In 1833 the Sisters of the Visitation traveled from Georgetown to the St. Louis area, imparting knowledge to young women in an atmosphere of love and Salesian spirituality. Stemming from a legacy established by their founders, Francis de Sales and Jane Frances de Chantal, the Sisters have educated and molded area youth of multiple generations.

Our Sisters stayed true to their mission and were flexible as times demanded. Their vision and determination are steadfast virtues that served them well in meeting the needs of their students. Following their arrival in St. Louis, they moved several times, always striving to provide the best possible educational setting. They dedicated their lives to their studentss

A Visitation education is as relevant today as it was in 1833. Our accomplished alumnae reflect the excellent educations and values they received at Visitation; educations that equipped them for meaningful personal and professional lives, and values that affirmed those taught in their homes. The Sisters prepared alumnae to continue their legacy of love, learning and leadership into the future.

In addition to all they have already bestowed upon the Academy, the Sisters created a new endowment fund in October 2007 - a magnanimous gesture to insure the continuation of their spiritual and educational mission. Our Sisters have devoted their lives to the Academy and all of us who benefit are thankful for our dear Sisters, both past and present, for their dedication and commitment to Visitation Academy.

The Sister Anne Madeleine Godefroy Fund was established to honor a beloved member of the Visitation Family. Born in Mexico City, Sister Anne Madeleine was sent to the Academy of the Visitation in St. Louis to avoid continuing religious persecution. Along with her sister, Sister Mary Elizabeth Godefroy, she graduated on Cabanne and entered the convent, where her first profession of vows was made in 1947.

At Visitation, Sister Anne Madeleine served in a myriad of ways. She taught little girls in first grade for many years, introduced Montessori education in 1963, served as Principal, Trustee and Acting Head of School. She was elected Superior of the Monastery for the first time in 1971, her primary role for thirty years. Similarly, after serving as a Visitation Federation counselor from 1984 to 1996, she was elected President twice, serving a total of twelve years in leadership of the six communities that make up the Second Federation of the Visitation in the United States.

Sister Anne Madeleine's commitment and abiding faith are exemplified through her labors of love for Visitation Academy. It is therefore fitting that the Sister Anne Madeleine Fund will benefit Academy students for years to come.

Last July, the Visitation Family lost Ann Kickham Hoover. Although brief, Ann's life was quite full. After graduation from St. Louis University, she met Michael Hoover at a friend's wedding and they were married in 1991 at the Old Cathedral. She worked in her family's fifth generation business as office manager. She supported Visitation Academy, the Catholic Church and the Salvation Army.

Daughter of Michael and Kay Kickham, Ann's primary interest was family. She was extremely close to her parents, family and husband. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews, inviting them over, attending their games and traveling with them to Disney World, the Lake of the Ozarks and other fun destinations.

An alumna of the Class of 1980, Ann also loved Visitation Academy. She felt that her Viz education shaped her life. And the friends she made at school were treasured, lifelong companions.

The Kathleen Ann Kickham Hoover Financial Aid Fund was established in January 2008 to honor Ann's memory and celebrate her life. Ann was a wonderful, kind, smart and giving person so this fund is an appropriate legacy because it will benefit Visitation students for years to come. Ann's husband, Mike, said Ann would really be happy to know that her fund will help other students - she is probably looking down and smiling right now.

The Tony Montebello Financial Aid Fund was established in 2008 by his family, friends and the Visitation Fathers' Club. Husband of Susie Montebello and father of Alison, class of 2012 and Kate, class of 2015, Tony was active in Fathers' Club activities and particularly enjoyed the first annual Visitation Academy Golf Tournament in 2007. In tribute to his dedication to the Visitation Community, the second tournament in 2008 was dedicated to his memory.

The Mary A. Robert Financial Aid Fund was established in 2008 to honor Mary Robert's memory and celebrate her life. Mrs. Robert, daughter of Croatian immigrants; mother of five Visitation Academy graduates, Barbara Robert Lea '70, Jeanne Robert Swift '72, Judith Robert '73, Janet Robert '73 and Linda Robert Honigfort '74; and grandmother of Amanda Honigfort '10, was a wonderful, kind, smart and giving person. Through her generous support of Visitation Academy and many other worthwhile organizations, Mrs. Robert made a major impact on our school and the entire St. Louis community.

Mrs. Robert's positive influence on the lives of others will continue through her newly established endowment fund that will provide tuition assistance for many. Created to ensure that a Visitation education will be available to qualified young women regardless of socio-economic background and life circumstances, this fund is an appropriate legacy that will benefit Visitation students for years to come.