Nazareth Academy Honors Local Residents with Call to the Heart Award

Nazareth Academy held their annual Call to the Heart Mass and Reception on Sunday, January 27th.  This year’s honorees were Roger and June Laven, long-time La Grange residents, and Jeff and Patty Patterson, originally from Hinsdale.

This special event allowed Nazareth a time to thank all their benefactors who have shared so many of their gifts. These generous supporters have made a tremendous difference in the lives of our exceptional students and school. Throughout a special Mass, student testimonials, the award presentation, Reception and video presentation, both students and benefactors were able to gather together, listen to stories and share the bond of community.

These stories were especially fitting as the celebration focused around the theme of “Home.” In person and in a special video, students reflected on the many ways in which Nazareth provides a second home. They offered heartfelt thanks to all of the donors who make this possible.

Sunday was also a time to give special recognition to the Lavens and Pattersons with the Call to the Heart award. This honor is a testament to their outstanding philanthropy to and for Nazareth Academy.  These individuals and their families value the mission of Nazareth Academy, heard the call for time, talent and treasure and responded with their whole hearts.

Patty & Jeff Patterson have responded to Nazareth’s call and have shared their special talents in abundance. They are the proud parents of three Nazareth Academy alumni, were co-presidents of the Parents Club and co-chairs of the 2006 auction "Roadrunner Rodeo."  Patty spent countless hours ensuring the success of this event and of Nazareth’s Parents Club. Patty also chaired the spring Fashion Show, a hallmark event anticipated by our senior class each year.  Jeff devoted his time to Nazareth’s Board of Trustees, first chairing our Finance Committee and ultimately becoming Co-Chairman of the Board.  He was instrumental in securing the bonds needed for our capital campaign as well as keeping a watchful eye on the school’s finances. Through his leadership, Jeff has helped place Nazareth in the secure financial position it enjoys today. Together, Patty and Jeff have been a force of good for Nazareth Academy.

Roger & June Laven have long been connected to Nazareth Academy. June attended Nazareth Academy along with her sisters and is a proud graduate of the Class of 1951.  She and Roger sent their five children through Nazareth Academy. It is in honor and memory of their son Matthew that they established the Captain Matthew Laven Scholarship in 1993. Since then, they have helped twenty-six young men and women receive a Nazareth education. They have followed their scholarship recipients well into their college years and beyond. When you received the Matthew Laven Scholarship you receive more than financial assistance; you are welcomed in to the Laven Family.  Roger and June become vested in each and every student and remain interested in their future endeavors.  Their devotion to Nazareth, the memory of their son Matthew and the students they support is inspirational.

Nazareth Academy congratulates this year’s Call to Heart recipients and expresses gratitude to the many benefactors whose generous donations and scholarships make it possible for generation after generation to call Nazareth “home.”