Meet Our Donors

Angela Spicola Morgan '67

Encouraging new planned gifts as a means to build the school endowment was a focus of the first phase of the Academy Ascending capital campaign. The campaign goal of securing 20 new planned gifts was exceeded with 25 new commitments, bringing the current total to 37 members. In December, the Academy thanked those who have made a commitment to the school in their estate plans.

This year's featured speaker was Angela Spicola Morgan '67, whose relationship with the Academy is deep-seated. When her parents chose to send her to the school in 5th grade, Morgan immediately knew she had found her home. "I knew this is where I was supposed to be," she said. "This same feeling envelops me every time I walk in the same front doors today."

A sentiment that is well known amongst those who are connected with the school, Morgan said her children feel the same way. Her sons, Stephen B'88 and Patrick '94, and daughter, Nina McGucken Alvarez '01, also graduated from the Academy, and now her granddaughter, Angela Alvarez, is in the pre-K. Morgan entrusted none but the Sisters with her children. "When [they] were born, there was no question that they would be offered that same blessing, that same opportunity, that privilege, despite any sacrifices we would have to make. The Sisters of the Holy Names had helped my parents instill in me the love of God, service, and love of our fellow man with their example."

Morgan, who was valedictorian of her class, has led a successful life based on the foundation she received at the Academy. She matriculated to the University of Florida and went on to be a teacher, a political consultant, and a project coordinator for the Joshua House, a children's shelter. She is now the president of the Tampa Historical Society and has owned a successful real estate company for the past 15 years. "I number the Sisters of the Holy Names, along with parents, as the reason I am the woman I am today," she said. "I am sure that all of you here have a special Holy Names Sister who inspired you and has a special place in your heart as well."

When Morgan and Alvarez were asked to chair the Holy Names Heritage Center committee four years ago, she started to think about how else she could be of service to the Academy and continue the legacy of the Sisters. While the two Sisters who perhaps influenced Morgan the most, Sister Irene Marie and Sister James Mary, are no longer with us, Morgan felt compelled to keep their legacy, and the legacy of all the Sisters, alive. "[The Legacy Society] is how we ensure that what we value so highly can continue," she said. "Our bequests are helping to pass on the privilege that our ancestors gave us. ... [We are] making it possible that generations yet to come can share the feeling of being home."