Gratitude in Action

Why Bernadette Dinan Piper '03 gives to the Mount through every avenue she can.

Bernadette Dinan Piper '03 gives to the Mount through every avenue possible — EITC, event sponsorships, the Mount Mission Fund, and the Beyond Pearls Capital Campaign. As a member of the Board of Directors for the past three years, she sees the Mount from every angle. But ask her why she gives so comprehensively and the answer comes immediately: "Pure gratitude."

A circle of gratitude

"I've always wanted to give back," Bernadette explains. "My husband, TJ, and I both recognize and value the importance of education. It is a main focus of our giving. In the past few years, we've been in a position to give more, and the timing has been perfect."

Bernadette came to the Mount from St. Matthew in Northeast Philadelphia, and from her first visit, she knew it was different. "You can feel the difference from the moment you walk in. The people really care. I felt that from the teachers and the girls. Everyone respected each other. And that is something so important in those formative years."

As a student, Bernadette was deeply involved — serving as Student Council President her senior year and participating in academic co-curriculars. "I have nothing but great memories of the Mount," she reflects. "I'm forever thankful for the path it set me on and the person it helped me become."

A board member's perspective

Even as a young alumna, Bernadette understood the importance of giving back. "It was always about gratitude for me — gratitude for this community that became a lifelong home."

What she's learned as a board member has only strengthened that sentiment. "It's been inspiring to see the Mount from a different perspective — all of the time, thought, workmanship, and care that go into everything. The level of care is extraordinary. Nothing is overlooked. I'm grateful for all of the development and growth occurring at the Mount — not just for current students now but for future generations to come."

"Reflect on what the Mount gave you. Take a minute to really think about it, and let that guide your giving."

That future-focused gratitude drives Bernadette's comprehensive giving strategy. EITC, she's learned, is "a no-brainer — an easy way to amplify your impact." Her support for the Beyond Pearls Capital Campaign reflects her belief that it's time to show the world the Mount's excellence. "It's been a long time since we've undertaken a project of this scale. We're competitive, and we deserve facilities that reflect that."

Through it all, one principle guides every decision at the Mount: "It's all 'for the girls.' Every aspect, every choice — they are always top of mind."

Giving in honor of those who came before

Bernadette also gives in honor of her parents, who sacrificed to make her Mount education possible. "They have always been the most proud of my time at the Mount and where it's taken me," she says. That circle of gratitude — from her parents' sacrifice to her own success to her investment in future students — drives her continued commitment.

Her message to fellow alumnae? "Reflect on what the Mount gave you. Take a minute to really think about it, and let that guide your giving. Supporting the Mount is a natural way to give back to something that gave you so much."

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Why Comprehensive Giving Matters

Supporters like Bernadette demonstrate the power of engaging with the Mount in multiple ways. EITC redirects tax dollars to scholarships. Event sponsorships build community. The Mount Mission Fund provides flexible annual support. Capital campaign gifts create transformative facilities. Together, these combined commitments ensure the Mount thrives for generations to come.

Ready to give, in whatever way feels right to you? Make your gift today at msjacad.org/give, or contact the Advancement Office at advancement@msjacad.org or 215-233-3177 to explore the ways to give.