Helping Students Transform the World

In the spring of 2017, Notre Dame Preparatory School learned that Cynthia Ann Child '48, an alumna who had recently passed away, included a provision in her will naming NDP as one of the beneficiaries of her estate.

Cynthia was a very private person during her life, but, in light of her extremely meaningful gift and because she so loved her alma mater, Patrick and Susan Muth '70 agreed to share her story. Sue is a longtime faculty member at NDP, and Pat is Cynthia's cousin, godson, and the executor of her estate.

Raised by her mother, aunts, and uncle, Cynthia thrived at NDP. With her inquisitive personality and vibrant spirit, she was surrounded by loving, loyal friends throughout her life, many of whom she met at NDP. After high school, she earned a bachelor's degree from what was then the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, and then a master's degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania.

According to Pat and Sue, Cynthia was "generous to a fault," working throughout her career to help children and strengthen families, serving as a caregiver to her mother, aunts, and uncle, and always taking the time to write letters and cards to loved ones. Cynthia spent much time with Sue and Pat, and their four children, especially later in her life. The Muth children adored her and viewed her as someone who understood, would affirm, and could guide them. Often she attended special NDP events for the Muths' daughter, Brigid '03, and loved visiting campus. Sue describes Cynthia as "lively, fun, and vigorously wonderful" and adds, "My friendship with Cynthia was one of the deepest friendships of my life."

Why did Cynthia leave a bequest to her alma mater? According to Pat and Sue, "She believed in the power of education. She was extremely grateful to the School Sisters of Notre Dame, as she found them to be affirming, smart, and thoughtful women. She also really liked the idea of transforming the world."

Cynthia wanted to thank the NDP community for what it gave to her. And she hoped that the young women at NDP today would take full advantage of their educations, working hard and growing in confidence, so that they, too, would go on to change and strengthen the world around them.

There are many ways you, like Cynthia, can help NDP students transform the world. Contact Roxanne Fiddler at 410.583.8797 or fiddlerr@notredameprep.com to learn more.