Rossi Award

The Esther Rossi Award for Community Development is given annually to an employee at Schools of the Sacred Heart. The Rossi Award began in 1995 and focuses particularly on Goal Four of the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education: Schools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educating to the building of community as a Christian Value. Nominations are received by the FSDC. The FSDC, comprised of representatives of all employee constituencies, makes the final determination.

WHO IS ESTHER ROSSI?

Esther Rossi (1890-1968), a devoted alumna of the Sacred Heart, promoted and generously supported the San Francisco College for Women. At the time of her death, it was noted that “Esther’s spirit will live on in her good works and in her influences.” In her will, she left the San Francisco College for Women one hundred thousand dollars for faculty endowment.

In 1928, Esther played an active role in the relocation of Sacred Heart College from Menlo Park to Lone Mountain in San Francisco. She was present at the dedication Mass for the school and worked for several years recruiting students, raising funds and promoting benefits for the college.

During World War II, she was National President of the Associated Alumnae of the Sacred Heart, a position she held until 1947. Upon stepping down from this post, she called for the community of the Sacred Heart to continue working toward the ideals of “progress, unity and, above all, charity in all things.”

 In the spirit of Goal Four, please nominate the Sacred Heart employee who is, in your opinion, the best example of one who is clearly dedicated to building community among our four schools.

• The deadline for submission of your nominations for this award is December 1st 2025.