1960 Legacy Society

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.

David Cassilly lives in Florida, but he reads his issues of the Black & Gold and stays informed about his alma mater. He had decided to leave St. John Vianney High School in his estate plans. However, a recent return to campus inspired him to make an immediate gift of $1 million.

What inspired you to make such a transformational gift to Vianney?
I have always had the greatest respect for the Society of Mary and how the brothers and priests put up with a bunch of teenage boys. Much has changed in the 57 years since I graduated but not the importance of a solid Marianist education. Parents sacrifice to send their sons to Vianney and, while there, I want their sons to have the best environment possible. I had always had Vianney in my will but since I plan to live at least another 20 years, I thought Vianney could use the money now. I was also inspired by the generous gift a few years ago by the Sly family. At that time I thought, “I would like to do something like that someday.”

How did the Marianists impact your life?
I had the wonderful example of men who were motivated not by material possessions but how they could serve others. It only reinforced the example that my parents gave at home of the importance of family and giving back. I have always tried to live up to those examples in my family and business life. 

“I have been truly blessed to have been married for 47 years to my wife, Lynn. After four years of college, three years in the Navy, one in Vietnam and two in San Francisco, I came back to St. Louis. I met Lynn at the pool at the Woodsmill Village Apartments in Ballwin where I lived. I was lucky. We now have a son, Christopher, daughter-in-law Robyn, and grandson Connor. We have a daughter, Jamie, son-in-law Spencer, and grandsons Davis, Miles, and Beckett. I could not ask for better children or grandchildren.”

What’s changed and what has stayed the same at Vianney?
I felt right at home when I recently visited Vianney. The Vianney spirit seems to be alive and well. I was impressed that Vianney graduates, over the years, come back to Vianney to take teaching and leadership positions. The biggest change I came to understand was the increased staff it now takes to run a school like Vianney. I understand that there are still many fine Catholic high schools in St. Louis but a much smaller number of eighth graders funneling into these schools. Vianney has to have the staff, programs, and physical plant to make a prospect want to put Vianney first on his list. 

Why did you direct your gift to three specific areas?
Guidance has always been special to me. I want there to be the resources to make sure that every Vianney student is fully included in the Vianney family and develops his talents, whatever they may be. I am impressed by the number of clubs and sports that Vianney offers that can nurture these talents. All the preparation at Vianney then needs to be realized at the next level and not everyone knows what that step is or how to take it. I am sure that parents will have a great sense of relief knowing that Vianney is there to help. 

Renovating the old gym that is now called the Activity Center just fits in to having the physical plant necessary to support all the activities needed to foster the talents of the students. 

I would also like to think of my gift as a seed that will only grow. It would be great if it can help raise more money for Vianney. Just as I was inspired by the large gift, I hope that my gift will inspire many others.

I believe there are at least 5 other million-dollar donors from Vianney right now and I think they will appear before the year is out... Please, prove me right!"

What do you want others to know about giving to Vianney?
The importance of supporting the effort to turn boys into good men is self-evident. We need husbands, fathers, citizens, with a good, strong, moral compass. Vianney does its best to produce those men. 

Sure, your hand will shake when writing out that check, but you will feel good afterward. Vianney needs to continue building its endowment. Funds that can grow and support the school independent of tuition. Yes, remember Vianney in your will, but why not have the fun of seeing results while you are alive?

"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

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

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

I'm happy to financially support when I see Vianney has made continuous improvements to remain competitive in an increasingly competitive environment."

-Pat Sly '68

I wanted to create the LaBruyer Family Scholarship, so that four, or maybe five students with financial needs would have the opportunity to experience the 'Vianney Culture'.

Only after becoming an adult did I realize how important it was to have a Vianney education.  Vianney gave me a great foundation to graduate from college and have a good career.

If my Estate Planning can give a Vianney education to a handful of students with financial needs, then it would be difficult for me to come up with a better last wish.

Dan LaBruyer '67