Mary Morrow-Bax ’64 was raised learning CSJ values in the classroom. A graduate of St. Teresa’s Academy, she crossed the quad to attend the College of St. Teresa in the fall of 1960 before the school moved to its current location and renamed itself Avila College. After earning her degree, she went on to have a long, fulfilling career in marketing senior living communities across the country.

From her college days working at a local savings and loan to founding and serving as CEO of Seniors Marketing Services, the values she learned from the Sisters guided her throughout her career.

“The Sisters were wonderful, dedicated women—it’s humbling to think about the sacrifices they’ve made,” Mary said. “I don’t think I recognized that when I was younger, but they gave up so many opportunities for the benefit of the women they taught and inspired. If there hadn’t been an Avila, I would not have been able to go to college at that point in my life. I probably would have gotten a degree eventually, but the Sisters and Avila certainly made it easier.”

Last fall, Mary wanted to repay the Sisters for the profound influence they had on her life. She decided to make a planned gift to support specific initiatives at the University so named Avila as one of the beneficiaries on her IRA account. Mary said the future donation was easy to make, acknowledging that an immediate, direct gift is not always feasible.

“I wasn’t taking a financial hit now so it wasn’t difficult for me to make the gift. This way allows me to recognize the huge benefit Avila and the Sisters have made in my life,” Mary said.

During her long association with Avila, Mary has earned many of the University’s most notable recognitions—the Alumni Accomplishment Award in 2016, the Avila Medal of Honor and induction into the Heritage Society in 2020. She said she hoped by making her gift, the next generation of Avila graduates—inspired by CSJ values—will continue the Sisters legacy.

“I was the first person in my immediate family to attend college—I know how important that opportunity was in my life,” Mary said. “I hope that my support will give future students the freedom to recognize and capitalize on the opportunities they’re presented much like it was for me.”