Nativity School receives $1.8M gift

Nativity School of Worcester has received a historic $1.8 million gift from the late Catherine Butler, the school announced in a press release this week.
Nativity Worcester is funded solely through contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations, and Ms. Butler’s estate gift is the largest gift in the school’s 18-year history, the press release says. The donation will significantly grow the school’s endowment and advance its mission to provide a tuition-free, quality Jesuit education for middle school boys from under-resourced communities.
“Catherine, an educator and counselor, spoke passionately of the value of a personalized, rigorous education in shaping young people’s lives and providing for them a lifetime of opportunities,” said Charles Weiss, a friend of hers, who co-founded the school and is a board of trustees member. “She carefully followed the establishment and progress of Nativity School of Worcester, saved every letter, pamphlet and report, and contributed regularly. Catherine’s gift will have a tremendous impact on our community and inspire others, who believe in the power of education, to follow her generous lead.”
“Catherine’s remarkable gift strengthens Nativity Worcester’s existing educational endowment and will enable us to improve our holistic Jesuit education,” said Nativity Worcester President Tom McKenney. “Her generosity establishes the Catherine Butler Fund and ensures that we will continue to afford talented young men a life-changing opportunity.’’
Nativity Worcester offers a personalized learning environment with small class sizes, an extended school day, and a summer session for all students, the press release says. The school helps eighth-grade graduates with academic tutoring and tuition assistance to ensure they persist on their secondary and post-secondary educational journey.
The press release says 100 percent of Nativity Worcester high school-aged graduates are currently enrolled in high school and on track to graduate – well above average for boys from historically marginalized communities.

 – For more information see nativityworcester.org.