Virginia Herrmann, M.D., a pioneering breast surgeon, has donated $7.3 million to Saint Louis University (SLU) to establish the Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education. The contribution is the largest ever received by SLU’s School of Education from a single donor and aims to support Catholic education and underserved communities.
Dr. Herrmann, an alumna of SLU, has had a distinguished career in medicine, including roles at both SLU and Washington University School of Medicine. She was known for her advocacy for women in surgery and her dedication to mentorship.
“Ginny’s generosity will continue her legacy of lifting others up,” said Marian “Bo” Mehan, a close friend and SLU Trustee. “She was passionate about supporting everyone in her orbit.”
The gift will be transformative for the school, according to Gary Ritter, Ph.D., dean of SLU’s School of Education. “We care about doing work that is consistent with our Jesuit mission of serving those in our community who have been underserved,” Dr. Ritter stated.
The Herrmann Center will incorporate existing programs such as the Billiken Teacher Corps and SLU’s Catholic educational leadership degree programs while launching new initiatives. Sheila Manion, SLU vice president for development, emphasized the historic nature of the gift: “Ginny’s planned-giving contribution is historic… because of the tremendous impact the Herrmann Center will make on our students and Catholic education.”
The Center plans to conduct research to inform best practices in Catholic schools and support local and global partnerships. Michael Boyle, Ph.D., has been appointed as executive director of the Center. Dr. Boyle brings expertise in educational leadership and has previously served as director of the Greeley Center for Catholic Education at Loyola Chicago.
“I am honored to serve as the executive director of the Herrmann Center,” Dr. Boyle expressed. “Together, we will create a vibrant community of educators committed to excellence and equity in Catholic education.”
Dr. Ritter highlighted the opportunities created by Dr. Herrmann’s donation: “With these funds, we have been able to hire an exciting leader… We will be able to immediately launch the research work we believe needs to be conducted.”
This substantial gift will enhance existing programs at SLU while enabling new ventures that align with its mission.
