Being Xaverian - Our Lady of Good Counsel High School

Saint Francis Xavier Society Dinner
Celebrates ose Who Make a Difference
On October 18, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School held the
St. Francis Xavier Society Celebration to thank donors who gave
$1,000 or more to Good Counsel during the 2011-2012 school
year. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the
philanthropic leadership of those supporting Good Counsel through the
St. Francis Xavier Society. The generous contributions help Good Counsel
to fulfill the potential that Brother Mark and the Xaverians envisioned
back in 1958 when the school was founded. These individuals represent
a growing number of faithful and generous donors who invest in the school.
Nearly 260 people made a St. Francis Xavier Society contribution last year.
Gifts at this level are a testament to the deep commitment the community
has for the school’s mission and its future.
Two special guests were honored during the evening. Richard Urban ’62
received the 1958 Cornerstone Award for his outstanding and thoughtful
generosity to the school. Richard was appointed to the Good Counsel
Board of Directors in August of 2003 and he served through 2009 as
an active member of the Finance and Strategic Planning committees.
He served on the Olney Project Finance Committee and Capital Campaign
Executive Committee. He is a faithful and generous donor to the school
and has been a true leader for the Class of 1962. Richard spearheaded the
planning for the 50th reunion, celebrated this past spring, which marked a
milestone in the school’s history as the first, four-year class to celebrate its
half-century anniversary. Richard proposed to his classmates that they come
together to create a 50th anniversary scholarship and endowment in honor
of the Brothers’ selfless contributions to the school. Called the Xaverian
Brothers Legacy Endowment and Scholarship, under Richard’s leadership,
the Class of ’62 has raised nearly $80,000 toward this fund, which will
provide scholarship support to students with financial need.
Elizabeth “Liz” Lanigan received the Our Lady Award that recognizes an
individual within the community who has provided outstanding volunteer
support and a tremendous commitment to the school. Liz began
volunteering at Good Counsel in 1993 at the GC Book Sale. She also
volunteered to help Ginger Birch in the Snack Shack and supported the
annual antiques show on the Wheaton campus. Liz began volunteering in
the school store on the Olney campus in 2007, and she continues to help
in the store at least one day each week. She also has been involved for
nearly two decades in planning and supporting the Grand Celebration,
Good Counsel’s major fundraising event. Liz has donated countless hours
to Good Counsel at Post Prom events, freshman orientation and book
buy-back days. In the community, Liz volunteers to assist with school
religion classes at St. Peter’s Parish. She cooks chili for So Others May
Eat once a month and wraps Christmas gifts for the needy each year.
Liz is the wife of Frank ’68 and mother of Patrick ’94, Catherine ’98,
Maureen ’00 and Frank ’03.
Under the direction of Director of Choirs, Stan Spottswood ’81, the Good
Counsel Chamber Choir performed three choral pieces and received a
standing ovation. Michelle Odonkor, Class of 2014, provided a student
perspective on the importance of financial support for the school and its
students. Michelle spoke of the importance of volunteering and “being
the change.” She concluded by saying, “This is the school that produces
so many more inspired students who will become our leaders in many
fields and who will shake the world. Your generous donations to Good
Counsel help to positively influence the lives of so many. Thank you for
your support.” ✦
Elizabeth Lanigan, Our Lady Award
beneficiary 2012 and Richard Urban ’62, 1958
Cornerstone Award recipient 2012, share the
evening with Dr. Paul Barker, President.
Saint Francis Xavier Society Donors enjoy
cocktails in the Gallery before dinner.
Richard Urban ’62, 1958 Cornerstone Award
recipient 2012, and family share in the
excitement of the celebration.
John and Andrea Gerold, Shane and Rebecca
Neff, and Dennis and Kecia Kane enjoy
chatting at the Saint Francis Xavier
Society Celebration.
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