Jesuit Alumnus Leaves Loyola College Prep $1.5 Million to Support Tuition Assistance Program
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February 24, 2022Loyola College Prep announced today a $1.5 million planned gift that will create an endowment for tuition assistance. The gift was made by 1968 Jesuit alumnus, Gary Christ. Christ was a member of the Jesuit 1967 state championship football team in addition to participating in other sports, band, and student government during his time in high school.
“The students of Loyola College Prep and all of the Flyer family are blessed by the generosity of Mr. Christ who never forgot his alma mater even as he served our country, excelled in his career as a pilot, and lived outside of our city ,” said John LeBlanc, Loyola College Prep Principal. “We are thankful for this extraordinary gift, and I don’t think we can fully express how this will impact our school for generations to come. Mr. Christ showed the importance of generosity and giving back that we try to instill in all of our students.”
After graduating from Jesuit, Christ received his bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Louisiana Tech University and received an MBA in business and political science from Arizona State University. Christ proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot. Upon leaving the Air Force with the rank of Captain, he became a pilot for Southwest Airlines in 1987 and retired in 2015. Gary was an avid outdoorsman, climbing many of the world's largest peaks.He passed away in October 2020.
“Gary was so special and passionate about many things in his life. He loved his time at Jesuit, his classmates, and the legacy Loyola continues today,” said Christ’s sister, Karen Smith. “The bonds that Gary made at Jesuit, the education he received, and his life experiences from being a Flyer are what helped shape him. It was Gary’s wish to continue to provide a Catholic high school education for many generations to come. Our family knows the impact this donation will have on students for years to come, and we can’t wait to see how graduates from Loyola continue ‘to set the world on fire’ because of Gary’s contribution.”
Income from the $1.5 million Gary Christ Endowment will go towards tuition assistance for students. Endowed funds provide a perpetual source of income that enhance Loyola College Prep and attract and keep students while ensuring students with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds have access to a Catholic high school education.
“This extraordinary gift ensures the stability of tuition assistance for students who want a Catholic high school education and also enables the Loyola legacy to continue,” said Troy Raburn, Loyola College Prep Board of Directors President. “We are thankful for Gary and his service to our country and our school, and proud that he represents what it means to be a Flyer.”
Loyola will proudly display Christ’s letterman blanket and his other Jesuit memorabilia in the school in honor of his generous gift and dedication to the school.
Gary Christ's Family
