Paying It Forward by Advancing Marist’s Mission

Marist School had such a profound impact on the life of Dawn Villanueva Levy ’93 that she was inspired to include Marist in her estate plan. Her support helps preserve the excellence of the Marist education for future generations.

When reflecting on her Marist School education, Dawn Villanueva Levy ’93 remarked, "As an adult you look back at what has been pivotal in your life, and Marist has always been that for me." When Dawn began contemplating her estate plans, she decided that she wanted to leave a legacy at Marist School. She knew that by making a planned gift at Marist, she had an opportunity to make a significant donation to the school in addition to her faithful support of the Annual Fund.

When asked what inspired her generosity, Dawn shared that the faith-filled and supportive Marist community had made a great impact on her life, including the strengthening of her faith. Remembering her ninth grade introduction to religious studies class taught by then Marist Theology teacher the late Dr. Robert Donovan, Dawn appreciated that it provided her with the opportunity to explore her faith. She loved the school’s daily morning prayers, and especially how faith and spirituality were woven into every aspect of her Marist education. She vividly recalls when the Marist community lifted her mom up in prayer before a surgery. The comfort that she and her brother, Peter Villanueva ’98, received from the Marist family during this challenging time is one that she will never forget.

Inspired by the many Marist faculty and staff members who helped guide and encourage her next steps after graduation, Dawn feels that helping to preserve the excellence of the Marist education is important, and she wants to pay it forward.

About five years ago, she began organizing her plans to direct what would happen with her assets and what would be left to her children, and she notified Marist of her intentions. She feels empowered to arrange things now, so that her family will be taken care of and she can help advance Marist School’s mission-to form the whole person in the image of Christ-for future generations. Through her planned gift, Marist students will benefit from the nurturing, faith-filled educational experience that she received while a student.

Dawn’s generosity is recognized by Marist through membership in the Heritage Circle, Marist’s planned giving society. We are grateful to Heritage Circle members for their commitment to ensuring a Marist education is available for future generations. Heritage Circle members receive an invitation to an annual appreciation event, recognition in Marist publications, and a pass to Marist athletic events.