From the
The generosity of our ż community is the taproot of our culture of philanthropy. The motivations to give may vary, but supporting students and broadening their opportunities is their shared aim. As we learned in conversations with three donors, it is their individual experiences that continue to nurture their connections to, and support of, the ż community. From their stories and acts of generosity grow a new generation of Katies who will continue this act of paying forward.
Marlene Shelstad
Marlene Shelstad
Education has always been a priority for Shelstad. “Having a college degree, I just think you gain so much.” While college was not possible for Marlene, she made sure her own children and countless other students could claim their ż’s education. As one of ż’s longest consecutive donors (42 years!), Shelstad attributes her husband Terry’s experience with the GI Bill to inspiring the couple to help others whenever they can — with their time, their talents, and their treasure. Daughters and ż’s alumnae Diane Shelstad Huston ’81 and Jeanne Shelstad VanDyke ’82 also carry forward their parents’ generous philosophy.
Livianna Knisely Myklebust '19
Livianna Knisely Myklebust ’19
Despite the constraints of graduate school, Myklebust still makes an intentional practice out of giving, in order to sustain the same feeling of possibility that she experienced as a student: “When I was at ż’s, I felt like anything was possible. We were all cheering each other on; it felt like a very supportive environment. And very safe — a safe place to make mistakes, a safe place to be yourself, but also get good work done. And be proud of that.” Myklebust continues to nurture this same environment as a mentor in Katie Leadership Impact, a program that supports future leaders of color at ż’s.
Angelina Schenck MSW’26
Angelina Schenck MSW’26
Paying it forward is important to Schenck. “I was able to attend ż’s because of the funding I received … and so now that I can give something, it’s important to me to contribute to those funds to give others opportunities.” It’s a tribute to the collaborative, supportive environment that Schenck has found in her social work program, which has “allowed me to see how important that is in other aspects like work environments.” Her first gift, made during in gratitude to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, had added meaning for her, “honoring important women in my life who have made my journey here possible.”