Meet Our Donors
Herb Schneider '53
“When I was graduating from elementary school at St. Mary’s Abbey, I wanted to attend East Side High School. My parents, immigrants from Germany and Poland, said a resounding ‘No!. You shall go to St. Benedict’s and receive a good education.’ I resisted, of course, but they knew the path to some sort of success was a good education. I can’t say I was the best student at the Bee Hive, but it was a time of not only learning, but of growing as well. This was a time to go from a boy to a young man. Under the tutelage of the monks, a discipline was established and a sense of responsibility. This would bode well for college and for later pursuits in our career endeavours. In the yesterdays of my years, my neighbourhood, the neighborhood of St. B’s, was already in a sea of change. Yes, our prep has always welcomed children of underprivileged families, and that is part of the mission; however, that mission has become more expansive and more difficult. Why? Because the school not only has to fulfill its mission of serving, educating, inner city boys, but now must serve as refuge, a sanctuary, for some of these boys. Times have so changed in this city and there is a dire need for this island of salvation for boys that would otherwise be lost. Yes, times have changed but the mission remains the same: to be a beacon of light for a few that may someday make a difference in their neighbourhood and, perhaps, in the world community. Yes, this is why I continue to support St. Benedict’s and will provide for them in my estate plan. You, too, as alumni and friends, can do the same if your heart is still with your alma mater. Do what you can. No matter how small, it will help immeasurably. Just think of your donation, no matter how small, combined with our other classmates, friends and corporations. What a difference it can make, and what an impact it will have for the students now and those yet to come. Let’s keep Our School alive and living!”