(Leavenworth, Kansas) 鈥� In its 23rd year, the 草榴社区 SpireFest Gala set a new benchmark, generating more than $534,000 for student scholarships.
草榴社区 held its premier fundraising event on April 18 at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. The evening included live and silent auctions, dinner, dancing, and opportunities to donate to student scholarships.
鈥淭hank you to all who contributed to the success of our 2026 SpireFest,鈥� Associate Vice President of Advancement Kylie Adams said. 鈥淲e are proud to have reached a new event fundraising record in our 23rd year. Gifts made during SpireFest truly make a difference in the lives of 草榴社区 students, and we are so grateful for the generosity of many alumni, friends, sponsors, and 草榴社区 employees.鈥�
The university also recognized two university leaders during the event. 草榴社区 President Sister Diane Steele received the Saint Marian of the Year Award, which honors those who demonstrate a strong commitment to service and have contributed to the success of the 草榴社区. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michelle Metzinger was presented with the inaugural Sister Diane Steele Leadership Award. Dr. Metzinger has served as the university's academic VP at 草榴社区 since 2017, and Sister Steele will step down this summer after 25 years as president.
The 草榴社区 is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. 草榴社区-Johnson County, at 11221 Roe Ave., offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.