Planned Giving

The Mission to Support 'Men for Others' Continues

By Tom O'Keefe '64, Director of Planned Giving

Dan Kalabat

Dan Kalabat '09 was able to continue his education at The High thanks to the generosity of donors.

In 1548, members of the Society of Jesus opened their first school in Messina, Sicily. St. Ignatius envisioned the Jesuits teaching every student regardless of socioeconomic class. He wanted the school to be open "to rich and poor alike, without distinction."

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Dan Kalabat '09. His experiences at The High demonstrate that our school continues to follow the vision of St. Ignatius and his mission to educate young men for the greater glory of God. Just prior to the start of Dan's senior year, his parents told him that because of the loss of their business due to the economy, they could no longer afford to send him to U of D Jesuit. He would have to leave the school that he had grown to love since first enrolling as a seventh grader. In desperation, Dan reached out to Fr. Kiser. Five days before school started, Dan's family was informed that an anonymous donor would cover the costs of his senior year. Dan went on to have an outstanding year, which included a class in anatomy for seniors and sparked his interest in a career in medicine.

Eventually, Dan was told that Eileen and Steve Snider '65 were the donors who made it possible for him to graduate from The High. Dan credits the Sniders' example with helping him focus on service to others throughout his time at Michigan State University. Dan says, "I always thought that I helped others because it was the right thing to do, but the generosity of the Snider family really showed me that compassion for others is also a necessity."

Dan is now a member of the Class of 2020 at Central Michigan University College of Medicine. He is looking forward to a career as a doctor helping others. He understands in a very personal way that the Snider family played a key role in making his career possible.

Dan's story is one of many that reflect the benefits of a Jesuit education made possible for so many of our students by donors like you. The earnings from all planned gifts are used to fund our financial aid program, unless otherwise stipulated by the donor. Thank you and God bless you for your commitment to The High and the vision and mission of St. Ignatius.

To learn more on how you can make a lasting difference for students like Dan far into the future, contact Jenny Miller P'20, P'22 at 313-927-2335 or jennifer.miller@uofdjesuit.org.

Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address