Why Give?
- Kamal Azar and Kevin Walsh
"I felt the need to give back because of the educational opportunities I received as a student at Mount de Sales."
~ Kevin Walsh
Kamal Azar and Kevin Walsh believe in giving back. When they started their architecture firm in 1999, they began with the belief that through intelligent design they could give back to their community. No place has seen the impact of that belief more than the campus of Mount de Sales Academy.
Their roots at Mount de Sales run deep. Kevin is a graduate (class of 1980) and Kamal is a past parent (Gabe ’99 and Rachel ’03). All three of Kevins brothers (John ’75, Ed ‘77, and Tony ’81) are graduates as is his mother Shirley ’55. Kamal holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Masters of Urban Planning from the University of Houston. Kevin earned a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University.
They have had a hand in many of the recent projects at MDS. Azar Walsh assisted with the Field House project and was the architecture firm for the David J. Zuver Performing Arts Center, the cafeteria and gym office area remodels, as well as the reworking of the old convent (Bonaventure Hall). They are also working in conjunction with the Board of Trustees and Administration on the Long Range Campus Master Plan. In addition to consistent financial gifts (both as individuals and as a business), many of the projects have been completed pro bono.
Walsh states, “I felt the need to give back because of the educational opportunities I received as a student at Mount de Sales. I also have children who are coming up through Saint Joseph School and will be students here one day.”
“You know when you start these kinds of projects when your kids are students, it won’t necessarily be for their use. I hope to have my grandchildren enjoy these projects,” says Azar.
Azar Walsh was founded on the principle that it is possible to create environments that go beyond pure function, emphasizing attention to detail and design. That is evident in the Zuver Center design. Not only do the crosses featured in the architecture incorporate our beliefs and traditions as a Catholic school, the look of sculpture is a perfect representation of the art that takes place there.
“The crosses represent what Mount de Sales is fundamentally about,” says Kamal. “However, they are also structural.”
“They are subtle reminders of what Mount de Sales stands for,” adds Kevin.
Azar-Walsh intends to carry on the tradition of affiliation with Mount de Sales. They have recently added Bradley McClung ’99 to their staff as an Intern Architect.
"If everyone gave just a little, think of the things we could do..."
~ Patti Able
Giving comes in more than one form. Patti Able understands this – she gives of her time and her treasure.
Patti and Steve Able first became involved with Mount de Sales as parents in 1988, when their son Matt was a student. Patti soon began to work at MDS part time in the Development Office. After a brief stint in the Finance Office, she found her place in the front office where hundreds of students can remember her asking them, “Do you have a note?”
However, her time at MDS was more than answering the phones. She and Steve were very involved in Athletics. Steve ran the clock at football games and later was the “Voice of the Cavaliers”. He also ran the concession stand kitchen during basketball season.
Steve passed away suddenly the summer of 2000, but Patti could still be seen at many MDS events. The press box at Cavalier Fields where he spent many football games is named for him. “I will always remember when they dedicated the press box to Steve,” says Patti. “It was something he loved to do.” Time wasn’t the only thing the Able’s gave. Since their first gift in 1989, Steve and Patti have been donors to every single campaign since, including each Annual Fund.
“Tuition doesn’t cover everything. If everyone gave just a little, think of the things we could do,” Patti muses. “Right now, a few give a lot, but it takes everybody.”
“The people are what makes Mount de Sales special. I have made so many great friends who truly care.”
Patti retired in June 2007 after almost 20 years at MDS but still expects to be around. “I plan to stay involved,” she says with that familiar smile. “You can’t get rid of me.”
- The Schnells
"If you have the opportunity. . .the only way to share is to give back to your community."
~ Dr. Fred Schnell
Dr. Schnell, and his wife Kim, have been active members of both the Mount de Sales Community and Macon since they moved to Middle Georgia in 1983. Their three children, Freddy (’94), Betsy (’97) and David (’99) have all graduated from MDS.
Philanthropy seems to be a way of life for both Dr. and Mrs. Schnell. In addition to his duties as an MDS Trustee, Fred is past president of the Bibb County Medical Society Past President of the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology. He was also Chairman of the Board for GA-CORE and is incoming president of the Community Oncology Alliance, a national lobbyist group. Kim does her fair share of community work as well. She is Past President of the Hay House Board, the Bibb County Medical Alliance, and the Macon Symphony Orchestra. She also served on the boards of The Macon Heritage Foundation and the Children’s Hospital, as well as the MDS Board of Trustees (including secretary) for seven years.
Kim feels strongly about her causes. “It feels to have a commitment to a cause you believe in,” she says. “You can’t ask others to give money if you have not made a commitment yourself.”
The Schnells feel that they have led by example. Each of their children is active in their own way in their communities. Freddy and his wife volunteer each week for their local Meals on Wheels. Betsy serves on the Hay House Board and works with the Macon Arts Alliance. Their youngest son, David, was honored by the MDS Alumni Association this year for his fundraising and relief efforts following the Tsunami in Sri Lanka. “You have a responsibility to pass commitment to your community onto your children,” says Kim.
The Schnells firmly believe in Catholic Education and their commitment to Mount de Sales is evident. Kim led the Steering Committee for the 1994 Capital Campaign “Enhancing Excellence” while Fred was on the committee that found the land for Cavalier Fields.
“People need to understand that tuition does not cover the cost of running the school,” Kim stated.
“Mount de Sales had a huge impact on our children,” says Fred. “It is like no other school in Macon. It has no other support other than its own community and parents, past and present, alumni and supporters of local, Catholic education.”
" The diverse community allows students of all backgrounds to learn to work together."
~ Dr. John O'Shaughnessey
What makes a good donor? Is it generosity? Is it the amount of the gift? Is it consistency? According to Dr. John O’Shaughnessey, its none of these things individually, but all of them combined plus passion for the organization that you give to.
Dr. O’ Shaughnessey has been a loyal and consistent donor to Mount de Sales Academy for over a quarter of a century. He believes that philanthropy is an effective way to show love for your neighbor and your community.
William John O’Shaughnessey, Jr. was born in October 1930 in Buffalo, New York. His family moved to Macon when he was just three years old. Those roots were deep as he and his wife of 50 years, Margie, made their home and raised 5 children here. All five of them, Margaret (‘74), Mary (‘76), John III (‘78), Kathleen (‘81) and Michael (‘82), graduated from Mount de Sales.
In addition to being an active member of the Mount de Sales community, not only as a parent but also as Chair of the Board of Directors and a member of the President’s Advisory Council, Dr. O’Shaughnessey has made his mark on Macon as well. He was the founding partner of Internal Medicine Associates, Chief of Staff at the Medical Center of Central Georgia and Middle Georgia Hospital, Chairman of the Cherry Blossom Festival, and President of the Macon Rotary Club as well as a member of the Board of Directors for numerous Macon civic organizations.
Dr. O’Shaughnessey has been an active member of Saint Joseph’ s Catholic Church since he attended the school in the late 1930s. He was awarded the Bishop Gartland Award in 2002 for service to the church. He is a firm believer in Catholic education because “spiritual guidance is ultimately the most important guidance there is. Mount de Sales is dedicated to directing the spiritual future of young people in a non abrasive way.”
Dr. O’Shaughnessey has led by example in his many years of service to Mount de Sales. When asked why people should give to MDS he replied, “ Mount de Sales does it all in terms of purpose and quality education. The diverse community allows students of all backgrounds to learn to work together. The level of tuition is appropriate for the high level education its students receive. Even though it is a Catholic school, it respects all faiths. Mount de Sales is a good community citizen.”