Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Sacred Heart Academy announced the establishment of the Katy Brown ‘83 Endowed Global Hearts Travel Program at the start of the new school year. The program is funded by a $1.5 million gift from Katy Brown, a graduate of Sacred Heart’s class of 1983. This donation marks the largest gift the school has received from an alumna.

The school's mission is to inspire students to become “globally-minded, compassionate leaders; travel opportunities are an important element in that growth,” according to a press release from the school. The new program aims to enhance the existing global travel program by providing financial assistance to students for international experiences.

Over the summer, student Isabel Gonzalez became the first participant in the program, traveling to Spain with two world language teachers. They visited a school founded by the Ursuline Sisters in Siguenza and toured the cathedral in Toledo where St. Ursula’s remains are buried.

Brown stated that her life was significantly impacted by a study abroad trip during her freshman year of college and expressed her desire to provide similar opportunities for current students. “I benefitted greatly from an opportunity to travel from Italy to England as a freshman in college. I was the first person in my family to travel to Europe and it changed my whole mindset,” Brown said. “I am passionate about providing such transformative experiences to students, especially those who would not otherwise have the opportunity for global travel.”

Dr. Karen McNay, president of Sacred Heart Schools, expressed enthusiasm about the future of Sacred Heart’s travel program. “We are grateful for Ms. Brown’s generosity and vision in endowing this program to help foster globally minded leaders to serve our communities,” McNay said.

According to the release, this school year will see students traveling to Belize, Iceland, Costa Rica, and Greece through the new program.