Why the Best Catholic Schools in Texas Have Involved Alumni

Among the many well-documented benefits of Catholic education, the strong engagement of alumni stands out as both inspiring and invaluable. Catholic school graduates often go on to achieve remarkable accomplishments personally, professionally, and academically, and many alumni directly credit their Catholic schooling for their success.

Here in Houston, schools like St. Agnes Academy thrive partly because of dedicated graduates who stay connected and give back to the next generation of students. By empowering our pupils to achieve their long-term goals, St. Agnes has built a robust alumnae network comprised of accomplished individuals of a variety of backgrounds and abilities.

We believe having an engaged alumnae network is one of the cornerstones of the best Catholic schools in Texas. But what makes alumni involvement so critical to a Catholic school's success? Let’s explore how engaged alumni contribute to a school’s legacy and discuss how St. Agnes sets up our graduates for success.

For Catholic schools like St. Agnes, building an engaged alumni network starts with creating a supportive and enriching learning environment.

Students who thrive during their high school years are far more likely to stay connected after graduation, making alumni engagement a journey that begins not at the moment of graduation but at the very first moment a student steps through our doors.

At St. Agnes Academy, our experienced educators and administrators strive to enhance student success through our advanced academic curriculum, robust Student Support Services, and faith-centered campus culture.

We provide a supportive and equitable environment where students of all backgrounds and abilities can explore their fullest potential and achieve their present and future goals. With an average graduation rate of over 99%, St. Agnes students are well-prepared for future academic and professional success, making it natural to give back to our community in the years ahead.

Catholic schools serve as more than just academic institutions — they are pillars of their communities in which faith, education, and social justice are intertwined. Catholic schools provide students with the knowledge and skills to achieve success and fulfillment across multiple facets of their lives.

By setting up graduates for healthy and happy futures, Catholic schools significantly increase the chances of their alumni remaining engaged and supportive in the years following their high school graduation. Here are some of the ways alumni of Catholic schools give back to their local school communities.

One of the most valuable ways alumnae contribute to our school is through mentorship. Many schools offer students the opportunity to meet and learn from alumni within their community to gain insight into the many different shapes life can take after high school.

When graduates return to share their experiences, they provide students with invaluable guidance on navigating academics, career choices, and spirituality in our ever-changing world. They may even share their success stories with a larger audience to show where the journey could lead.

Mentorship programs allow our alumnae to connect with students in structured ways, such as career days and networking events. These opportunities can enrich student experience across the board and may be particularly relevant to students who lack positive role models outside of school.

Research shows Catholic school graduates tend to enjoy higher levels of earning potential than their public school counterparts and are subsequently more likely to take active roles within their communities.

Also, Catholic schools are deeply connected to local faith communities, offering alumnae even more opportunities to stay engaged. Research shows that Catholic school graduates are more likely to attend church regularly, pray daily, and contribute to their faith communities, which can further advance social cohesion within neighborhoods and networks. 

Many Catholic school alums also take on leadership roles at their alma maters and in local organizations like nonprofits and charities. In this way, Catholic school alumni can help foster social cohesion within their communities to support students, families, and other local residents alike.

Specific to St. Agnes, our alumnae often play a vital role in preserving school traditions by taking leadership positions in the planning of reunions, fundraisers, and other key events. Many find it fulfilling to stay involved, knowing firsthand how positive high school experiences shape students' long-term development.

Beyond offering their time and support, many alumni give back to their alma maters financially. These donations often serve as a financial cornerstone for local Catholic schools.

Donations from alumni help fund scholarships, facility improvements, and other essential programs that keep schools competitive and accessible for all students. Many of the top Catholic schools thrive thanks to alumni who recognize their alma mater’s role in their success and feel compelled to “pay it forward” for future generations.

The best Catholic schools in Texas, including St. Agnes Academy, understand that involvement from past graduates is key to sustaining a strong, faith-centered educational community that fosters the ongoing success of our students.

We are committed to fostering alumnae engagement because we recognize the vital role of our extended network in our current and future growth. We strive to facilitate these strong bonds from the moment a student sets foot on our campus so that it becomes a natural extension of your time at St. Agnes.

Through mentorship, leadership, and financial support, our alumnae play an essential role in shaping the present and future of Catholic education. We sincerely appreciate the contributions to our operations, culture, and reputation.

If you’re interested in learning more about the community culture at St. Agnes Academy or want more information about opportunities for alumnae engagement, reach out today to speak with our alumnae director, Lori Sebastian Pinter '88. We look forward to strengthening your connection with fellow graduates and today’s student body!