Mount Mary University Receives $1.4 Million Estate Gift

Additional funds increase alumna's combined gift to $3.4 million

MILWAUKEE (October 23, 2014) - Mount Mary University received an additional $1.4 million from the estate of alumna Joan Hetzel Iraneta, '56. Iraneta previously bequeathed $2 million in her estate plan for the August and Adella Hetzel endowed scholarship fund. The fund was named in honor of her parents and is designated for students with financial need. Iraneta, who died on February 2, 2013, graduated from Mount Mary with degrees in English and art.

In planning her estate gift, Iraneta recognized the foundation Mount Mary provided her. She also expressed gratitude for mentorship provided by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. "They gave us an education unrivaled by our peers," she stated.

Iraneta had a special interest in poetry as a Mount Mary student. She served as an editor and contributor to the Quarterly, a literary publication featuring faculty and student creative writing. Authored work submitted to the publication included a book review on the collected poems of Roy Campbell and several of her own poems.

Mount Mary's English program continues to offer students an array of educational opportunities in creative writing, literature and English education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many faculty members regularly publish their own work and provide guidance to writers on and off campus through the Writers on Writing lecture series and the annual Publishing Institute.

Recognizing Iraneta's gift, Vice President of Development Pamela Owens acknowledged the influence of dedicated faculty as they teach and mentor students. "Providing an outstanding education touches the lives of students in countless ways," Owens stated. "We're grateful and honored to be remembered by this generous alumna."

According to Mount Mary President Dr. Eileen Schwalbach, the Schools Sisters of Notre Dame founded the university over 100 years ago with a vision to transform the world through education. "The Hetzel endowed scholarship will provide ongoing educational opportunities so important to Mount Mary's mission," Schwalbach stated. "With over 90% of all freshman receiving financial support through scholarships, this legacy gift will serve students for years to come."