ENDOWMENTS

You may fund an endowment in several ways:

• Give an immediate gift of cash, stocks, securities, real estate, and/or personal property.
• Make a pledge and pay the donation over several years.
• Leave a bequest in your will.
• Set up an annuity or trust.
  

(Prior to the creation of the Catholic Foundation, all Vandebilt Catholic endowments were
invested in Central Finance of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.)

The following lists of endowments are categorized by the purpose that they serve. If a donor is interested in a particular area of the school that is not listed in these categories, the school may establish a new category. Donors may also establish another named endowment under the category of their choosing.

     ACADEMICS

The Enola Jeandron Autin Endowment honors the memory of Mrs. Autin and her support for education for many decades. Created in 2006, this endowment provides program funding for the SOAR (Resource) program and fee assistance for students’ parents who have financial needs. Tuition assistance applicants are eligible to receive this assistance.

     ARTS

The VCHS Art Endowment created in 2011 recognizes that all students may have an interest, but not be able to pay fees to participate in art classes. This endowment encourages students to participate in visual arts by providing financial assistance to those who may need help with paying their annual art fees.

 ATHLETICS

The Laurent/Brewer Endowment recognizes the tremendous support that the Laurent and Brewer family provided to the VCHS athletic program throughout the early 2000s. Created in 2009, this endowment provides funding to a specific sport in need of some equipment that is not included in their annual budget. 

 SCHOOL OPERATION

The Mr. and Mrs. Ben Landry Endowment recognizes the Landry family’s understanding of the school’s important need to provide income for the operating budget. The Landry’s created this endowment in 2008 provides funding to support the general operating expenses of the school.

The John “Jack” Becker Endowment honors the memory of long-time teacher, coach, school counselor, and donor who spent much of his life supporting Vandebilt Catholic. In addition to the many hundreds of hours spent in a Driver’s Ed car, Coach Becker spent that many hours or more as a conduit for many seniors getting into the college of their choice! Throughout his years serving at the school, he was very vigilant about supporting the existing endowments with many memorial gifts honoring the memory of those who he held dear. Created in 2022 by his family, this endowment provides funding to support the general operating expenses of the school.

The Ian Haydel Endowment created in 2010 honors the memory of Ian ’12. As a student, Ian was involved in athletics and other student organizations. His parents created this endowment in order that his memory would live on while at the same time helping all future students by providing financial support to the general operating expenses of the school.

The Mothers’ Club Endowment created in 2011 helps to fulfill the club’s financial mission to provide support that impacts ALL students. The interest from this endowment provides financial support to the general operating expenses of the school.

The Claude Bergeron Endowment honors the memory of long-time financial supporter and VCHS board president Claude Bergeron. As a CPA and community business leader, Claude and his family understood the need to support the general operating expenses of the school. This endowment was created in 2006 by the family after his passing in 2004. The family continues to support the VCHS community in the way their father did for many years.

The S Ernest/Ernestine Ellender Endowment honors the memory of Dr. Stephen Ernest Ellender, Sr. and Mrs. Ernestine Ellender. Dr. Ellender was the co-founder of Ellender Memorial Hospital and Mrs. Ernestine was a long-time teacher and charter member of the Terrebonne Parish Medical Society Auxiliary. Their son’s family created this endowment in 2009 to provide funding to support the general operating expenses of the school.

The Ted Lyons Endowment recognizes the tremendous support by the Lyons family to the school. Created in 1991, this endowment provides funding to the general operating expenses of the school.

The John and Helen Rizzo Endowment recognizes the tremendous support by the Rizzo family to the school. Created in 2020, this endowment provides funding to the general operating expenses of the school.

  SPIRITUALITY

The Megan Hitt Endowment honors the memory of Megan ’10 and her love of ministry at VCHS. During her time at VCHS, Megan was deeply involved in the school’s Campus Ministry and Yearbook programs. This endowment provides funding for current campus ministers to continue the many faith activities that are encouraged at VCHS. A portion of the monies from this endowment may also be used to help graduating seniors purchase a senior yearbook if financial help is needed.

   TUITION ASSISTANCE 

(NOTE: Those wanting to be considered for tuition assistance must register for admission into Vandebilt Catholic High School and apply by completing the FACTS paperwork and meeting all published deadlines.)

The Garland P. Aycock Sr. Endowment honors the memory of long-time surgeon and VCHS supporter, Dr. Garland Aycock, Sr. Dr. Aycock was an avid philanthropist. He and his family created this endowment in 1989 to continue his legacy of philanthropy and provide tuition assistance for deserving students.

The F. E. and Louise Boudreaux Endowment honors the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Boudreaux and their long-time support of Catholic education. Created by the family in 2009, this endowment provides tuition assistance for deserving students.

The Marianite Sisters of the Holy Cross Endowment honors the dedication of the Sisters to the education of students and the role they played in operating our predecessor schools for over 120 years. Created in 2005, this endowment provides tuition assistance for deserving students. 

The Brothers of the Sacred Heart Endowment honors the dedication of over 60 brothers who dedicated their lives to the education of young people at St. Francis de Sales, Houma Central Catholic, and Vandebilt Catholic. This endowment commemorates the original intention of the founder, Fr. Andre Coindre to provide opportunities for educating those students who may not otherwise be able to afford a Catholic education. Created in 2005, this endowment continues that mission by providing tuition assistance for deserving students.

The Enola Jeandron Autin Endowment honors the memory of Mrs. Autin and her support for education for many decades. Created in 2006, this endowment provides program funding for the SOAR (Resource) program and fee assistance for students’ parents who have financial needs. Tuition assistance applicants are eligible to receive this assistance.

The Brother Alfred Kolb S.C. Endowment honors the memory of Vandebilt Catholic’s longest serving Brother. Brother Alfred served the Brothers as an educator for almost 70 years! He was a mentor to thousands of Brothers, students, teachers and school leaders. While Brother Alfred’s memory is honored in several ways at Vandebilt Catholic, this endowment is perhaps the most impactful on students. Created in 2008, this endowment continues the Brothers mission by providing tuition assistance for deserving students.

The Brother Ray Kuhn S.C. Endowment honors the memory of long-time educator and mentor, Brother Ray Kuhn. Brother Ray was a tremendous supporter of student-centered events and graced the students with his ministry of “presence”. He would spend time with anyone who needed an ear. Created in 2008, this endowment continues the Brothers mission by providing tuition assistance for deserving students.

The T. J. Cantrelle Endowment honors the memory of T.J. ’10 and his faith demonstrated through his passion for athletics. As a leader on his teams, T. J. provided a positive example to the students around him. Created by the family in 2010, this endowment provides tuition assistance for deserving students.

The Gabrielle Hebert Endowment honors the memory of Gabrielle ’10 and her zeal for school spirit. During her time at Vandebilt Catholic, she was very involved in student activities, including cheerleading. Created by the family in 2011, this endowment provides tuition assistance for deserving students.