A Legacy of Support for Future Generations

The Wynne siblings with their mother.

Marist School has played an important role in the life of the Wynne family, not only for the brothers who attended Marist-Dr. Conrad V. "Val" Wynne, Jr. ’71 (deceased); Christopher J. "Chris" Wynne ’74; and James R. "J.R." Wynne ’80-but also for their sister Jeanne Wynne Harrison and their parents. Catholic education was a top priority for their parents, and the family made the 30-minute drive from Marietta every day to give their sons a Marist education (when Jeanne entered middle school, Marist was not yet co-educational).

For nearly five decades, the family has enjoyed a special friendship with longtime Marist English teacher Fr. Ralph Olek, S.M. From Christmas celebrations to family weddings, to sicknesses, and to the deaths of loved ones, Fr. Olek has always been there, serving as a close friend and spiritual leader for the Wynnes, who consider him one of their own.

Demonstrating their deep commitment to Marist School, the Wynne family has established an endowed fund through an estate gift designated to Marist by Val and his beloved late wife, Dr. Regina Suzanne Bland, which also will include future contributions from Chris, J.R., Jeanne, and their families. The fund, created in appreciation of the great work of Fr. Olek, will provide tuition assistance to Marist students with demonstrated financial need. Fr. Olek described how humbled he was when he learned of this gift from the Wynnes. He says, "I was very flattered and grateful that they could do something like this to help current and future students."

As a result of the thoughtful philanthropy led by Val and Regina’s gift, the Wynnes are creating a legacy of support and providing opportunities for generations of Marist students to benefit from the distinctive Marist educational experience.

The Heritage Circle, Marist School’s planned giving society, provides opportunities for Marist families and friends to remember Marist in their estate plans and provide for Marist now and into the future.