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News and Announcements » CTK Honors the Impact of Sr. Mary Fran McLaughlin & the BVMs with new Student Scholarship

CTK Honors the Impact of Sr. Mary Fran McLaughlin & the BVMs with new Student Scholarship

Sr. Mary Fran McLaughlin, BVM is a shining example of the impact of a BVM (Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) Sister. Sr. Mary Fran grew up on Chicago’s far North Side and entered the BVM community in 1960, and has served throughout her life in Catholic education. In her 66 years as a BVM Sister, she fulfilled her goal of being a teacher and taught Latin, Religion, and History, starting at Xavier High School for Girls in St. Louis. She also served as a Girls’ Dean at Wahlert High School and on BVM’s formation team in Dubuque, Iowa, before focusing on campus ministry at Clarke College in Dubuque, Augustana College & Blackhawk Community College in the Quad Cities, Purdue University, and Loyola University Chicago.

In 1996, Sr. Mary Fran was asked by BVM leadership to take on the role of President at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein. Her newly developed fundraising and leadership skills helped the school to flourish during her 10-year tenure. She has also played an important role at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep since its founding. In 2008, before CTK opened its doors to its first class of students, Sr. Mary Fran accepted a position in Development at CTK. She helped to set the school’s foundation and contributed to its growth through her connections and fundraising. Although she “graduated” with the first CTK Class in 2012, she has continued to support our school by serving on the Board of Directors (2014-2020) and as a “front row” cheerleader for the last 18 years.

In honor of her significant contributions to CTK and our students, Sr. Mary Fran was the recipient of the inaugural Footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola award. As part of her acceptance speech at the King of Hearts Gala, Sr. Mary Fran said, “CTK students are extraordinary in overcoming obstacles and setting themselves on pathways to success with a lot of help from the school and the Corporate Work Study Program community. Their parents and families have placed a great deal of trust in Christ the King and hold fast to their hopes and dreams for their children.” 

The new BVM Scholarship at Christ the King will honor the legacy of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVMs) and the remarkable impact of Sr. Mary Fran McLaughlin, BVM, as she wraps up her Chicago chapter and moves to Dubuque. For generations, the BVMs have shaped students through a commitment to academic excellence, faith, and service—instilling confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose that extends far beyond the classroom.

This endowed scholarship stands as a tribute to the BVM Sisters, recognizing the many individuals they taught and the ripple effect of their work across communities. It especially honors the BVM Sisters who taught in parish schools in communities where CTK students now reside (Our Lady Help of Christians, Our Lady of Angels, Presentation, St. Agatha, Blessed Sacrament, St. Eulalia in Maywood, etc.)

By supporting hardworking students on Chicago’s West Side, you will help to continue the mission of the BVMs. At Christ the King, students receive a rigorous college-prep education and gain real-world experience through the Corporate Work Study Program. Like the BVMs, Christ the King emphasizes not only academic achievement but character development and a commitment to serving others.

“CTK provides a bond with families on the West Side and helps them to create a community together. CTK is a special place providing a Jesuit education, dedicated & caring teachers, a variety of sports and clubs, community service opportunities, and the growth catalyst, professional experience & connections (through the Corporate Work Study Program). This scholarship will help a family to send their child to CTK and change the child’s life.” ~ Sr. Mary Fran McLaughlin, BVM

Since this is an endowed scholarship, CTK will award the BVM Scholarship annually in perpetuity.

Please help CTK students of the future by making a gift in honor of an educator who impacted your life today. 

Thank you for your consideration as we join together to recognize the impact of the BVMs and continue their important work of teaching, mentoring, and inspiring CTK students to achieve their dreams.