1960 Legacy Society

"Cassie and I contributed to the 1960 Legacy Society because today's society is lacking men of character and conviction.  

Vianney is one of the few high schools that still educate the whole man so that graduates are not just superior students, but also superior servant leaders that America so desperately needs."

Tom Marshall '85

"Why did my wife and I decide it was important to include Vianney in our estate planning?

Vianney has always held a special place in my heart.  From the time I was a student to the present day, I am proud I went to Vianney and proud of the values, education and friendships I have made through Vianney.  

Fast forward 30 years and now we get to watch our two sons experience all that Vianney has to offer.   We are blessed by the impact Vianney has made in our lives and see the impact it has made in our sons lives. We want to make sure others have the same opportunity to experience Vianney for their family.  

This community is special and is a second family to me and my family.  So it just made sense to us that we leave something to Vianney since they are an extended part of our family."

-Mike Mantia '92

Pictured: Sharon, Sophia, Vincent '22, Dominic '26, and Mike Mantia '92

"Chris and I credit our Catholic faith and lifetime fulfillment to our high school experiences.

Vianney’s academic structure and discipline made me want to learn. We feel that it is extremely important that the Vianney educational experience continues to be available to young men."

-Mike Normile '67

Larry Valenza '83 is Principal at M + H Architects. He has shared his gift for architecture with St. John Vianney High School as Chairman of the Facilities Committee since 2016 and Chairman of the current Long-Range Campus Planning Committee. Larry is also an alumni parent with TJ graduating in 2014.

"I don't consider myself to be the smartest guy in the world, but somehow I've made a series of really good decisions - my wife, my college, my profession, and so many more. But, the first decision I ever made on my own, without being guided in any particular direction by my parents, was the choice to attend Vianney, This ended up being the "first domino" triggering all of the following events which have impacted my life so profoundly. I initially wanted to go to Vianney, because i would attend football games (on Saturdays before they were played on Friday nights) with one of my junior football teammates whose older brother played at Vianney. It turned out that eight of my football teammates also decided to attend Vianney, so a whole group of us started high school together.

There's definitely always been a spirit and culture at Vianney which is hard to describe without experiencing it. We call it the Vianney family, and it's real. I made lifelong friends who I still see and consider my brothers. I played football which was a source of pride, created indelible memories, and most importantly taught me about teamwork, sacrifice, persistence, and humility. While at Vianney I took Coach Farrell's Architectural Drawing class and fell in love with architecture. After my dad, he's undoubtedly the man who has had the biggest influence on my life. Every morning, I get out of bed and go to work because he introduced me to my profession. 

So, why do I give? To be honest, it's partly selfish, because I get the opportunity to spend time at Vianney in the unmistakable family atmosphere that still feels like home. I get to apply my area of expertise to help make the facilities nicer and more efficient, which I hope ultimately enhances the high school experience for the current generation of Griffins. I get to work with a passionate staff at the school whose decisions are always based on what's best for the kids and the school. And, I know that my financial contributions are used to support the ongoing operation of the institution so that more young people can make the same great decision to attend Vianney that I did."

-Larry Valenza '83

 

Ken and Fran Bader recently made a $1 Million gift to St. John Vianney High School. Ken was inspired after reading an article in the Spring 2021 issue of Black & Gold. David Cassilly '63 had issued a challenge after making his $1 million gift, "I believe there are at least five other million-dollar donors from Vianney right now... Please prove me right"

The Bader's donation will help fund the Activity Center and Media Center renovations, wrestling program, new campus signage, school technology, and financial aid.

Ken: Fran and I have been married for almost 55 years. We started a real estate-appraisal business, Bader & Associates, in 1975. It grew beyond anything we imagined. We also made some good investments along the way.

Fran: We lived within walking distance of another Catholic high school but our oldest son chose Vianney, because he felt at home here. I volunteered in Griffins Cafe for more than 20 years as all six of our sons attended Vianney: Dan '91, Luke '94, Adam '97, Mark '98, John '03, and Andy '06.

John '03, Andy '06, Dan '91, Amy Meier, Ken, Fran, Adam '97, Luke '94, and Mark '98

Ken: We told our kids at Christmas of our intent to give a $1 million gift to Vianney. They were all happy, including our daughter, Amy.

Fran: I remember when Dan took an accounting class at Mizzou and said "it was a breeze" because his high school accounting teacher, Mike Loyet '77, had more than prepared him for college. Vianney impressed on the boys the importance of giving back, sharing their talents. Our kids all went to public grade school, but we wanted a faith-filled environment for high school and they received that at Vianney.

Ken: We met some of their closest friends here. Now we come to grandparent events at Vianney and see these same friends who are here fore their own grandkids.

Fran: Vianney built a base for our children and their future. Over the passing of time, we are pleased with most of our decisions and choosing Vianney is one of them. It's been a joy to watch the school progress.

Ken: We need at least two more million-dollar donors by the end of this year. I know who you are! Check with your financial advisor, because there are definite tax advantages when donating appreciated assets.