By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted July 15, 2024

Ss. Neumann Goretti High School received a $350,000 donation from 1970 graduate of Bishop Neumann Catholic High School, John M. Connolly, and his wife, Kathy, the school announced July 15.

This gift matches the largest single gift in the school’s history.

It will provide for a variety of needs at the South Philadelphia Catholic school with $300,000 earmarked for the creation of  The John M. Connolly Center for Business and Entrepreneurship. Connolly also made the gift in honor of his sister, Sara Connolly Canuso, a 1969 St. Maria Goretti High School graduate, and his brother-in-law, Vito, to provide tuition assistance through the funding of a scholarship in the amount of $50,000.

Connolly is the Founder and Managing Director of Eaglehead Capital, headquartered in Boston. He also serves as Senior Advisor to the Goldman Sachs Growth Group.

In making this gift Connolly said, “This innovative center will not only serve students interested in pursuing all areas of business, finance, and marketing to help them become the leaders of tomorrow, but it will also provide an opportunity for the local business community to utilize the facility for conferences, seminars, and board meetings.”

The John M. Connolly Center for Business and Entrepreneurship is projected to open in the fall of 2024 and will be located on the first floor of the school.

Connolly has also offered an additional gift of $50,000 toward the creation of the Connolly Center if the school community is able to match his donation.

“I am grateful to John, Kathy, and their family for their generosity and commitment to Saints Neumann Goretti and for advancing the mission of Catholic education for current and future students,” said Tim Cairy ’94, president of the high school.

“This transformative gift will ignite, influence, and equip students with the skills and mindset required for a prosperous career in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship.”