On June 1, the entire Notre Dame community honored former teacher Beverly Williams through its first-ever #BevsDay fundraising challenge. The goal was to raise $10,000 in honor of Williams. The Notre Dame Alumni Association announced today that it raised $25,205 as a result of #BevsDay.
"What can I say? Our grads and school community never cease to amaze me," said Greg Simon ('89), director of The Notre Dame Fund. "With Bev's fun-loving and generous spirit, we hoped for good participation, but none of us could have expected this level of success. Even better, the generosity of our donors gives us a chance to open even more doors for young people. I have to believe Bev is smiling and laughing at all of the hullabaloo!"
Simon, in partnership with Bev's daughter, Carley Williams, brought this entire day from conception to completion.
"I received a phone call from Greg Simon in April asking if I would make a small donation to NDP," said Carley Williams. "That quick phone call turned into a half-hour conversation about doing something bigger in memory of my mom to honor her legacy. About a week later Greg called me back and suggested we do a day of giving and we mutually came up with the idea of #BevsDay, a 24-hour fundraiser for scholarships and financial aid on the last day of regular classes, which was one of my mom's favorite days when she was a teacher at NDP. We also thought it would be a great idea to give the current students, who probably never met my mom, a special treat on the last day of classes."
Beverly Williams taught at Notre Dame from 1999 until her untimely passing in 2009. She was loved by faculty and staff, parents, and students for her energy, compassion, generosity and infectious sense of humor. Bev taught sociology, psychology and AP psychology.
Bev's teaching, however, extended far beyond the content of her subjects. She was dedicated to helping those in need in the school community and surrounding area. In fact, each Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, Bev's classes would sponsor families in need and provide much-needed support during the holidays. She also made sure every student in her care was well fed!
Bev's generosity also included a strong commitment to scholarships and financial aid for Notre Dame families. She made annual donations and dedicated part of every check to helping families afford our school. Almost immediately after her passing in 2009, friends, family and former students raised more than $10,000 in her name to support families as they pursue a Notre Dame education.
Everyone who knew Bev recognized her passion for our school and the doors it can open for students. #BevsDay honors Bev and hopes to open doors for students by helping their families with tuition assistance.
Bev's daughter Carley was deeply moved by the generosity of the Notre Dame community.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," she said. "My dad and I are overwhelmed by the generosity and love …..#BevsDay was an incredible success! Not only did we raise a ridiculous amount of money, but the stories/memories/pictures that were shared meant the world to both my dad and me. My mom not only loved teaching at NDP, but she loved all of her students, colleagues, and families that were a part of the NDP community."
The Notre Dame Alumni Association also thanks all who not only participated by giving, but shared so many memories. Here are just a few that were sent in:
"Always smiling and I looked forward to going to her class. She knew how to make everyone feel important and special. She also taught me how to eat a cupcake the right way!"
Devin Gonyer (’05)
"One of my favorite and most influential teachers in my life. She was always so passionate about teaching and always made coming into class a pleasure to learn."
Georgi Fram (’07)
"She was always laughing. There wasn't a moment I ever felt anything but welcomed and cared for in Bev's presence. Every single person who ever knew Bev loved and admired her, and there isn't a rainbow I see that doesn't make me think of her."
Shelly Youngs (’03)
"Junior year psychology class, Bev selected me to head up an "adopt a family" progam at Christmas time. We packed her SUV and visited the family with the three young kids in Pontiac. It was the most rewarding feeling giving back to a family in need. Truly something I will never forget"
Danielle (Ferrara) Labarge (’04)
"Her hilariously inappropriate side comments to me under her breath when no one was listening. And her laugh, her laugh!"
Jenny Coor (’02)
"For as much as I am gifting to the school, I'm truly gifting in honor of Bev's legacy. At a time of pro-bono basement gigs, Bev actually paid to have our high school garage bands perform at her daughter’s sweet 16 party. It's through these encouragements and Bev's generosity of spirit that I've been inspired. With Bev's introduction, I chose to pursue psychology as a first degree, while with safe performances under the belt, I eventually found gainful employment through music. It's amazing the influence Bev's had on the course of my life and career, and I hope other's find the same fortune through Bev's way. With sincere appreciation!
Nick Giacona (’03)
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." The Marist Fathers and Brothers sponsor NDPMA's Catholic identity and manages its educational program. Notre Dame is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.