Fred and Ann Moore

Fred and Ann Moore

Before Saint Vincent and Seton Hill went co-ed, mixers were held on each campus where the women from Seton Hill and the men from Saint Vincent gathered for an opportunity to share time with each other. At one of those events, Ann Mikulski was there with her camera, intending to take photos for the Setonian Magazine, but unfortunately, her camera was not working properly. An observant young man from Saint Vincent, Fred Moore, offered to check her photographic equipment. In a brief moment, he identified the problem, noted that the capacitor was not working correctly, and within a few minutes replaced it, and Ann was now back in business to complete her task for the evening.

That moment served as the beginning of a relationship that grew into a marriage that has blossomed for well over 50 years.

Ann and Fred Moore were reared in families in which values meant a great deal. With Ann attending Seton Hill and being nurtured by the Sisters of Charity and Fred moving forward under the tutelage of the Benedictine Community, their lives and expectations were of the highest order. They both went on to receive graduate degrees, Ann receiving hers in education and Fred receiving a doctorate in German. Their collective desire to continue “to learn” and “step out of their comfort zone” led them to always be searching for new and exciting opportunities in life. Always, whether the decisions dealt with their personal lives or the entrepreneurial aspects of any professional matters, Fred and Ann made those decisions as partners.

Fred became an accomplished German professor for several years after receiving his doctorate, but then an opportunity arose that shifted his concentration from the field of education to that of various aspects of the insurance industry. He experienced success in many ways, and he began to call upon two elements of his undergraduate days at Saint Vincent College: Fred credits his understanding of calculus to Dr. Dudzinksi teaching him how to solve problems. Having a working knowledge of accounting supplemented that skill and gave him the tools to achieve exceptional financial success through the years. Early in his business career, he clearly understood the value and application of computers in the business world.

Ann and Fred have had a lifelong interest and love of theater, music and the arts. In Minneapolis, they have been supportive of a variety of programs including American Players Theatre, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, League of American Orchestras and Vocal Essence. At Saint Vincent College, they have graciously financially supported the completion of the Verostko Center for the Arts. And recently, they took the lead in having the Montserrat Choir perform in the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. Art and spirituality, in many different forms, serve as the pillars in their lives that allow them to readily be philanthropic to their alma maters.

Seton Hill University and Saint Vincent College annually receive equal financial support from Fred and Ann. Clearly, that commitment mirrors a lifetime of equality in decision-making that now carries over in their legacy plans for both institutions. Far into the future, students will benefit from the partnership of Ann and Fred that was forged by a simple act of kindness many years ago.

Providing support for future students is possible in many different forms. If you have an interest in considering a legacy gift to Saint Vincent College, contact James D. Bendel, C’60 to discuss those opportunities at either 724-805-2948 or james.bendel@stvincent.edu.