Endowment & Special Projects

Established in 2020 to honor Ann Liemandt Cronin’s extraordinary legacy and provide BSM tuition assistance to a deserving student from North Minneapolis.

Ann Liemandt Cronin♱ grew up in North Minneapolis and graduated from St. Margaret’s Academy in 1955. Throughout her life, Ann modeled kindness, love, service, and faith—virtues that BSM endeavors to cultivate in students and the community. Beyond her years at St. Margaret’s, Ann and her husband Carlton (Rick) Cronin, Jr. were engaged parents, grandparents, and investors at BSM. Ann’s legacy continues through her children, grandchildren, and the many people who followed her example and were touched by her kindness and generosity.

We are grateful for Ann's generosity.

Established by the alumni from Benilde High School's Class of 1965, the fund's purpose is to support and encourage an economically, culturally, and ethnically diverse student body at BSM. This award is to provide the financial support and encouragement to a deserving student, preferably a graduate from either Risen Christ Catholic School or Ascension Catholic School, both in Minneapolis, or another Catholic grade school in the metro.

Established by the Gonsior family in loving memory of Mark Gonsior♱, Class of ‘89.  The student who receives this award will demonstrate the following traits and values – honesty, pride and leadership in both academics and athletics.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Gonsior family.

Established in loving memory of 1971 BSM graduate William C. Herber♱, “Herbie.” Herbie was an active student and BSM hockey player; valued friend, dad, and husband; and lived each day so that he mattered to those around him. This scholarship is awarded annually to students who demonstrate enthusiasm for Benilde-St. Margaret’s and a strong moral compass in their daily life.

We are grateful for the generosity of these donors.

Established by the Hickok family in loving memory of Matthew E. Hickok♱, class of 1988. Matthew attended the first kindergarten class at St. Therese School in Deephaven. After graduation from St. Therese School, Matthew continued his education at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School. 

His spirit is honored through this award to provide financial support and encouragement to a deserving student, preferably a graduate from St. Therese School in Deephaven or another Catholic grade school in the west metro.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Hickok family.

Established by the Elmer Kopp family, this award makes a BSM education more accessible to those lacking the means to fully fund the cost required to attend. The award, given annually, will provide financial support and encouragement to a deserving student with demonstrated financial need.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Kopp family.

The LaVigne family established this award in loving memory of Kevin LaVigne♱, a member of the Class of 1972. This award is given annually to support a student who demonstrates leadership in the classroom, the community and athletics.

We are grateful for the generosity of the LaVigne family.

The Lawrenz family established this award in loving memory of Alec Lawrenz♱, a member of the Class of 2016. The student who receives this award will display interest and creativity in the fine arts, writing or peer mentoring.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Lawrenz family.

The Luther Family Fund established this award in honor of Melissa Luther♱, Class of ‘12.   The student who receives this award will display traits and values Melissa upheld – honesty, pride, leadership and participation in both academics and activities. 

We are grateful for the generosity of the Luther family.

The Luther Family Fund established this award in honor of Rudy Luther♱, Class of ‘06.   The student who receives this award will display traits and values Rudy upheld – honesty, pride, leadership and participation in both academics and activities. 

We are grateful for the generosity of the Luther family.

The Marian Fund was established in 2013 through anonymous gifts from an alumni parent and a BSM staff member. This award is given annually to a student who demonstrates leadership and character in the classroom, the community and athletics.

We are grateful for the generosity of these donors.

Grateful for the education and experience their daughters received while at Benilde-St. Margaret's School, Jane and John McNeill have created this fund to ensure access to the same exceptional educational experience. Given annually, this award maintains a diverse student community by providing financial support and encouragement to students who otherwise lack the means to fully fund a BSM education.

We are grateful for the generosity of the McNeill family.

Greg and Barbara Melsen established this fund in gratitude for their children’s experience at BSM and to help make a Catholic education more accessible to others.  The students who receive this award will demonstrate the following traits and values – honesty, pride and leadership. 

We are grateful for the generosity of the Melsen family.

This award is given annually as a result of the Ryan family’s generous support of Benilde-St. Margaret's School and our mission to educate future global leaders. The students who receive the award will display diligent preparation for graduation while maintaining a GPA of at least 2.5.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Ryan family.

Established by the Sanger family to foster a diverse student community by providing financial support to students with special needs. The Stephen and Karen Sanger scholar award is given to a BSM student with a documented learning disability or special needs.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Sanger family.

Established by the Scherer family in loving memory of Munn Scherer♱.  Just as their parents made it possible for them to attend and thrive at Benilde-St. Margaret's School, the Scherer brothers have ensured the same for deserving BSM students who lack the means to fully fund a BSM education. Given annually, this award allows BSM to maintain a diverse student community by providing financial aid to eligible students who could not otherwise afford this opportunity.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Scherer family.

The Shea and Simonett families established this award in loving memory of Anne V. Simonett♱. The student who receives the award will demonstrate interest and creativity in the fine arts, speech, and/or debate.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Shea and Simonett families.

Established to honor the alumnae from St. Margaret’s Academy, the SMA fund’s purpose is to support and encourage an economically, culturally and ethnically diverse student body at BSM. This award is to provide the financial support and encouragement to a deserving minority student.

Warren and Mary Lynn Staley established this fund in gratitude for their children’s experience at BSM and to help make a Catholic education more accessible to others.  The students who receive this award will demonstrate the following traits and values – honesty, pride and leadership. 

We are grateful for the generosity of the Staley family.

The Dr. Bob Tift Award was established in honor of Dr. Tift’s 23 years of service in the BSM community.  This award is designed to assist students to receive a Catholic education at BSM regardless of financial resources.

The Fr. Arnold Weber Award was established in honor of the late Fr. Weber♱ who had a tremendous impact at BSM, first as a teacher and later as President. This award makes a Catholic education at BSM education more accessible.

William and Judith Weiler established this fund in loving memory of their daughter Kathleen Weiler♱ and to help make a Catholic education at BSM more accessible to others.  The student who receives this award will demonstrate the following traits and values – honesty, pride, and leadership.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Weiler family.

Established by Sidora and Maximillian Wexler to support and encourage a diverse student community at Benilde-St. Margaret's School.  This award is to provide the financial support and encouragement to a deserving minority student or a student with physical impairments. 

We are grateful for the generosity of the Wexler family.

The Marian “Ma” Williams fund was established through the generous support of those who knew and loved her. Ma, as she was known, served as school cook for over 20 years, and treated all the students at BSM as if they were her own. In recognition of Ma’s willingness to help those in need, this award is given annually to a student who demonstrates the values that Ma encouraged and taught – concern for others, honesty, and hard work.