Women’s Guild Surpasses Fundraising Goals

The Women’s Guild annual fashion show and luncheon in April raised more than $30,000, which will benefit the Guild’s Endowed Scholarship fund as well as Spiritan Campus Ministry student service projects.

 “The time, effort and donations required to ensure the success of this event are staggering—every year our members continue to surpass our expectations,” said Mary McIntyre, president of the Women’s Guild. “I thank God for each and every member because without them, the luncheon would fail.”

For the past several years, the Guild has supported Spiritan Campus Ministry’s annual spring break mission trip to New Orleans. In recognizing the growing financial need of University students due to the economic downturn, the organization began to set aside money to establish an endowed scholarship. The proceeds from this year’s fashion show and luncheon enabled the Guild to endow the Duquesne Women’s Guild Endowed Scholarship two years ahead of its original goal.

“Technically, the University allows five years to establish an endowed scholarship, but we have done this in less than three,” said Bernadette Krueger, director of annual giving and Women’s Guild member. “It is very impressive, and it is very telling what a group of people can accomplish. Along with the fashion show, members of the campus community have given to the Women’s Guild, making it a collective effort.”

The formal scholarship agreement is currently being developed; student applications are not being accepted at this time. The scholarship, which is near the $50,000 endowment level, will be managed by Richard Esposito, director of financial aid. The scholarship will be distributed based on financial need and will be administered to a University student for the 2013-2014 academic year.

The Women’s Guild continues to support students who participate in the Spiritan Campus Ministry’s cross-cultural experience, including 13 students who travelled to New Orleans’ ninth ward during the spring semester.

To join the Women’s Guild and advance its tradition of fundraising for noteworthy causes, contact Mary McIntyre at 412.396.6668.