The Zephiriny Society

Who Was Br. Zephiriny?

Nearly 135 years ago, five Marist Brothers founded St. Ann’s Academy in New York City. Under the guidance of Br. Zephiriny, the first director, the then small school would grow over time in both size and reputation. Br. Zephiriny brought so much to the legacy of St. Ann's Academy and, in turn, to Molloy's storied history. He was the founder of St. Ann’s "Beehive" identity and our time-honored motto Non scholae sed vitae – Not for school, but for life. What kind of leader was he? When a statue of St. Ann arriving from France was held up in U.S. Customs, Br. Zephiriny traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with President Theodore Roosevelt. That statue, of course, was of the utmost importance to the Marist Brothers and to St. Ann's Academy. The statue was soon delivered to New York with no trouble following their meeting.

Br. Zephiriny demonstrated this same Stanner spirit in all aspects of his life, including philanthropy. It is widely believed that the money used to purchase the land for the Marist novitiate in Poughkeepsie (today's Marist College) came from Br. Zephiriny’s inheritance. Records also indicate that Br. Zephiriny sent notes to friends in order to raise money, and that his results were quite successful. Br. Zephiriny’s peers and successors continued this tradition over the next several decades.

By the mid-1950s, St. Ann's Academy's physical spaces were deteriorating and beyond repair. In 1957, with the help of Archbishop Thomas E. Molloy, St. Ann's moved to Queens and became Archbishop Molloy High School. Today, the good work of providing outstanding students with a Catholic Marist education continues, but with challenges that past generations did not face.

Today, with fewer Marist Brothers available to teach, a larger proportion of Molloy's faculty is supported by the lay community. Though their work is excellent, tuition has unavoidably increased due to the cost of retaining the best and the brightest teachers. The need to physically upgrade Molloy's campus is also a constant consideration as accommodate modern education and technology needs.

Through our many decades of growth and change, our community, has helped our school effectively address many challenges. In particular, many loyal alumni have left their own legacies at Molloy, much in the way of Br. Zephiriny. Throughout Molloy you can find the names of Stanners adorned on our walls. Alumni such as Ralph DeChiaro '31, Capt. Anthony Marsloe '29, and William J. Murphy '42 are among those who made the decision to make a planned gift to ensure that the future of Molloy remains vibrant for generations.

Gift Planning

Through gift planning you can select ways to give that help you meet the goals you have for yourself, your family, and for Molloy. Did you know through planned gifts you can:

Pay fewer taxes
Enhance your net estate
Create a personal legacy

All expressions of generosity are greatly appreciated by everyone here St. Ann’s Academy / Archbishop Molloy High School. Selecting one or more of the following types of vehicles for supporting the excellent education of future Stanners will entitle you to membership in The Zephiriny Society.

Bequests

You can structure bequests so that you can maximize the value of your assets both for your heirs and for the charitable organizations you care about. We encourage all Stanners to learn more about bequests. In doing so you may find that you can support Molloy at a higher level than you and your family might otherwise have considered. Bequests have been important since our beginnings in 1892, and they continue to play a major role in sustaining Molloy's programs and facilities. To learn more, contact the Stanner Alumni Center at 718-441-9210 or email alumni@molloyhs.org.

Life Insurance / Pension Plans

You can name St. Ann’s Academy / Archbishop Molloy High School as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy. It's an easy process, especially if you are covered by more than one policy. If you pay the premiums on a continuing policy, those payments are deductible. You can also avoid significant income and estate taxes by making our school the beneficiary of your IRA or Keogh plan.

Life Income Gifts

Real Estate

What is the Zephiriny Society?

Benefactors who generously give to Molloy through any of the gift planning methods outlined on this page are invited to become part of The Zephiriny Society. Members are welcome as our guests at a number of events throughout the year including:

Academic Awards Night
Benefactor Celebration
Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic Dinner
Seasonal Liturgies (Thanksgiving, Advent, Lent)
Stanner Alumni Reunion
Stanner Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
St. Ann’s Communion Breakfast

Additionally, members of The Zephiriny Society receive:

A private annual luncheon
Commemorative lapel pin
A private Easter luncheon

More Information

For more on planned giving, or to discuss your situation confidentially and without obligation, contact:
Richard Karsten '81

President
718-441-9210
rkarsten@molloyhs.org

If you are considering a gift to The Zephiriny Society, or if you have any other questions, please contact:
Craig Katinas '93

Alumni Development Director
718-441-9210 x114
ckatinas@molloyhs.org.

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