Named Endowments

The Endowment for Faculty Excellence was established in 2024 by anonymous donors to support the recruitment and retention of exceptional mission-aligned faculty members. The donors share sincere gratitude for Rossman School teachers and the belief that elementary educators are one of the most influential factors in a child's educational foundation and future well-being. The donors' transformative gift of $6 million enhances the school's resources to honor the important role and work of teachers with competitive compensation and continue to attract top talent ensuring a strong, well-balanced academic program in a nurturing school community committed to excellence.

The Inga Jean Ball Endowment Fund was established in 2006 by Inga (Inky) Jean Ball. This fund was started to support the wonderful educational opportunities available to all Rossman students. Inky has two sons and three grandchildren who attended Rossman, Jim (’72) and Hal (’74), and August (’12), Julian (’12) and Lindsay (’13).

The Endowment for the William E. Ball Library was established in 1991 by Inga (Inky) and William E. Ball. This fund was started to support the diverse selection of materials available to students for research and enjoyment. Inky and Bill hope that all students will increase their love of learning through the adventures of reading. They have two sons and three grandchildren who attended Rossman, Jim (’72) and Hal (’74), and August (’12), Julian (’12) and Lindsay (’13).

The Katherine A. Betz Endowed Chair of Leadership was established in 2003 by the Rossman community upon the retirement of Katherine A. Betz. Mrs. Betz was the Head of School at Rossman from 1985-2003. This fund helps support the salary of the Head of School.

Endowment for the Teaching of Science

The Busch Family Endowment Fund was established in 2010 by Laura and Steven Busch to support the school’s wonderful science program. Laura and Steven hope that this gift will provide opportunities for students to foster their own natural curiosity of science and engage in educational scientific exploration. Laura and Steven have two children who attend Rossman, Steven (’16) and William (’18).

The Caster Family Endowment Fund was established in 2011 by Lori and Phil Caster to support the incredible learning environment provided at Rossman School. Phil and Lori have two children, Ashley (’12) and Natalie (’16), who have greatly benefited from the foundation provided by Rossman.

The Anne-Marie and Michael Christopher Endowment Fund was established in 2014 to recognize the retirement of beloved second grade teacher Anne-Marie Christopher and honor her late husband, Michael. In order to establish a named endowment, a family that wished to remain anonymous issued a challenge to the community, matching all funds raised until the minimum $25,000 was met. Upon issuing the endowment challenge, the family remarked, “We appreciate all Mrs. Christopher has done for our children and hundreds of other students in her 32 years of service to Rossman, and we hope this fund will continue to support the extraordinary teaching that makes the School so unique.”

Endowment for the Support of Professional Development

The Crawford Taylor Professional Development Fund was established in 2007 by the Crawford Taylor Foundation in support of the “Securing the Future” Campaign. Professional development and continuing education for all faculty and staff members are important Rossman traditions. This fund will allow personnel to enhance their knowledge through a variety of educational opportunities.

The Gail Crosson Endowment to Foster Engagement in the Arts was generously established by Anita and John O’Connell, along with their children and their spouses, Martha (O’Connell) (’02) and Lee Tapia, Henry (’00) and Suz O’Connell, and Rob (’98) and Sara O’Connell. This endowment will support the ongoing arts program and recognize the deep and lasting impact Mrs. Crosson had on hundreds of students throughout her 27 years at Rossman. As Anita and John noted, “Gail sparked a flame of interest in creativity and art with our children that burns bright to this day.” The fund will ensure that generations of St. Louis families will come to know beloved faculty members like Mrs. Crosson who, through the arts, have made Rossman the school it is today.

The Dempsey Family Endowment Fund was established in 2013 by Lucie and David Dempsey to support Rossman’s strong academic and character education. “We believe Rossman provides an engaging curriculum that teaches and motivates students to always do their best in and out of the classroom.”

Endowment for the Teaching of Junior Kindergarten

The Dierberg Padousis Family Endowment Fund was established in 2012 by Laura (’87) and Jeff Padousis, along with Dierbergs Markets. With this fund, Laura and Jeff hope to ensure Rossman will continue into the future as the premier elementary school in St. Louis for generations of young students. Laura and Jeff have three children, Andrew (’15), Anna (’17) and Ryan (’20).

The Graham Heidbreder Family Endowment Fund was established in 2012 by Laquita Graham and Jeffery Heidbreder to support the nurturing, challenging and academically superior education provided to the students of Rossman. Jeff and Laquita’s daughter, Ainsley, is a member of the Class of 2015. 

The Handy Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 by Cindy and John (’75) Handy. Cindy and John hope that this gift will allow Rossman to continue its tradition of excellence in education for generations of students in the St. Louis community by providing financial assistance to future Rossman students. Cindy and John have two children who attended Rossman, Lauren (’11) and Chris (’13).

The Larry W. Huusko Endowment Fund was established in 2021 to honor the retirement and legacy of beloved Physical Education Teacher Larry Huusko. For 33 years, Mr. Huusko taught Rossman students athletic skills and sportsmanship, but perhaps more important, he modeled a personal commitment to the school’s core values and wholehearted dedication to generations of children. Reflecting on his career at Rossman, Mr. Huusko shared that the children have always been the highlight. “Seeing their faces, hearing their laughter and the excitement in their voices as they enter the gym, that is my favorite time of day,” he said.

The Diane M. Johner Memorial Endowment Fund was established in 2013 by Sue, Irl, Erin (’00) and Evan (’04) Engelhardt and the Engelhardt Family Foundation in honor and in memory of Diane Johner. As Director of Development and Public Relations from 1986-2011, Diane led the school through numerous fundraising campaigns, established the robust Alumni Association, and touched many lives throughout the Rossman community. She always had a smile on her face and went out of her way to make every person feel important. “We are happy to be able to honor her and her work in perpetuity with this named endowment.”

Endowment for the Support of Athletics and Activities

The David E. Kantrovitz, Sr. Memorial Endowment Fund was established in 2022 by Melissa and David (’87) Kantrovitz, Jr. in honor and memory of David's father. David Sr. believed that invaluable life lessons are learned both in and out of the classroom. This fund was established to support the Physical Education program and the extra programming offered to students that makes Rossman such a complete education; including after school sports, extended day, and the after-school enrichment classes. Melissa and David have two children who attended Rossman, Emily (’16) and Katie (’17).
 

The Kiley Family Endowment Fund was established in 2012 by Megan and Quinn Kiley. Megan and Quinn hope that this gift will help further the enrichment of students in their study of art and music. Megan and Quinn have four children, Maggie (’18), Cate (’20), Molly (’21) and Quinn.

The McCarthy Family Endowment Fund was established in 2007 by Kathy and Mike (’51) McCarthy. Kathy and Mike hope that this fund will allow Rossman to continue its tradition of excellence in education while upholding the guidewords of kindness, honesty, respect and responsibility. Kathy and Mike have two daughters who attended Rossman, Kathleen (’90) and Sarah (’93), and Mike has a granddaughter who attended, Danielle (’01).

The McGinnis family endowment fund was established in 2025 by David and Melissa McGinnis to support and continue Rossman’s extraordinary academies and strong character. With this fund, David and Melissa hope to ensure Rossman will continue into the future as the Premier elementary school in St. Louis for many years to come. “We believe in investing in the most important things in life, which happens to be our children and their education.” David and Melissa have two sons, Hunter (‘25) and Hudson who will be entering fifth grade. 

Endowment for the Support of Scholarships

The Moisio Endowment Fund for Scholarships was established in 1986 by Lee and Mike Moisio during Lee’s tenure on the Rossman Board of Trustees. The Moisios shared the desire held by the rest of the Board and Head of School Katherine Betz to improve diversity at Rossman. Since the endowment was then in its infancy and did not support scholarships, Mrs. Betz presented the names of several prospective students of diverse backgrounds who would not be able to attend Rossman without financial assistance. In response, Lee and Mike established this fund to support one of those students throughout his years at the School. While their initial goal was to help a specific student, Lee and Mike have made a real difference in the lives of many young children through continued generous support to their fund. Their four children, Michael (’86), Marguerite (’89), Alice (’92) and Daniel (’97), have begun to contribute to the scholarship as well.

The PAAR Family Foundation Endowment was established by Ankit and Payal Patel in 2024 to support families in need and enhance educational experiences at Rossman School. Motivated by their children’s academic success and lasting friendships The Patel family seeks to provide financial assistance to families facing challenges with tuition costs. The fund will also contribute towards outdoor enhancements, fostering enriched learning environments that encourage growth, exploration and development for all students.

Endowment for the Teaching of Music

The Robert R. Reeve Chair of Music Appreciation was established in 2012 by Edith (Edie) and C.C. (Johnson) Spink II (’29). Johnson, a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, was editor and publisher of The Sporting News and died in 1992. Although Edie was not an alumna of Rossman, she continued to support the School long after her husband passed away. Edie was committed to the education of children and provided for Rossman in her estate plan. 

The Matthias D. Renner Endowment Fund was established in 2006 with gifts from his business partner, the late Allan R. Hoffman, and his wife Linda’s parents, Karole and Thomas Green. This fund was started to help provide scholarship funds to future Rossman students. Linda (’76) and Matt hope that future admitted students are afforded the same educational opportunities at Rossman, regardless of economic circumstances, as those that their three children, Katrin (’04), Grace (’06) and Joe (’08), benefited from. 

The Rodeheaver Family Endowment Fund was established in 2012 by the Rodeheaver family. The gift was made to honor Huey and Patricia Rodeheaver for their unconditional love and nurturing support of their grandchildren Dalton (’12), Dylan (’16) and Karley (’18). The Rodeheavers hope this gift will help Rossman to continue to provide challenging academics, instill quality character traits and foster the potential of every child. The family believes, “An education is not something taught, but rather one’s own inspiration to learn, determination to become educated and motivation to achieve their dreams.”

The Endowment for the Mary B. Rossman Scholarship Fund was established to recognize co-founder and headmistress Mary B. Rossman, who co-founded the school in 1917. During her lifetime, Miss Rossman influenced generations of families in the St. Louis community. Although she retired after the 1957–1958 school year, she remained as a consultant and continued for a time as president of the Board. She was in her mid-90s when she died in December 1967. 

Endowment for the Teaching of Science

The Molly and Doug Sansone Family Endowment Fund was established in 2013 by Molly and Doug Sansone. Molly and Doug hope that this gift will support the wonderful science program at Rossman School and help increase opportunities for Rossman students to be exposed to the incredible world we live in through scientific exploration. Molly and Doug have six children, Maria (’09), Ava (’10), DJ (’13), Isabella (’16), Dominic (’19) and Alayna.

The Schukar Family Endowment Fund was established in 2012 by Doug and Laura Schukar to help Rossman deliver “Educational Excellence for the Leaders of Tomorrow” while instilling the values of kindness, honesty, respect and responsibility. Doug and Laura have a son, Davis (’18), and daughter, Brooke (hopeful class of 2025).

The Endowment for the Helen Schwaner Faculty Professional Development Fund was established by Ray Cummings to recognize his aunt, co-founder Helen Schwaner, who served the school from 1917 until her death in 1956. This award provides funds for projects that will enhance the learning experiences for students or support curricular goals. The Helen Schwaner Award was established with two purposes in mind: to elevate the awareness of Helen Schwaner’s role in the founding of Rossman School and to carry on her vision of excellent education by providing funds to enhance the teaching skills of Rossman educators.

Endowment for the Teaching of Senior Kindergarten

The Stokes Family Endowment Fund was established in 2012 by Dee and David Stokes and Aja and Patrick Stokes. With this gift, Dee and David support the wonderful teaching of the Senior Kindergarten class as it prepares young students for secondary school and beyond while focusing on Rossman’s core values. Dee and David have three children, Connor (’10), Chase (’14) and Avery (’17).

Endowment for the Teaching of Social Studies

“Enter these doors and travel the world! Be inspired by the Earth’s extraordinary people and their fascinating cultures. Learn about amazing land formations, rivers, seas and wondrous cities and villages. Welcome to Social Studies!” The Sullivan Family Endowment Fund was founded by Susan and Rick Sullivan in 2011 in appreciation of the outstanding educational foundation Rossman School provided for their daughter, Elle (’13), who loved her Rossman Social Studies class. 

The Taylor Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by Jack C. Taylor. Jack hopes that this gift will provide financial support to those families who may not be able to attend Rossman without some type of assistance. Jack has two granddaughters who attended Rossman, Carolyn Kindle (’89) and Ali Kindle (’93).

The Besty Waltz Chair for the Teaching of Third Grade was established in 2013 by Fiona and Randy Woods in honor and in memory of Betsy Waltz, who served Rossman from 1986 to 2005. Fiona and Randy note: “During her time at Rossman, Mrs. Waltz was an amazing teacher, friend and mentor to hundreds of students and their parents. Because of her insight into the development of children and her recognition of their potential, Mrs. Waltz was an extraordinary partner with us in the education and mentoring of our children — Ben (’00), Dorothy (’01) and Alice (’07) — and we are forever grateful. 
This fund, which has been established in perpetuity, will en-sure that the tradition of excellence in the teaching of third grade will continue for generations of St. Louis families.”