Rusti Murphy Kitts
A faith-based education remains within us long after we have forgotten algebraic equations, linguistic conjugations, and the periodic table of elements. It is, in fact, what shapes our lives, giving us the tools to attain both a life of the mind and a life of the spirit.

Three generations of Murphy women are the living beneficiaries of Sacred Heart education. My mother, my three daughters, and I share a joyous confidence in our unique, intrinsic value and each of us shares a strong commitment to service and relationships. Beyond this, we share a sense that our Sacred Heart education engaged us in an ongoing conversation with the greatest minds in the world and that it continues to entice us to remain in provocative conversation.

The Mater Legacy Society provides a vehicle through which my husband and I can articulate our gratitude for the tools Stuart has given our family to live successfully and wholeheartedly in this world. It is also a means to punctuate our strong belief that this educational choice, this educational gift, should continue to be available for those who seek it.

Ruth Thornton
Former Trustee of Stuart Country Day
School of the Sacred Heart

Mother of
Kim Starbuck Taggart '85

Ruth Thornton
We give to what we believe in. We give most to what we believe in most -- and especially when we are convinced that what we believe in most needs to be continued.

Therein lies the great appeal of The Mater Legacy Society: When we are no longer able to give Stuart our gifts of time and service, we are able to offer our gifts of substance. We can ensure that the endless blessings we and our children have received will continue for future generations.

A bequest in the Will is probably one of the simplest ways to declare an enduring belief in Stuart, although many other types of charitable bequests are readily available. A financial advisor and sage soul once confided to me, "Any kind of Planned Giving is a very satisfying way to make gifts because by the time the bequest matures, you're not going to care!"

But of course we do care, and care deeply, about advancing Stuart's mission by remaining true to the dream of its founders: To develop women of vision, commitment, and action. For many of us, The Mater Legacy Society is a marvelous way for the Sacred Heart dream to live on.