Foundation for Nativity Miguel Schools Receives $1,000,000 Gift to Begin Endowment

June 29, 2004

The Foundation for the Nativity & Miguel Schools has received its first gift of financial support in the form of a $1,000,000 gift from Boston businessman Al Lagan. At his request, Mr. Lagan’s gift has been used to launch an endowment fund for the Foundation for Nativity and Miguel Schools in support of efforts to strengthen Nativity and Miguel schools throughout the country.

Shannon Clancy, FNMS director, and Al Lagan visit with students from the Nativity School of Worcester

Mr. Lagan and his wife, Joan, have long been involved in supporting educational causes. “In my view, education is the ticket out of poverty for children from low-income families,” said Mr. Lagan. “Every child is entitled to receive a quality education that will prepare him or her for a well-rounded and successful life.”

Mr. Lagan first came into contact with the Nativity and Miguel schools through the Gesu School in Philadelphia. After visiting that school as well as other Nativity and Miguel schools on the East Coast, Mr. Lagan was very impressed and appreciated the structured, disciplined environment that the schools provide in order to foster a student’s success. He was most interested in the impact of Nativity and Miguel schools on a national scale and with his gift aims to ensure that all schools served by the Foundation for Nativity and Miguel Schools are providing a quality, accessible education.

“I have been very blessed in my life, and my children have been very blessed. Each of them received a good education, is doing well and enjoying a good life. My wife and I are now in the position to help other children like those in the Nativity and Miguel schools,” said Mr. Lagan. “I am honored to be a partner in this effort.”

Mr. Lagan is Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Congress Asset Management Company, a company that he founded in 1985 after holding senior investment positions at several financial services firms. In 1998, he formed a national trust company subsidiary, Congress Trust, N.A., to offer a broader range of investment options to institutions and individuals.