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Lyon Society

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Lyon Society

The Lyon Society of Fontbonne University serves to honor our rich history by providing financial support for our growing future. Lyon Society membership is offered to those who support the mission of the University with gifts of $250 or more within a given fiscal year. Corporations and foundations giving at $5,000 or more within a given fiscal year are also recognized and encouraged to appoint a representative to the Lyon Society. Matching gifts from employers are included as a part of an individual’s qualifying gift for membership.

Giving Levels

  • Felicite Duras, the Countess de la Rochjacquelin: $10,000 or more
  • Mother Celestine Pommerel: $5,000 – $9,999
  • Agnes Gonzaga Ryan, CSJ: $2,500 – $4,999
  • Mary Irene O’Hara, CSJ: $1,000 – $2,499
  • Roberta Schmidt, CSJ: $250 – $999
 

Membership Benefits for Each Giving Level

Felicite de Duras: $10,000 or more

The Countess de la Rochjacquelin (1798-1883) from Lyon, France, put down the roots of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet when she financed the voyage of the original six women to the New World.

Benefits:

  • Presidential reception exclusively for members of the Duras giving level.
  • Exclusive Lyon Society quarterly e-newsletter.
  • Subscription to the Fontbonne Magazine. 

 

Mother Celestine Pommerel: $5,000 – $9,999

A leader among her peers, Pommerel (1813-1857) was one of the original six women who came to St. Louis from Lyon, France, to teach the deaf and create the ministry in the New World.

Benefits:

  • Presidential Reception exclusively for members of the Pommerel annual giving levels.
  • Exclusive Lyon Society quarterly e-newsletter.
  • Subscription to the Fontbonne Magazine.

 

Agnes Gonzaga Ryan, CSJ: $2,500 – $4,999

Mother Agnes (1855-1917) was known for her leadership to the CSJ mission in Carondelet and was recognized as the model Sister of St. Joseph.

Benefits:

  • Presidential Reception exclusively for members of the Ryan annual giving level.
  • Exclusive Lyon Society quarterly e-newsletter.
  • Subscription to the Fontbonne Magazine.

 

Mary Irene O’Hara, CSJ: $1,000 – $2,499

The first dean and president of Fontbonne University, O’Hara (1858-1934) graduated the first class from Fontbonne. She was known for her generosity and dedication to students in need and the Carondelet ministry.

Benefits:

  • Presidential gathering exclusively for members of the O’Hara annual giving level.
  • Exclusive Lyon Society quarterly e-newsletter.
  • Subscription to the Fontbonne Magazine.

 

Roberta Schmidt, CSJ: $250 – $999

Former Fontbonne University president and professor (b 1928), Schmidt was one of six Catholic nuns who joined the 1965 march of Selma, Ala., for racial equality and civil rights in our world and community.

Benefits:

  • Presidential gathering exclusively for members of the Schmidt annual giving level.
  • Exclusive Lyon Society quarterly e-newsletter.
  • Subscription to the Fontbonne Magazine.

Contact Us

Questions? Contact Wendi Valenti, Assistant Director of Advancement, at wvalenti@fontbonne.edu or (314) 889-4712.

Giving Societies

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