Endowed Scholarships

Give to the John C. O'Brien Memorial Scholarship

The John C. O’Brien Memorial Scholarship Fund was initiated by his many friends upon John’s death in 1985 and greatly increased by the John C. O’Brien Scholarship Golf Classic and the ongoing scholarship campaign. The scholarship is given each year to students (male and female) who have demonstrated financial need and who show great promise of being involved at Bishop Stang.

Invest in Opportunity: Endowed Scholarships

Guided by the faith of our founders, we are committed to ensuring that every deserving student has access to the life-changing experience of the Bishop Stang Difference.

Endowed scholarships make this mission possible for generations to come. By establishing or contributing to an endowed fund, donors create a lasting legacy, one that provides annual scholarship support in perpetuity. These funds help talented and deserving students become part of the Bishop Stang community, enriching our school through their gifts, perspectives, and faith.

Our Endowed Scholarships

Explore the people and families whose generosity supports Bishop Stang students. Select a scholarship to read its story.

Brian Correia Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: One male and one female student, tuition and a device

Brian Correia
Brian Correia

Brian Correia was a graduate of the Bishop Stang Class of 1982. Brian was a well-known and well-respected member of the Bishop Stang family. As a student and continuing as an alum, he supported the mission of Bishop Stang in his words and actions. Brian was hardworking, upbeat, and uplifting, giving light to colleagues, family members, strangers, and anyone who knew him.

The Brian David Correia Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 by his friends and family upon his sudden death, supporting the cost of tuition and technology for students in need.

Duchaine Family ScholarshipAward recipients: Five students in each grade across four years.

Paul Duchaine
Paul Duchaine

The Duchaine Family Scholarship remembers the tremendous life and legacy of Mr. Paul Duchaine. A graduate of Cranwell Preparatory School, Providence College, and the American Baking Institute, Mr. Duchaine excelled in learning and life as the President of Sunbeam Bread, the family business. He was a generous proponent of Catholic education at the local and diocesan level. Always giving back to his family in faith, Mr. Duchaine received the Marian Medal from the Diocese of Fall River. An active member of the communities where he lived and worked, Duchaine was a former member of the original 100 Club, the Country Club of New Bedford, the Sippican Tennis Club, and a director of the Merchants National Bank. Remembered in our Hall of Honors, Mr. Duchaine's legacy will continue to make the Bishop Stang experience possible for generations to come.

Frank Ottavianelli Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: One student with a chronically ill parent

Mr. Frank M. Ottavianelli passed away in 2004 after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite the challenges posed by his disease as it progressed, Frank and his wife, Jeanine, were at school events and on the sidelines at games almost all the time for their three sons, Mark, David, and Stephen, who all graduated from Bishop Stang. The Ottavianelli family has established this scholarship in his memory.

Fr. Leonard Mullaney Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Top ten highest scorers on the Placement Exam

Fr. Leonard Mullaney
Fr. Leonard Mullaney

Father Mullaney had served the Diocese of Fall River for almost 50 years upon his passing in 2014. A native of Fall River and alumnus of the former Coyle High School, he prepared for the priesthood at Cardinal O'Connell Minor Seminary and at Saint John's Seminary. Following his ordination, he served parishes across Mattapoisett, East Falmouth, Assonet, Taunton, New Bedford, Marion, and Wareham. He was Director of Cathedral Camp and served as an advocate and judge in the Diocesan Tribunal.

Father Len came to admire the tradition of excellence at Bishop Stang High School, and with a firm belief in the school's mission, he established the Father Leonard Mullaney Scholarship in 2007. This scholarship is given to the ten highest scorers on the Placement Exam.

James Black Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Students from the Fall River area

James Black
James Black

James A. Black is remembered as a beloved family man, friend, and face of the global maritime industry. Born and raised in Fall River, Jim received his education from Bishop Stang and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Afterwards, Jim moved to Houston to lead the expansion of Moran Shipping Agencies from its New England roots into Texas, eventually becoming the firm's President and CEO. Under his leadership, Moran Shipping Agencies became the largest steamship agency in North America. An active leader in the communities where he lived and worked, Jim maintained an unyielding commitment to his alma mater and the maritime industry and community. His legacy endures through his memorial scholarship, generously paying it forward for students from the Fall River area.

John C. O'Brien Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Two students in each grade across four years who demonstrate financial need and are or will be involved in Bishop Stang High School extracurricular student life.

John C. O'Brien
John C. O'Brien

A beloved teacher and coach, John C. O'Brien brought out the best in his students, colleagues, and friends. Coach O'Brien began his time at Bishop Stang in 1961 as the school's first varsity basketball coach. He served as Athletic Director from 1965 until his passing in 1985. "Mr. O'B" shaped Bishop Stang's athletic tradition of respect, hard work, commitment, and love for one another and for the game. Upon his passing, alumni established the John C. O'Brien Golf Tournament, whose proceeds support the memorial scholarship in his name.

Jonathan Santos Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: A student who is a graduate of All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford

Jonathan Santos
Jonathan Santos

Jonathan R. Santos attended Saint Joe's elementary school in New Bedford before arriving at Stang as a member of the Class of 1996. The Bishop Stang Community was devastated at his passing just before he began his senior year, and his friends and family established The Jonathan Santos Memorial Scholarship in his honor. A yearbook tribute from his friends remembers that: "When Jon made a friend, a unique bond developed by the way he listened and gave advice." In loving memory of Jonathan, this scholarship is presented to a student who is a graduate of All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford.

Michael Carey Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Student interested in music, drama, or writing

Michael Carey
Michael Carey

Michael Carey was a graduate of the Bishop Stang Class of 1984. Established in 1990, and increased in 2018, the Michael Carey Memorial Award is presented each year to a student who shows an interest in music, drama and/or writing.

Monsignor Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Upperclassmen

Monsignor Patrick J. O'Neil
Monsignor Patrick J. O'Neil
Monsignor Luiz G. Mendonca
Monsignor Luiz G. Mendonca

This memorial scholarship is named in memory of Monsignor O'Neill and Monsignor Mendonca. Monsignor Patrick J. O'Neil was the first chaplain of Bishop Stang and former pastor at Saint Julie Billiart Parish. Monsignor O'Neil carried on the legacy of Saint Julie's founding pastor Fr. Hogan, expanding the church and parish facilities to accommodate the flourishing parish. Among parish assignments, Monsignor O'Neil also served as the Superintendent of Schools and Diocesan Director of Education.

Monsignor Luiz G. Mendonca also helped shepherd a growing Catholic community in the Diocese of Fall River. Born in New Bedford, Monsignor Mendonca prepared for the priesthood in the United States and the Azores. A distinguished and scholarly priest, Monsignor was bestowed papal honors by Saint Pope Paul VI. He served the Diocese of Fall River as the Vicar General and Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in New Bedford, his home parish before preparation for the priesthood.

Richard J. Flynn Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Incoming student demonstrating need and academic promise

Richard Flynn
Richard Flynn

Mr. Richard J. Flynn was a beloved educator, respected colleague, and dear friend of the community who taught at Bishop Stang for 18 years. Before his tenure at Bishop Stang, Mr. Flynn retired from the United States Army after 25 years of service, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A decorated and respected leader, LTC Flynn taught in the English Department at the United States Military Academy. He later taught Latin, Poetry, and Advanced Placement English at Bishop Stang. Upon his unexpected passing in 2010, the Bishop Stang Community received an outpouring of loving memories, tributes, and gifts to the memorial scholarship in his name.

Richard Roberts Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Student who demonstrates good citizenship

Richard Roberts
Richard Roberts

Richard Roberts was a graduate of the Bishop Stang class of 1988. He was a beloved father, husband, son, and friend. In 2008, for his 20th Reunion from Bishop Stang, Rich visited and toured the school with his wife Michelle and daughter Lucy. Rich was battling melanoma at the time, and one of his final wishes was for a scholarship to be established for a Bishop Stang student who models good citizenship. A compassionate man who loved adventure and travel, Rich embodied good citizenship locally, nationally, and globally.

Rita LeBlanc Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Student who shows an interest in pursuing a health or medical career

Rita LeBlanc
Rita LeBlanc

Rita L. LeBlanc, a graduate of the Bishop Stang class of 1968, was a member of the Bishop Stang Advisory Board. She was a very active alumna who gave generously of her time and talent back to the school. In 1991, she founded Anesthesia Professionals, Inc. She was a visionary and advocate for her profession and the important role played in patient care by the Registered Nurse Anesthetist. In Rita's memory, an endowed scholarship was established from her estate plan and is generously sustained by Robert Gauvin, who now serves as President of Anesthesia Professionals.

Simonne B. Laflamme Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Incoming freshman female student

Simonne Laflamme
Simonne Laflamme

Simonne B. Laflamme was a hardworking woman who made many sacrifices for her family. Born and raised in New Bedford, Simone was part of a generation of women in New Bedford who dropped out of school at 16 and went to work in the mills to help support their families. She was an intelligent and curious woman, and if given the opportunity, would have eagerly pursued a college degree. Simonne was a strong supporter of Bishop Stang High School and encouraged all young men and women to pursue their education. Established and sustained by her daughter Diane Laflamme '68, the Simonne B Laflamme Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a deserving young woman from All Saints Catholic School to help her achieve her educational goals.

Theresa E. Dougall Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Students with financial need

Theresa E. Dougall
Theresa E. Dougall

Theresa E. Dougall, Class of 1964, was a member of the second class to graduate from Bishop Stang. A few years later, she returned and spent the next 44 years serving the school as a teacher, coach, Department Head, Principal, and the school’s first President. Mrs. Dougall demanded the best effort and had high expectations for students, players, and staff. Her influence can be seen in the tradition of students’ high academic achievement and a strong girls’ sports program. Mrs. Dougall passed in December of 2016, but her impact on generations of Spartans will be immeasurable.

In Mrs. Dougall’s memory, an endowment fund has been established with money donated to Bishop Stang as part of her estate and by the numerous donations from her family and friends as well as from the Bishop Stang community. Each year a scholarship is awarded to someone who embodies all the qualities Mrs. Dougall espoused.

Stella Kagan Dykas Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Student from single-parent household

Dr. Joanne Dykas Cameron '76 and her husband David Cameron established a scholarship in memory of Joanne's mother, Stella Kagan Dykas. A single parent, Mrs. Dykas believed in the power of education and made sure that her daughter had the benefit of a Bishop Stang education. Joanne and David are now ensuring that future students from single parent families will have the same opportunities afforded to them for all four years of their time at Stang.

Walter Reis Memorial ScholarshipAward recipients: Students with demonstrated need over their four years

The Walter Reis Memorial Scholarship was established by long-time friends and relatives Henry and Grace Lincoln. A Navy veteran, Walter was a 30-year member of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, retiring in 2005. He was a proud parent of two Bishop Stang graduates, Thomas J. Reis '93 and Carolyn M. Romano '96, and husband of Madeline Reis.

Establishing an Endowed Scholarship

Are you interested in creating an endowed scholarship here at Bishop Stang? We have created this Endowment Policy to establish guidelines for the management, investment, and use of endowment funds at Bishop Stang High School, ensuring that these resources support the long-term financial sustainability and mission of the school in alignment with Catholic values.

Explore the endowment policy below to learn how these gifts are managed in service of Bishop Stang’s mission.

Definition of Endowment Funds

Endowment funds consist of donations designated for investment to provide perpetual financial support for the school. These funds may be classified as:

  • Permanently Restricted Endowment: Principal remains intact while investment earnings support designated purposes.
  • Temporarily Restricted Endowment: Principal and earnings may be spent after a designated period or upon fulfilling specific conditions.
  • Board-Designated Endowment: Funds set aside by the school’s governing body for endowment purposes but without donor restrictions.
Governance and Oversight
  • The Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Finance Committee, shall oversee the administration of the endowment.
  • The Finance Committee shall recommend policies for investment, spending, and reporting to ensure alignment with the school’s mission and Catholic values.
  • An annual financial report on endowment performance shall be provided to the Board and key stakeholders.
Investment Policy
  • Objective: To preserve capital, achieve long-term growth, and generate a sustainable income stream.
  • Investment Strategy: Funds shall be invested prudently in diversified portfolios aligned with Catholic Social Teaching and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) guidelines on socially responsible investing.
  • Asset Allocation: The Finance Committee, with professional advisors, shall ensure an appropriate balance between equities, fixed income, and other assets.
Spending Policy
  • The annual distribution shall be determined based on a percentage (e.g., 4%-5%) of the rolling average market value of the endowment over a specified period.
  • Spending shall align with donor intent, school priorities, and long-term financial health.
  • In extraordinary circumstances, withdrawals beyond the set percentage require Board approval and a review of financial necessity.
Fundraising and Gift Acceptance
  • The Advancement Office shall coordinate fundraising efforts for the endowment and ensure compliance with donor restrictions.
  • Donors shall receive transparent reporting on the impact of their contributions.
  • All gifts to the endowment must align with the school’s mission and Catholic identity.
Amendments and Review
  • This policy shall be reviewed every three years or as needed by the Board of Trustees
  • Any amendments must be approved by a majority vote of the Board.