Creating a True Legacy at Cathedral

Jerry and Jacque McNulty have a permanent place in the heart of the Cathedral family. Three generations of McNultys have attended either the original all-boys school in downtown Indianapolis, one of the associated women's academies or the current 56th Street location.

Jerry McNulty '76 and his wife Jacque, who graduated from Our Lady of Grace Academy in 1978, have created a permanent legacy with Cathedral that will benefit future generations of Irish.

"Our son, Stephen McNulty, died when he was a senior at Cathedral," Jacque explains. "We wanted to do something in his memory on campus, and what began with a couple of pieces of stone and a prayer eventually became the Legacy Cross."

Stephen McNulty was a member of the Class of 2006.

Creative Ways to Give Back
The Legacy Cross is an iconic image in the courtyard of Cathedral's campus. Dating back to the 1940s, the cross serves as a fitting tribute to the students who died while attending Cathedral. Students gather around the cross to pray, reflect and connect with others.

The McNultys used the image of the Legacy Cross as a creative way to fund their family's endowment to the school. Custom designed silver and gold Legacy Cross necklaces will be sold in the Cathedral Spirit Shop to benefit the Stephen K. McNulty Memorial Endowment Fund, which provides tuition assistance to students who otherwise might not be able to attend Cathedral.

The McNulty family has pledged to match the funds raised by necklace sales, and while the initial amount contributed from each necklace may seem small, over time, the benefit will be tremendous.

"You don't have to contribute a large amount of money to set up an endowment like this," Jerry says. "Simple things can make a big difference. Think small, and the results will grow.

Learn More

For more information on ways you can create a legacy gift that supports Cathedral's future, contact Abbe Ernstes at (317) 968-7348 or aernstes@gocathedral.com.