(Leavenworth, Kansas) – In its 23rd year, the ذكذكتسئµ SpireFest Gala set a new benchmark, generating more than $534,000 for student scholarships.
ذكذكتسئµ held its premier fundraising event on April 18 at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. The evening included live and silent auctions, dinner, dancing, and opportunities to donate to student scholarships.
“Thank you to all who contributed to the success of our 2026 SpireFest,†Associate Vice President of Advancement Kylie Adams said. “We are proud to have reached a new event fundraising record in our 23rd year. Gifts made during SpireFest truly make a difference in the lives of ذكذكتسئµ students, and we are so grateful for the generosity of many alumni, friends, sponsors, and ذكذكتسئµ employees.â€
The university also recognized two university leaders during the event. ذكذكتسئµ President Sister Diane Steele received the Saint Marian of the Year Award, which honors those who demonstrate a strong commitment to service and have contributed to the success of the USM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michelle Metzinger was presented with the inaugural Sister Diane Steele Leadership Award. Dr. Metzinger has served as the university's academic VP at ذكذكتسئµ since 2017, and Sister Steele will step down this summer after 25 years as president.
The ذكذكتسئµ is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. ذكذكتسئµ-Johnson County, at 11221 Roe Ave., offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit for more information.