President ReBecca Koenig Roloff ’76 announced today a bequest from the estate of Dr. Agnes Hyungman Moon has resulted in a leadership-level donation of over $1.5 million toward Our Students as part of LEAD & INFLUENCE: The Campaign for the Next Level of Excellence.
“Our mission at St. Catherine University, educating women to lead and influence, attracts students who are leaders, grounded in reality and powered by values,” said Roloff. “The generosity of Dr. Moon’s bequest is a grand statement of faith in our students. It shows her belief in their potential to make change because they are equipped with the insight and ability to influence not just individual outcomes, but also the systems and circumstances behind them.”
The bequest will fund two existing scholarships created at St. Kate’s by Dr. Moon:
Dr. Moon established the Anna Jayoung Chung Endowed Scholarship Fund to honor her mother and to support the mission of St. Catherine University. Dr. Moon's mother, Anna Jayoung Chung, was ahead of her time — in early 20th century Korea — and recognized the importance of higher education for women. Dr. Moon continues her legacy with this fund, which will be awarded with a preference for students studying philosophy.
The Sister Mary L. O’Hara Endowed Scholarship Fund honors the memory of a beloved St. Kate’s philosophy teacher by providing scholarships for students with financial need. Dr. Moon considered Sister Mary an inspiring professional mentor. As both a nun and a teacher, Sister Mary encouraged the development of the “whole” person — heart, mind, and soul. She credited her faith in God as foundational for that vision.
One of St. Catherine University's campaign priorities is to expand need-based financial aid in order to attract, support, and graduate more of the best students regardless of their financial means — and ensure they can take full advantage of the rich array of experiences at St. Kate’s.
St. Catherine University is grateful for Dr. Moon’s vision, generosity, and investment in improving access to a St. Kate’s education.