Scholarships

The Agatha O'Brien Scholarship is awarded to the top 5% of Entrance Exam testers each year in recognition of their accomplishments.

The Alex Meneses Scholarship was established to recognize students who need additional financial support.

Miguel and Elvira Bautista were Mexican immigrants who first settled in what is now known as the University Village area of Chicago. They were known for the generosity they extended to their neighbors and friends. In order to continue the lesson their parents taught them about always giving back, the family has established the Bautista Memorial Scholarship.  

This scholarship was established by Sr. Therese Windham, a former Physics teacher at McAuley, and her sister, Mrs. Sheila Kawalko, in memory of their late sister, Betty. Students are nominated to receive the scholarship by faculty members of the Science department in recognition of their outstanding achievement in science and mathematics. 

The Betty Grimes Memorial Scholarship was established in 2013 in loving memory of Elizabeth Conerty Grimes, a McAuley alumna from the class of 1963. The scholarship award is given to a graduating senior to be used at the college or university of her choice. Scholarship funds will be forwarded directly to the designated college or university.

As a tribute to Mrs. Jane Bigane, the Bigane Family - Anne Bigane Wilson '76, Katie Bigane Larson '78, Sheila Bigane Bauschalt '79, Meg Bigane '82, Julie Bigane Pollard '84 - created this fund to help senior students and their families who are experiencing financial difficulties.

Recognizing the importance of a Catholic, secondary education, the Board of Trustees of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School established a Board of Trustees Scholarship.This scholarship provides one-half of a year’s tuition and is awarded to one member of the incoming freshman class each year. Annual renewal is based on continual compliance with established criteria.

Bridget Cullen was a beloved member of the Mother McAuley High School Class of 2013 when she died unexpectedly in January of 2013. Her sister, Kaitlyn, graduated from McAuley in 2007. As an enduring and loving tribute to Bridget, the Bridget Anne Cullen Memorial Scholarship is being established by the Cullen family to assist incoming freshman students at Mother McAuley. 

Candace and Nicholas Mizaur understand that challenges can arise when families have great stress caused by unforeseen circumstances and hardship. Their generous hearts and deep compassion lead them to financially support families in need and provide light and hope during a dark time.

This scholarship was established to recognize incoming students who have gone “above and beyond” their Confirmation service hour requirement and who are making a difference in their church, school, or community.

Christie and Mark Sever sent their three children through Catholic grade school, high school, college and graduate school. Mr. and Mrs. Sever both served many roles as volunteers within their parish and community. Christie (Gallagher) is a Class of 1972 graduate of Mother McAuley High School. Additionally, Christie Sever has served on the Board of Trustees of Mother McAuley. Mr. and Mrs. Sever are firm believers of hard work, scholastic application, volunteerism and the Catholic faith. This scholarship recognizes students who exhibit these qualities.

The Diana L. Morrissey Eden Scholarship was established in memory of Diana “Dee” Morrissey Eden, a member of the class of 1977. Dee cared deeply about assisting those with learning obstacles, so to truly honor her commitment to helping others, this scholarship is awarded to students who participate in the Learning Resource Program.

The Eileen O’Brien Scholarship was established in 2016 in honor of Eileen O’Brien, who was instrumental in starting the swimming, diving and water polo program at Mother McAuley. Her desire to provide opportunities for her daughter and future women has impacted generations of students who have found their community in these programs. This scholarship is awarded to one member of the swimming, diving and/or water polo teams for tuition assistance.

Mr. Patrick O'Leary, along with other family members, established the Elizabeth Geoghegan O'Leary Scholarship in loving memory of his late wife Elizabeth Geoghegan O'Leary, class of 1975, who succumbed to breast cancer in September 2001. The Scholarship is intended for the sole purpose of providing financial aid to a senior McAuley student with an interest in Global Health and/or Women's Health Issues as Elizabeth was a strong supporter of these concerns.

The Mother McAuley Father’s Club awards this scholarship to four students to support the advancement of their education. The scholarship is intended to be used towards furthering the student’s educational goals.

The Gertrude and George Gallagher Scholarship was established in their honor by daughter Christie Gallagher Sever '72 and her husband, Mark. Members of the Theology department nominate students for this award based on their active participation in Catholic ministry either at McAuley or their parish. 

The Hank and Virginia Murphy Award was established by Ms. Francie Murphy, a Mother McAuley High School alumna from the class of 1973, in honor of her parents. This scholarship award may be utilized for any school­-related senior expense (e.g., tuition, AP testing fees, graduation fee, Kairos fee).

This scholarship was established by Patricia Haynes, retired Theatre Director of Mother McAuley High School and her daughter, Erin Haynes Fitzpatrick, Class of 1999, in loving memory of Don Haynes. This scholarship recognizes the family commitment to McAuley Theatre. 

The Helen and Dick Carey Scholarship was established by a Mother McAuley alumna and her siblings in honor of their parents. It's awarded each year to a legacy student, whose mother, grandmother(s), and/or aunt(s) graduated from McAuley Liberal Arts High School. 

The Hometown Heroes Scholarship was established for students in honor of their parent’s dedication to serving and protecting their community as a member of the police or fire department.

Jennifer Costello Fortner ’94 and Mary Anne Smrz established the Jan Malloy Scholarship for Spirit and McAuley Community Involvement in memory of Jan Malloy, former McAuley Alumnae Coordinator. Jan passed away in 2009 after a long illness.

Mother McAuley was privileged to have Jean Morman Unsworth serve as a member of the faculty for the first twelve years of the school's history. Ms. Unsworth's works of art are currently on display throughout the McAuley school building. Her many exquisite art contributions to the McAuley community include works in the Theatre lobby, the "Litany of Mary" ceramic tiles adorning the hallway walls, and the McAuley school shield. The Jean Morman Unsworth Scholarship recognizes a McAuley art student each year.

Joanne McNealy Kampton graduated from Mother McAuley in 1961. A woman of great faith and spirit, Joanne pursued a non-traditional path after graduating and began a career in the financial industry that led to the trading floor of the Chicago Board of Trade. The family of Joanne McNealy Kampton offers a scholarship to a young woman who demonstrates effort, curiosity, and faith both in and out of the classroom.

This scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from the Keeley Family Foundation, to acknowledge a student who gives back to her community and has completed the Personal Finance class at Mother McAuley. 

The John V. and Mary Anne Robinson Scholarship was established by McAuley alum Ms. Frances Robinson, in memory of her parents, who sent four daughters through McAuley. 

This scholarship was established by Mrs. Barbara Patrick O’Toole, a Saint Xavier Academy alumna from the class of 1955, in honor of her parents. A staunch supporter of women’s education, Barbara passed away in September 2013, and this scholarship is continued through the generosity of her family.

This scholarship was established as a tribute to Len Wehrmeister, a beloved Math teacher at Mother McAuley who passed away in April 2012. His decade-long tenure demonstrated a commitment to his students and a true love for the teaching of mathematics.

Established by Mr. George Lombard and family to support students at Mother McAuley, this scholarship provides four incoming freshmen with awards based upon their excellent academic records and strong potential to be successful students at Mother McAuley.

The Magee Family Scholarship was established by Terry Magee Jaspers '70 and Greg Jaspers to recognize a deserving student who is a current 8th grader at St. Christina School, a member of St. Christina Parish and/or a resident of Merrionette Park.

Maggie Guilfoyle was a member of the Class of 2007 who died tragically during her junior year at Mother McAuley High School. Maggie's family has funded a scholarship in her honor. Maggie had been a cheerleader at St. Rita High School. Her family's wish is to keep her memory alive by recognizing a student who is a cheerleader each year.

Maggie Guilfoyle was a member of the Class of 2007. She died tragically on March 11, 2006 during her junior year at Mother McAuley High School. In her memory, the Class of 2007, spearheaded by the National Honor Society, has funded a permanently endowed scholarship. Maggie's spirit touched so many people in such a special way; this scholarship will help that spirit to live on.

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Jennings, along with their daughters, established the Margaret M. Haran Scholarship in loving memory of their aunt Margaret “Marg” Haran. The Scholarship is intended for the sole purpose of encouraging students who struggle academically. Marg loved to read; she was a reading specialist who believed that every child is gifted and that reading was the key to discovering those gifts.

This scholarship was founded in honor of Marie C. Bromark, and awarded to a student in her freshman year. It then follows the recipient through graduation.

The Lazzara Family Foundation has established this scholarship in honor of their grandparents. This scholarship supports students who are members of the Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars program in recognition of their record of academic achievement and extracurricular involvement in the McAuley community. 

The Mary Clare Lynch Memorial Scholarship was established in 2014 in loving memory of Mary Clare, a McAuley alumna from the class of 1982 and a former faculty member. This memorial scholarship will allow Mary Clare’s impact to continue for our young women by providing financial assistance and the opportunity to experience McAuley. Her family and friends are proud to honor Mary Clare’s memory and support women at McAuley through this scholarship.

This scholarship was established by an anonymous donor in honor of an alumna of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School who has dedicated her life to education, to giving back to society, and to “Paying it Forward.” The award amount will be set at 50% of the annual tuition. The scholarship will be renewable for up to four years, provided the recipient remains in good standing both academically and behaviorally.

The Mary Wurst Scholarship is named in honor of a wonderful woman who worked hard and was committed to her family and Catholic faith.  This scholarship is a renewable award equaling one-half tuition. The recipient of this scholarship is recognized for her dedication to Catholic education and strong potential.

This scholarship was established by the friends and classmates of Maureen Breen Putnam '65 in honor of her loving, magnanimous, and unique spirit. A garden at Mother McAuley was dedicated in her honor on November 2, 2013, as well. 

This scholarship honors Maureen McIntyre ‘87, affectionately known as Moe Mac, and her love for Mother McAuley and life. In March 2015, Maureen passed away after a courageous fight with cancer. Her family and friends miss her spirit, laughter, and energy, but are inspired to Live Like Moe Mac (#LLMM), and created this scholarship in her memory. This scholarship is given to a current senior who demonstrates the Mighty Mac spirit and is actively involved in the Mother McAuley community.

The Sheffieck Family Scholarship was established to support first year students at Mother McAuley.

This scholarship is named in honor of Sister Mary Brian Costello, RSM, former English teacher, curriculum director, and principal of Mother McAuley High School. The recipient of this scholarship has the honor of speaking to her classmates and their families at the Baccalaureate Mass.

This scholarship is facilitated by the Mother's Club and is named for Sister Corinne Raven, a Sister of Mercy, who served as McAuley principal from 1987-1997 and as a curriculum director from 1978-1987, while also teaching an English class. The focus of this scholarship is service in the tradition of Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. The recipients of this scholarship are individuals who make the world a better place in which to live.

This fund was initiated in 2012 by music alumnae to establish the Sister Ellen Marie Ryan, RSM Music Scholarship in honor of her many dedicated years of service to Mother McAuley.

The Sister Lois Bromark Scholarship was established in 2019 in honor of Sr. Lois Bromarks, SSJ, ROSF, who retired after 16 years of service to the school after the 2018-2019 school year. Sister Lois joined McAuley in 2003 as the vice principal. In that time, she assisted four principals, always with the goal to determine how to best assist each individual in the style and needs presented to her. Furthermore, she mentored dozens of new and veteran teachers, formed strong bonds with individual students, and improved a variety of educational an extracurricular programs at McAuley. 

Sr. Maura Lowrey, RSM is the biggest fan of Mighty Mac athletics! Since 1998, Sr. Maura has been in the crowd cheering on the Mighty Macs in volleyball, basketball, water polo and softball—not to mention at pep rallies and assemblies. Her cheers, advice, and prayers have been an inspiration to Mighty Mac athletes for decades. This scholarship was established in her honor, and is awarded to a student who shows the same amount of spirit and dedication to supporting McAuley teams.

Stephen and Winnie (Gardner ‘59) Ligda have been dedicated supporters and volunteers for Mother McAuley. Steve, who passed away in 2017, was a former Chair and Life Trustee of the Board of Trustees. This scholarship was established in Steve’s memory honoring his commitment to his Catholic faith through service to his parish of Most Holy Redeemer, Mother McAuley and the community, and awarded to students who are graduates of Most Holy Redeemer School.

The St. Therese, the Little Flower Scholarship was established by the family of McAuley alumnae in order to support students in their pursuit of a Mother McAuley High School education, and for those who exhibit the "Little Way" of St. Therese, which teaches us to do the ordinary things of life with extraordinary love.

Susan Morrissey was a 1986 graduate of Mother McAuley. Susan’s commitment to live out her Christian life led her to take a leadership role as an officer in McAuley’s premier service group, Action/Reaction.  In 1997, Susan died suddenly as a result of a car accident. Susan’s family has established The Susan Morrissey Memorial Award for Service in Susan’s memory to encourage young women to step outside of themselves and make a difference by serving the needs of their school, church, and community.

The Tradition of Excellence Scholarship was started by Mother McAuley alumnae to assist legacy students – young women whose mother, grandmother(s), and/or aunt(s) graduated from McAuley Liberal Arts High School or whose grandmother(s) and/or great-grandmother(s) graduated from McAuley’s predecessor, St. Xavier Academy.