction for over a decade and faithfully coordinating setup for Breakfast with Santa, to serving on the Board of Directors and Facilities Committee, to designing transformative campus spaces. In 2012, she received the Rosemary McNally 1917 Award for service. As an annual Mount Mission Fund donor and Beyond Pearls supporter, she gives time, expertise, and resources—driven by one simple truth: “I feel like I owed it to the Mount to give back.”

Ellen’s story began with an academic scholarship that changed everything. “I’m a blue-collar kid,” she explains. “My father worked, my mother was a homemaker. Without my academic scholarship, the Mount would have been out of reach for my family.”

That gratitude has fueled decades of service—in time, talent, and treasure. “It’s rewarding to feel like I’m possibly giving to some girl somewhere who otherwise might not be able to be at the Mount, like I was 45 years ago. I’m not doing this for my own benefit. I’m doing this for ‘her’—the girls of tomorrow. I was the ‘her’ of yesteryear.”

A computer science major who became a network engineer, Ellen never lost her creative drive. Over the years, she influenced the design of multiple campus spaces, most notably Clement’s Crossing in 2023—a connector hallway now used as collaborative learning space. “I love to recycle and repurpose materials. In Clement’s Crossing, I focused on elements of the earth which unite us all..”

Her most transformative contribution came when Sister Charlene asked her to design a labyrinth—a sacred space for prayer and reflection. Board member Sister Rosanne

Orchon, SSJ ’69 and fellow alumna Cathy Fitzsimmons ’70 encouraged Ellen to visit labyrinths throughout the region, including St. Raphaela Retreat Center, to study their design and spiritual purpose. Ellen researched labyrinth traditions and worked out the trigonometry to create a custom octagonal design around the existing statue of Mary. She chose four guiding words for benches along the winding path: Listen, Learn, Lead, Live—with Love at the center. Day lilies throughout the labyrinth honor Saint Joseph while roses celebrate Mary.

Made possible through $86,000 raised by Mount Magic at the Linc, the labyrinth was dedicated on September 8, 2025. “The Mount could have hired someone to do it,” Ellen reflects, “but I wanted this to be my gift—to leave a piece of my heart on campus and create a quiet space where students can find their center.”

For Ellen, whose daughter also benefited from scholarship support, giving back means both financial commitment and hands-on involvement. Her annual leadership gifts to the Mount Mission Fund and support for the Beyond Pearls campaign ensure both immediate impact and long-term transformation. Her volunteer work—designing spaces, organizing events, serving on committees— brings professional skills and personal passion to every corner of campus.

“There’s a legacy to be proud of, to want to stay connected with, whether or not you have another family member who attends. The Mount gave me opportunities I never would have had. Now I get to give that back—and I’m not afraid to climb a ladder, push a wheelbarrow, or go into the basement to do it.”

Why Time, Talent & Treasure All Matter

Engagement brings something money can’t buy: personal expertise, creative vision, and heart. When donors like Ellen give both financially and through hands-on service, they create an exponential impact that transforms every corner of campus life.

Ready to share your talents?

Contact

Theresa Moyer P ’10, Director of Engagement tmoyer@msjacad.org or 215-233-3177 ext. 334

THE LEGACY OF HOPE

In Memory of Caroline Kyle ’21

The Mount runs deep in the Kyle family—from Robert Kyle’s mother, Jody, in the Class of 1959 to his aunt, Sister Mary Francis Kyle, SSJ, to multiple generations of Kyle women who have walked these halls. So when Caroline and Grace were growing up, there was never any question where they wanted to go.

“Caroline only wanted to go to the Mount from a very young age,” Beth Kyle recalls. “So did Grace. They wanted to carry on the family legacy.”

Both girls thrived there. Caroline, who had learning challenges, worked harder than anyone. “She was the hardest working student and overcame so much,” Beth says. “The learning support staff and all the teachers at the Mount quietly helped her along through every challenge. She graduated with a 3.4 GPA, taking AP classes—all A’s and B’s. The Mount pushed her to shine.”

Caroline found her home on the water. She earned three varsity letters and rowed in the first boat. Her Lightweight 8 was the 2019 Stotesbury Regatta champion and the 2019 Youth National champion. But more than the medals and races, the team gave Caroline a family.

“She was a cheerleader for her teammates,” Beth remembers. “She’d give her left arm for her friends. She was always giving everything away to help someone. Mount crew allowed her to become the person she was. It was like a family. The water was where she felt most at home—it allowed her light to shine.”

On July 9, 2022, Caroline died suddenly in her sleep at home. She was 19 years old, a rising sophomore in college. The cause was Long QT Syndrome, an undetected heart condition that can cause sudden cardiac arrest.

“She was always an athlete growing up. She was always active. She was a happy, healthy teenage girl,” says her younger sister Grace ’24. “We had no clue.”

The Mount community rallied around the Kyle family in ways Beth will never forget. “The day of the funeral, Sister Charlene showed up big for our family. I’ve never felt so much support,” Beth says, her voice catching with emotion. “They were right by our side. The honor guard that stood by her—it was just amazing. The school came out with so much support. They were there in every way.”

The Mount’s support didn’t end with the funeral. For Grace, then a rising junior devastated by the loss of her sister, the school became a lifeline. “Amy DiGiovanni, our Director of School Counseling, saved my daughter that year,” Beth says. “They embraced her and worked quietly behind the scenes to support her and push her along.”

The Mount teaches students every year about leaving a legacy—what will you leave behind? “Never in a million years did I really think about it this way,” Beth reflects. “Caroline would have never imagined the impact she would have. She was very humble.”

At Caroline’s funeral, surrounded by the extraordinary outpouring of love from the Mount community, Beth knew what she wanted to do. “I said, ‘I want a boat.’”

What happened next exceeded anything the family could have imagined. The Mount community—students, families, alumnae, faculty, and friends—came together in an overwhelming show of love. Donations poured in, ultimately surpassing $100,000. “The number of people she touched in her life was astonishing,” Beth says. “We had enough money to buy the boat and start an endowment for the crew program.”

The Caroline Kyle Endowment now supports Mount crew in perpetuity, ensuring her legacy pulls for every future boat that launches on the Schuylkill River.

Grace has carried Caroline’s legacy forward through advocacy as well, spearheading Simon’s Heart screenings at the Mount to offer free heart testing to young people. She’s now studying genetics and public health to become a genetic counselor, determined to help save lives.

Two days after Caroline passed, the family made a choice that continues to guide them. “A spiritual advisor told us that God gives you challenges and we don’t know why, and you can be bitter or you can be better,” Beth recalls. “We held hands, and we chose to be better in this life. This is how we’re being better. Every day.”

One of Caroline’s last drawings showed a beach scene with the words: “Be Happy. Love, Caroline #YOLO.” Beth had bracelets made for the family with that message—a reminder of Caroline’s spirit and the choice they’ve made to honor her.

“We carry on because that’s what Caroline would have wanted,” Beth says. “The whole thing turned out bigger than I could have ever dreamed. The Mount was there for us in our joy—watching Caroline shine and overcome every obstacle. And they were there for us in our darkest hour. Be happy and be better. That’s Caroline’s legacy, and that’s what this endowment represents.”

The Power of Endowed Funds

Endowed funds like the Caroline Kyle Crew Endowment provide support in perpetuity. The principal remains invested while annual distributions fund scholarships, academic programming, awards, and more— ensuring that a loved one’s legacy continues to make an impact for generations to come.

Interested in creating an endowed fund? Contact

Shannon Thompson Connolly ’86, Chief Advancement Officer at sconnolly@msjacad.org or 215-233-3177 ext. 389

Why Comprehensive Giving Matters

Supporters like Bernadette demonstrate the power of engaging with the Mount in multiple ways. EITC redirects tax dollars to scholarships. Event sponsorships build community. The Mount Mission Fund provides flexible annual support. Capital campaign gifts create transformative facilities. Together, these combined commitments ensure the Mount thrives for generations to come.

Ready to explore multiple ways to give?

Contact

Shannon Thompson Connolly ’86, Chief Advancement Officer at sconnolly@msjacad.org or 215-233-3177

GRATITUDE IN ACTION

Bernadette Dinan Piper ’03

Bernadette Dinan Piper ’03 gives to the Mount through every avenue possible—EITC, event sponsorships, the Mount Mission Fund, and the Beyond Pearls Capital Campaign. As a member of the Board of Directors for the past three years, she sees the Mount from every angle. But ask her why she gives so comprehensively, and the answer comes immediately: “Pure gratitude.”

“I’ve always wanted to give back,” Bernadette explains. My husband, TJ, and I both recognize and value the importance of education. It is a main focus of our giving.” In the past few years, we’ve been in a position to give more, and the timing has been perfect.”

Bernadette came to the Mount from St. Matthew in Northeast Philadelphia, and from her first visit, she knew it was different. “You can feel the difference from the moment you walk in. The people really care. I felt that from the teachers and the girls. Everyone respected each other. And, that is something so important in those formative years.”

As a student, Bernadette was deeply involved—serving as Student Council President her senior year and participating in academic co-curriculars. “I have nothing but great memories of the Mount,” she reflects. “I’m forever thankful for the path it set me on and the person it helped me become.”

Even as a young alumna, Bernadette understood the importance of giving back. “It was always about gratitude for me—gratitude for this community that became a lifelong home.” What she’s learned as a board member has only strengthened that sentiment. “It’s been inspiring to see the Mount from a different perspective—all of the time, thought, workmanship, and care that go into everything. The level of care is extraordinary. Nothing is overlooked. I’m grateful for all of the development and growth occurring at the Mount— not just for the current students now but for future generations to come.”

That future-focused gratitude drives Bernadette’s comprehensive giving strategy. EITC, she learned, is “a no-brainer—an easy way to amplify your impact.” As more people learn how simple and beneficial it is, she believes participation will grow quickly. Her support for the Beyond Pearls Capital Campaign reflects her belief that it’s time to show the world the Mount’s excellence.“It’s been a long time since we’ve undertaken a project of this scale. We’re competitive, and we deserve facilities that reflect that.”

Through it all, one principle guides every decision at the Mount: “It’s all for the girls.” Every aspect, every choice—they are always top of mind.”

Bernadette also gives in honor of her parents, who sacrificed to make her Mount education possible. “They have always been the most proud of my time at the Mount and where it’s taken me,” she says. That circle of gratitude—from her parents’ sacrifice to her own success to her investment in future students—drives her continued commitment.

Her message to fellow alumnae? “Reflect on what the Mount gave you. Take a minute to really think about it, and let that guide your giving. Supporting the Mount is a natural way to give back to something that gave you so much.”

A GAME-CHANGER FOR THE MOUNT

Joe & Meg Pensabene P’15, ’17, ’22

Joe Pensabene has seen the Mount from every angle. As a Capital Campaign Co-Chair, as Assistant Coach for varsity basketball, and most importantly, as the father of three Mount graduates. His perspective is clear: “The primary goal is to just transform the campus in a way that the girls deserve.”

As Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Bank Operations at Univest Bank and Trust Co., Joe understands investments. And he sees the Beyond Pearls campaign as an essential investment in the Mount’s future. “Nothing of significance has been done to the campus in years, arguably 50-some years,” he notes. “And it’s needed. It’s time.”

For Joe, the Athletic Center isn’t just about sports—it’s about competing for the best students. “We need facilities like this to attract the best and brightest students and also the best athletes,” he explains. “Academically, the Mount is top-notch. And we have a lot to be proud of in the athletics area. We need the facilities to provide our athletes and our teams with the best chance to compete and win.”

As a coach who regularly talks to prospective students at CYO games and summer leagues, Joe is thrilled that construction is now underway. “When I talk to families at games and camps, I can point to the construction happening right now and say, ‘This is what you’ll be part of. This is the future of Mount athletics.’ The excitement on their faces says it all.”

His excitement is palpable when he talks about the future. “I can’t wait to have our first practice there, to host our first game there, to host our first playoff game, our first state playoff game. It’s just going to be an experience. I can tell you nobody else in our league, for sure, and really in the area, has a facility like this. It’s a game-changer.”

But Joe’s commitment to the Mount goes far deeper than athletics or facilities. It comes from watching three daughters flourish in this community. “To see what each of them got from the Mount, what they gave to the Mount, the friends that they have today—my oldest just got engaged, and she was in a wedding in July of one of her best friends from the Mount where she was the Maid of Honor, and almost the entire bridal party was her friends from the Mount. That’s special to me.”

Those relationships extend to the entire Pensabene family. “The relationships that my wife and I have with their parents and with these girls—they are extensions of our family. And that all came from the Mount. That’s why the Mount has the place in my heart that it does.”

For Joe, supporting the Beyond Pearls campaign is about ensuring future generations of Mount students have the facilities they need to compete, to grow, and to build the kind of lifelong friendships his daughters treasure. “It’s just time,” he says simply. “The girls deserve it.”

Why Capital Campaign Gifts Matter

Transformative projects like the Athletic Center require significant one-time investments that go beyond annual operating budgets. Capital campaign gifts create lasting infrastructure that serves students for generations—facilities that attract top talent, elevate the student experience, and provide spaces where lifelong friendships are forged. Ready to be part of the transformation?

Contact Shannon Thompson Connolly ’86, Chief Advancement Officer at sconnolly@msjacad.org or 215-233-3177 ext. 389