Heart of SHA Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is thrilled to recognize those classes that have earned the Heart of SHA designation for the 2024-25 school year. Heart of SHA classes have 10 or more contributors to the Annual Loyalty Fund or an endowed scholarship sponsored in the name of their class. Thank you to the generous women who have earned this designation for their class. Class of 1956, 10 Donors Class of 1960, 19 Donors Class of 1961, 12 Donors Class of 1964, 19 Donors Class of 1965, 34 Donors Class of 1968, 11 Donors Class of 1969, 12 Donors Class of 1970, 18 Donors Class of 1972, 19 Donors Class of 1973, 11 Donors Class of 1974, 10 Donors Class of 1975, 30 Donors Class of 1977, 12 Donors Class of 1979, 12 Donors Class of 1980, 26 Donors Class of 1983, 10 Donors Class of 1985, 11 Donors Class of 1992, 11 Donors Class of 1995, 10 Donors Class of 2002, 10 Donors Class of 2005, 14 Donors As Sacred Heart’s Class of 1979 prepared to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their graduation, they began to view the milestone as the perfect kickoff to an even bigger celebration—their 50th reunion. Inspired by this moment, Sue Fortunato ’79 and Kathleen Tenney Willis ’79 set an ambitious goal unlike anything a SHA class had attempted before: to establish a $100,000 endowed Class of 1979 Memorial Scholarship and present it to SHA during the weekend of their 50th reunion in 2029. Despite the boldness of the vision, or perhaps because of it, they were quickly joined by classmates Cindy Stone Atkison, Carla Ianni Ferrugio, Barb Dombrowski Hauck, Mary Schaefer Smith, and Jackie Wopperer Stoj. Together, they used their 45th reunion as an opportunity to spark enthusiasm and engage their classmates in the effort. It didn’t take long to get others on board. Throughout Alumnae Weekend, they shared the significance of the initiative—helping their classmates recognize that this scholarship is not only a way to honor their shared history, but also a chance to expand the sense of what is possible. The Class of 1979 has always been deeply aware of the sacrifices their parents made to give them a Sacred Heart education. With tuition rising and the level of sacrifice increasing for today’s families, the class chose to create a scholarship that memorializes the parents who made their own SHA experience possible, as well as their classmates who have passed away. After two years of active outreach, Sue and Kathy are proud to announce that the committee has secured financial commitments for nearly 60% of their goal. They are confident they will reach the $100,000 mark by their 50th reunion in 2029—and they cannot wait to begin awarding life-changing scholarships to the next generation of SHA students. The Class of 1979 reunites enthusiastically every five years (and sometimes more frequently!) By establishing a $100,000 endowed scholarship fund, they will ensure that their SHA spirit continues to support students into the future. The Class of 1979 – Committed to Changing the Future
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