Giving to a Place That Gave So Much

Lynn Pforr (née Keigler) came to teach at Notre Dame Preparatory School in September of 1981 from a public junior-senior high school in Frostburg, Maryland, where she was the lone Spanish teacher. The transition to NDP’s Foreign Language Department with several colleagues—including other Spanish teachers—was a welcome change. Lynn came to learn about and love NDP’s traditions—Junior Ring Day, Christmas Liturgy, Gym Meet, Tree Trim, and those iconic blue uniforms and saddle shoes. Each workday was a joy.

Lynn left full-time teaching in 1989 when her husband retired. Since then, she has often returned to NDP as a long-term substitute teacher. She says fondly, “It’s always a joy to return to a place that holds such happy memories, and it’s true that while many things might change, some things remain the same.”

Lynn, who has shared a bequest intention with NDP and committed to a four-year student sponsorship through the school’s new Sister Helen Marie Duffy Student Sponsorship Program, recently shared why she gives back so generously to a school she loves.

What is most important about an NDP education to young women today?
“The school’s name is Notre Dame ‘Preparatory’ School. The school ‘prepares’ these girls to further their education. I can’t count the number of times graduates return to NDP and say they were so well-prepared for their freshman year of college.”

Why were you inspired to sponsor a student through the new Sister Helen Marie Duffy Student Sponsorship Program?
“Sister Helen Marie was the Headmistress while I taught at The Prep. She was a special lady—she loved NDP and gave her life to it! When I saw the opportunity to give a student what Sister Helen Marie and NDP gave and continues to give to me, I didn’t need to think twice.

“I hope that by sponsoring an Upper Level student, she will have the opportunity to receive an excellent education tailored to her interests and academic strengths, to learn what it means to be a young woman who gives back and participates in today’s society, and to enjoy the traditions of being an NDP student.”

Why have you decided to remember and support Notre Dame Prep in your estate plan? What do you hope to achieve through this intended bequest?
“I see [my gift] as giving back to something that gave and continues to give so much to me. I hope that the money will continue the excellent education these young women receive; [that it] will keep the curriculum current and meaningful with up-to-date technology; [and that] the students will learn what it means to be contributing members of society and to the world.”

What are your hopes for the future of NDP and our students?
“My hope is that NDP will remain current in an ever-changing world and that a diploma from Notre Dame Preparatory School will be valued. It will ensure that the recipient is prepared to continue her education and understands what it means to be a child of God, how to give back to society, and adapt in this complex, ever-changing, and expanding world.”