School Receives Largest Bequest in History

A More Than $2 Million Gift from Alumna Earmarked for Scholarships

Katherine Marceron Hoffar ’40 was a loyal alumna who cherished her Visitation education and her connections to the school and Monastery. Her commitment to this life-changing institution was underscored by the historic gift she left Visitation upon her passing this spring: a remarkable  $2,059,000 bequest, earmarked for endowed scholarships.

“This is the single largest bequest that the school has ever received,” says Head of School Dan Kerns. “It will have an immense impact on the amount of financial aid we are able to offer moving forward. Because it is an endowed gift, it will allow us to fund several full- or half-tuition scholarships not just for next year or for a fixed amount of time, but in perpetuity. Mrs. Hoffar’s gratitude for Visitation and the gracious gift she made will truly have a lasting positive effect on this institution and our students.”

With this latest, record-breaking donation, the school has now brought in $7 million toward its $8 campaign endowment goal. This total comes from both gifts and pledges, including several planned gifts.

A number of other campaign donors have also chosen to establish named, endowed scholarships, but this is not the only way endowment funds can be used. Visitation’s endowment supports a range of strategic goals, including keeping tuition increases to a minimum and ensuring that we continue to attract and retain the very best faculty and staff through competitive salaries and benefits. More generally, building our endowment will provide the school with greater financial stability and flexibility.

To learn more about making an endowment or planned gift of any kind, please contact Advancement Director Nathalie Bergin Sullivan ’71 (nathalie.sullivan@visi.org,